In-Flight Experience

Would You Use These Embarrassing Travel Pillows?


Family at the coastal village

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Elissa Leibowitz Poma
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    A few years ago, we conducted a

    Travel Pillow Challenge

    , road testing four unusual accessories to help you sleep better on long-haul flights. Back then, we thought some of the pillows were pretty weird looking — remember the giant inflatable apostrophe that looked more like a beauty pageant sash than a pillow?

    But, oh my, the embarrassment factor has grown so much since then. Check out these awkward-looking travel pillows for flights.



    Ostrich Pillow



    Nothing says chic like a giant pillow that looks like a vintage deep sea diver helmet. At least the makers of the plush Ostrich Pillow have a sense of humor and play up the ridiculousness of this $99 sweat factory in photos on their website. I’ve never seen anyone wearing this on a flight, but I’d definitely tweet a pic of him or her if I did. Buy it at

    OstrichPillow.com

    or

    Amazon

    .



    Related: How to Sleep Better on Planes

    Little Cloud Nine Travel Pillow



    I’m not sure if this blow-up device was invented by someone looking to catch a few Zs on an airplane or by a member of the Witness Protection Program. The device is said to provide stability to your neck and prevent your head from bobbing forward. It also makes the person in the middle seat so utterly afraid to ask if they could slide by to use the restroom that they’ll hold it in for the duration of your long-haul flight. Buy it at

    CloudNinePillow.com

    or at

    Amazon

    .



    The HoodiePillow



    Really want to convey the “don’t talk to me” message to your seatmate? Wrap this inflatable U-shaped pillow around your neck and draw up the attached hood. For maximum passive-aggressiveness, pull the drawstring so tight that only your nose and mouth appear. Buy it at

    HoodiePillow.com

    or

    Amazon

    .



    SkyRest Travel Pillow



    It’s like propping a recycling bin on your tray table! As large as many carry-on bags, this inflatable pillow supposedly counters the natural tendency of your head to fall forward when you sleep. It also requires that you ask the person next to you to hold your drink and your iPad and your snacks. Buy it at

    SkyRest.com

    or

    Amazon

    .



    Related: 11 Things Not to Do on a Plane



    Would you try any of these pillows?