Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but long journeys, whether by plane, train, or car, can often lead to discomfort and fatigue. One essential item that can significantly enhance your travel experience is a Travel Neck Pillow. If you’ve ever arrived at your destination with a stiff neck and aching shoulders after a long flight, you understand the crucial role a good travel neck pillow plays in ensuring you arrive rested and ready to explore.
Experts and seasoned travelers alike swear by the benefits of travel neck pillows. Joni Sweet, a renowned travel and health journalist, emphasizes, “I only take a neck pillow for travel when I’m traveling across an ocean or a long overnight flight across the country. Certain styles can also offer a sense of privacy on a crowded plane.” Kristen Kellogg, a filmmaker and co-founder of Salt & Wind travel company, adds, “When I travel, I’m constantly moving between flights, trains, and road trips. Even 30 minutes of quality rest with a travel neck pillow can dramatically improve my energy and focus, especially when I’m leading trips or working on location.”
Beyond just long-haul flights, a travel neck pillow can be beneficial in various transit situations. The ability to grab even short periods of restful sleep during transit can make a significant difference in your overall well-being while traveling. Coupled with other sleep-enhancing strategies, such as securing a window seat to lean against, using an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions, and staying hydrated while avoiding caffeine and alcohol, a travel neck pillow becomes an indispensable tool for any traveler seeking comfort and rest on the go.
Based on extensive research, expert recommendations, and real-world testing, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best travel neck pillow for your needs. While the Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow stands out as our top overall pick due to its versatile design, comfortable material, and reasonable price, the ideal travel neck pillow is ultimately a personal decision. Factors like your sleeping style, specific needs, and personal preferences all play a role in selecting the perfect travel companion for restful journeys. Let’s explore our top recommendations for the best travel neck pillows across various categories.
Top Travel Neck Pillow Picks for Every Traveler
- Best Travel Neck Pillow Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
- Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
- Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
- Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
- Best Small Travel Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
- Best Affordable Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
- Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Finding Your Perfect Travel Neck Pillow
Choosing the right travel neck pillow involves considering your individual sleep preferences and travel style. Are you a side sleeper or back sleeper? Do you prioritize portability or maximum support? Are you looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious travel accessory? Regardless of your needs, there’s a travel neck pillow designed to enhance your comfort during journeys. Key features to consider include firmness, size, packability, and ease of cleaning. Let’s delve deeper into each of our top picks to help you determine the best travel neck pillow for your next adventure.
Best Travel Neck Pillow Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Alt text: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow in Indigo color, showcasing its ergonomic design.
The Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow consistently earns high praise from travelers, and for good reason. This memory foam travel neck pillow strikes an excellent balance between affordability, ergonomic design, and practical features. Its flat-back design ensures it sits flush against airplane or train seats, while the raised sides offer exceptional neck support, cradling your head to prevent uncomfortable tilting. The adjustable front clasp allows for a customized and secure fit, catering to different neck sizes and preferences.
One standout feature of the Cabeau Evolution S3 is its integrated seat straps. These straps cleverly attach to airplane headrests, preventing the pillow from slipping or shifting during your journey, ensuring consistent neck support. For frequent travelers, hygiene is paramount, and the removable, machine-washable cover of this travel neck pillow is a significant advantage. When not in use, the pillow conveniently rolls up into a compact carrying case with a clip, allowing you to easily attach it to your luggage or backpack, keeping it readily accessible without taking up valuable packing space.
Consider: For those who primarily sleep upright, ensure the front toggle is sufficiently tightened to prevent your neck from bending forward uncomfortably through the front opening.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, moisture-wicking, machine-washable fabric
- Fill: Memory foam
- Colors: Indigo, Jet Black, Steel, Galaxy, Cardinal, Black Snakeskin
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
Alt text: Trtl Travel Pillow in Grey, showcasing its unique scarf-like and supportive design.
The Trtl Travel Pillow stands out for its innovative and supportive design, deviating from the traditional U-shaped travel neck pillow. Resembling a scarf in appearance, the Trtl pillow features an internal support structure that you position against one side of your head, wrapping the soft fleece fabric around your neck for secure and comfortable support.
This unique design provides remarkable neck support and head alignment, crucial for preventing stiffness and discomfort after long flights. Despite its seemingly less bulky form, the Trtl pillow offers surprising structure and stability. Its lightweight and compact nature is another significant advantage; it folds flat into a square, easily fitting into carry-on bags without taking up excessive space. For travelers prioritizing portability and effective neck support in a non-traditional design, the Trtl Travel Pillow is an excellent choice.
Consider: The Trtl pillow is particularly well-suited for side sleepers. If you tend to switch sleeping positions frequently during flights, adjustments might be slightly less convenient compared to traditional U-shaped pillows.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, hypoallergenic fleece
- Fill: Hidden, hard interior support structure
- Colors: Black, Grey, Coral, Red
Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Alt text: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow in Grey, highlighting its high-sided design for superior neck support.
For travelers prone to neck pain, the Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is specifically designed to provide superior neck support and alleviate discomfort. This travel pillow features a comfortable memory foam fill and a distinctive design with higher and more rigid sides compared to standard pillows. This enhanced structure offers exceptional neck support, maintaining proper spinal alignment and minimizing head bobbing, a common culprit for neck soreness during travel.
The non-slip backing further ensures the pillow stays securely in place, preventing unwanted shifting and maintaining consistent support throughout your journey. The elevated sides cradle the neck effectively, promoting better posture and reducing strain. If neck pain relief is your primary concern when choosing a travel neck pillow, the Travelrest Nest Ultimate is a top contender.
Consider: Some users may find the higher sides slightly warmer, although the memory foam is designed with thermoregulating properties to mitigate heat retention.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft velour fabric
- Fill: Thermo-sensitive memory foam
- Colors: Blue, Grey
Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Alt text: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow in Midnight Grey, displaying its wraparound design and memory foam core.
The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow offers a premium memory foam experience with its sleek, wraparound design. This memory foam travel neck pillow provides 360-degree neck support, cradling your neck from all angles. The patented BASF memory foam core is engineered to contour to the natural curve of your spine, promoting optimal alignment and comfort. The multi-height design further enhances support, reinforcing both side and chin areas to minimize forward nodding and ensure restful sleep.
Adjustability is key, and the Ostrichpillow Go delivers with a gentle Velcro closure, allowing for a wide range of customization to achieve a perfect fit. The fabric is not only soft and comfortable against the skin but also breathable and machine washable, combining luxury with practicality. For travelers concerned about space, the included compression bag makes this travel neck pillow exceptionally packable, easily fitting into any luggage. If you seek a high-quality memory foam travel neck pillow with comprehensive support and a touch of luxury, the Ostrichpillow Go is a top-tier choice.
Consider: The higher sides may pose a slight challenge for users who prefer to sleep with earbuds. Softer earplugs might be a more comfortable alternative when using this pillow.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, breathable, and cooling fabric
- Fill: BASF memory foam
- Color: Midnight Grey, Eclipse Black, Dark Night, Forest Green
Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
Alt text: Cabeau Air TNE Inflatable Travel Pillow in Slate Grey, showcasing its compact and adjustable design.
For travelers prioritizing minimal packing space and maximum adjustability, an inflatable travel pillow is an ideal solution. Kristen Kellogg, a filmmaker who frequently travels with extensive gear, favors inflatable pillows for their compact nature and customizable firmness. The Cabeau Air TNE excels in this category, offering a highly packable and adjustable travel neck pillow.
The Cabeau Air TNE is designed to minimize forward head bobbing and features a convenient single-breath inflation system, eliminating the hassle of lengthy inflation processes. The inclusion of a washable cover adds to its practicality and hygiene. Inflatable travel pillows are exceptionally lightweight and compress to a fraction of their inflated size, making them perfect for travelers with limited luggage space. The ability to adjust the firmness level allows you to customize the support to your preference on any given journey.
Consider: Inflatable neck pillows generally offer less firm support compared to memory foam options. They might not be the best choice for individuals with chronic neck pain or those seeking maximum structural support.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, washable fabric
- Fill: Inflatable core
- Color: Slate Grey, Midnight Black, Royal Blue
Best Small Travel Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Alt text: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow in Aqua, emphasizing its ultra-compact and lightweight design.
For the ultimate minimalist traveler, the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow is unparalleled in its packability. Sea to Summit boasts that this ultra-lightweight travel pillow packs down to the size of “two packets of peanuts,” making it virtually imperceptible in your luggage. Despite its diminutive packed size, it inflates to provide comfortable neck support.
The adjustable neck closure ensures a snug and secure fit, and the pillow inflates fully in just a few breaths, offering quick and convenient setup. The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow is the epitome of lightweight and compact travel neck pillow design, ideal for travelers who count every ounce and cubic inch of their luggage.
Consider: This pillow is best suited for shorter trips. Some travelers may find the fabric less breathable compared to other materials, although its primary focus is on extreme packability and lightweight design.
Product Specifications:
- Material: 20 Denier polyester
- Fill: Inflatable core
- Colors: Aqua, Grey
Best Affordable Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Alt text: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow in Charcoal, demonstrating its versatility as a neck pillow and lumbar support.
Travelers seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing basic comfort will appreciate the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow. This affordable travel neck pillow provides cushioning and support at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Lightweight and compact, it easily slips into a carry-on bag, offering on-demand comfort during your travels.
A unique feature of the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow is its convertibility. It folds into an included carrying pouch, which then transforms into a rectangular pillow. This versatile design allows you to use it as a neck pillow or as lumbar support for your lower back or sides, enhancing comfort in various seating situations. For travelers seeking a functional and cheap travel neck pillow that offers more than just neck support, the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow is a practical and economical choice.
Consider: Lacking a front fastener and sitting lower around the neck, this pillow provides less structured neck support compared to other styles. However, this design might be preferable for travelers prone to overheating.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, smooth fabric
- Fill: Micro beads
- Color: Charcoal, Navy, Purple
Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
Alt text: Pluto Pod 2.0 Luxury Travel Neck Pillow in Black, showcasing its futuristic design with integrated eye mask and hood.
For travelers seeking the ultimate in-flight comfort and a touch of luxury, the Pluto Pod 2.0 redefines the travel neck pillow experience. Joni Sweet, a seasoned travel journalist, declares the Pluto Pod as her favorite after trying numerous travel pillows over the years. This best-selling luxury travel neck pillow features a futuristic design that considers not only neck support but also light and sound, crucial elements for quality sleep during travel.
The Pluto Pod 2.0 incorporates a hood that extends over your head and a soft, built-in eye mask, creating a mini-sensory deprivation chamber for enhanced privacy and relaxation. The pillow-like structure around the neck provides exceptional neck support, cradling your head in luxurious comfort. As Joni Sweet notes, “The fact that it covers almost your whole head with the eye mask makes me feel like I have a lot of privacy, which is important for sleeping on a plane.” If deep, undisturbed sleep and a sense of personal space are your priorities, the Pluto Pod 2.0 is the epitome of luxury travel neck pillows.
Consider: While providing unparalleled comfort and sleep enhancement, the Pluto Pod 2.0 is slightly bulkier than other travel neck pillow styles.
Product Specifications:
- Material: “Alcantara” and water-resistant “WPS Mesh” exterior; Soft-weave “Spandura” interior
- Fill: Composite neck foam core (PVC plastic, poly foam, and recycled microfiber fill)
- Color: Black, Sky Grey
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Alt text: Hest Pro Travel Pillow in Grey, showcasing its convertible design from neck pillow to body pillow.
Side sleepers often face unique challenges when trying to sleep upright while traveling. Securing a window seat is a crucial first step, providing a surface to lean against. Choosing a travel neck pillow that accommodates side sleeping preferences is equally important. The Hest Pro Travel Pillow is designed with versatility in mind, catering to side sleepers and offering extended comfort beyond just neck support.
While resembling a more traditional neck pillow shape, the Hest Pro Travel Pillow unfolds into a small body pillow, making it exceptionally versatile for side sleepers. Joni Sweet highlights this feature, stating, “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.” The filling, a blend of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester, mimics the comfort and adjustability of a full-size pillow, providing familiar support for side sleepers.
The Hest Pro Travel Pillow also incorporates thoughtful features for hygiene, including a design that minimizes facial contact with potentially soiled surfaces and a removable, washable nylon cover. For side sleepers seeking a travel neck pillow that adapts to their preferred sleep position and offers extended comfort, the Hest Pro Travel Pillow is an excellent choice, effectively serving as both a neck pillow for travel and a compact body pillow.
Consider: Even when stored, the Hest Pro Travel Pillow is larger than most other travel neck pillows. However, its exceptional comfort and versatility justify the slightly larger size for many travelers.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, stretch woven nylon
- Fill: Memory foam and polyester
- Color: Grey
How We Selected the Best Travel Neck Pillows
Our selection of the top travel neck pillows is based on a rigorous evaluation process encompassing extensive research, hands-on product testing, and insights from travel and sleep experts.
- Extensive Research: We analyzed a vast pool of customer reviews and independent product testing reports to gather unbiased feedback on each neck pillow.
- Product Testing: Our writers personally tested numerous leading travel pillows on both long-haul and short-haul trips, assessing key factors such as size, portability, material, neck support, and special features in real-world travel scenarios.
- Expert Reviews: We consulted frequent flyers, travel journalists, and health and sleep specialists, including trip leaders and medical professionals, to gather technical product recommendations, firsthand insights on preferred travel neck pillows, and essential considerations for choosing the right pillow.
Essential Tips for Buying a Travel Neck Pillow
Choosing the right travel neck pillow is a personal decision, but considering these key factors will guide you towards the best option for your needs:
Size and Shape:
Shelby Harris, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, advises considering your typical sleep position. “Side sleepers usually benefit from firmer, taller pillows, while back sleepers might prefer softer, lower profiles,” she explains. “If you have pre-existing neck or back issues, look for a contoured travel neck pillow designed to maintain proper spinal alignment.” Adjustable or inflatable travel pillows offer further customization for achieving the perfect fit.
Features:
Look for practical design elements that enhance functionality. Adjustable straps that secure to the back of seats, like those on the Cabeau Evolution S3, or non-slip backings that prevent slippage are valuable additions. Consider portability features such as snap closures or ties for attaching the travel neck pillow to luggage, freeing up space inside your carry-on.
Material and Fill:
“Memory foam excels in providing both support and comfort, while inflatable pillows are lightweight and easily adjustable,” notes Harris. Opt for soft, breathable outer fabrics like microfiber or velour, which feel pleasant against the skin and are typically easier to clean and maintain over time. Prioritize durable materials that will withstand frequent travel.
Versatility:
Consider travel neck pillows with versatile designs, such as the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1, which converts into a rectangular pillow, offering additional support options for side sleepers or lumbar support. A travel neck pillow that can be easily adjusted and customized, similar to your pillows at home, is always a bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Neck Pillows
What is the correct way to use a travel pillow?
Properly using a travel neck pillow involves ensuring the front closure is appropriately adjusted. The pillow should fit snugly around your neck, providing support without being too tight or restricting, allowing your head to rest comfortably without nodding forward excessively.
Do travel pillows help with neck pain?
Travel neck pillows are designed to mitigate forward head bobbing, a primary cause of neck soreness during travel. Shelby Harris suggests, “Some individuals find it beneficial to reverse the pillow, positioning the thicker side to support their chin, effectively preventing their head from drooping forward.”
Do travel pillows count as a carry-on item?
Generally, small and compactly stored travel neck pillows do not count as a separate carry-on item. They are typically permitted in addition to standard carry-on baggage allowances.
About the Author:
Chloe Berge is a Vancouver-based freelance journalist specializing in travel, environmental issues, and adventure. Her extensive travels have taken her across diverse landscapes, from safaris in Botswana to trekking expeditions in the remote East Greenland backcountry.
Disclaimer: Please note that while we share our personal opinions and recommendations based on our experiences and research, National Geographic does not endorse any specific products or experiences mentioned. Product safety testing has not been conducted on these products by National Geographic, and we do not manufacture, sell, or distribute them. We make no representations regarding the safety or quality of these products for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change after the publication date.
