Travel pillow expert buying advice

A comprehensive guide to the best travel pillows. How to find a suitable variant for optimal relaxation. Recommended insider tips for on the go.

You probably know that:

You are on your way on vacation and have an hour-long trip ahead of you. And the worst:

Restful sleep is out of the question in a noisy plane or shaking train.

  • Every time you almost fell asleep, your head slips and you start up stressed.
  • Your eyes are getting heavier and heavier, but the uncomfortable backrest offers no space to relax.

When you arrive at the hotel, your situation does not get any better: the pillow is uncomfortable and you roll back and forth all night long – without really having a relaxed sleep in the morning.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to make long journeys a lot more comfortable:

  • Travel pillows not only ensure a good night’s sleep, but also ensure that you arrive at your destination without the tension in the weight room.
  • They support the neck and prevent your head from bending as soon as it relaxes (so you no longer startle up).

Okay – travel pillows are not really insider tips, but surprisingly many travelers still forget about the practical companions.

So that this doesn’t happen to you, you will find a comprehensive overview of the best options for relaxing travel here.

Travel pillow recommendations

Travel pillows are available in all possible designs: from the inflatable neck pillow to full-fledged pillow substitutes made of soft memory foam.

If you want to save some time and are looking for a recommendable travel pillow, then choose one of these two models:

 

Regardless of whether you are in someone else’s bed or in a shaking airplane seat: these recommendations support your head and enable relaxed sleep without tension.

  • Both variants are made of soft memory foam, which is also used in orthopedic pillows .
  • They can therefore be stowed to save space and still retain their original shape – for a long time.

Whichever of the 2 travel companions you choose: Both enable relaxed sleep in a healthy posture.

Tip: There are more recommendations below .

Now let’s start with the actual guide:

Travel pillow: There are these variants

The number of different travel pillows is large – when rummaging in online shops you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the flood of different models and uses.

To make your choice easier, I will present all the important variants in the following sections (including their advantages and disadvantages).

The classic travel pillow

They are similar in shape to a normal pillow – but they are usually much smaller so that you can take them with you anywhere.

 

However, modern travel pillows have nothing to do with conventional down pillows – nowadays they are made of soft memory foam, which provides sufficient support even in thin pillows.

Advantages & disadvantages of travel pillows

With these pillows you will sleep as comfortably as at home in someone else’s bed.

Not only are they more hygienic than third-party sleeping aids in hotels, but also a lot more comfortable thanks to the foam.

Last but not least, we humans are creatures of habit:

No matter how fluffy a strange pillow is, we still have to get used to it in the first few nights. All of that is eliminated with a travel pillow.

But there is one disadvantage: They are not always suitable for long periods of sitting (if there is not a window seat free to be trapped, a neck pillow is the better choice).

Reading tip: Here is a purchase advice for the right pillow at home in bed.

Neck horn

Neck cushions are best for planes, trains, cars or long journeys while sitting.

 

  • They support your neck and keep your head from sleeping (and jerking you up with a tense neck) while you sleep.
  • In addition, the bolsters also work without the possibility of leaning against them (also in the aisle seat or on the passenger seat of the car).

A suitable neck pillow always stays in position and does not slip off.

Advantages & disadvantages of neck pillow

If you regularly sleep while sitting, then such a sleep aid is the best choice.

On the other hand, they are not really suitable for sleeping in a bed (there are neck rolls exactly for this purpose, but they should not be confused with the croissants for travel).

Neck bolsters only support the neck – the head rests directly on the mattress in bed, which leads to painful tension and shoulder pain due to overstretching.

Neck pillow

Nobody knows exactly what a neck pillow is. It can be just about anything.

 

The manufacturers call every sleep aid that supports the neck a neck pillow.

  • You will therefore find both flat travel pillows and neck supports for sitting under this name on the Internet.
  • To make the confusion complete, full-fledged orthopedic neck support pillows are also called that.

In summary: a neck pillow can be just about anything and be intended for travel as well as for the bedroom at home. In order to avoid a bad buy, it is better to orientate yourself on other properties.

New travel pillows for every purpose

Nowadays there are countless variants in all possible colors and shapes on the Internet .

Often these travel pillows solve a very specific problem:

  • For example, if you don’t like to sleep on a backrest, there are sleeping aids that you can use to rest leaning forward on the plane.
  • Another variant resembles a padded hat, with which you can lean comfortably against the window – without feeling tight around the neck.

Advantages & disadvantages of the special variants

The innovative travel pillows are not always convincing: sometimes they use inferior materials & sometimes they break after just a few uses.

  • In addition, the price is often significantly more expensive than a conventional travel pillow.
  • I will go into a few more recommendable variants below.

On the other hand, such models also offer a much more comfortable sleep. If you have specific personal requirements.

Whether such a new type of travel pillow is recommendable for you depends not only on the quality, but also on your sleeping habits.

One thing is certain, however: the attention of other travelers.

Inflatable travel pillows

You can stow these travel companions to save space and inflate them to full size if necessary.

Just about all variations of these are neck cushions, because inflatable pillows are not really comfortable (if you have already taken a nap or two on an air mattress, then you know what I mean).

Advantages & disadvantages of inflatable travel pillows

In terms of sleeping comfort, in my experience, these models cannot quite keep up with full fillings.

  • Compared to soft foam, they are not only harder, but also hardly adapt to the body.
  • If you don’t have any problems with that, you can use such an inflatable neck pillow.

They’re a little cheaper than the foam alternatives and provide adequate neck support.

Which material is recommended for a travel pillow?

You may have heard it earlier:

I’m a fan of memory foam pillows. No other material combines so many positive properties.

Imagine what happens to a bad pillow:

Conventional pillows have exactly this problem: At the beginning they are fluffy soft (and sufficiently high) … but then they collapse over the course of the night.

The result: The next morning you wake up with a tense neck because your pillow is completely sagging and your neck is completely stretched backwards.

Foam is pleasantly soft – and also provides support

With a high-quality sleep aid made of foam, this hardly happens at all.

Your pillow gives way (and feels very comfortable as a result). But only up to a point. The support function is guaranteed throughout the night.

Memory foam therefore not only ensures a comfortable night’s sleep, but also a healthy one .

A few more advantages

So now you know about the most important plus point (healthy sleep). But there are a few other advantages that I would like to briefly mention at this point.

On the one hand, such pillows are very durable. They always return to their original shape and usually retain their elastic properties for years.

Conventional headrests with down or polyester fibers feel saggy after a few months and lose their initial fluffiness.

On the other hand, foam pillows are also suitable for allergy sufferers. Mites or germs find no real basis for spreading in the foam and can therefore only multiply with difficulty.

(You will likely take your travel pillow with you to many different places, as this is a great hygiene benefit).

Compared to conventional down pillows, the material leads to significantly fewer allergy problems.

What about the other fillings?

Foam has a small disadvantage: it is more expensive than other filling materials.

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For this reason, many manufacturers also fill their pillows with other fillers, which, as I said, cannot quite keep up with the foam variants:

  • Down pillows are very comfortable, but they quickly lose support and have to be shaken up regularly. This is quite annoying when traveling and often uncomfortable (especially when you are sitting you need a sturdy cushion that provides sufficient support).
  • Synthetic fibers such as polyester are not only inexpensive but also provide far better support than down or feathers. Unfortunately, they are not as durable as foam (and lose their elasticity after a while – they feel uncomfortable and tension develops).
  • Plastic beads (micro-beads, EPS balls, etc.) are made of the same material, but they last much longer than fibers. In my opinion, they are the second best alternative to foam and ensure you have enough comfortable sleep.

In short: a foam cushion is not really expensive and definitely worth the money. Therefore, it is best to use a travel pillow made of this material.

Recommended travel pillows for every situation

After this brief overview, you will know about the most important points for choosing the right travel pillow.

You could now easily browse through various shops and find a suitable sleeping aid for your next vacation.

 

But that takes a bit of time (okay, I’m understating … the range of different models is huge , as I said, and you could spend hours comparing the different variants …)

To save you a whole lot of time, I have put together the best travel pillows for various requirements here.

From space-saving pillow replacements for hotel beds to comfortable supports for long flights.

  • The best travel pillow for the hotel bed
  • The best neck pillow for seated travel
  • The best neck support for backless seats
  • The best inflatable travel pillow
  • Out of competition: New travel pillows presented

The best travel pillow for the hotel bed

This compact foam cushion from Third of Life is not only suitable for traveling, but also for a small power nap in front of the TV (I like to use it as a support while reading).

 

  • As I said, we humans are creatures of habit. We therefore need a familiar sleeping environment for deep and healthy sleep.
  • This pillow is the ideal companion for this. Put it in the supplied pouch and take it with you wherever you travel.

Whether at the window seat on the plane or in the hotel bed:

  • The soft foam supports your head very comfortably for several hours (even on hard surfaces).
  • The spine stays straight and you can wake up without tension and start the new day feeling freaked out.

In my opinion, there are only a few other travel pillows that are so versatile and convince with such high sleeping comfort.

So be sure to take a look at this practical companion.

 

The best neck pillow for seated travel

If hotel pillows are comfortable enough for you and, above all, you want to arrive rested, then I recommend this neck pillow from sofi.

  • It is ideal for long periods of sitting and easily supports your head for several hours.
  • The spine remains straight and tension is much less common.

Sure, annoying fellow travelers or screaming children won’t stop this neck pillow – but you won’t sleep much more comfortably than with this mobile neck roll .

Memory foam is also used here and provides all the known advantages:

It adapts to your body exactly and supports it comfortably and extremely stable. (It doesn’t matter whether you lean back or on your side.)

The manufacturer has also given a few thoughts to the rest of the equipment:

There is a cord at the front that you can use to pull the neck pillow together. Even with a restless flight or shaking rails, the rice horn always stays in place.

All of this makes this pillow the ideal travel companion for long trips. For a comfortable arrival without tension, it is best to use this model.

 

The best neck support for backless seats

Perhaps you have already experienced the following problem: You want to rest, but your armchair only has a low, uncomfortable backrest.

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Especially at airports there is often a lack of a place to lean on. The original travel pillow from TRTL tries to solve exactly this problem.

  • It is like a supportive scarf that you can quickly wrap around your neck to support your head on long journeys.
  • Even if you lean on your side, this… travel scarf ( that’s probably the best way to describe it ) remains stable at all times.
  • In contrast to conventional neck pillows, it can be stowed away to save space and can really be taken anywhere.

The heat development is a disadvantage – the scarf can get quite hot at high temperatures.

For my next holiday in Spain, I would therefore prefer to take a travel pillow with temperature-regulating foam so as not to be soaked in sweat on the lounger before sunbathing .

In winter or in cold temperatures, however, the travel scarf shows all of its strengths and can make your trip a lot more comfortable.

When resting without the possibility to lean on, this sleeping aid is hard to beat and represents an interesting alternative to conventional neck monks.

So be sure to take a look at this innovative travel scarf.

 

The best inflatable travel pillow

Inflatable sleep aids have a dubious reputation – you may have used a smelly plastic item with incisive seams.

 

  • Fortunately, there are also high-quality variants that are much more convenient than any cheap parts from the Far East.
  • And best of all: When rolled up, they hardly take up any space – and can really be carried in any bag.

When do inflatable neck supports make sense?

Compared to travel pillows made of foam, air-filled neck cushions feel a little harder.

They do not give in as much as the flexible gel foam and hardly adapt to the body. For me personally, foam cushions are clearly ahead.

However, sleeping habits are also a very personal matter – and I know that some people even prefer the feeling of inflatable supports.

(And they’re also a little cheaper to buy, another plus).

recommendation

One of the best inflatable neck pillows is this sleep aid from Kmall.

In contrast to cheaper pillows, it not only convinces with its workmanship, but also with the soft cover.

  • Instead of sticky plastic, there is a soft fleece cover (washable of course).
  • The neck pillow will keep your head in an upright position throughout the journey.

This enables relaxed rest – even in jolting planes or rattling trains.

A valve on the side allows you to continuously adjust the degree of hardness and adapt it to your preferences.

Overall, this inflatable sleep aid does pretty much everything you can expect from a neck pillow. You can therefore use this variant for a space-saving travel companion.

 

Out of competition: New travel pillows presented

As already promised above, in this section I will introduce a few other variants that have (almost) nothing to do with classic travel pillows.

I want to point out that I haven’t tested any of the variants because they just don’t make sense for my needs.

For example this – let’s call it original – sleep vest.

Sleep vest for the plane

After a few hours in the backrest, you will surely have enough with even the most comfortable pillow – and this is where this sleeping aid comes in.

  • It looks like a vest that you can put your hands in.
  • In this way it should be possible to sleep leaning forward.

The reviews are mostly positive and for one or the other, this innovative pillow can certainly bring some relaxation on the plane.

If none of the recommendations above suit you or if you just want to try something new, then take this option.

 

Ergonomic pillow for the neck

This neck pillow, which you can also use as a hat, seems more sensible to me.

 

It cannot replace a real neck pillow, the material is too thin for that. However, it is suitable as additional padding (for example when leaning against the window seat.

And if you have enough of the constricting feeling and the neck, then you can also put the pillow on.

In addition to attracting the attention of your fellow travelers, this also brings you a little more sleeping comfort.

Learn more about the pillow

My conclusion on new types of sleep aids

So you see: in most cases you are far better off with a classic travel pillow or neck pillow.

Their orthopedic properties have been tried and tested, because with the right material they adapt exactly to the body and reliably stabilize.

  • Innovative sleep aids are not always bad, but unfortunately many manufacturers only rely on the visual values ​​and neglect the quality and durability.
  • And that’s exactly what matters in my opinion, because these properties also have a major impact on the quality of your sleep in a pillow.

If a neck support loses its firmness after a few washes and painful pressure points form, then the best shape is of no use.

In summary: Unfortunately, many new products do not focus on sleeping comfort and quality, but more on appearance. A high-quality travel pillow is usually better suited for healthy sleep.

There are a few more things to consider after purchasing:

Caring for travel pillows properly

Proper care can significantly extend the life of your travel pillow.

It is therefore best to read the manufacturer’s care tips carefully.

Because of the great variety of materials, it is impossible to give general care instructions.

Sometimes the pillow can be put in the washing machine, sometimes it should only be washed by hand … sometimes it is suitable for hot laundry, sometimes it can withstand a maximum of 40 ° …

Wash the cover regularly

Nevertheless, I would like to give you some general advice at this point (because it is also important for your purchase decision).

  • You should clean the pillowcase as often as possible, as most bacteria and germs collect in it.
  • If you forget about regular cleaning, these uninvited guests will end up in the pillow core.

Then everything is too late – the pillow not only smells musty, but also becomes a burden on your health. Cleaning the cover is therefore mandatory!

And if a pillow doesn’t have a washable cover, then don’t buy it in the first place. If the hygiene is not right, it can be so comfortable …

Therefore, make sure that maintenance is as simple as possible when buying.

How long can a travel pillow last?

Sleep experts recommend changing your own pillow after 5 years at the latest.

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  • Even with the best care, there will be no spread over the years that you cannot get rid of.
  • In addition, the material loses its elasticity and feels worn over time.

After a maximum of 5 years, even the best pillow should end. Nevertheless, in my experience, you shouldn’t go for the cheapest variants:

These usually break after a few months or lose their initial support. The quality of sleep suffers and tension increases.

  • And let’s be honest: Even “expensive” travel pillows don’t cost the world – none of the products presented here even comes close to the € 50 mark.
  • For less than 10 € per year you get an incredible amount of comfort and a little better health for the entire life of a travel pillow.

So there are really better areas to save some €. Investing some money in a high-quality travel companion & good sleep is always worthwhile.

Conclusion to the travel pillow comparison

That brings us to the end of this guide. I hope it was interesting and filled with a lot of helpful information.

Choose one of my recommendations above and you won’t go wrong buying a new travel pillow.

Sleep soundly and soundly

In addition to a suitable pillow and the right mattress, there are other things that are crucial for healthy sleep. First and foremost your sleep hygiene:

  • Pressure at work, constant availability through smartphones & leisure stress are sure to bother you too.
  • And you are not alone: ​​Many people have trouble falling asleep or wake up regularly at night.

With a few simple tricks, you can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

And the best: Most of them do not cost anything!

This site improves your night’s sleep

I started Sleepwithjoy.com to help you with this. Learn more about your sleeping habits (and of course how to improve them).

 

You don’t need expensive mattresses for this, just some time to find out more about yourself and your sleep.

  1. Here I collect various tips on the subject of healthy sleeping in numerous articles .
  2. You can read more about problems during the night in the category sleep disorders .
  3. Here you can find the latest news from sleep research (with lots of practical tips).
  4. Last but not least, the right furnishing of your bedroom is also important for a good night’s sleep.

Start with the area that interests you most – all of them can help you sleep more relaxed.

Or even better: It is best to save this page so that you can always rummage through new guides and tips for healthier sleep.

Thank you for reading this guide. Please recommend it to others to support this site.

Back to the pillow article overview

I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.

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