Traveling from one place to another can be a huge pain in the neck, sometimes quite literally. If you’re on a long journey and you know, you won’t get a decent place to rest your head, and then consider buying a travel pillow. The manufacturers make these pillows for use while sitting or resting against a seat. Different types of pillows and materials are used for travel by car, rail, air, and the like.
For your convenience, we have listed down the best travel pillows which we felt were on the top. We have also prepared a short buying with even more recommendations for you.
15 Best Travel Pillows 2018
| Model | Material | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Lucear Inflatable Pillow Set | Fabric | Medium |
| Sencezo Travel Pillow | Flocking PVC, Synthetic | One Size |
| SUNANY Inflatable Travel Pillow | Cotton | Small |
| J-Pillow Travel Pillow | Polyester | One Size |
| BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow | Polyester, Polyester Blend | Adult |
| Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow | Synthetic | One Size |
| Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow | Memory Foam | One Size |
| Daydreamer Neck Travel Pillow | Velvet | One Size |
| Trtl Travel Pillow | Fleece | Adult |
| Cloudz Micro Beads Travel Pillow | Polyester, Polyester Blend | Standard |
| World’s Best Soft Feather Pillow | Polyester | Medium |
| Memory Soft Travel Pillow | Memory Foam | Standard |
| Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow | Memory Foam, Cotton Cover | One Size |
| Travelrest Therapeutic Travel Pillow | Microfiber, Foam, Memory Foam | One Size |
| Cabeau Evolution Cool Travel Pillow | Memory Foam, Polyester Cover | Standard |
1. Lucear Inflatable Pillow Set
If you’re planning on a quick trip by air, then expect a jet lag, but no need to worry about the neck pain. With the Lucear Travel Pillow by your side, you won’t feel a thing. This pillow is best for those who travel by plane and needs support on all four sides of their head and neck. You can turn it around, over, and under, to suit any position you like. The pillow is also very compact when you deflate it and you can fit inside a standard pocket or suitcase.
The pillow itself has H-shape, which makes it easier to fasten to your head and use. The entire cushion is inflatable and has a 4 cm wide air plug. Just 3 seconds to blow the entire thing up, and you’re good to go. It’s very easy to set up and deflate. What’s more is that the product comes with its very own eye mask and set of earplugs.
These are great for blocking out harsh, irritating lights and loud sounds, ensuring you a peaceful sleep. However, it would need reflating from time to time and blowing air is not easy in this pillow. Furthermore, the cover is a nylon velvet that tends to get very hot and not washable.
Pros
- Ergonomic and user-friendly design.
- Cushioned support on all four sides for better relaxation and ease of neck pain.
- Its H-shape allows you to turn it over in all directions for any suitable position.
- It comes with eye mask and ear plugs.
- Easy to inflate and deflate; very compact.
Cons
- Can get pretty hot and moist through the night.
2. Sencezo Travel Pillow
Sencezo is another superb brand that comes to mind when we talk about inflatable travel pillows. The brand itself has a huge name, and the products are just as splendid. This inflatable pillow is the best solution to airplane neck aches and joint pain. The pillow is unique as the position is not typical. You hold the pillow snugly in your hands and rest your head on the top.
The structure and makeup of the pillow allow users of all sizes and build to sleep comfortably on it. The inflation process is pretty trivial. Just three to four breaths or more and the pillow are ready to use. And deflating is even easier, requiring only one button press.
The material inside is hypoallergenic down feathers. It means that you won’t get an allergy from the feathers used inside. And what if you don’t like the pillow? Don’t sweat it. Just call the customer service and get a 100% refund or an exchange. No questions asked. It’s that’s simple!
The inner layer is not strong and you may face leakage issues after a month or so. If you’re a fat person and have a long torso, this pillow may not be suitable for you.
Pros
- It works for any types of users.
- Hypoallergenic- down feathers in the body will not cause
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Full refund or exchange.
- A suitable position for reducing stress on neck and head.
- Easy to inflate and deflate. Very convenient and user-friendly.
Cons
- It starts deflating after prolonged use.
- May release VOCs and chemical gasses; odor can be hectic.
3. Sunany Travel Pillow
In the world of inflatable travel pillows, a few brands seem to outshine the rest, including Sunany. We’ve tried tons of other pillows from them, and must we say we felt very comfortable. The one reason why we liked the Sunany Pillow better than the rest was because it’s a full body pillow. So it supports not only your head but also your neck, back, hip, chest, and shoulders. It is pretty unique considering most other pillows are only for the head.
Other than that, this pillow is also great for those who want soft and tender cushioning. The material inside is 100% PVC flocking, and the external cover is velvety and soft. It is also very lightweight and airy and takes up almost no space when deflated. It is a great feature considering that the pillow comes with its pocket-friendly carry bag.
Sunany’s Pillow is best designed for sleeping in aircraft or jet engines. Buy one now, and you’ll even get a complimentary eye mask and two earplugs, along with a small carry bag. Inflation and setup are very easy. The only drawback is the use of PVC material. It is not breathable and hence tends to get hot.
Pros
- Full body pillow- supports the head, neck, spine, joints, chest and stomach, and the shoulders.
- Keeps you from falling or bending over.
- Best for airplane seats and private jets.
- Uses PVC flocking for reducing allergies and irritation.
- It comes with its eye mask and earplugs for further comfort.
- Includes carry bag for easier handling and portability.
Cons
- Maybe harder to inflate, but deflation is easy.
4. J-Pillow Travel Pillow
The J pillow is j-style traveling pillow that allows the users to enjoy traveling without spraining their neck or causing spinal damage while they are sleeping. The pillow is in a J shape, but it is highly versatile. It can be twisted and folded into almost any angle which makes it very convenient to travel along with. The softness of the pillow allows it to be comfortable for everybody.
The filling inside is not your standard memory foam, but it provides ample support and a great way to relax. The cushion is waterproof which allows its life to be increased in case of any spills. It is also safe to wash this because of the material and the waterproof feature.
One thing that would make this pillow perfect is if it would have a breathable and cool material. Another feature that would help this pillow is the best one was if the pillow would allow a contoured shape for the head and the neck for more accurate support.
It does provide you comfort but the way you put it, it looks odd. Also, it will annoy you because it doesn’t hold its position and you have to adjust it time and again.
Pros
- The pillow is waterproof which makes it more durable
- This pillow is flexible and can be twisted into any shape
- It is easy to travel along with the latch on the clip
- Filling inside is a new type which allows comfort and support throughout
Cons
- There is no contoured support in this
- The cover is not breathable and cool
5. Bcozzy Supporting Travel Pillow
The Bcozzy supporting travel pillow is a traditional style, but the company has enhanced with a lot of features that make it new and stylish. This travel pillow has many features to make it your new travel partner to ensure that you stay fresh all the time. It comes in several different colors that make it a stylish option for your luggage.
The pillow also comes in three different sizes that make it suitable for children up to healthy adults. This travel pillow is a wrap around which makes it more comfortable. Bcozzy has covered its neck space for people that tend to fall their heads in the front while sleeping.
The latch on design allows you to carry it without a problem which makes it a great travel buddy. To maintain it, all you have to do is toss it in the machine and get it cleaned.
Although this travel pillow is great, it still does not have a breathable cover. Another missing feature is the fact that it is not hypoallergenic.
Pros
- The pillow comes in three different sizes and many shapes
- It is a wrap around to protect your frontal drop too
- The pillow can be washed in the machine for maintenance
- It can be latched on to your bags for easy traveling
Cons
- The material is not hypoallergenic
- This pillow is not made to be breathable which makes it unsuitable for many people
6. Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow
The Travelrest ultimate travel pillow is a great option for people that are always on the go and even for old people that need to have support for their weak skeletal system. This pillow is not the traditional style traveling pillow; in fact, it is a vertical pillow which provides full support which includes the neck too which makes it ideal for people in wheelchairs too.
The lateral support allows the upper body to remain steady when the neck falls. The hook part of the pillow allows the neck and head to be supported during and uncomfortable flight. This pillow is easy to carry because it can be deflated and inflated very easily. It does not take much space in your bag which makes it suitable.
The pillow is made to be washed easily in the washing machine. There are options to have a memory foam cover to make it more comfortable than it already is.
However, with the great features, this pillow has a few drawbacks too. The first is that the hook is only on one side, so it only supports one angle of your neck drop. The second drawback is that this pillow is overheated.
Pros
- This travel pillow is for full upper body support
- It can be easily deflated or inflated which makes it easy to carry too
- The pillow can be washed in the machine
- It comes in several colors
Cons
- The pillow allows only one angle of the support
- The pillow can be very hot to use
7. Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow
The evolution travel pillow is a travel pillow that is Cabeau has designed with additional features to make your experience better than other pillows. The pillow design is a traditional U shape, but the company has flattened it and made with little extra height. Cabeau has styled like this to ensure that no matter in which direction your head leans, it is supported and your neck is not snapped or sprained. The pillow comes in many different colors to ensure that your style in untouched.
The company has used the material that is made out of is high-quality velour which allows it to be longer lasting. The quality also remains the same with time. Memory foam inside the pillow allows users to enjoy contoured support throughout. The cover is easy to remove and wash which makes it sanitized all the time.
Although the pillow comes with many features, it is quite hefty to carry around which is one of its drawbacks. Another drawback is that it can be a little suffocating to people that are claustrophobics.
Pros
- The pillow is a heightened design which supports you at all angles
- There are many different colors available
- Memory foam internal allows contoured support
- Softcover is washable to enhance sanitization
Cons
- The pillow can be unsuitable to claustrophobic people
- The pillow is heavy and impractical to carry around
8. Daydreamer Neck Travel Pillow
The daydreamer neck travel pillow is a travel pillow of a traditional style. The additional features make this pillow a great design and a better way to have a travel pillow emerges. You can deflate the pillow and keep it in its bag to travel with more convenience than ever. However, to inflate you do not have to blow. You need to press the inbuilt inflation pump a couple of times to blow up the pillow in under 60 seconds. The inflation level can adjust the size and the softness of the pillow which eventually gives support.
The top case of this pillow is the micro velvet case. This cover is easy to remove and easy to wash for sanitization. The super lightweight style allows easy traveling with this pillow. The design allows users to get support in all directions. The raised on the back of the neck allow better support to the head when leaning backward.
With all these features, one of the drawbacks of this product is that it is not hypoallergenic and doesn’t suit everyone. Another drawback is that it is a little hot which makes the sleeper.
Pros
- It can deflate and carry around with ease in its bag
- Inflation process is done through an inbuilt pump
- Neck arches allow for better support
- Comes in many different colors
Cons
- The cover is velvet which can be very hot
- The material is not hypoallergenic
9. Trtl Travel Pillow
The Trtl travel pillow is the ultimate travel buddy that will make sure you remain comfortable throughout your journey. It comes in several colors to ensure that your style is intact while you remain comfortable throughout your journey. The pillow helps keep your head upright and your neck from snapping when you fall asleep. The fleece material is soft and plush. There is additional cushioning that allows which allows a better resting place. The internal of the cushion is a supportive covering which allows thorough support.
The Trtl pillow is a wrap around style just like a scarf which makes it less hefty than the other pillows. Regardless of where you fall, this pillow can catch your neck and save it from injuries. It can easily be latched onto your suitcase to become your travel buddy. It can be washed in the machine to keep clean and away from all germs.
One of the major drawbacks in this design is that the fleece material can be suffocating for hot places. Another feature that may be a deal breaker is that it is not as soft and cushioned as the traditional style.
Pros
- Fleece is soft and plush which makes it comfortable
- The wrap around supports you in all angles
- It is easy to be washed in the machine
- It is easy to travel with the latching system
Cons
- Fleece can be suffocating when hot
- The internal is not as cushioned as the others
10. Cloudz Micro Beads Travel Pillow
The Cloudz micro beads travel pillow is a traditional travel pillow with modern internals to make it a great support system to you while you travel. The microbeads are a great way to ensure that the support you get is contoured and made especially for your neck and head. The pillow is unique and long-lasting because of the microbeads in the pillow. However, this is not the only internal cushioning in this pillow. One side is the soft and plush microbeads, and the other is a little firm spandex. Spandex allows people to change their firmness for comfort during travel to make it more versatile and comfortable.
The snap button allows you to attach the pillow to your luggage and carry it with ease. The snap button also allows users to easily button it in the front to ensure that the neck is safe when it is leaned forward. This pillow has a lot of different patterns that allows you to manage your style while keeping comfort intact.
One deal breaker of this pillow is that it is not waterproof. It makes it less durable when exposed to water. The pillow is not washable as well, which means that allergens can attack them and it cannot be suitable for people with sensitivities.
Pros
- There are many colors and patterns
- The pillow can be latched on to your luggage
- Microbeads allow contoured support
- There are two ends to comfort; microbeads and spandex
Cons
- It is not waterproof
- Not washable
11. World’s Best Soft Feather Pillow
The world’s best soft feather pillow is almost truly what the name suggests. The amazing features make it one of the best in the market and allow you to have a safer and more comfortable than its competitors. The pillow has microfiber filling which ensure comfort and contoured support. Another great feature about the microfibers is hypoallergenic as well. These fibers are also environmentally friendly which make them more efficient.
The cover of this travel pillow is of crystal fleece which is a soft and comfortable and complements the microfibers. The cover is as durable as the pillow itself. Users will find it very convenient to toss it I the laundry without worrying about the cover and the filling. The pillow has a snapping button that you can use to latch around the pillow anywhere and can be used to wrap it around the neck too.
With so many different colors and styles, this pillow is truly one of the best in the market. A drawback is its lack of air circulation in the pillow which can be a turn off for many.
Pros
- The material is made hypoallergenic which makes it suitable for everyone
- Microfibers give contoured support with environmentally friendly material
- The snapping button can easily wrap the pillow around the neck
- There are many different colors and patterns for this pillow
Cons
- Lack of breathability
12. Memory Soft Travel Pillow
The memory soft travel pillow is a traditional design of a travel pillow that comes with features making it much more comfortable than the traditional ones. It comes with its compact case to allow better traveling anywhere you like. The contour-shape of this pillow has a design for people that have an orthopedic problem.
The pillow comes with a memory foam interior which is one of the best foams in the modern times. The foam takes the shape of the user and provides support accordingly. You can reverse the shape when its pressure is off. The cover is a soft touch velour cover which excels in providing comfort.
The style is a flat and high design which may not be suitable to many people as they can feel a little claustrophobic. Memory foam does not do any favors to this style as it lacks in air circulation making it hotter than ever.
Pros
- The pillow can be compressed and be kept in its special bag to travel easily
- The memory foam interior provides ergonomic support
- The high and flat design is specially made for orthopedic patients
- Soft touch velour cover
Cons
- The pillow can be very stuffy because of memory foam
- The pillow cannot be washed in the machine
13. Dot & Dot Twist Travel Pillow
The dot & dot twist travel pillow is a unique design in travel pillows. It is a funky style that allows you to have comfort in different ways while traveling. Many angles can satisfy with this pillow while traveling. The pillow is a twist and turns design. In this feature, you can shape it as you like to fit your needs of being supported by the pillow.
The pillow can be used while at home or even office due to its versatility. The foam inside is memory foam which allows users to have better support which is contoured according to the weight exerted on it. The cover is a removable cotton cover which can be washed in the machine as well.
This cushion is easy to carry and easier to handle. However, it has its drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks being that it is not hypoallergenic and may be unsuitable for sensitive people. Another deal breaker is that this pillow is not as durable as its competitors. It can easily fade away if the twisting is access and reasonless.
Pros
- The pillow can take any shape and form to support the whole body
- Memory foam interior allows for ergonomic support
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- The cover is made of very soft and washable cotton
Cons
- The pillow is not very durable
- It is not hypoallergenic
14. Travelrest Therapeutic Travel Pillow
The Travelrest therapeutic travel pillow is a travel buddy that will support you at all angles and will help you keep your spine and neck intact in case of random jolting. The design is made highly therapeutic with features that work well for therapy processes. The thermosensitive memory foam is designed in a way to not only provide support to the neck and head.
The design allows support for shoulders as well so that the body stays in natural shape. The NASA memory foam used in this provides ergonomic support. It can also be compressed to carry in its small bag which makes it perfect for traveling. This pillow is specially made with earphones as well that can help you block the external sounds and sleep anywhere with ease.
However, there are two drawbacks which might be a deal breaker for some people. The first is that it is too hefty and may be difficult to carry. Another is that memory foam makes the pillow very stuffy and may not be suitable for people that get suffocated easily.
Pros
- The pillow is fully supportive of the neck, head, and even shoulders
- The NASA memory foam provides contoured support
- The pillow is compressible and easy to carry
- It is made with ear blocking earpieces
Cons
- The pillow is very stuffy
- The pillow is very heavy to carry
15. Cabeau Evolution Cool Travel Pillow
The Cabeau evolution cool travel pillow is a very different design in travel pillows. It truly keeps your style intact with the different colors, and it gives you ultimate comfort and protection against snapped necks. The contoured design of this neck pillow allows improved support to the head and the neck.
Dual density memory foam is used to enhance this comfort and allow more pressure relief. Where many companies tend to forget that memory foam is hot, this company hasn’t. There is a cooling system in this traveling pillow that allows ventilation of hot air and circulation of cool air to keep it cool and breathable. The different colors allow users to have more versatility in selecting their choice. The size of this pillow is adjustable which makes it suitable for everybody without a doubt. The pillow is washable too.
However, it is not hypoallergenic which makes it a problem for people with a sensitive system. Another factor that is missing in this pillow is that it is not compressible that makes it easy to travel. It might end being quite hefty.
Pros
- The size of this pillow is adjustable
- The dual density memory foam and design allow contoured support
- The memory foam has a cooling system for a better experience
- This pillow is washable and easy to maintain
Cons
- The pillow is not hypoallergenic
- It is not compressible and makes for a hefty design for traveling
Choosing Your Best Travel Pillow
Best Travel Pillows by Medium of Travel
For every vehicle and craft, the travel pillows vary. Although we feel that any pillow is suitable, the best ones are specialized for your vehicle. For travel by car, air, rail, or bus, we recommend the following travel pillows:
By Air – Sunany Travel Pillow
It is the same product we discussed in our top 3 best travel pillows list. We think this is perfect for airplanes and jets because the unique design lends support to the entire body.
By Rail – The J-Pillow
We recommend the J-Pillow for traveling in trains and subways because the unique j-shaped design of the pillow lets you have something to lean your head on. Although the pillow can be used in any vehicles, we think that cars and buses already have enough head support.
By Car – Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow
Memory foam is viscoelastic foam which retains its shape even after prolonged pressure. It is best for cars because you usually want more support and loft.
By Bus – Cabeau Evolution Cool Travel Pillow
In most trains and airplanes, you have the air conditioning to cool you. But for crowded places like the bus, the Cabeau Pillow is best as it keeps air circulated and keeps you cool.
Best Travel Pillow Material & Fillings
The material inside the travel pillow is also very important. The right material differs from person to person, so pick the one which best suits you.
1. Foam
Foam pillows are either filled with polyurethane foam or viscoelastic memory foam. The memory foam ones are stronger and more therapeutic, but if you can’t afford them than a regular polyfoam would work. These pillows are softer and cushiony, although some foam may be weak and not supportive enough.
2. Beads
These pillows are filled with micro-beads, and contrary to what you might think, are pretty soft and comfortable. What we like most about bead pillows is that they’re easily moldable and can provide support in any shape. They also retain little to no heat and are best for those who want to stay cool through the trip. We recommend these for airplanes, trains, and busses, as they are very cool and durable.
3. Polyester
Polyester pillows are filled with huge chunks of polyester fibers. These look and feel pretty similar to cotton, and give the same level of comfort. So these pillows are more comfortable and soft than the rest. However, they may not be as supportive, and the fiberfill may break apart and not stay for long.
4. Wool
Wool pillows are filled with- well, wool. We think that these are a better alternative to polyester fillings, although some might be more expensive. They provide almost the same level of comfort and softness as polyester. One of the downsides is that they do not provide enough support, so not good for traveling.
5. Inflatable
Inflatable pillows use air pressure from your very lungs. Air pillows are very tough and supportive and feel comfortable too, though we find that they are medium firm. So if you like soft pillows, these aren’t for you. Some may even deflate easily or burst, so watch out for quality.
Travel Pillow Shapes & Which One Is Best
1. U-Shaped
U-shaped pillows provide support to your neck and head. These are best for leaning your head back or to the side. Not good for if you like to lean your head forward. For the time being, these are the most common and popular ones, so they shouldn’t be too expensive.
2. J-Shaped
J-shaped pillows have a very complex J-shaped design. But rest assured they are very supportive and user-friendly. They are made to provide support to the side, so leaning the head back may not be entirely possible. But that differs from brand to brand and user to user.
3. Cylinder Shaped
Cylinder shaped travel pillows are the most basic pillow designs. These are just a cylinder for placing behind your neck. They aren’t very popular or comfortable and are usually overlooked. We don’t recommend buying these, but you can give them a try if you like.
4. Collar Shaped
Collar pillows are just like U-shaped pillows, and they go around your neck and collar. Thee pillows are the most liked and most bought as they provide support and are very easy to use. Buying foam or inflatable one enhances the comfort. We feel that collar shaped pillows should be soft, as the support is already there.
5. Cushions
Cushions are whole body pillows for resting the entire head and torso on. It can be quite hard to put them on, but once done, these pillows will make you forget about counting sheep. Body cushions are the next best thing in line, and you should buy one right now. These usually provide support to the neck, head, shoulders, torso, stomach, spine, and sometimes the arms and the hips
Conclusion
Travelling can sure take a lot of energy out of us, especially since you know you’ll have a jet lag or some form of sleeping disorder. But traveling pillows can make the experience fun and relax. If you want to buy the best travel pillows, then look no further than our top 3 picks. If you’re still confused, then our buying guide and four more recommendations will answer your questions.
But the most important thing is to remember to enjoy and relax during your trip. Furthermore, don’t take too much stress because bad pillows don’t just cause insomnia.
