Rest Easy With The 9 Best Neck Pillows For Travel (2024)

Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow

Weight: 0.5 pounds | Cover material: OEKO-TEX® Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Sleeve is machine washable

Pros:

• Adjustable wrap design for a personalized fit
• 360 degrees of support
• Compresses to 60% of original size for easy stowing

Cons:

• Memory foam can trap heat
• Size variability is somewhat limited

This versatile pillow is designed in a wrap style that allows users to easily control how tightly or loosely it fits around the neck. Filled with forgiving memory foam, it molds to the shape of your neck, shoulders and chin, providing 360 degrees of optimal comfort and support that’s secured by easy-to-use velcro. While the soft and plush pillow feels luxurious when in use, the memory foam core allows for generous compression, which makes it considerably more portable than some others. Simply roll the pillow up and slide it into the included travel bag—it compresses to 60% of its original size for easier travel. The complete coverage it offers is ideal for someone who shifts around frequently in their sleep. Whether you sleep with your head back, to the side or straight in the middle, the Ostrich Go supports it from all angles. “When shopping for a neck pillow, look for one that supports the neck and the head,” says Dr. Vyas. She adds that a pillow with padding in the back—in addition to the neck and sides—is a better way to support the head during sleep. Made of soft viscose, the outer shell can be removed and thrown straight in the washing machine for easy clean-up.

Although this is a high-quality and supportive pillow, keep in mind that it is on the pricier side. Additionally, the velcro portion is short, so there isn’t a ton of size variability if you want to secure it extra tight.

What the reviews say: "I'm one of those people that can never sleep on a plane, no matter how long the flight is," writes one reviewer. "I've tried many types of pillows and nothing helped. I had a 12-hour flight coming up and decided to give this one a try. Best decision ever. I had several hours of good sleep and felt so much more rested." Another says, "This pillow is great. I first used it on an airplane and was pleasantly surprised at the strong level of support my neck received. I was able to nap without waking with a stiff neck or headache...I love how small this packs inside a suitcase. Or I can tie it onto the outside of my carry-on and have it ready when I want it."

Weight: 0.28 pounds | Cover material: Fleece | Fill material: Foam, plastic | Care: Outer wrap is machine washable

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight
• Personalized fit

Cons:

• Designed to support one side of the neck at a time
• Can be tricky to get into place

When it comes to lightweight portability, the Trtl Pillow can’t be beat. This option works more like a padded neck brace that’s wrapped in soft fleece, rather than a traditional pillow. When not in use it conveniently wraps into a surprisingly small package that weighs less than half a pound. It’s easy to shove in a purse, but it’s easy to wrap around the handlebar of your carry-on suitcase, too.

The firm and sturdy inner support system holds your neck, chin and jaw in place while the soft, scarf-like exterior wraps around your neck. Thanks to the velcro enclosure, the fit can be completely personalized, so you can wrap it as tightly or loosely as you like. Don’t let the fleece fool you, it’s surprisingly breathable and lightweight while perfectly warm and cozy at the same time. The brace system sits on one side, which means it can only support one side of your neck at a time, so it's ideal if you're in an aisle or window seat. If you’re someone who twists and turns a lot in your sleep, you likely need to remove and reposition it each time you adjust your head.

What our editors say: Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, swears by the Trtl Pillow and has been using it exclusively for years on both domestic and long-haul flights. “I’ve found it’s ideal no matter which seat I’m in,” she says. Since switching from more traditional neck pillows to the Trtl, “I don’t wind up feeling any residual neck or shoulder pain whatsoever after dozing off on a long flight. Plus, because you can adjust it to your liking, it's easy to get a personalized fit. It may sort of look like you're wearing a neck brace, but it works, and I'm standing by it forever.”

Pluto POD

Weight: Less than 1-pound | Cover material: Alcantara and WPS mesh blend; Spandura | Fill material: Foam, recycled fill | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Includes a sleep hood and eye mask
• Padded neck band is adjustable

Cons:

• On the bulkier side

The Pluto team was thinking way outside of the box when they brainstormed this combination sleep hood, eye mask and neck pillow. The patent-pending design is engineered to address common travel woes, from too much light and noise to bobbing heads, and it’s completely up to the task. The Pod resembles the hooded part of a hooded sweatshirt, with a wide, supportive band that uses Velcro to secure it around the neck. Those features muffle sound and offer comfortable neck support all the way around. There’s also a blackout eye mask that can be folded down to effectively block out light. All together, this delivers about as much sensory deprivation you can hope for when you’re on a crowded plane 10,000 feet in the air.

The Pod snaps into itself for a tidy bundle, but fair warning that it is on the larger side. Fortunately, the Velcro band means you can also secure it to retractable luggage handles. Not sure whether the Pluto Pod is what you’re after? The company offers a 110-night trial so you can put it to the test.

What our editors say: Lindsey Vickers, a former mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, loves the Pluto POD for travel. She found it addressed each of her travel-nap woes, from an unsupported neck to a bobbing chin to excessive light.

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow

Weight: 12.7 ounces | Cover Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Memory foam, plastic | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Vented for breathability
• Moisture-wicking cover material

Cons:

• Doesn't compress well for storage

With mesh side vents that let hot, stale air escape, this cooling pillow keeps you free from sweat, even on the stuffiest flights. The adjustable front clasp makes it easy to pull the pillow tightly around your neck or loosen it as needed, and the dual memory foam construction provides firm support that’s comfortable and soft. The high sides keep your head pleasantly in line with your spine, so you don’t bobble around or wake up feeling sore and stiff. While the pillow provides ample cushioning, it’s purposely flat in the back, so you can sit comfortably against your head rest without being pushed forward. The moisture-wicking material helps keep you dry and cool throughout the flight.While this is extra-comfortable thanks to the thick memory foam, it doesn’t compress tightly and can be a bit cumbersome to carry around.

What the reviews say: One customer says this pillow is "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." Another says it's "very sturdy, well-built and provides great comfort when traveling. The vents on the sides prevent overheating and sweat."

Weight: 11.3 ounces | Cover material: Faux velvet | Fill material: Plastic, air | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Faux velvet cover is soft and comfortable
• Quick and easy to inflate and deflate

Cons:

• Some reviewers note that it's bigger than they expected

Most inflatable neck pillows are known for having sharp edges or a rough, unforgiving surface. That’s not the case with this versatile pillow. The elongated “U”-shaped pillow is coated in faux velvet, which means it’s soft and cozy to the touch and doesn't irritate your skin. To use, simply turn the valve to inflate, then wrap it around yourself. The pillow offers extra neck support on both the left and right side, so it’s a great choice if you’re sitting in the aisle, window or middle seat. An elastic strap is the key to tightening or loosening it, which means it’s completely customizable and there’s no need to worry about itchy velcro scratching your neck or chin. When ready to deflate, simply turn the valve, roll it up and pack it into the included travel bag.

What the reviews say: "It’s easy and fast to inflate even as an asthmatic. Plus, because it’s inflatable, you can adjust the fullness as needed," says one customer. "When I wanted to wear my sleep headphones with it, I just made it a little less full and everything worked. I love that the cover is removable so it can be washed, too." Another says, "We used these pillows on an overnight flight to France. The flight was uncomfortable, but the pillow was great. It was easy to inflate, stayed in place, and stayed inflated for six hours without any loss of air. What more can one ask of a travel pillow?"

Weight: 0.7 pounds | Cover material: Microsuede | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Flattened back helps maintain spinal alignment
• Seat straps keep the head and neck in place while you sleep

Cons:

• It takes some effort (especially if you're short) to attach the straps to your seat

This memory foam pillow has a traditional "U" shape with an adjustable toggle clasp that means 360-degree support. A slim, flattened back lets you sit comfortably upright without the head pitching forward, while raised sides offer gentle contouring around the jaw. But the big differentiator is the patented seat straps, which can be attached to the seat back to keep the head from slouching or tipping forward when you fall asleep. By keeping your head in place, the pillow does a great job of maintaining cervical spine alignment—a big plus if you're dealing with neck pain. That's why the Cabeau Pillow is recommended by orthopedic experts. We also like that it compresses down to half its size and comes with its own travel bag.

What the reviews say: "This is a real winner. I travel a lot and take long trips, and this [pillow] allows me to sleep for a long period of time because my head isn't flopping around," says one reviewer. "I also have no neck pain, which I have had with my other [travel pillow]. It folds up nicely and fits in its case far better than my others. You can't go wrong with this." Another confirms, "The sides are high and supportive enough that I woke with zero neck pain and [experienced] zero head bobs while sleeping."

Weight: 0.8 pounds | Cover material: Polyester | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Slanted design keeps your neck and spine aligned
• Raised sides keep the head from wobbling

Cons:

• Tall sides may be incompatible with some headphones

This memory foam pillow features extra-tall sides that help keep your head in a naturally upright position throughout your entire flight. Whether you sleep with your head to the right side, left side or front, you are supported on all angles by firm yet soft padding encased in a soft fleece cover. Most importantly, the pillow is designed with a flat back so it sits flush against your seat. That means you don't jut forward, so your head and neck can stay appropriately in line with your spine to allow for maximum comfort. The pillow is also lined with non-slip rubber grip dots to prevent it from slipping out of place while you sleep.

This pillow provides firm support to all sides of your head and neck, and it comes at an affordable price. It’s perfectly portable, too—the pillow compresses and slips easily into an included travel bag that can clip onto your luggage.

What the reviews say: "It's super supportive," says one reviewer. "I've slept hours and hours thanks to its support." Another writes, "This is my favorite travel pillow. It provides a firm support for your neck with just enough give so it's not too stiff."

Weight: 7.4 ounces | Cover material: Microfleece and microsuede | Fill material: Polyester | Care: Cover is machine washable

Pros:

• Versatile design can be used in different positions
• Soft cover material and ample support

Cons:

• Some reviewers describe it as bulky

This super-plush travel pillow comes in a completely customizable design, so the pillow itself can be wrapped in a number of ways depending on your preference. Depending on which way you wrap it, the pillow can support your head and neck whether you’re sitting in the aisle seat, the window seat or the middle seat. The soft cover is made from microfleece and microsuede, so it’s soft against your skin and doesn't cause irritation or itching. The arms of the pillow can be doubled up to provide extra support to your neck and chin, or you can leave it in a single layer for more gentle, soft support.

The filling feels like you’re sleeping on a down pillow rather than stiff, firm memory foam. If this pillow wasn’t already versatile enough to begin with, the soft filling makes it even more adaptable. “Soft support is my preference when shopping for a neck pillow,” says Dr. Vyas. “It allows one to lean on a window or side of the plane if needed.”

What the reviews say: "What I absolutely love about this neck pillow is that it’s flatter in the back so your neck is not pushed forward so much, has adjustable Velcro to adapt it to your liking and is ultra-soft, yet firm where it needs to be," says one reviewer. Another writes, "The pillow's construction is comfortable, and the material feels soft against the skin."

Weight: 0.4 pounds | Cover material: Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable

Pros:

• Clever design fits on the hand for support
• Small and compact

Cons:

• Not for those who are looking for a traditional neck pillow

Whether you’re on an airplane, commuting on a train, driving across the country or simply lounging in a reading chair, this do-it-all pillow is the perfect alternative to the traditional “U”-shaped option. The innovative product slips onto your hand—it’s suitable for lefties and righties—and lets you hold your head comfortably and securely with soft, gentle padding. Made from super-soft viscose, the pillow can be slipped onto your palm, or all the way up your forearm if you’re someone who likes to cross your arms, and lay the tray table in front of you. It’s a completely versatile option for anyone looking to get more out of their neck pillow. Thanks to the smaller size and unique shape, this is also one of the most portable and compact neck pillows on our list.

What the reviews say: "I frequently sleep on my hands, only to wake up to an uncomfortable dead arm," writes one reviewer. "This solves that problem, as it moves with my head and hands, keeping me comfortable no matter which way I turn. [It's] very useful for long flights and car rides, as it fits in a carry-on bag and is highly portable." Another says, simply, "It's a comfortable little convenience everyone [has] to have."

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