The Best Travel Pillows for Quality Sleep Whenever, Wherever
Whether you’re traveling by train, plane, or automobile, chances are you’ll find yourself nodding off to sleep during a long-distance journey. Unless you’re the type that can fall asleep anywhere, finding a comfortable position can be a literal pain in the neck if you’re not lucky enough to be in a lie-flat business- or first-class seat. When the head and neck are left unsupported, you might wake up with aches and pains, or worse—you may not be able to sleep at all.
To remedy this, seasoned travelers often rely on a travel pillow to provide the support crucial for a more restful slumber. Once limited to an inflatable horseshoe-shaped plastic cushion design, the latest iterations of this handy travel accessory feature more comfortable materials and ergonomic shapes. For expert insight on how to shop for travel pillows, we spoke with Julia Forbes, sleep product expert at Sleep Advisor. If you’re in the market for a travel pillow, read on to see our top recommendations and tips on what to look for when buying.
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It’s lightweight, easily adjustable, and has a washable cover.
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It’s expensive.
The simple design of the Ostrichpillow Go makes it a lightweight, cozy choice and our top pick for comfort on the go. This travel pillow is made from high-density BASF memory foam and can be adjusted to a variety of neck sizes, thanks to a Velcro closure. The asymmetrical sides let you find the perfect height to support your chin as you sleep while leaving your ears unencumbered for use with smaller headphones or earbuds.
The Ostrichpillow comes in four calming colors and features a modal cover that can be removed and machine washed. When not in use, it can be compressed to 60% of its size and tucked into its travel bag for easy storage.
Material: Memory foam with modal cover | Size: 10.5 by 9.5 inches | Care: Cover is machine washable
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It packs well, is inexpensive, and comes in many colors.
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It only comes in one size and might not work well with large headphones.
If you’re looking for a travel pillow with big value, this inexpensive option from Napfun delivers. It has a traditional semicircle shape made of memory foam that keeps your head supported while preventing strain on the neck and shoulders. An adjustable toggle allows you to fit the pillow as snugly as you prefer, and its contoured shape offers chin support while making room for your ears. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to use earbuds.
While it only comes in one size, it can accommodate a wide range of necks and is available in several colors. It also has a carrying case and a removable cover that can be machine washed for easy maintenance.
Material: Memory foam with removable cover | Size: Not specified | Care: Cover is machine washable
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It’s adjustable and has a built-in eye mask and hood.
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It’s bulky and may give you hat hair.
This luxe model from Pluto is designed to act as your own sensory deprivation pod, equipped with a built-in eye mask and hood to keep lights and sounds at bay. The h