Neck Pillow Worth: Airport Essential Or Waste Of Money?

Neck pillows are a common accessory for travellers, but are they worth the investment? The answer depends on several factors, including your preferred sleeping position, travel plans, and budget.

Neck pillows can be beneficial for those who struggle to sleep while sitting upright, as they provide support to the head and neck, helping to prevent soreness and stiffness. They can be especially useful on long flights or journeys, allowing travellers to rest more comfortably. Some neck pillows are designed specifically for certain sleeping positions, such as side sleepers or those who tend to nod forward. Additionally, some pillows offer features like flat backs to align with seat headrests, adjustable straps, and breathable materials to prevent overheating.

However, neck pillows also have their drawbacks. Some people find them uncomfortable or awkward to pack, and they may not be suitable for those with thinner necks or specific sleep preferences. Inflatable pillows, while easy to pack, may not provide the same level of support as memory foam or filled pillows.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a neck pillow depends on individual needs and preferences. Some travellers may prefer alternative solutions, such as leaning against a window or tray table, using earplugs and eye masks, or adjusting the headrest for support. It's worth noting that some sources recommend memory foam pillows for their ability to accommodate different sleeping positions and provide support without feeling too tight.

Are travel pillows worth the investment?

Travel pillows are a great investment if you're a frequent traveller or are planning a long-haul flight. They can help you get some much-needed sleep and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. However, it's important to choose the right one for your needs as they come in various shapes, sizes and materials.

U-shaped pillows are the most common type of travel pillow. They are designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck. However, some people find them uncomfortable and bulky. Inflatable pillows are a good alternative if you want to travel light, as they take up very little space. Memory foam pillows are another option. They are often more comfortable and supportive than inflatable pillows, but can be trickier to pack.

When choosing a travel pillow, it's important to consider the thickness, packability and type of fill. The sides of the pillow should come up to the height of your earlobes, and the back should be flat or no thicker than one to two inches. Inflatable pillows are the most packable, while memory foam and cotton-filled pillows can be more challenging to deal with.

Some travel pillows are specifically designed for certain types of seats, such as window or middle seats. If you're not sure which type of pillow is right for you, it may be worth investing in a convertible pillow that can be used for both neck and lumbar support.

• Trtl Pillow: This unique pillow is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar. It has a plastic brace inside that helps to prevent lateral bending in the neck. It's adjustable, so you can choose which side you prefer to sleep on. It's also easy to pack and relatively inexpensive.
• Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Travel Pillow: This convertible pillow can be used for both neck and lumbar support. It has a built-in pocket for storing small items, and it folds up into a compact square shape.
• Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow: This U-shaped pillow has slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping and a flattened back to align with the chair. It also has an adjustable strap to fasten it to a headrest.
• Cabeau Air Evolution Inflatable Pillow: This inflatable version of the Cabeau pillow is a good option if you want something lightweight and easy to pack. It has a flat back and a neck strap for stability.
• Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow: This inflatable lumbar pillow is designed to provide support for your lower back, reducing stress on the joints and discs. It's easy to travel with, as it deflates and rolls up into a small bag.
• Travelrest Ultimate Travel Neck Pillow: This inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, giving you something to rest your head against if you're in the middle seat. It's easy to transport, as it deflates and rolls up to the size of an iPhone.
• J-Pillow: This pillow has a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion that extends below the chin to stop your head from sliding forward. It's a good option if you prefer to rest your head against the window.
• Ostrich Pillow Original Napping Pillow: This pillow covers your head, neck and forehead, providing padding if you want to sleep on the tray table. It also functions as an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones.
• Huzi Infinity Pillow: This soft and breathable scarf-like pillow can be wrapped around your neck or lower back, or both, to create a customised sleeping position. It's a good option for those with scoliosis or children who need a cosy option.

What are the best travel pillows for long-haul flights?

Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a good travel pillow can make your trip a lot more bearable. Here are some of the best travel pillows for long-haul flights:

• Trtl Pillow: This pillow is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar and it prevents lateral bending in the neck thanks to its plastic brace. It's adjustable, so you can choose which side you prefer to sleep on. It's also small and lightweight, making it easy to pack.
• Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow: This U-shaped pillow has slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping and a flattened back so your spine can align with the chair. It also has an adjustable strap to fasten it to a headrest, preventing you from flopping forward. It comes with a stylish circular bag that clips to the outside of your backpack or suitcase handle.
• Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow: This plush memory foam pillow has an asymmetrical design that can be adjusted to support your neck, chin, or head. It's easy to roll up and comes with a compact drawstring sack for storage.
• Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow: This convertible pillow can be used as a neck pillow or folded into a square-shaped pillow for lumbar support. It's firm but comfortable and has a built-in pocket for small items like earbuds or gum. It also has a snap closure that can be used to secure it to your luggage.
• Travelrest Ultimate Travel Neck Pillow: This inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, giving you something to rest your head against if you're stuck in the middle seat. It's easy to transport when deflated, as it rolls up to the size of an iPhone.
• J-Pillow: This pillow has a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion that extends below the chin to stop your head from sliding forward. It's cushy and has a fleecy lining, making it ideal for train journeys as it absorbs the vibrations of the tracks. It can be compressed to half its size and attached to your luggage with loops.
• Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow: This inflatable pillow provides lumbar support by inflating to two inches thick, reducing stress on the joints and discs in your lower back. It's easy to travel with, as it can be deflated and rolled up when not in use.

What are the best travel pillows for red-eye flights?

Travel pillows can be a great way to get some rest on a red-eye flight. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Best Overall: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

This pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. It has an asymmetrical design that can be adjusted to support your neck, chin, or head. The memory foam is soft and plush, and the materials feel high-quality and luxurious. It's easy to roll up and comes with a compact drawstring sack for travel. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable.

Most Comfortable: Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow

This soft and supportive travel pillow is perfect for long trips. It features adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions, as well as a chin strap for added comfort and security. The interior has a memory foam feel, offering a balance of support and coziness. The exterior fabric is soft and breathable, and the cover is machine washable. It rolls up into a compact carrying case that can be attached to a bag or slipped into a backpack.

Best Infinity-style: Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow

This pillow has a modular design that can be contorted in various ways to support your neck, chin, or back. It's nearly 40 inches long and can be wrapped once for less support or twice for more traditional neck support. The bamboo fabric is soft and breathable, and the pillow is machine washable. It takes up a lot of space in luggage, but it may be worth packing lighter to be more comfortable while travelling.

Firmest: Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This pillow is a good option for travellers who prefer a firmer neck pillow. It has a buckle strap that adjusts to fit your neck and offers 360-degree support for the chin, jaw, and back. It folds into a small ball and comes with a circular carrying case that can be clipped onto a backpack or suitcase. It also includes earplugs and an eye mask, and has a frontal slip pocket to store them. The carrying case is machine washable, but it's recommended to air dry it to prevent shrinkage.

Best Hooded: Pluto Pillow Pod

This pillow is like the blackout curtains of travel pillows. It features a cozy hood and a built-in eye mask to shield your eyes from light and muffle sounds. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie. It's easy to put on and offers excellent portability, with a clip to attach to a backpack or luggage handle. It's one of the pricier options, but the unique design and high-quality construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

Best Silk: Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

This silk travel pillow is a must-have for those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home. It's smaller than a standard pillow, making it perfect for trains, planes, and cars. Just make sure you have room in your personal item bag. The silk material is gentle on the skin and hair, and the pillow feels like it will last without going limp or flat.

Best Adjustability: BUYUE Travel Neck Pillow

This pillow has a unique design that allows you to swivel it around to support any part of your head. It has thick cushioning on one side and a breathable, soft fabric. It comes with a drawstring bag, but it still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack. The cover is removable and machine washable.

Best Value: Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

This microbead pillow from Samsonite is versatile and budget-friendly. It can be used as a neck pillow or shifted into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. It's lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around. It's on the softer side, so it might not offer enough support for some travellers.

Best Splurge: Purple Harmony Anywhere Pillow

If you're looking for a travel pillow that's just as comfortable as your pillows at home, this luxurious option from Purple is a great choice. It's a miniature version of their best-selling Harmony pillow, featuring a cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel. It's noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and a travel case can be purchased separately. It's one of the priciest pillows, but it offers a comfortable and luxurious experience for travellers seeking a splurge.

Best Breathable: Sleep Number Travel Pillow

This pillow is a good option for hot sleepers. It's made with a memory foam filling and a synthetic fibre exterior that allows air to pass through for superior breathability. It's large and cumbersome to carry, but it comes with a drawstring bag and a clasp to attach to backpacks or luggage.

Best for Side Sleepers: Trtl Pillow

The Trtl Pillow is a good choice for those who tend to sleep on their side. It consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside a soft, fleece scarf that wraps around your neck. It supports your head from one side and keeps your neck warm. It's compact, lightweight, and doesn't need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. However, it only supports one side of the head, and the fleece may cause your neck to overheat.

Best for Forward Nodders: Bcozzy Pillow

The Bcozzy Pillow is perfect for those who tend to nod forward while sleeping. It has an overlapping circular design that can be adjusted to your preference. It lacks tall, supportive sides, but it's perfect for those who like to wear over-the-ear headphones while sleeping. It's not very packable and doesn't come with a carrying case, but it has a snap-fastened loop to attach to luggage.

Best Inflatable: AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow

This inflatable pillow is versatile and easy to use. It inflates in seconds, providing comfort in any position, and folds into a compact carrying case

What are the best travel pillows for side sleepers?

Side sleepers may find it challenging to get comfortable on planes, but the right travel pillow can make all the difference. Here are some of the best options on the market:

• Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow: This U-shaped memory foam pillow has slightly raised sides to prevent your head from slumping and support your jaw. It also has a flattened back to align with the seat and adjustable straps to secure it to the headrest.
• Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow: This inflatable pillow is perfect for the middle seat as it provides something to lean against. It's worn like a sash and can be deflated and rolled up for easy transport.
• Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow: This inflatable lumbar pillow supports the curve of your lower back, reducing stress on the joints and discs. It's easy to travel with, simply deflate and roll it up.
• J-Pillow: The J-Pillow is ideal for window seats as it has a main body that supports the neck and a cushion that extends below the chin to prevent head sliding. It can be compressed by half and attached to luggage.
• Ostrich Pillow Original Napping Pillow: This pillow covers your head, forehead, and eyes, providing padding for sleeping on the tray table. However, it may be cumbersome to travel with.
• Huzi Infinity Pillow: This versatile pillow can be wrapped around your neck or lower back, or both, for customised support. It's easy to carry around your neck or rolled up and clipped to your bag.
• Circa Air Inflatable Knee Pillow: This inflatable knee pillow is a must-have for those who can't sleep without one. It takes just a few breaths to blow up and is surprisingly soft.
• Trtl Pillow Plus: The Trtl Pillow Plus is a firmer and more height-adjustable version of the original Trtl pillow. It supports your head from one side and is easy to pack, but it may not be ideal for those who nod forward in their sleep.
• Cabeau Air Evolution Inflatable Pillow: This inflatable version of the Cabeau memory foam pillow is easy to pack and has a flat back and neck strap for stability. However, it may not be as comfortable as the memory foam version.
• Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Travel Pillow: This convertible pillow can be used for neck or lumbar support and folded into a built-in pocket for storage. It also has small pockets for essentials like earbuds and gum.
• Travelon Deluxe Wrap N Rest Pillow: This pillow has overlapping ends that provide better support than the usual horseshoe shape and can be cinnamon-rolled into a packing cube for storage.

What are the best travel pillows for window seats?

Window seats are great for leaning against, but if you want to get some sleep, a travel pillow can make all the difference. Here are some of the best travel pillows for window seats, based on comfort, durability, portability, and quality:

• Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow: This soft and supportive travel pillow is perfect for long trips, with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging and an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The memory foam interior and soft, breathable fabric exterior make it a comfortable choice. It's machine washable and easy to pack, making it a great option for window seats.
• Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow: With its plush memory foam filling and adjustable asymmetric design, this pillow provides excellent neck support and comfort. It's easy to roll up and fits inside a compact drawstring bag, making it ideal for those who want to save space. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable.
• Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow: This pillow has a modular design and can be wrapped multiple times around your neck to provide the desired level of support. It's made from soft and breathable bamboo fabric and is machine washable. While it may take up some space in your luggage, it's a great choice for window seats as it provides comfort and support for your head and neck.
• Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow: This firm and supportive memory foam pillow is perfect for those who prefer a firmer neck pillow. It has a buckle strap that adjusts to fit your neck comfortably and provides 360-degree support. It folds into a small ball and comes with a circular carrying case that can be clipped to your backpack or suitcase. It also includes earplugs and an eye mask.
• Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow: This versatile pillow can be used as a neck pillow or shifted into a rectangular shape for leaning against a window. It's lightweight, soft, and easy to pack, making it a great option for window seats. It's also very affordable, making it a good choice for those who don't travel frequently.
• J-Pillow: This uniquely shaped pillow is perfect for window seats as it provides support for your head and neck. It has a thick, plush filling and is machine washable. It can be compressed and attached to your luggage, making it easy to carry.
• Trtl Travel Pillow: This pillow has a unique design with a curved piece of flexible plastic inside, providing a more solid structure to lean on. It can be positioned on the side or front, but some may find it obstructs breathing when positioned at the front. It comes with a travel bag and clip for easy transport, but it doesn't compact much due to the plastic support piece.
• Bcozzy Travel Pillow: This pillow provides 360-degree head and neck support with its flexible, overlapping coil design. It's soft, plush, and easy to adjust, making it a comfortable choice for window seats. It comes with a snap strap and carry bag, but it's not as compact as some other options.
• AYHome 360° Support Pillow: This pillow provides excellent head and neck support with its adjustable coil design and strong velcro. It's filled with memory foam and has a soft exterior fabric. It comes with a travel case and is easy to pack, but it may not be compatible with large headphones.
• Cabeau Evolution S3: This memory foam travel pillow has high sides, making it ideal for taller adults or those with longer necks. It has an adjustable cord to keep your head upright and prevent it from drooping forward. The memory foam conforms to your head, providing comfort and support. It comes with a travel bag and is machine washable.

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