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Best Travel Pillows of 2024 For Maximum Relaxation On the Go

Travel Pillow
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updated: September 16, 2024
edited by Amber Katz

Traveling can be exhilarating and exhausting (often at the same time). The right travel pillow can help you catch some shut-eye while on the red-eye (or any other flight), train, bus, or car, so you can enjoy your destination when you arrive. Forget about using a rolled-up sweatshirt (the way I used to snooze while traveling in my youth) shoved against a window. These travel pillow picks are a step up for sleeping on the go.

Our top picks for best travel pillows

Best travel pillow for large headphones and best for chin support: Bcozzy Neck Pillow

This looks like a stuffed animal snake to me, but that's because it provides double ergonomic support designed to prevent neck pain and sore shoulders. I love that it’s adjustable, so you can sleep with your chin propped up if you’re a front sleeper or sleep with your head to the side or both because you can manipulate the pillow (it’s foldable). This travel pillow comes in two sizes, large and x-large making it perfect for many sized bodies.

It has a snap loop and its own carry bag so you can attach it to your luggage or hang it up. You can also simply keep it wrapped around your neck as you traipse through the airport (although you might elicit stares and giggles). Throw it in the wash and air dry to keep it clean. It works great on an airplane, but you can use it anywhere you need to rest sitting up.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Polyester microfiber
  • Machine washable cover: Yes
  • Size: Up to 15 inches (large) over 15 inches (extra large)
  • Color: Multiple
  • Price on publish: $44.97

Pros:

  • Can be wrapped in different ways depending on your position.
  • Multiple color options

Cons:

  • Polyester 
  • Wraps around your neck (some people and children may not be comfortable with that)

The bottom line:

This wrap-around travel pillow is suitable for nearly every kind of upright sleeping position, but if you don’t like something wrapped around your neck, this isn’t for you.

Best lumbar support pillow for air travel: Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Temper-Pedic makes excellent pillows to support your back and spine and this travel lumbar pillow made from memory foam is no exception. It’s made from the same materials as their award-winning mattresses, meaning it will conform to your middle and lower back as you sit upright on an airplane for hours at a time. The molded shape is designed to distribute your weight evenly and relieve pressure. It’s no fun (I speak from experience) to arrive at your destination in back spasms, and a lumbar pillow of this caliber may make all the difference for proper back support.

You can keep it clean by throwing the case in the washing machine or spot clean it on the go. Plus, you don’t have to limit using it to travel; it works great for any situation (work or home) that calls for sitting upright for long periods of time. One downside: It weighs two pounds, which will add to your overall allowed carry-on weight, and you may need to put it on top of your bag or squash into the side.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Memory foam and allergen-resistant cover
  • Machine washable cover: Yes
  • Size: 10 inches x 11 inches x 2 inches
  • Color: Navy
  • Price on publish: $59

Pros:

  • Conforms to your body
  • Offers plenty of support
  • Can use anywhere, not just for travel

Cons:

  • Adds weight to your carry-on bag
  • A little bulkier than a smaller pillow

The bottom line:

A well-designed lumbar pillow from Tempur-Pedic memory foam that will help prevent back strain on long flights.

Best compact travel pillow: DYNMC YOU Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow

DYNMC YOU Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow

DYNMC YOU Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This compact travel pillow made with memory foam is easy to tote and throw into your bag. It rolls up easily and stuffs into its one nylon bag that you can clip or tie onto your luggage. The pillow weighs only 1.3 pounds and fits easily into carry-on luggage. I like that it’s odorless and OEKO-TEX certified.

Specifications

  • Fill and materials: OEKO-TEX®-certified fabric (95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex) and memory foam
  • Machine washable cover: Yes
  • Size: 7 inches x 9.8 inches x 15.7 inches
  • Color: Gray
  • Price on publish: $27.00

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified materials

Cons:

  • Doesn’t accommodate front position sleepers

The bottom line:

A simple compact lightweight travel pillow made of memory foam that comes with a small nylon carrying case.

Read, Also: The Best Travel Backpacks That Won’t Weigh You Down

Best silk travel pillow: Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow

Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow

Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow

If you love the feel of silk against your skin and don’t mind using a travel pillow without a lot of structure, this one from Lunya is a great choice. It’s made from washable silk and easily attaches to a suitcase or carry-on for maximum portability. Plus, it comes with extra filling so you can plump it up to the perfect size whether on a plane, train, or automobile, and its straps mean it will stay put without sliding off a headrest. Throw on your travel shoes and slip this silk pillow into your carry-on for maximum comfort. Shopping tip: If you’re looking to enjoy that luxurious feeling 24/7, check out our list of the best silk sheets.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Recycled polyester and washable silk/spandex blend
  • Machine washable cover: Yes
  • Size: 17 inches x 11 inches x 5 inches
  • Color: Navy or tan
  • Price on publish: $128

Pros:

Cons:

  • Expensive (although it is silk)

The bottom line:

This washable silk travel pillow attaches to any regular sized headrest to provide soft support and has extra padding so you can decide how firm you need it to be.

Best long flights and neck support: Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

You might know the excellent Trtl Pillow Junior (a great pick for the best kids’ travel pillow) but did you know it comes in an adult size? Because why let kids have all the comfort during travel! This scarf-like travel pillow is extremely soft (thanks to the fleece) and its internal support system keeps your head and neck upright. It may look like a fashion statement, but there’s no need to wear it through the airport; it’s so light that you can toss it into your bag or simply clip it onto your purse.

It's easy to wash the wrap by hand or in a machine, and it has over 19K five-star ratings on Amazon. Personally, my family will all be wearing ours (kids and adults) on a long-haul flight this summer for maximum sleep comfort that we can easily shove into a small carry-on.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Supersoft hypoallergenic fleece
  • Machine washable cover: Yes but it’s advised to remove the inner support structure
  • Size: One size (dimensions not available)
  • Color: Four colors (gray, black, red, coral)
  • Price on publish: $59.99

Pros:

  • Super lightweight
  • Easy to stow away
  • Clips onto a bag

Cons:

  • Wish it came in more colors

The bottom line:

A scarf-like pillow that keeps your neck and head upright and aligned, easily fits into a carry-on or purse, and weighs less than half a pound.

Read, Also: Best Luggage for International Travel to Make Your Trip Abroad Easy and Enjoyable

Best inflatable and side sleepers pillow: Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

My son said this looks like a blue banana, but I was reminded of a rolled-up yoga mat. This sling-like inflatable travel pillow attaches to the seat of an airplane or car (or, for that matter, could attach to a train or bus seat) and is worn like a sling across your body.

This wins my vote for “best for side sleepers” as well, who need to lean their head to one side for maximum comfort while sleeping on a road trip or flying through the skies. The unusual shape provides lateral support to the upper body and allows you to lean into it while keeping your head and neck in alignment. Best of all, it inflates and deflates easily for portability—roll it up and snap it to the outside of your bag. It may not be the most attractive pillow on the market, but users swear by its comfort. Best of all, you can wash it by hand or on a gentle cycle and line dry while on the road.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Velour cover with memory foam
  • Machine washable cover: Yes
  • Size: 3.5 inches x 10 inches rolled up
  • Color: Blue or gray
  • Price on publish: $36.95

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Easy to pack

Cons:

  • May not provide enough support for some sleepers

The bottom line:

A soft sling-like pillow that inflates and deflates for easy packability, working extremely well for side sleepers with its lateral support for the upper body.

Best travel and memory foam pillow for side sleepers: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Side sleepers have somewhat of an advantage when it comes to sleeping upright because of many U-shaped travel pillow designs, and this one is no exception. Side sleepers can tilt their head to either side of this pillow while keeping their neck and spine in alignment. Plus, this highly-rated travel pillow deflates, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your carry-on or purse. It has a narrow center to better fit airplane seats and headrests, too.

Specifications

  • Fill and material: Air and brushed 50D polyester knit cover
  • Machine washable cover: No (hand wash only)
  • Size: 15.3 inches x 11.4 inches x 4.3 inches (inflated)
  • Color: Navy
  • Price on publish: $49.95

Pros:

  • Deflates
  • Only weighs 3 ounces
  • Good for side sleepers
  • Includes its own zippered case

Cons:

  • May not be good if you don’t typically rest your head to one side

The bottom line:

An ultra-soft cover on an inflatable and durable air-pillow with a traditional U-shaped opening that works well for airline travel if you don’t mind a firm headrest.

Read, Also: Best Travel Strollers: Tested and Reviewed by Parents

How we tested and selected the best travel pillows

I’ve personally used some of these or very similar travel pillows on air and road trips. I polled my friends and colleagues, researched many types of travel pillows at multiple price points, and conducted a deep dive into reviews of each product, including ratings by travel specialists.

What to consider when buying travel pillows

Packability

The problem with any kind of travel accessory is stuffing it back into a carry-on bag after you have used it. Personally, I try to pack as lightly as possible, which means I want a small pillow if I’m using one at all. Thankfully, these days, travel pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and some are easier to wrangle than others. You can find that pillows deflate after use; others can snap onto the handle of your bag for easy carrying, and a few you may need to make room for.

Travel pillows can also be used for relieving sore backs, like a travel-sized lumbar, which I’ve used on occasion for long car rides. However, if you’re carrying a pillow versus tossing it into the trunk of a car or a travel tote on arrival, consider how much space you want to designate for your travel pillow.

Shape

U-shaped, flat mini-sized, and wrap-around are three of the most common shapes for a travel pillow, and all have pros and cons. These pros and cons depend on your sleep position (front versus side) while sitting upright, comfort level with having something around your neck, and if you prefer to lean against a more traditional flat pillow. A front sleeping position is when your chin drops forward as you sleep upright. The side position is just what it sounds like—your head falls to the side while sleeping upright. Some people find themselves using both.

Fill and cover

Like most, travel pillows have different fills including memory foam (some have shredded foam, others use a block), microbeads, or air (if the pillow is a blow-up). Make sure the cover will keep you warm but not overheated while traveling—microfiber and fleece are good options. If you’re allergic to latex or any other material, always check the label before purchasing. Some travel pillows call for hand wash and line drying, while others can be tossed into a washing machine.

Portability and storage solutions

When you travel, especially by air, keeping bags and things to a minimum may be at the top of your list of priorities—it’s definitely on mine. Travel pillows may come with their own case, but often that’s to help keep your travel pillow clean and secure, and unfortunately, it may just end up as another thing to schlep around with you.

There are a few portability and storage solutions you can consider. Some travel pillows deflate and lay flat. Others can be squished into a compact ball you can stuff into your carry-on. A memory foam or cotton travel pillow may be stored in a vacuum-sealed or compression bag to minimize space. Other pillows have attachable clips that allow you to simply clip it to the exterior, often the handle of your bag. If you’re using a large travel pillow, consider stuffing it into a sling-style bag (if it will roll up, maybe a yoga bag) and wearing it as a cross-body.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are memory foam travel pillows comfortable for long flights?

Yes, according to travelers I spoke with. And according to online reviews of various memory foam travel pillows, memory foam—either shredded or in a block—does work well on long flights. You can find many highly-rated memory foam travel pillows on the market—several are on my list!

Are travel pillows suitable for use in cars or trains?

Yes! Travel pillows aren’t limited to airplane use. You can use a travel pillow any time you need to sleep during a trip. Some people like to use their travel pillows, depending on the shape and size of it, in a hotel room, too.

Can travel pillows help prevent neck pain during travel?

The right travel pillow for you may help prevent neck pain during travel because your posture can take a hit when you fall asleep in an upright or semi-upright position like in an airplane seat. Of course, there is no guarantee that a travel pillow will save you from a stiff neck, but most quality ones are designed to protect you against neck pain or strain caused by long hours in a seated position. You can also look for a travel pillow that’s designed by, or recommended by, chiropractors.

Do travel pillows come in different sizes?

Absolutely! While most are on the smaller size, you can find larger ones. There’s a wide range of travel pillows on the market. If you want a large pillow, consider simply bringing one from your bedroom—these work fine, I’ve found, when taking a road trip and you just need to rest by squashing a pillow behind you (or depending on their tolerance, leaning it against a sibling or cousin, in my case).

Do travel pillows come with carrying cases?

Yes. Many travel pillows (and most of the ones above) come with a carrying case that can help keep the pillow clean and separate from your other carry-on items. Of course, you don't have to use the case, if it takes up room, but if it is included, it’s nice to use.

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