Catching ZZZs on the go is my favorite pastime.
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Whatever you do, please, please, please, don't let jet-setting influencers trick you into thinking that traveling is all fun and games. I mean, don't get me wrong—I'd love nothing more than to be gallivanting to all the best all-inclusive resorts, but sitting for multiple hours on a plane can be taxing. Despite my inability to afford first class, there are ways to make transportation a bit easier, like treating yourself to packing cubes and investing in the right travel pillow. After all, I can't help you charm your way past airport security, but I've got your back when it comes to neck support.
I'll be the first to admit that I didn't use to think travel pillows were necessary, but after coming to my senses, I realize they're not a want but a N-E-E-D when it comes to flying. Unless I'm cozied up against the wall in a window seat, there's no way I'm falling asleep sitting up, and few things are more irritating than (1) not being able to snooze on a long-haul flight and (2) arriving to your destination with a crick in your neck. That's why I found all the best tested and reviewed travel pillows that not only offer neck support but also have v helpful features like memory foam, chin support, and even lumbar support.
Prepare to feel like you're flying first class with these travel pillows. Paired with your chic luggage set and luggage tracker (plz don't forget this, bb), trust, there's no stoppin' ya. Keep scrolling to find the best travel pillow for your next trip. In the meantime, I'll be waiting for my invite!
This travel pillow made with memory foam is in it for the long haul. If you've ever woken up mid-travel day with a crick in your neck, you're gonna want to listen up. No matter your seat position—aisle, middle, or window—what sets this travel pillow apart is the angled back that allows you to stay flat against the seat and your spine to remain straight. Plus, the higher "walls" allow your head to rest comfortably in any position.
Glowing Editor Review: "What I like about this pillow is that it has super high 'walls,' so your neck doesn't fall to the side, and I love that it has a bag. I can't tell you how many times I've accidentally let my travel pillow drop to the floor of a dirty airport bathroom on accident. No such issues here," raves Cosmo Senior Entertainment Editor Emma Baty.
Do yourself a favor—stop leaning on your hand and let this travel pillow do all the work for you. If you're not a fan of bulky pillows, this lightweight neck support number was crafted for travelers just like you. It comfortably wraps around your neck with an internal support system that keeps your head resting in an upright position while you snooze. And you can throw it right in the washing machine when it's in need of a little refresh.
Glowing Customer Review: "I got this for myself right before an 11 hour flight and it's the best travel pillow I've used. It is less pillow and more support to keep your neck from flopping around while you are sleeping. I used it both along and with a pillow propped against the plane window. At one point of the flight I twisted it so it was a bit more under my chin and found that to be a very comfy way to sleep. I liked it so much, I bought three more for family who are about to embark on a 15 hour flight."
This super-soft microfiber find is your classic travel pillow that many people know and love. It's the standard horseshoe-shaped design and ideal for those who like to lean towards the side. But major unlock (!!!): turn it backward if you want to feel more support in the front for a change. The super soft fiber filling offers support that'll keep your head, neck, and shoulders from feeling like you just sat in a seat for hours on end.
Glowing Customer Review: "I brought this on a thirteen-hour non-stop flight to Hawaii, and boy was I glad I did. It was a life-saver. Really comfortable and squishy and easy to use around your neck or just as a pillow. It definitely made the flight more bearable. The snap closure made it easy to carry. I just attached it to the strap of my carry-on bag. Love it!!!"
Sure, several of the pillows on this list are designed to prevent neck pain, but this one offers DOUBLE the support. It especially stands out to me because it's available in kids' sizes and an extra-large size for adults. Great for side sleepers, chin droppers, and leaning sleepers, the ergonomic pillow with a unique overlapping arm lets you fall asleep in any position. Not to mention, it's fully machine washable and a compact travel companion.
Glowing Customer Review: "This product was fantastic at making my head feel supported all flight. I tried it in multiple positions and each one offered a different type of support. I was unable to sleep fully while using it but I don’t think that was the pillows fault as I normally have issues sleeping on the plane. This did however stop my head from bobbing forward and waking me up. This pillow was really easy to travel with as it clips to your backpack and makes for one less thing to hold while in the airport."
This pillow boasts 360 degrees of memory foam support, so it can totally handle your mid-flight snooze. It's got the trusty velcro closure you need to create your ideal fit and the breathable fabric is *chef's kiss* for hot sleepers like me. In case you start leaning forward while you doze off, the high walls will catch you and the memory foam material means it can easily smoosh into its compact storage bag. Added bonus: The sleeve is machine-washable.
Glowing Customer Review: "I travel very regularly and purchased this as a replacement for the more classic C shaped neck support. I’ve found the product incredibly comfortable and easy to pack-down to conveniently transport."
Have trouble getting comfy on planes? Let me introduce you to this flexible travel pillow. Filled with memory foam, the squiggle design allows you to bend and twist it any which way for support where you want it most. This is a great option for those who don't do well with traditional around-the-neck travel pillows since you can literally mold it into whatever position you desire. Some people even use it as a knee pillow under their legs!
Glowing Customer Review: "I love this pillow. I use it on longer flights and rotate between using it on my neck and back. I tend to get low back pain when I am seated for long periods of time and this has eliminated that when flying. This pillow is small enough that I am not bothering the stranger next to me if using it for my back as well. It does have a tighter feeling around the neck when it is snapped in the front, but I am not bothered by that and it does not impact its intended function for me."
Sorry, but I think the window seat is elite—it gives you somewhere to safely lean, and you get to look out the window. If you're a window seat stan like me, lemme put you on to this unique J-shaped travel pillow. The idea is fairly simple—the shape provides specific support to the head, neck, and chin for a cradled feeling that prevents your chin from sliding down. The pillow has a medium firmness and works great when wedged up against the window. Plus, it's a great option for those who don't like the feeling of something being wrapped around the neck.
Glowing Customer Review: "This product game changer! Ordered it last minute before flight and wow was it worth it! I can never sleep on flight but if you are a side sleeper like me this is for you. I rested my head against window with this travel pillow and fell into a nice sleep. Try it! You won’t regret it."
Dear hot sleepers, I understand your pain! I don't care what anyone says, but I have to be cool in order to fall asleep. That's why this cooling travel pillow is dedicated to you. It has all the great features of a comfortable travel pillow: memory foam, raised sides, and a travel case that can easily attach to your luggage. But what really sets this one apart is the incorporated side that allows heat to escape, so you can truly just chill out.
Glowing Customer Review: "Well built, comfortable and keeps your neck cool! This is the best neck pillow I’ve ever used. I can wear noise cancelling headphones with this without issue and the ventilation really works. It rolls up easily and fits into its own small bag which can be clipped onto your personal item. Highly recommended."
Who said you can't get beauty sleep while on the go? I love silk pillowcases because of the benefits for your skin and hair. Luckily, this travel pillow allows you to bring that princess treatment with you. It's a traditional pillow shape, so it's also a welcome addition to your hotel bed. I especially love the elasticized straps on the back that allow you to easily attach it to your carry-on or personal bag.
Glowing Customer Review: "I love how this can snap on my carry on or tuck easily into my checked luggage. I use it to provide extra support and firmness to my neck. This is great as an alternative to my orthopedic pillow at home."
No matter which seat you're in, this sash-like travel pillow will always be there to lean on. While it may not provide that same 360-degree squeeze as some of the other options, this one is great for hot sleepers and/or those who don't want to lug around a bulky neck pillow. In just 3-4 easy puffs, the pillow inflates, and when deflated, it neatly rolls up for an easy-to-store travel accessory that's basically the size of a 20-ounce soda.
Glowing Customer Review: "This is such a wonderful pillow for the airplane. We regularly take a 14 hour flight and you definitely need something to help you sleep sitting up on a long trip. The fabric of this pillow is a very soft velvet which feels very nice. It is also extremely easy to inflate and deflate the pillow and so it is easy to get to the right size for comfort. We are very pleased with it and recommend it to anyone who has a long trip in their future. It could even be useful in a car on a long trip to make it possible to sleep."
Who doesn't love a good 2-in-1? If you want something that can offer both back and neck support, this convertible pillow will become your best friend. While it looks like your typical U-shaped travel pillow that wraps around your neck, it can be easily converted into a square-shaped pillow in seconds. I especially love that it has a microbead filling that allows you to sink into the pillow, and it's super lightweight for travel.
Glowing Customer Review: "Perfect for 3 week trip on both planes and in hotels. Can be neck or square pillow so perfect for travel. Some hotels only had one little pillow and was nice to have extra pillow to get good nights rest. On planes can use as neck pillow or square as appropriate. Nice to have options. Although will not flatten out like inflatable pillow, it's not that bulky to fit in a backpack."
It didn't feel right to have this list without a Tempur-Pedic option. Offering up superior comfort, this simple peanut-shaped travel pillow serves more than one purpose. Since comfort isn't one size fits all, this firm travel pillow is ideal for those looking for a neck roll, lumbar cushion, or leg spacer. Plus, it's a great addition for your hotel room if the provided pillows just aren't cutting it.
Glowing Customer Review: "I can use this pillow in so many different ways. As a neck pillow, for my lower back, behind my knees, it's just so versatile."
In order to catch some quality ZZZs on your next trip, it's important to identify exactly what shape pillow will work best for you. The most common travel pillow is the U-shaped neck pillow, but now many brands are debuting designs that can be manipulated to your liking or converted into multiple shapes. If you want to prioritize neck support, a classic U-shaped neck pillow is your best bet. If you want to provide relief to more than just your neck, you will benefit from choosing a pillow that bends like the Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow, a lumbar pillow like the Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow, or even a rectangular pillow like the Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow.
Travel pillows can be made with memory foam, filled with beads, or inflatable. While most people (myself included) prefer the comfort of memory foam since it's the most accommodating, it's important to choose a pillow with the right material and fill that works for your travel routine. For example, if you're the type who likes to pack your travel pillow in a personal bag or carry-on, it'd be best to opt for an inflatable pillow or one filled with beads.
The last thing you want while traveling is to be overwhelmed by how much stuff you have to lug around. And, unless you're a packing expert who saves enough room to pack a travel pillow (jealous), having to carry one around the airport can be annoying. While the most packable travel pillow is one that inflates, those made with memory foam or other thick fillings can be cumbersome to travel with, but more comfortable for your snooze session. Bottom line: if you prefer a bulkier pillow, look for one with some type of snap closure to easily secure it to a bag or one with its own designated compact travel bag.
As you probably know, Cosmo's lifestyle team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves (and our standards are preeeetty darn high, TBH).
We try to make sure the products we feature are good for both you and our planet. If we wouldn’t buy something for ourselves, we sure as heck won’t recommend it to you—and we’re always gonna keep it really, really real. Pinky swear.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
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