Traveling, whether it’s a long-haul flight or a cross-country train ride, can be tiring. Arriving at your destination feeling rested and refreshed makes all the difference, and a good neck travel pillow is a game-changer in achieving that. As travel journalist Joni Sweet notes, “I only take a neck pillow when I’m traveling across an ocean or a long overnight flight across the country.” Beyond long journeys, travel pillows enhance comfort during any transit. Filmmaker Kristen Kellogg from Salt & Wind emphasizes, “When I travel I’m constantly hopping between flights, trains, and road trips, so being able to catch even 30 minutes of quality rest can make a huge difference.” A quality travel pillow is thus essential for maintaining energy and focus on the go.
Optimizing your sleep while traveling involves more than just a pillow. Shelby Harris, a sleep medicine psychologist at Sleepopolis, advises, “Pick a window seat if possible, so you have something to lean against.” She also recommends using an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to minimize disruptions, and staying hydrated while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can negatively impact sleep quality.
Drawing from travel experts’ insights, personal experiences, and thorough research, we’ve identified the Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow as a top choice for most travelers due to its design, materials, and value. However, the ideal travel pillow is subjective, depending on individual sleep preferences and needs. Let’s explore a curated list of the Best Neck Travel Pillows to find your perfect travel companion.
Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Neck Pillows
- Best Overall Neck Pillow for Travel: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
- Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain Relief: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
- Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
- Best Inflatable Travel Pillow for Portability: Cabeau Air TNE
- Best Small Travel Pillow for Minimalists: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
- Best Budget-Friendly Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
- Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow for Premium Comfort: Pluto Pod 2.0
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers on the Go: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Finding Your Ideal Travel Neck Pillow
Choosing the right travel pillow starts with understanding your sleeping style. Consider whether you prefer firm or soft support and how you typically position yourself while sleeping. Beyond personal preference, think about your travel style. Are you a light packer? Do you prioritize hygiene? The best travel neck pillow should be both comfortable and convenient for your journeys, focusing on packability and ease of cleaning. Let’s delve deeper into each of our top recommendations to help you decide which style is the best fit for your travel needs.
Best Neck Pillow for Travel Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Image: The Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow in Indigo color, showcasing its ergonomic design.
Cabeau Evolution S3: The Top Travel Pillow for Most Travelers
Why it stands out: The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a traveler favorite thanks to its blend of affordability, thoughtful design, and practical features. Crafted with memory foam, it conforms to your neck for personalized support. The pillow’s flat back sits seamlessly against seats, while raised sides offer crucial lateral neck support, preventing uncomfortable head tilting. An adjustable front clasp ensures a secure and custom fit for various neck sizes.
Unique seat straps are a standout feature, anchoring the pillow to your seat to prevent slippage – a common annoyance with travel pillows. Hygiene is paramount for frequent travelers, and the removable, machine-washable cover of the Evolution S3 addresses this perfectly. For packing convenience, it rolls into a compact case with a clip, easily attaching to luggage or backpacks, keeping it accessible yet out of the way.
Things to consider: For upright sleepers, there’s a possibility of the neck tilting forward if the front clasp isn’t sufficiently tightened. Experiment with the toggle to find the snugness that provides optimal support and prevents forward head nodding.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, moisture-wicking, machine-washable fabric
- Fill: Memory foam
- Available Colors: Indigo, Jet Black, Steel, Galaxy, Cardinal, Black Snakeskin
(Related reading: Expert tips on how to sleep soundly on a plane)
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
Image: The Trtl Travel Pillow in Grey, highlighting its unique scarf-like design.
Trtl Pillow: Innovative Support for Extended Journeys
Why it’s ideal for long flights: The Trtl Travel Pillow is celebrated for its unique, supportive design and its scarf-like appearance, offering a stylish alternative to traditional neck pillows. Its functionality lies in an internal support system; position the support against either side of your head and wrap the soft fleece fabric around your neck for a snug, comforting hold.
This design is less bulky than conventional U-shaped pillows, yet it provides remarkable structure for proper spinal alignment. Maintaining correct head and neck posture is vital to prevent stiffness and discomfort, especially after hours in the air. Lightweight and easily packable, the Trtl folds flat, taking up minimal space in your carry-on luggage.
Things to consider: The Trtl is particularly suited for side sleepers. If you tend to switch sleeping positions frequently, adjusting the pillow may be slightly less convenient than with other styles. However, for consistent side sleepers, it offers unparalleled support and comfort during long-haul flights.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, hypoallergenic fleece
- Fill: Hidden, hard interior support structure
- Available Colors: Black, Grey, Coral, Red
Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Image: The Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow in Blue, showcasing its high-sided design.
Travelrest Nest: Superior Support for Neck Pain Sufferers
Why it’s best for neck pain: The Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is engineered for those needing extra neck support. It features plush memory foam with higher, more rigid sides compared to standard pillows, providing exceptional stability and minimizing neck strain. This robust design promotes correct head and neck alignment during sleep, crucial for preventing pain and stiffness. The non-slip backing further enhances its functionality, keeping the pillow securely in place throughout your journey. The elevated sides effectively reduce forward head bobbing, a common cause of travel-related neck discomfort.
Things to consider: The higher sides, while providing superior support, might retain more warmth, which could be a consideration for those who tend to overheat. However, the memory foam is designed with thermoregulating properties to mitigate this issue, aiming to keep you comfortable without excessive heat.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft velour fabric
- Fill: Thermo-sensitive memory foam
- Available Colors: Blue, Grey
(Explore more sleep aids: Top sleep masks for quality rest while traveling)
Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Image: The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow in Midnight Grey, showing its 360-degree wraparound design.
Ostrichpillow Go: Premium Memory Foam for Ultimate Comfort
Why it’s the best in memory foam: The Ostrichpillow Go boasts a sophisticated wraparound design that delivers complete 360-degree neck support. At its core is a patented BASF memory foam that molds precisely to the natural curve of your spine. Its multi-height structure reinforces support on the sides and under the chin, effectively minimizing the annoying forward nodding motion. A gentle Velcro closure provides extensive adjustability, ensuring a perfect fit for all users. The fabric is engineered for comfort and breathability, keeping you cool, and is also machine washable for easy maintenance. Additionally, its included compression bag makes it exceptionally travel-friendly, minimizing space in your luggage.
Things to consider: Some users have noted that the high sides can interfere with wearing earbuds comfortably. If you prefer listening to music or audiobooks, you might need to switch to softer earplugs for optimal comfort when using this neck pillow.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, breathable, cooling fabric
- Fill: BASF memory foam
- Available Colors: Midnight Grey, Eclipse Black, Dark Night, Forest Green
(Improve your hotel sleep: Science-backed tips for sleeping well in hotels)
Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
Image: The Cabeau Air TNE inflatable travel pillow in Slate Grey, displayed with its compact case.
Cabeau Air TNE: Ultimate Portability and Adjustable Comfort
Why it’s the best inflatable: For travelers prioritizing minimal bulk and maximum adjustability, an inflatable pillow like the Cabeau Air TNE is an excellent choice. Kristen Kellogg, a filmmaker, shares, “As a filmmaker, I always have lots of gear with me when traveling and not much extra space, so I have become quite fond of the inflatable neck pillow.” She values the ability to customize firmness, adding, “I prefer a travel pillow that provides the option to change how soft or firm it is, so I can adjust to how my body is feeling at the moment.”
The Cabeau Air TNE is specifically designed to prevent forward head nodding and features a rapid, single-breath inflation system, eliminating the hassle of prolonged inflation. It also comes with a washable cover, maintaining hygiene on your travels.
Things to consider: Inflatable pillows, generally being less firm, might not offer sufficient support for individuals with chronic neck pain or those needing substantial neck stability. If you require robust support, consider memory foam options instead.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, washable fabric
- Fill: Inflatable core
- Available Colors: Slate Grey, Midnight Black, Royal Blue
Best Small Travel Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Image: The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow in Aqua, emphasizing its compact packed size.
Sea to Summit Aeros: Ultra-Lightweight and Compact for Travel
Why it’s the best small pillow: The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow is designed for ultimate portability, packing down, as Sea to Summit claims, to “as small as the two packets of peanuts the airline provides as your in-flight meal.” It’s perfect for minimalist travelers who count every ounce and cubic inch of luggage space. An adjustable neck closure ensures a snug, personalized fit, and it inflates fully in just a few breaths, ready for use in moments.
Things to consider: This pillow is optimally suited for shorter trips due to its less robust support compared to memory foam options. Some users may find the fabric slightly less breathable than other materials, which might be a factor in warmer climates or for longer durations of use.
Product specifications:
- Material: 20 Denier polyester
- Fill: Inflatable core
- Available Colors: Aqua, Grey
(Enhance your travel comfort: Best women’s travel clothes for ultimate comfort)
Best Affordable Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Image: The Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow in Charcoal, demonstrating its versatility as a neck and lumbar pillow.
Samsonite Magic 2-in-1: Budget-Friendly and Versatile
Why it’s the best for budget travelers: For travelers seeking a comfortable flight without breaking the bank, the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow is an excellent, budget-conscious choice. It provides basic cushioning and comfort in a lightweight, compact form that easily fits into a carry-on. A standout feature is its transformability; it folds into an integrated carrying pouch which then doubles as a lumbar or side support pillow, offering versatility beyond just neck support.
Things to consider: Lacking a front fastener and sitting lower around the neck, this pillow provides less structured neck support compared to other models. While this design may be advantageous for those who tend to get warm, it might not be sufficient for travelers needing significant neck support or those prone to forward head nodding.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, smooth fabric
- Fill: Micro beads
- Available Colors: Charcoal, Navy, Purple
Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
Image: The Pluto Pod 2.0 in Black, demonstrating its futuristic design with integrated eye mask.
Pluto Pod 2.0: A First-Class Sleep Experience in the Sky
Why it’s the best luxury option: For those who see travel comfort as a priority and are willing to invest in premium sleep quality, the Pluto Pod 2.0 is the epitome of luxury travel neck pillows. Travel expert Joni Sweet proclaims, “I’ve tried eight to 10 travel pillows over the years and my favorite is the Pluto Pod.” This best-selling pillow features a futuristic design that considers not just neck support but also light and sound reduction – key elements for quality sleep. It includes an integrated hood that envelops your head, a built-in soft eye mask, and a supportive pillow structure around the neck, creating a personal, mini-sensory deprivation space.
Joni Sweet elaborates on the privacy aspect, “The fact that it covers almost your whole head when you have the eye mask down makes me feel like I have a lot of privacy. And that’s important to me if I’m going to try and get some sleep on a plane.”
Things to consider: While celebrated for its comfort and sleep-enhancing features, the Pluto Pod 2.0 is bulkier than other travel pillows. If space is a critical constraint in your luggage, this might be a tradeoff to consider for its unparalleled comfort benefits.
Product specifications:
- Material: “Alcantara” and water-resistant “WPS Mesh” exterior; Soft-weave “Spandura” interior
- Fill: Composite neck foam core (PVC plastic, poly foam, recycled microfiber)
- Available Colors: Black, Sky Grey
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Image: The Hest Pro Travel Pillow in Grey, shown unfolded to highlight its versatility.
Hest Pro: Adaptable Comfort for Side Sleepers
Why it’s best for side sleepers: Side sleepers often struggle to find comfortable positions while traveling. Reserving a window seat is a great start, providing a wall to lean against. Pairing this with a supportive pillow is crucial. The Hest Pro Travel Pillow, while having a more traditional shape, is exceptionally versatile. Joni Sweet notes, “The Hest Travel Pillow is a bit more of a traditional shape, but you can also unfold it into a small body pillow, so I’ll continue using it during my trip.” This adaptability is key for side sleepers, allowing it to be used in multiple configurations for optimal support.
Filled with a blend of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester, it offers the plush comfort and adjustability similar to a standard bed pillow. “I’m a side sleeper and having a body pillow keeps me comfortable, but you can’t find them at hotels,” Sweet points out, highlighting its value for side sleepers on the go. The Hest Pro also includes features to protect the facial contact area from dirt and a removable, washable nylon cover for hygiene.
Things to consider: Even when packed, the Hest Pro is larger than most travel pillows. However, its superior comfort and versatility, especially for side sleepers, make it a worthwhile consideration if comfort is your top priority.
Product specifications:
- Material: Soft, stretch woven nylon
- Fill: Memory foam and polyester blend
- Available Color: Grey
(Prepare for long flights: Essential tips for surviving a long-haul flight)
How We Selected the Best Neck Pillows for Travel
Our recommendations for the best travel neck pillows are based on a rigorous process incorporating extensive research, hands-on product testing, and insights from expert reviews.
- Extensive Research: We analyzed a wide array of customer reviews and product tests to gather unbiased feedback on each neck pillow’s performance and user satisfaction.
- Product Testing: Our team personally tested many of the leading travel pillows on both short and long trips. This allowed us to assess critical factors such as size, portability, material quality, level of support, and additional features in real-world travel scenarios.
- Expert Insights: We consulted with frequent travelers, travel journalists, and health and sleep experts. These professionals provided technical recommendations, shared their tried-and-true favorite travel neck pillows, and offered essential criteria to consider when purchasing a travel pillow.
Tips for Choosing Your Travel Neck Pillow
Size and Shape Considerations
Shelby Harris from Sleepopolis advises starting with your typical sleeping position. “Side sleepers usually do better with firmer, taller pillows, while back sleepers may prefer something softer and lower.” For individuals with neck or back issues, she recommends, “look for a pillow with a contoured shape to keep your spine aligned.” Adjustable and inflatable pillows offer the added benefit of customizable firmness, allowing you to tailor the support to your specific needs.
Essential Features to Look For
Consider practical design elements such as adjustable straps that secure the pillow to the seat back, like those found on our top pick, the Cabeau Evolution S3. Non-slip backings are also beneficial for keeping the pillow in place. Look for pillows with integrated attachment features, such as snaps or ties, for easy carrying on luggage, freeing up space inside your carry-on.
Material and Fill Choices
“Memory foam is ideal for support and comfort, while inflatable pillows are lightweight and easy to adjust,” notes Harris. For the outer fabric, “Soft, breathable fabrics, such as microfiber or velour, feel pleasant against the skin and are generally easier to clean. Opt for durable materials that will withstand frequent use and maintain comfort over time.”
Versatility for Different Sleeping Styles
Some travel pillows, like the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1, offer added versatility by converting into flat, rectangular pillows, which can be particularly useful for side sleepers or for lumbar support. Any pillow that allows you to adjust and customize it to your preferred sleeping style is a valuable asset for travel comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Neck Pillows
What is the correct way to use a travel pillow for neck support?
Properly adjusting the front closure is crucial. The travel pillow should fit snugly around your neck, providing support without being too tight or restricting. It should prevent your head from nodding forward, maintaining a comfortable and supported position.
Can travel pillows really help with neck pain during travel?
Yes, travel pillows are designed to mitigate neck pain caused by poor posture during travel. Forward head bobbing is a primary cause of neck soreness. Shelby Harris suggests, “Some people find it helpful to flip the pillow so that the thicker side supports their chin, preventing their head from drooping forward.”
Will a travel pillow count as a carry-on item on flights?
Generally, no. Small, compactly stored travel pillows typically do not count as a separate carry-on item. Airlines usually allow them in addition to standard carry-on baggage, especially if they can be attached to luggage or are easily stored.
About the Author:
Chloe Berge is a Vancouver-based freelance journalist specializing in travel, environment, and adventure. Her extensive travel experiences range from African safaris in Botswana to backcountry trekking in East Greenland.
*Disclaimer: While we share our personal opinions and experiences with these products, National Geographic does not endorse any experiences or products on behalf of anyone. National Geographic has not conducted product safety testing, manufactured, sold, or distributed these products and makes no representations about their safety or quality for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change.
