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As a full-time travel journalist who’s been to over 50 countries, I definitely understand the importance of making economy feel like first class with the proper travel gear. In addition to my trusty foot hammock and Manta Sound sleep mask, a comfortable travel pillow that supports my posture is essential to getting a good night's sleep.
“Choosing a travel pillow that gives the proper support for your own needs is very important when trying to sleep while traveling,” agrees Julia Forbes, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “Finding a supportive travel pillow can make sleeping under circumstances that are not ideal better and help one wake up with fewer aches and pains.”
If you need something for the next long-haul flight, we’ve got you covered! Here are my picks for the best travel pillows on the market.
When shopping for travel pillows, it’s important to think about the following factors.
“When looking for a travel pillow, what’s best for you depends on your body type and comfort preferences,” says Forbes. “You should also consider whether you’re looking for something to just rest your head on, or if you want a pillow with more features, such as pockets or the ability to block out light.”
For the most part, you’re probably not going to want a travel pillow that takes up a ton of space in your carry-on or one you have to lug around. “Travel pillows come in all different shapes and sizes, so you should not only choose one that fits your head and neck well, but you should also look for a pillow that does not take up too much space in your luggage,” says Forbes.
For shorter trips, a packable inflatable pillow that breaks down might be best, whereas if you’re traveling on a long-haul flight, you might want something with memory foam. “Travel distance and type of travel are also important to consider,” suggests Forbes. “Some people travel long distances often, and others only sometimes. If you tend to travel more often, it’s more important to find a pillow that can keep your head and neck supported so you can sleep for several hours while traveling.”
Think about the type of travel that you’re doing and what might be best for the situation.
“Some travel pillows are designed for sleeping on planes while others are better for traveling in cars, so it’s also important to consider the type of travel you will be doing,” instructs Forbes. “You should also take note of what the pillow is made of, because public transportation like planes and trains can be filled with germs, so you should try to purchase a pillow that can be easily washed.”
Pay close attention to what the filling is before purchasing your pillow. “Travel pillows also come with various types of fillings,” explains Forbes. “It’s important to set your priorities, such as if you want something that can easily compact for easy packing, the support level, or if you want something with adjustability.”
Consider the features that are important to you. There are pretty basic travel pillows, but there are also specifically made travel pillows to support sleepers who tend to lean forward or to the side or who even need 360-degree support, especially if you’re an aisle seat-lover.
If you tend to lean forward when you drift off in a plane, train or car, you need a pillow with good chin support to keep your neck from kinking. The J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow is perfect for this, with its three-way support for your head, neck and chin. This is a great way to avoid stiff necks and get some good sleep. As a bonus, it’s even machine washable.
For a neck pillow with good chin support, go for the J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow.
Get it here: J-Pillow Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
This memory foam travel pillow offers essential neck support for sleeping while sitting up, and is even recommended by one of our experts. "My favorite travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution S3. It has a horseshoe shape like many travel pillows; however, it has raised side cushions that give your head 360-degree support,” explains Forbes. “This support prevents your head from leaning too far, which makes sleeping much more comfortable. It also has headrest straps which keep the pillow in place, so you should not have any problems while you’re sleeping.”
For a travel pillow that offers crucial neck support, the Cabeau Evolution S3 is a great option for your next long-haul flight or road trip.
Get it here: Cabeau Evolution S3
When you’re on a long-haul flight, it’s survival mode to stay comfortable, and that starts with good neck support. The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great solution for whichever way your head tends to lean. Its 360-degree design offers support to your neck and is built to maintain proper posture. It comes in a variety of colors like gray, teal blue, navy blue, black, forest green and deep purple.
For a stylish, colorful pillow filled with quality memory foam and a 360-degree design to support your neck during long flights, choose the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow.
Get it here: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Inflatable travel pillows are a great space saver and perfect for adjusting the firmness. You don’t have to worry about hanging on to anything clunky; you can just inflate it when you’re ready to fall asleep. This FlowZoom model is a solid option when it comes to inflatable travel pillows, and you can adjust it to the amount of support you need.
For an inflatable option that you can store in your bag until you need it, go with the FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow.
Get it here: FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow
For long-haul car rides, add the Huzi Infinity Pillow to your list of road trip essentials. It has 360-degree support and will keep you rested for when it’s your turn to drive (that is, unless you’re a permanent passenger). It’s bendable and versatile and can adjust to your body and various sleep positions.
For a versatile option that’s good for long car rides, go with the Huzi Infinity Pillow.
Get it here: Huzi Infinity Pillow
Some neck pillows can feel kind of suffocating, being big, bulky and even a little tight. The Trtl Travel Pillow is thin and secure, doing its job to keep your neck in a good position and support your head while you try to get some rest. It’s lightweight at just 4.5 ounces and easy to stuff in your tote bag.
If you’re looking for a highly-rated neck pillow that will support you while you’re trying to get some shut-eye, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a great option.
Get it here: TRTL Travel Pillow
When it comes to travel pillows, it’s not all about the neck support: Some people sleep just fine and don’t even need a pillow for their neck, but their back might be another story. Specifically designed to relieve back pain, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow is built to relieve pressure in the lower back and can travel around the world with you. It’s made with comfortable Hyperfoam so that it supports your natural posture while remaining comfy.
If you’re looking for essential back support as you travel, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow can relieve pressure on your lower back and help you have a more comfortable travel day.
Get it here: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow
If you tend to overpack as it is, the last thing you want to do is drag around another bulky item. Looking for a compact option that can fit nicely within your carry-on luggage while still providing the support you need with less of the hassle is essential. The Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow can help you feel comforted on those long-haul travel days.
For a firm travel pillow that will keep you comforted on the go, choose the Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow.
Get it here: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Making sure your kids are comfortable and well-rested can make for a much easier travel day for you, as well. The highly rated TRTL pillow comes in a junior version for little kids aged 8 and up. The TRTL Pillow Junior is not too clunky, and weighs under 4 ounces, offering crucial support to their neck, regardless of which way they fall asleep.
If you’re looking for a travel pillow to make your kid’s travel day as comfortable as can be, the TRTL Pillow Junior is a great option.
Get it here: TRTL Pillow Junior
If you like the feel of a silk neck pillow, the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow is the ideal pillow to take on your next trip. It provides the support you need to get hours of relaxation on the go and is built to help you avoid any neck pain. It’s portable, lightweight and breathable, offering you a comfortable rest on the go.
If you’re looking for a silk neck pillow to cozy up with on your next trip, go with the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow.
Get it here: THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow
There are quite a few amazing memory foam pillows on the market, but this Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is easily one of the best. Its twistable, foldable design provides support to your back, shoulders, head and spine to keep you comfortable during your travels. It has a machine-washable cotton cover, making it easy to wash the germs from planes off of your pillow and get it ready for your next trip.
If you’re looking for a pillow that you can twist and mold to your body while getting the support that you need, the Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the ideal option.
Get it here: Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow
If you tend to lean to the side when you fall asleep on the plane or sitting up in a car, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow folds up nicely and packs in your carry-on while providing a lot of support with its unique design. You can deflate the pillow when you’re done using it, roll it up and store it back in your bag for easy navigation through the airport.
If you’re looking for a good side sleeper pillow, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow is the ideal travel companion.
Get it here: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow
I am a full-time travel journalist and have tried out quite a few travel pillows to make my long-haul flights more comfortable. In addition to my experience, I also spoke with experts like Dr. April Spencer, owner and chief operating surgeon at Dr. Spencer’s Global Breast Health & Wellness Center and Julia Forbes, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, to come up with the best topics to consider when choosing a travel pillow that supports your posture and neck.
One of the most important aspects is that it provides the proper amount of support to your neck and the rest of your body. “Opt for pillows that offer adequate neck and head support, especially if you're prone to neck, shoulder or back pain,” says Spencer.
Before purchasing a pillow, be sure to look at the filling. “Choose a pillow made from comfortable materials, such as memory foam or soft fabric,” says Spencer.
Of course, as a travel product, you’ll want to make sure it’s nice and portable, not big and clunky. “Pick a pillow that is lightweight and easy to pack, preferably one that compresses or folds down for storage,” says Spencer.
Getting a pillow that adjusts a bit can help you find the right comfort level and firmness that match your preferences. “Consider pillows with adjustable features to customize the fit to your unique neck and body shape,” says Spencer.
When you invest in a travel pillow, you want it to last, especially because some are a bit pricier than you’d expect. “Look for pillows made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ideally those that can withstand frequent washing and usage,” advises Spencer.
There are a wide variety of adjustable, firm, memory foam travel pillows on the market. You just have to think about your personal needs and preferences before looking for the one that’s best for you.
Some travel pillows might need to be spot-cleaned, while others have a protective sleeve that can go right into the wash. It all depends on the individual product, so be sure to read the instructions to see the proper way to clean the travel pillow you choose.
When you’re shopping for the right travel pillow, Spencer recommends avoiding the following:
You don’t want to go with anything that’s too bulky because it might actually put stress on your neck or shoulders. “Large pillows can be cumbersome to carry and may not fit well in your travel bag,” says Spencer.
It’s extremely important to have the proper support for your posture. “Pillows that are too soft or flimsy may not provide adequate support for your neck and head,” says Spencer.
Stay away from any materials that might cause you discomfort. “Avoid pillows made from scratchy or uncomfortable materials that may irritate your skin during use,” Spencer instructs.
When you travel on planes, trains and in cars with your travel pillow, you want something that’s easy to clean because it’s obviously going to be exposed to plenty of dirt and germs. Try to “choose pillows with removable and washable covers for easy cleaning, avoiding those with fabrics that are hard to clean or maintain,” says Spencer.
According to OrthoUnited, when you’re choosing between a firm or soft pillow for the best travel pillow or the best pillow for neck pain, you’ll want to consider your sleep position. Side sleepers might want something firm to keep their head and neck supported, while stomach sleepers may want something on the softer side.
It all really depends on your preference and what support you need. However, Spencer says that “memory foam pillows tend to offer the best support and comfort for travel.” She adds that “it's essential to choose one that provides proper support to prevent neck strain and ensure a comfortable journey, especially during long trips. Improper neck support can lead to discomfort, stiffness and even pain, which can negatively affect your travel experience.”
Related article: How to wash pillows (and how often you should wash them)
back pillow for driving AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.