Whether you’re boarding an overnight flight or riding shotgun on a road trip, a supportive travel pillow can be the perfect companion for sleepers on the go. But with so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which is the best travel pillow for you? Well buckle up, folks, because we’re about to show you!
So keep reading to explore our top five favorite travel pillows, all of which we’ve personally tested. Plus, we’ll impart some expert tips and tricks for finding the travel pillow that best suits your body, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s get started.
Best Travel Pillows 2024 – Our Top 5
- Best Overall – trtl Travel Pillow Plus
- Best Travel Pillow for Chin Support – J-Pillow
- Most Comfortable Travel Pillow – BCOZZY Travel Pillow
- Best Travel Pillow for Car Trips – Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
- Best Inflatable Travel Pillow – Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow
Best Travel Pillows Video Review
Best Overall Travel Pillow – trtl Travel Pillow Plus
trtl Pillow Plus
The trtl Travel Pillow Plus takes the neck support and comfort of the original trtl Travel Pillow to the next level!
Sleepopolis Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
First up on our list is the trtl Travel Pillow Plus, a perfect pick for those in need of extra head and neck support.
This pillow is the best at promoting healthy posture in an upright position. It features a scarf-like design and internal plastic support system that work in tandem to prevent your head and neck from deviating out of alignment.
While it’s true that the trtl travel pillow’s brace-like feature is quite different from the U-shaped models you might be used to, the plastic insert is less likely to compress as compared to foam, polyester, or other softer materials. Essentially, the hard yet flexible plastic serves to hold your head, neck, and spine in a safe and comfortable position no matter how long your journey may be.
Oh, and don’t worry — you can’t actually feel the plastic against your skin, as it’s buried beneath two thick pieces of memory foam. Plus, it’s compact, weighs less than a pound, and is super easy to stow on the go.
Price: $98.99, with a 60-day return policy.
Perfect For: Sleepers looking for a travel pillow that’s supportive enough for a long haul.
For all the details on this unique accessory, check our full trtl Travel Pillow Plus review.
Best Travel Pillow for Chin Support – J-Pillow
J-Pillow Travel Pillow
The J-Pillow Travel Pillow is designed to provide simultaneous support in three different areas: the head, the neck, and the chin.
Sleepopolis Score
4.30 / 5
Shoppers wanting a pillow prioritizing chin support might be particularly well-suited to the J-Pillow, available both on the company site and Amazon.
With its signature J-shaped design, this pillow has three sections built for three simultaneous areas of support. The first cushioned section is designed to prop up the head, the second braces the neck, and the third supports the chin.
The J-Pillow ensures that your chin doesn’t fall and that your neck remains in alignment with the rest of your spine, regardless of how long your journey is. It’s specifically designed for overnight airplane travel. As an added benefit, the J-Pillow is extremely portable. It even comes with its own travel bag.
Of course, you don’t just have to use this pillow for travel. It’s perfectly capable of at-home usage, whether you’re watching TV in bed or resting on the couch. And for those interested in traveling or lounging in style, there are three color options to choose from: black and grey, dark blue, and silver grey.
Price: $39, with a 30-day return policy.
Perfect For: Sleepers looking for a versatile travel pillow that emphasizes neck alignment and chin support.
Our full review coming soon. For more options, see our roundup for the best pillows for neck pain.
Most Comfortable Travel Pillow – BCOZZY Pillow
BCOZZY Neck Pillow
The BCOZZY pillow provides great chin support for amazing alignment while you travel!
Sleepopolis Score
4.30 / 5
Some travel pillows simply get the job done in terms of support, but if you’re really wanting optimal comfort, the BCOZZY travel pillow is the right pick for you.
This pillow features an ergonomic, circle-like design that can be used in three main ways: You can wrap it around your neck for excellent chin support, turn it to one side for head support, or fold it in half and tuck it between your head and shoulder for a little extra loft. This level of versatility makes it comfortable for sleepers of many preferences.
While there’s comfort in the design, there’s also comfort in the materials. It features a dual-sided cover fabric wherein one side is a fuzzy fleece material, and the other is made from smooth microfiber. Meanwhile, its polyester fiber fill is plush yet supportive, and does a great job of maintaining its shape.
One of our favorite things about this pillow is how small and portable it is, making it perfect for folks on the go. You can tuck it in your carry-on, loop it around your suitcase handle, or just wear it around your neck like a scarf.
Price: $35-$45, depending on size.
Perfect For: Sleepers looking for a cozy travel pillow that prioritizes comfort.
Our full review is coming soon, but in the mean time we encourage you to check out our best memory foam pillows for more comfortable options.
Best Travel Pillow for Car Trips – Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
Cabeau Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow
The Cabeau Travel Pillow provides great neck support while also keeping travellers from overheating on their journey!
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
Not everyone prefers to travel by plane. So if you’re partial to car trips, we’d love to point you in the direction of the Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow.
The feature that stood out to us were the straps on the back of the pillow. This allows you to attach the pillow to the headrest of your car. You won’t have to worry about it sliding out of place during your trip, making it less likely that you’ll be disturbed.
This pillow features a U-shaped design with angled sides for enhanced head and neck support. What sets it apart, though, is its ability to be adjusted for customized comfort. Depending on how tight or loose you’d like it to fit around your neck, simply adjust the clasps on each side of the “U.”
Covered in a moisture-wicking blend of Spandex and polyester and filled with ventilated memory foam, every part of this pillow was made with hot sleepers in mind. This is especially useful if you’re roadtripping in the summer months. This pillow also comes with its own carrying case and earplugs for a cozy, quiet journey.
Price: $40, with a 30-day return policy.
Perfect For: Anyone traveling by car for long periods, or anyone wanting a quality cooling pillow.
Our full review is coming soon. See our roundup for the best orthopedic pillows for other good options.
Best Inflatable Travel Pillow – Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow
Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow
The Travelrest Nest Pillow is a great option for the memory foam lover on the go!
If you’re a traveler who’s looking for a convenient, space-saving option, consider the Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow. This inflatable option compacts into a small size so you can easily stow it in your carry-on or purse. As a little bonus, this pillow comes with its own carrying case and set of earplugs.
This pillow as a U-shaped design and, as the name suggests, is filled with a thick piece of memory foam. It offers a very moldable feel, and does a great job of conforming to the precise contours of your neck, chin, and jawline. If you love the way memory foam responds to pressure, this might be the travel pillow for you.
Additionally, the sides of the pillow are slightly raised in order to keep your head and neck comfortably supported, while the back of the pillow is angled to conform to your seat. In our experience, this angled back allowed us to sit up straight and not be pushed forward in any way.
Oh, and did we mention that it’s covered in the softest velour fabric? Honestly, this might be our favorite part of the pillow. We’d like to think anyone prioritizing comfort would agree.
Price: $40, with a 30-day return policy.
Perfect For: Sleepers valuing the convenience of an inflatable travel pillow.
For more pillows available on Amazon, see our roundup for the best pillows on Amazon.
Methodology: How To Shop For A Travel Pillow
Now that we’ve shown you our favorite travel pillows, let’s take some time to show you how they were selected. When you’re shopping for the travel pillow that’ll meet your unique needs, it’s important to pay attention to portability, materials, and shape. So let’s take a look at each of these factors below:
Portability
When you’re wading through airports and bus terminals, the last thing you want is a travel pillow that’s big, bulky, and hard to carry. That’s why we aim for models that are easily folded or tucked away inside luggage.
That said, online shoppers should pay attention to the specific dimensions of a travel pillow (typically listed under “product description”) in order to get a sense for its size. Of course, if you’re shopping in-stores, take some time to see how easy it is to pack inside your purse or carry around the aisles.
We like to pick travel pillows that come with their own carrying case, and we’ll take a look at examples of that in a moment.
Materials
The next thing we consider is the specific materials used to make a travel pillow. Like regular bed pillows, they come in a variety of fabrics and materials, and each one offers its own feel and support. That said, it’s important to think about what type of support you’re looking for.
For example, memory foam travel pillows (arguably the most popular) typically provide a more moldable feel with contouring support. This might be ideal for sleepers in the market for something more dense or supportive.
On the other hand, travel pillows filled with polyester (probably the second most popular option) offer a fluffier, plush feel. This comes in handy for folks wanting to fold their travel pillow, as polyester fiber is easy to manipulate.
Lastly, hot sleepers might want to prioritize cover fabrics that are breathable or moisture-wicking. Polyester, spandex, and anything bamboo-based are all wonderful examples of lightweight, airy fabrics commonly used to cover travel pillows. For extra breathability, aim for travel pillows that feature a ventilated construction. Hot sleepers should also check out our Best Cooling Pillows page!
Support
The materials used to make a travel pillow say a lot about its overall feel and support, but so does its shape. Most of you may be familiar with U-shaped travel pillows (frequently found in airport gift shops), and they’re popular for good reason. Travel pillows with a U-shaped design are compact, easy to pack in a suitcase, and offer great neck support.
But nowadays, travel pillows come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, all of which offer their own special benefits. While U-shaped pillows may be ideal for sleepers who like to rest their head from side to side, they can sometimes be lacking in chin support. If chin support is your primary concern, we suggest picking a C-shaped pillow that can be tucked beneath your chin or jaw.
Meanwhile, some sleepers might prefer a travel pillow that can be fully wrapped around the neck for a little extra security. I’ll admit that this is my favorite style, as scarf-like designs offer head, neck, and chin support all in one. Plus, some have a versatile, infinity scarf-like shape that can be looped and wrapped in different ways for different types of support. Ultimately, it’s important to take some time to consider what shape works best for your body.
FAQs
Is a travel pillow worth it?
Using a travel pillow can help you sleep better when you’re on the go and, perhaps more importantly, can prevent your head and neck from deviating out of neutral alignment while you snooze.
Does a travel pillow count as a carry on?
No, most commercial airlines do not consider travel pillows to be carry-on items. That said, it’s always a good idea to find a travel pillow that’s easy to pack in a suitcase or purse.
What is the best travel pillow for long flights?
A versatile travel pillow that can be used to support different parts of your body is ideal for long flights. For example, a pillow that can serve as neck, chin, and back support might keep you feeling cozier for longer. Additionally, we suggest aiming for pillows that are filled with more firmly supportive materials, as they’re less likely to compress over time.
Final Thoughts
Well, sleepers, you’ve seen my top five favorite travel pillows and you are well on your way to picking the perfect one. And as you carefully consider every last detail, don’t forget to keep a close eye on size, shape, and materials in order to find the best fit. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the answers to all your sleep needs.
