Long flights can be tiring and uncomfortable due to crammed seats, wailing infants, and little legroom. An ideal pillow can help you sleep during those travel times and make the journey a little more bearable. We collected a list of highly rated choices to take into consideration and spoke with sleep and travel specialists to assist you choose the best travel cushion.
GO Ahead and SkipWhat are the advantages of travel pillows? Why should I trust NBC Select? How did I choose the finest travel pillows? The best travel pillows in 2024? How do I shop for a travel pillow?
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Best overall travel pillowCabeau Evolution S3 Sleep Pillow
$undefined$39.99Amazon
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Best splurge travel pillowOstrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
$undefined$69.00Amazon
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Best budget travel pillowWolf Essentials Microfiber Travel Pillow
$undefined$12.98Amazon
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Best versatile travel pillowHuzi Infinity Travel Pillow
$undefined$54.50Amazon
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How I picked the best travel pillows
According to our experts, the finest travel pillows are those that are cozy, supportive, and portable. They advise taking into account the following elements while looking for a high-quality travel pillow:
Comparing inflatable and non-inflatable pillows, you may easily store the former when deflated and customize their firmness to your liking. In contrast, non-inflatable pillows can be filled with more cushioned materials, such as memory foam and poly-fiber fill, to increase comfort.
Portability: For convenience when traveling, look for features like straps that you can fasten to your luggage or a separate pouch that you can put it in.
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The best travel pillows in 2024
Based on reviews, suggestions from NBC Select employees, and professional guidance, we have compiled a list of the top travel pillows below.
Best overall travel pillow:
Cabeau Evolution S3 Sleep Pillow
Cabeau Evolution S3 Sleep Pillow
- Straps allow for attachment to headrests
- Adjustable drawstrings
- Comes with carrying case
- Large size may be uncomfortable to some
Christina Colizza, a former editor of NBC Select, says she adores this Cabeau travel pillow because it fits on the headrest of the aircraft and keeps you from slouching. “I’ll take any assistance I can to get some sleep while flying because I’m [very tall], and this pillow makes a huge difference,” she says. Additionally, it may be easily carried throughout airports because it folds up into a tiny pouch. This is a great choice for lengthy road journeys because of the headrest attachment. Indigo and galaxy are among the five hues and patterns available for this travel pillow.
Memory foam fill substance; machine-washable cover; yes; portable features: travel bag; average rating of 4.2 stars based on 7,633 Amazon reviews
Best splurge travel pillow:
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
From a small hand pillow to an anapping choice, Ostrichpillow provides a range of distinctive pillow substitutes. An NBC Select Travel Awards winner, this memory foam one features raised corners for neck support and a velcro strap that lets you adjust the fit. Additionally, the travel cushion may be compressed to fit tightly inside the travel bag that comes with it.
Memory foam fill substance; machine-washable cover: yes; portable features: travel bag; average rating of four stars based on 2,232 Amazon reviews
Best versatile travel pillow:
Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow
Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow
- Very versatile
- Soft
- Bulky: can be hard to carry
- May be difficult to store
If you’re searching for a multipurpose cushion, this Huzi alternative might be ideal. The brand claims that its soft, antibacterial nylon bamboo keeps you cool and airy as you sleep. The best thing, though, is that the pillow’s 360-degree, scarf-like shape allows you to move and modify it to target different parts of your body, including your neck, back, chin, and more. It can also be used as support when leaning against a car or airplane window, or it can be wrapped over your head to assist reduce noise.
Fill material: microfibre; cover is machine-washable; no portable features; average rating of 4.2 stars based on 6,497 Amazon reviews
Best travel pillow for chin support:
Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
- Lightweight
- Stops your head from falling forward
- Good value for price
- Full wrap around can feel constrictive
There aren’t many things that can startle you out of your reverie more than your head slipping forward while you’re seated. This ergonomic neck pillow has a flat back to prevent your head from being forced forward and an adjustable front loop to support your chin. It comes with a snap strap that you can hang in your car or attach to your luggage. The pillow is available in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from little for kids to extra-large.
Polyester fill material; machine-washable cover; yes; snap closure for portability; average rating of 4.2 stars based on 30,697 Amazon reviews
Best travel pillow for back support:
SmartTravel Inflatable Lumbar Travel Pillow
SmartTravel Inflatable Lumbar Travel Pillow
- Easily inflates and deflates
- Can be used on back as well as neck
- Hand-wash only
Leah Ginsberg, managing editor of NBC Select, says she prefers a lumbar cushion for extra back support on lengthy flights. The brand claims that this inflatable cushion, which doubles as a neck and back pillow, is made to conform to the natural curves of your body and lessen strain on your neck and spine. Additionally, it has an extensible mounting band that makes attaching it to headrests simple.
Inflatable fill material; no machine-washable cover; portable features: travel bag; average rating of 4.3 stars based on 1,440 Amazon reviews
Best inflatable travel pillow:
Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow
Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow
- Comes with accessories
- Quickly inflates and deflates
- Not very soft
According to the makers, the ergonomic design of this travel cushion, which is made to fit the natural curvature of your neck and body, can ease pain and lessen pressure points around your head and neck. To support a sleeping posture that is most comfortable for you, you may also put your head and arms inside one of the four holes. It comes with earplugs and an eye mask that match, as well as a storage pouch.
Inflatable fill material; no machine-washable cover; portable features: travel bag; average rating of 4.2 stars based on 6,981 Amazon reviews
Best travel pillow for single-side sleepers:
Trtl Travel Pillow
Trtl Travel Pillow
- Soft, cozy exterior
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Only supports one side at a time
This unusually shaped choice has a concealed inner support that can hold your head and neck in any comfortable position for people who don’t find enough support from conventional U-shaped travel pillows. The fleece shell is soft and machine-washable, and the support can be adjusted to fit the contours of your neck, shoulder, or jaw.
Mesh fabric for fill; machine-washable cover; yes; portability; flat design for convenient carrying; average rating of 4.0 stars based on 32,556 Amazon reviews
Best budget travel pillow:
Wolf Essentials Microfiber Neck Pillow
Wolf Essentials Microfiber Travel Pillow
- Very affordable option
- Machine-washable
- Thickness may cause fit issues
When the plane or car gets cold, the fleece cover for this neck pillow offers soft, thermal comfort. It is completely machine-washable, including the cover, and has a snap closure to secure it to your luggage or prevent it from slipping off your neck.
Fill material: polyester blend; cover is machine washable; snap closure is a portable feature; and the average rating is 4.5 stars based on 16,967 Amazon reviews.
Other travel pillows we love
Crafty World Travel Neck Pillow
Crafty World Travel Neck Pillow
- Soft feel
- Machine-washable
- No on-neck fastener
You can easily wash this choice because it has a machine-washable and detachable cover. According to the brand, it has a velour fabric outer and memory foam inside for a plush and cozy feel. For further portability, the pillow also features an elastic strap that you can use to attach it to your suitcase. It is available in four colors: purple, gray, blue, and black.
Memory foam fill substance; machine-washable cover; yes; elastic strap for portability; average rating of 4.3 stars based on 5,593 Amazon reviews
Mlvoc Travel Pillow
Mlvoc Travel Pillow
- Includes eye masks, earplugs and carrying bag
- Affordably priced
- Bulky; may have issues with fit
This travel cushion has a curved, ergonomic design that supports the head and neck. It is covered with a sweat-resistant and machine-washable cover. The travel cushion folds down to half its size to fit neatly into the supplied travel case, and it comes with earplugs and a contoured eye mask. Additionally, for convenient transportation, the integrated snap strap can be fastened to your suitcase.
Memory foam fill substance; machine-washable cover; yes; portable features: travel bag; average rating of 4.3 stars based on 33,833 Amazon reviews
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How to shop for a travel pillow
The most comfortable travel pillow is the one you can use for longer periods of time. Ideally, Dimitriu advises trying the pillow out first to observe how it changes shape and whether it is comfortable.
According to him, the majority of users should focus on how comfortably the cushion allows them to rest with their back to the seat and prevents their head from drifting forward. Additionally, he pointed out that although larger pillows tend to offer greater comfort, airplane seats are constrained, and that there is such a thing as too many pillows.
Two of the most crucial factors to look for when purchasing travel pillows are portability and inflatability, which we have highlighted below.
Inflatable vs. non-inflatable
Most people don’t want another item to carry on a long-distance journey. Dimitriu adds that inflatable pillows won’t take up much room in your suitcase and may provide greater cushioning. They can also fold down to a smaller size. Additionally, they are usually more customizable, allowing you to alter the air pressure to achieve varying degrees of hardness according on your personal comfort level.
A variety of filler materials, such as memory foam, polyester fiberfill, and microbeads, are used in non-inflatable travel pillows. Non-inflatable pillows are often thicker than inflatable ones, but the various materials can help you find a more comfortable fit. Both inflatable and non-inflatable pillows usually feature detachable covers that may be spot cleaned or machine washed.
Portability
For instance, the size and portability of your travel cushion may be just as crucial off the plane as it is on it if you’re backpacking across Europe or traveling in other parts. While some travel pillows may be folded to fit within a compact bag, others feature straps that you can fasten to your luggage.
What are the benefits of travel pillows?
It can be hard to unwind during a lengthy journey, whether your bus ride has multiple bumps or your flight seat is too narrow. A decent snooze is hampered by a number of factors, including loud discussions and frequent announcements above the floor.
“Trying to sleep at a time with low circadian and homeostatic drive—a time when they would not normally sleep, so they are not as tired—is one of the main reasons people struggle to sleep while traveling, especially on international flights with time changes,” says Dr. Andrew Varga, a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center. According to Varga, the other obstacle is the sleeping area, which is normally small and prevents you from changing positions or lying down, unless you’re in a costly business or first-class cabin.
According to board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, not everyone sleeps as deeply, and those who already have sleep problems will frequently find it more difficult to fall asleep in a louder and less pleasant setting like an airplane. As anybody who has slept on an airplane knows, the head tends to fall forward or to the side, which is uncomfortable and can cause neck pain. It can also make breathing less efficient. He said that posture has a significant influence in the discomfort we experience.
According to Dr. Mayank Shukla, a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City, sleeping upright is not at all a natural position. When we sleep upright, our nearly ten-pound head flops around our neck, causing aches and pains from the tension on our muscles.
Travel pillows, according to experts, can support the head and neck, reducing some pain and discomfort associated with sleeping upright while on the road. Generally speaking, they are lightweight, ergonomic, portable, and available in a variety of sizes to accommodate all body shapes. Some models even offer extra high-tech capabilities, such as temperature control. For frequent travelers who want to have a somewhat regular sleep routine, this is the perfect tool.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Andrew Varga
is a board-certified physician atThe Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center
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Dr. Alex Dimitriu
is a board-certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist and founder ofMenlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine
in Menlo Park, California.
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Dr. Mayank Shukla
is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am anupdates editorat NBC Select who covers a range of sleep topics includingweighted blankets,sunrise alarm clocksandblackout curtains. I asked three sleep medicine specialists for their advice on how to choose travel pillows and their advantages for this piece. I also researched dozens of travel pillows on the market that are in line with experts guidance.
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