6 Travel Pillows That Actually Work

Most travel pillows feature an awkward U-shaped design that pushes your neck too far forward, making it uncomfortable to rest. The FLOWZOOM solves this problem with its innovative H-shape design, offering superior ergonomic support. Its flat-back design prevents your head from being forced forward, while the high sides provide ample support to eliminate head bobbing. You can wear it in multiple positions to find your perfect fit, and it even includes a detachable hood to block out light and noise during your flight. Thanks to a special valve, the pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates compactly for easy portability.

Want a pillow that you can use at your destination as well as in transit? Pack Honeydew Sleep's The Scrumptious Travel Pillow. Designed for side sleepers, this travel-sized pillow has a curved shape that supports your neck and shoulders, keeping you in alignment all night.

The pillow is filled with a copper infused foam that keeps you much cooler than gel based memory foam, and has naturally antibacterial properties, which is great for travel. A hidden zipper allows you to add or remove fill to make the pillow the perfect height for you.

Pair it with Honeydew Sleep's silk pillowcase, which adds to the cooling factor and has anti-aging properties as well.

Prefer a little more structure to your neck pillow? The Trtl Pillow Cool is perfect for side sleepers looking for extra support. This uniquely designed pillow uses a firm but flexible structure that can be tucked on top of your shoulder and leaned on, providing a solid resting place for your chin.

The new cool version of Trtl’s cult-favorite travel pillow introduces an airmesh venting panel and chilly fabric that will help hot sleepers feel better.

Most inflatable u-shaped pillows don’t stay in place. Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight travel pillow introduces a simple solution to this problem—an adjustable snap that secures the pillow around your neck, preventing sliding.

Weighing just 2.4 ounces and packing down into a case roughly the size of your palm, the Aeros is a great choice for travelers who prefer to travel lightly.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. The Cloudz Microbead Travel Pillow is full of soft, squishy beads that allow travelers to shape the pillow into a custom design that best fits their needs. It works particularly well if you score the window seat and can lean against the wall of the plane. 

Bonus: this pillow can also be used as a back pillow for lumbar support.

If you’re willing to sacrifice portability for comfort, you’ll love Cushion Lab’s Travel Pillow. Made from an extra-dense memory foam, this pillow wraps around your neck for 360-degree support in any sleeping position. 

The ergonomic design fits under your chin to cradle your head without pushing it forward. Although this travel pillow is larger than an inflatable one, it does pack down to be about the size of a coffee mug, and it includes a carabiner so you can attach it to your suitcase for easy transport.