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The Best Travel Pillows For A Comfortable On-The-Go Snooze

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:03 p.m.

From uncomfortable seating positions to travel stress, catching a snooze while on a bus, train, or airplane is no easy task. Even if you do manage to get some shut-eye, you’ll wake up with the kind of sores and aches that’ll make you regret sleeping in the first place.

You see, our bodies aren’t designed to sleep upright. When we do that, various pressure points build all over our bodies while our spine goes out of alignment. Sounds scary? Well, then say hello to the finest travel pillows of 2023. These travel-sized pillows provide cushioning between your neck and the headrest to prevent your neck from bending in all the wrong ways.

Speaking of ways, with so many options available, you can easily lose your way when in the market for such a pillow. So, to help you make better sense of things, join us as we teach you all about travel pillows.

Buying Guide: Travel Pillows

Most travelers and hikers realize the importance of travel pillows, but only a small percentage of these people know how to buy the right one. Thankfully, this is where our buyer's guide comes into play. It will equip you with all you'll need to make a more informed decision when in the market for a new neck pillow for traveling.

What Materials Are Used in Travel Pillows?

Filling

The inner filling of travel pillows is usually made from either memory foam or polyester fiberfill. The former option is all about ergonomics and firm support, making memory foam travel pillows a must-have for people suffering from neck or shoulder pain. Also, since memory foam maintains its shape, you can easily twist and fold the travel pillow around for convenience and storage without worrying about its losing shape. On the flip side, memory foam neck pillows tend to overheat a bit and this type of filling is also extremely hard to clean. Cheaper and lighter than memory foam, polyester-filled neck pillows are usually machine washable, which makes them a breeze to clean. If you go for this filling, however, make sure it provides adequate support, is hypoallergenic, and won't get lumpy over time, since polyester tends to have these flaws.

Outer case

The outer case that houses your travel pillow may be made from a variety of materials. Popular options include microfiber, microsuede, polyester, and velour. Just make sure you're not allergic to the exterior fabric, since your skin will be in constant contact with it.

Things To Consider When Buying a Travel Pillow

Size and fit

The size of your travel pillow will directly affect its portability, ease of storage, and fit. On the latter note, some neck pillows also offer adjustable fits with the help of velcro, snap, or rope clasp closures.

Weight

Along with the size, the portability of your new neck pillow will also be impacted by its weight. The tip here is to go for something light enough to easily carry around, yet sturdy and durable enough to provide adequate support and longevity.

Additional Buying Tips

Support

Your new neck pillow must provide adequate support — a neck pillow that doesn't support your neck is no good, right? You can get a good idea of this support by going through some customer testimonials.

Aesthetics

While this shouldn't be the deciding factor, it won't hurt if your new travel pillow is designed aesthetically. A wide array of colors won't harm anyone either! Making a style statement while comfortable sleeping on your flight? Count us in!

Top Picks

Best Overall: Mlvoc Travel Pillow
Most Lightweight: Bcozzy Travel Pillow
Easy To Clean: World's Best Travel Pillow
Another Great Option: Tallgo Travel Pillow
High Quality: Cabeau Travel Pillow

Reviews

Best Overall

Mlvoc Travel Pillow

Pros	Cons
Extremely compact Lightweight and easily carried Extremely breathable and easy to maintain	Inadequately supports the chin

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Most Lightweight

Bcozzy Travel Pillow

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-maintain machine-washable design Foldable to support the chin and shoulders Easily carried, thanks to its lightweight design	Fit isn’t adjustable

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Easy to Clean

World's Best Travel Pillow

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-clean machine-washable fabric Hypoallergenic case and filling Available in various colors and patterns	Only one size

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Another Great Option

Tallgo Travel Pillow

Pros	Cons
Fit can be adjusted Pillowcase is machine-washable Pillow and packaging are environmentally friendly	A bit bulky

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High Quality

Cabeau Travel Pillow

Pros	Cons
Straps at the back for increased support Clasp allows you to customize the fit Available in four colors	Zippers could be better quality

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FAQs

How do I use a travel pillow?

Using a travel pillow is simple; you simply place it around your neck. The pillow's curve will hug your neck, while the opening will go over your throat. If your pillow offers adjustability, now is the time to fix the fit. Once done, simply lean your head back and get some much-needed support for your neck.

Is it good to sleep with a travel pillow?

While a travel pillow isn't a substitute for a snooze in the bed, it will make upright sleeping as comfortable as it can get. Also, these pillows provide support for the neck and shoulder, preventing pressure from building up in these areas and causing aches.

How do I wash my travel pillow?

Before you chuck your travel pillow into the washer, make sure the inner filling is machine washable. Otherwise, you'll have to clean the pillow with the good ol' soap and sponge combo.