Airport Pillow Buying Guide: Choosing Comfort Wisely

Choosing the right airport pillow can be the difference between a good and a bad flight. There are many factors to consider when choosing an airport pillow, such as comfort, durability, portability, and quality.

The best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. It is also important to consider your sleeping position. If you are a side sleeper, you might want to consider a U-shaped pillow that goes around the neck. If you are a back sleeper, a traditional flat pillow might be a better option.

Memory foam pillows are a popular choice for travel pillows as they are accommodating and not too soft or too firm. Inflatable pillows are also a good option if you are looking for something compact and easy to pack.

Some recommended airport pillows include the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow, Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow, Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow, and the Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow.

Memory foam vs inflatable: Memory foam pillows offer more support but are bulkier, whereas inflatable pillows are easy to pack but may not be as comfortable

When it comes to memory foam vs. inflatable pillows, the former offers more support but is bulkier, while the latter is highly portable but may compromise on comfort.

Memory foam pillows are ideal for those who prefer a firmer pillow, as they provide more support for your neck and head. They are also a good option if you want something that will retain its shape over time. However, memory foam pillows tend to be bulkier and may not compress easily, making them less convenient for travel.

Inflatable pillows, on the other hand, are highly portable and easy to pack. They can be inflated and deflated as needed, making them convenient for travellers who want to save space. However, they may not offer the same level of comfort and support as memory foam pillows. Inflatable pillows also run the risk of springing a leak, which can be inconvenient during travel.

Ultimately, the decision between memory foam and inflatable pillows depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. If you prioritise support and are willing to carry a bulkier item, memory foam is a good choice. If portability and compactness are more important to you, an inflatable pillow might be the better option.

Portability: Look for a pillow that is easy to carry and pack, especially if you are flying with hand luggage only

When choosing an airport pillow, portability is an important factor to consider, especially if you are flying with hand luggage only. You don't want your travel pillow to take up too much space in your carry-on bag or be a nuisance once you arrive at your destination.

Look for a pillow that is easy to carry and pack. Some pillows have a snap closure at the front that can be used to secure it to the handle of your suitcase. Others come with a compact carrying case or bag that compresses the pillow to a smaller size, making it more portable. Some pillows can even be attached to the outside of your backpack or luggage, which is ideal if you're travelling light and want to save space inside your bag.

Inflatable pillows are usually the most compact and easiest to pack, as they can be deflated and rolled up into a very small size. However, they may not be as comfortable as memory foam or cotton-filled pillows. Memory foam and cotton-filled pillows tend to be a little trickier to pack and carry, but they are likely to be more comfortable, especially for long flights.

When it comes to portability, it's also worth considering the weight of the pillow. Memory foam pillows don't weigh much more than inflatable pillows and can offer significantly more comfort.

Comfort: The pillow should be soft and comfortable, but also provide ample support for your head and neck

When it comes to comfort, the pillow should be soft and plush, but also provide ample support for your head and neck. Memory foam is a popular filling for travel pillows, as it is both supportive and soft. The pillow should be designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck, with raised sides to stop your head from slumping. A flat back will also help to keep your neck in line with the seat.

The pillow should be adjustable, with a strap or string closure, so it can be tightened or loosened to fit snugly around your neck. The pillow should also have a removable, washable cover, as planes can be dirty places.

The Trtl travel pillow is a good option for comfort, with a bendy plastic brace inside a soft fleece scarf. The brace can be adjusted to support your head as it nods to the side. The Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow is another good option, with slightly raised sides and a flattened back. It also has an adjustable strap to fasten the pillow to a headrest.

Fit: Ensure the pillow fits your neck snugly and securely. Some pillows have adjustable straps to help with this

When choosing an airport pillow, it's important to ensure that it fits your neck snugly and securely. A good fit will prevent your head from drooping forward or bobbing around during your travels.

Some pillows have adjustable straps, allowing you to customise the fit to your exact preferences. For example, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow has an adjustable string closure, allowing you to tighten the pillow around your neck. The Trtl Pillow also has an adjustable Velcro strap, ensuring a snug fit for a variety of neck sizes.

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is another pillow with an adjustable design. It features an easy-to-fasten Velcro strap, allowing it to accommodate most neck sizes.

If you're looking for a pillow that fits a wide range of neck sizes, the Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is a good option. It has a bendable design, allowing you to adjust it to your preferred level of snugness.

A good fit is essential for preventing neck pain and ensuring a comfortable journey, so it's worth taking the time to find an airport pillow that suits your needs.

Washability: Planes can be dirty, so opt for a pillow that is machine washable or has a removable, washable cover

When it comes to choosing an airport pillow, washability is an important factor to consider. Planes can be dirty, so it's a good idea to opt for a pillow that is machine washable or has a removable, washable cover. This will allow you to keep your pillow clean and hygienic, especially if you plan to use it frequently.

Look for pillows with removable covers that can be easily taken off and washed separately. Some pillows even come with multiple covers, so you can always have a fresh one ready to use. Machine washable pillows are also a convenient option, as you can simply toss them into the washing machine for a quick clean.

In addition to washability, there are several other factors to consider when choosing an airport pillow. Comfort and support are key, so look for pillows with memory foam or microbead filling. Portability is also important, so look for compact or inflatable pillows that can be easily packed or attached to your luggage.

• The Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is a memory-foam neck-support pillow with a removable and machine-washable velour cover. It offers a highly adjustable fit and is widely available at airport stores.
• The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow provides excellent neck support and comfort. It has a removable and machine-washable cover, and it rolls up compactly into a drawstring sack for easy transport.
• The Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow is made of soft and breathable bamboo fabric. It can be contorted into various shapes to support your neck, chin, or back while sitting. The pillow is machine washable and comes in a range of colours.
• The Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow offers excellent neck support and is firm without being too stiff. It has a removable and machine-washable cover, and it comes with a circular carrying case that can be clipped to your backpack or suitcase.
• The BUYUE Travel Neck Pillow provides 360-degree head support and has a removable cover that can be washed. It also comes with a drawstring bag for easy transport.

Frequently asked questions