Neck Pillows: Travel Comfort Or Unnecessary Burden?

Whether you're embarking on a red-eye flight, hitting the road on a long car trip, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more bearable. The best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable.

Neck pillows are a type of travel pillow that can be extremely useful when sleeping in planes, trains, or cars. They are designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck and stop your head from slumping or bobbing. They can also help prevent a sore neck or headache caused by your head dropping off to the side during sleep.

There are many types of neck pillows available, from inflatable pillows to memory foam pillows, and each has its own pros and cons. Inflatable pillows are extremely portable and lightweight, whereas memory foam pillows tend to be more comfortable but less packable.

Some of the best neck pillows for travel include the Cabeau Evolution S3, the Trtl Pillow, the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Travel Pillow, the BCozzy Neck Pillow, the FlyHugz Neck Travel Pillow, and the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow.

Are inflatable neck pillows good for travel?

Inflatable neck pillows are a good option for travel, especially if you want to save space. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around, making them ideal for travel. Inflatable pillows can be deflated and rolled up into a small bag, which can be clipped onto a backpack or stored in your luggage without taking up too much space. This makes them a convenient choice for those who want to travel light.

Inflatable neck pillows offer both comfort and support for your neck, which is crucial for preventing soreness and pain during long journeys. They can be adjusted to provide the right amount of pressure and support for your neck by inflating them to your desired thickness. Additionally, some inflatable neck pillows have special features, such as a flat back to keep your neck in line with the seat or a neck strap to keep your head stable.

However, one disadvantage of inflatable pillows is that they may not be as comfortable as memory foam or cotton-filled pillows. They may also require some time to inflate, especially if you want to fill them to their maximum capacity.

When choosing an inflatable neck pillow, consider the thickness, material, and ease of inflation and deflation. Thickness can be adjusted by inflating the pillow to your desired level, but it's important to strike a balance between support and comfort. Soft, comfy materials like polyester or memory foam can enhance your sleeping experience. Finally, look for pillows that are easy to inflate and deflate, so you can quickly set up and pack up during your travels.

Are memory foam neck pillows good for travel?

Memory foam pillows are a great option for travel, especially for those who like a firmer pillow. They offer more support than inflatable pillows and can help prevent neck pain and soreness. Memory foam pillows are also a good option if you want something that will keep its shape, as they are often designed to spring back into their original form after use.

Memory foam travel pillows usually have a U-shaped or neck pillow design, which can be great for preventing lateral bending in the neck. This type of pillow can be ideal for those who tend to sleep with their head leaning to one side or who need extra support to prevent their head from falling forward. Some memory foam travel pillows also come with additional features such as chin straps, headrest straps, or built-in eye masks for added comfort and support.

When choosing a memory foam travel pillow, it's important to consider the thickness and size of the pillow, as well as the packability. Thicker pillows may offer more support, but they can also be bulkier and take up more space in your luggage. Some memory foam travel pillows come with carrying cases or compression straps to help reduce their size, making them easier to pack and transport.

Memory foam travel pillows can be a great investment for those who travel frequently, especially on long-haul flights or road trips. They can provide comfort and support during travel, helping to improve sleep and reduce neck pain. However, it's important to find one that suits your personal preferences and sleeping style to get the most benefit.

Are neck pillows good for long-haul flights?

Neck pillows are a great way to make long-haul flights more bearable. They can help you get some sleep and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

The best neck pillows for travel will be comfy, supportive, and portable. Memory foam is a popular filling for neck pillows as it offers a good balance of support and coziness. Inflatable pillows are also a good option if you want to save space in your luggage.

Cabeau Evolution S3

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is an award-winning neck pillow made from memory foam. It has slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping and support your jaw to prevent open-mouth breathing. It also has a flattened back, which allows it to sit flush with the seat, helping your spine align with the chair. The adjustable strap fastens the pillow to the headrest, so you don't flop forward in your sleep. It stuffs easily into a circular bag that can be clipped to a backpack or suitcase handle.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The Ostrichpillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate various neck, chin, and head support preferences. The plush memory foam filling provides support and comfort, allowing you to get more rest. It's easy to roll up and comes with a compact drawstring sack for storage.

Trtl Pillow

The Trtl pillow is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar. It has a plastic brace inside the padding that prevents lateral bending in the neck. You can adjust the brace and choose which side you prefer to sleep on. It's small and easy to pack, making it a good option for the middle seat.

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

This convertible pillow can be used as a neck pillow or folded into a square-shaped pillow for lumbar support. It can also be rolled up into a built-in pocket for storage. It's a good option if you're not sure what type of support you'll need on your flight.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow

This inflatable neck pillow is a good option for lightweight packers. It's lightweight and packs down into a small, zippered case that can be stuffed into any bag. It provides just the right amount of pressure and support for a comfortable sleep.

Infinity Pillow

The Infinity Pillow can be wrapped around your neck or lower back, or both at the same time, to create a highly customized sleeping position. It's easy to pack and can be worn like a scarf through the airport.

Are neck pillows good for train travel?

Neck pillows are a great way to make your train journey more comfortable. They can help you sleep better and avoid neck pain, especially on long-haul journeys.

When choosing a neck pillow for train travel, consider the following:

• Portability: Look for a neck pillow that is easy to carry and pack, especially if you're travelling with limited luggage space. Inflatable neck pillows, for example, are lightweight and can be deflated and packed into a small bag or pouch.
• Comfort: Opt for a neck pillow with soft, comfortable materials. Memory foam is a popular choice as it provides a good balance of support and coziness.
• Support: A good neck pillow should offer ample neck support to prevent your head from slumping or bobbing during train rides. Some neck pillows have raised sides or adjustable straps to provide additional support and keep your head in a stable position.
• Breathability: Choose a neck pillow with breathable fabric to prevent you from feeling too hot or constricted during your journey.
• Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow: This memory foam neck pillow has slightly raised sides to prevent head slumping and support your jaw. It also features a flattened back to align with your seat and improve comfort. Additionally, it comes with a strap to secure it to the headrest, ensuring you don't flop forward during sleep.
• Trtl Pillow: The Trtl pillow is a unique scarf-like design that prevents lateral bending in the neck. It has an adjustable brace inside its padding, allowing you to choose which side you prefer to sleep on. It's also easy to pack and won't take up much space in your luggage.
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow: This inflatable neck pillow is ideal if you want something lightweight and packable. It inflates with just a few breaths and provides just the right amount of pressure and support for a comfortable sleep.
• Infinity Pillow: If you're looking for something versatile, the Infinity Pillow can be wrapped around your neck or lower back, or even both, to create a customised sleeping position. It's made from soft and breathable bamboo fabric and is easy to travel with as it can be worn around your neck.
• Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow: This convertible pillow can be used as a neck pillow or folded into a square-shaped pillow for lumbar support. It's firm yet comfortable and can be rolled up into a built-in pocket for easy storage and transport.

Are neck pillows good for road trips?

Neck pillows are a great way to make your road trip comfier and more enjoyable. They can help you avoid neck pain and soreness, especially if you're planning on sleeping while travelling.

When choosing a neck pillow, you should consider its type, thickness, and packability. U-shaped pillows are the most common type, designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck. They usually have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable options available. The thickness of the pillow is important as well – the sides should come up to the height of your earlobes, and the back should be flat or only as thick as the distance between the back of your neck and head. In terms of packability, inflatable pillows are the most compact option, while memory foam or cotton pillows can be trickier to pack but may offer more comfort.

• Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow: This U-shaped pillow is made of memory foam and has slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping. It also has a flattened back to align with your seat and adjustable straps to secure it to the headrest.
• Trtl Pillow: This unique pillow is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar, with a plastic brace inside that prevents lateral bending in the neck. It's adjustable and can be worn on either side.
• Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Travel Pillow: A convertible pillow that can be used for neck or lumbar support. It folds up into a square shape or can be rolled up into a built-in pocket for easy storage.
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow: An inflatable neck pillow that packs down conveniently into a small, zippered case. It's lightweight and provides just the right amount of pressure and support for a comfortable sleep.
• BCozzy Neck Pillow: A soft and supportive neck pillow that caters to both head nodders and side anglers. It has long, flexible "arms" that can be wrapped comfortably around your neck and is easy to pack with the included carrying bag.
• FlyHugz Neck Travel Pillow: A memory foam pillow that wraps around your neck and attaches with velcro. It has a slim profile at the back, allowing you to lean back comfortably, and provides support to keep your head from nodding forward or backward.

Frequently asked questions