This is our official list in search of the best adjustable measuring cups on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and our handy guide to choosing a good neck pillow for your next journey.
| #1 |  |
Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow by Trtl | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | |
| #2 |  |
Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | |
| #3 |  |
Purefly Soft Velvet Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | |
| #4 |  |
BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | |
| #5 |  |
100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
5 Highest Reviewed Travel Neck Pillows to Consider
Here is a list of five neck pillows comprised of different designs and materials so that each passenger can find the one that meets their travel needs the best.
1.) Scientifically Proven Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow by Trtl
The Trtl Pillow looks completely different than the traditional horseshoe shaped neck pillow travelers are accustomed to seeing in airports. Part of the appeal of this pillow is that it doesn’t look like a pillow at all, but like a scarf.
Strengthened ribbing hidden inside the fabric supports the passenger’s neck and head at an ergonomic angle. Fleece is stretched between the ribbing like a hammock. Users can position the Trtl Pillow to either side of their neck or under their chin for ideal comfort without even looking like they are using a pillow.
Another perk of the Trtl Pillow is that it is ideally sized for transportation. While passengers can choose to wear it like a scarf when they aren’t using it, they can also fold it down and attach it to their luggage. The pillow weighs less than half a pound and it’s soft fleece material is machine washable. The fleece will also keep traveler’s warm, like a scarf is meant to.
Pros
- The pillow is fully refundable in the event that the buyer doesn’t like it.
- The Trtl is very simple to use, and only needs to be velcroed around the user’s neck. Wrapping it more snugly provides greater support.
- The Institute of Motion Analysis and Research in Dundee independently studied the Trtl pillow in simulated airplane scenarios and it yielded much more positive results than traditional neck pillow.
Cons
- Since it is a brace it takes up more space than blow up pillows and should be placed on the top of the luggage where it won’t be damaged.
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2.) Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow
The beauty of the award winning Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow is that it is designed to support the user’s head from all angles. This is ideal for someone who moves around a lot in their sleep or wants to change position without re-positioning their pillow. Unlike many traditional neck pillows, the Cabeau Travel Pillow is slightly flattened in the back so that it doesn’t push the user’s neck forward when they lean back against a seat. The pillow is also equipped with an adjustable cord that can tighten for more support.
Those who have traveled with pillows filled with microbeads or similar material have probably found that the cushioning isn’t firm enough to adequately support their heads. The Cabeau Pillow counteracts that trend with high quality memory foam to support the head without compromising comfort. Travelers can pick from ten different pillow colors.
While this pillow may look bulky, it comes with a travel bag that compresses it to ¼ it’s size for convenience. Cabeau’s website provides instructions on how to roll the pillow into it’s small case. Cabeau thought of everything when creating this pillow, including memory foam earplugs to help block out sound for the travelers who use the pillow to sleep.
Pros
- The outside cover is removable and machine washable.
- There is a media pouch to hold mobile phones or music devices.
Cons
- The pillow is built up too high to allow all users to wear all different types of headphones for noise canceling purposes.
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3.) Purefly Soft Velvet Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow
The Purefly Soft Velvet Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow bridges the gap between comfort and convenience with an easy button controlled inflation method and soft velvet material. Users can repeatedly press a button to quickly inflate to the desired firmness without even taking the pillow off of their necks.
This is a welcome change for travelers who don’t want to huff and puff and spread bacteria while blowing up a pillow by mouth. Like with other blow up pillows, the Purefly Soft Velvet Pillow scores convenience points by deflating for compact storage.
The velvet cover is removable and machine washable. The innovative design of the inflated pillow is structured to protect neck alignment by holding the user’s head upright during rest. While inflatable neck pillows have a bad reputation as being uncomfortable with some travelers, the thick and soft material provides a soft rest for user’s neck and head without compromising on support.
Pros
- Children and adults can use this pillow.
- Adjusting the inflation allows the user to increase or decrease the level of firmness depending on preference.
Cons
- The Purefly pillow only comes in one color.
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4.) BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
The BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow aims for versatility and hits the mark. The BCOZZY also meets the tired traveler’s needs with a simple, no-fuss design that supports the head and neck on all sides. This pillow can be adjusted based on the user’s preferred sleeping position. If a traveler is lucky enough to obtain a window seat the pillow can be doubled over to focus the support to one side. This is also ideal for tall travelers who find that other neck pillows aren’t high enough to support their head.
Unlike many other neck pillows the BCOZZY is also available in children’s sizes. This means children can enjoy the benefits of the small and compact pillow for long car rides and other forms of travel besides plane. The entire pillow is machine washable.
Pros
- The BCOZZY easily snaps onto luggage.
- This pillow comes in six different colors, as well as children’s sizes and two-packs.
- Traveler’s can customize the pillow into any form that is comfortable without any setup, straps or other functions to add complication.
Cons
- The BCOZZY pillow doesn’t compress for compact storage
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5.) Everlasting Comfort 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Travelers who purchase the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Neck Pillow get an entire traveling sleep set including a sleep mask and earplugs. The high quality memory foam cushions the neck and head for a comfortable rest. This pillow is designed with raised lobes to support the head from both sides to accommodate position changes during sleep.
Since memory foam contours to the body in response to warmth and pressure it comfortably supports the user’s head. Webmd notes that NASA first created memory foam for it’s comfort and energy absorption. Since turbulence and bumps are a big part of plane rides, this pillow will absorb more than other models to help passengers sleep better through disturbances. This pillow cover is removable and machine washable.
Pros
- This pillow comes with a travel bag that clips to luggage.
- The pillow comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee in case anything goes wrong.
- An elastic pillow provides storage for the eyemask, noise canceling earplugs and cellphones or other small belongings.
Cons
- While this pillow is light, it doesn’t compress for compact storage.
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Buyer’s Guide to Selecting a Quality Neck Pillow
Travel Pillow Shape: Sleeping habits and pillow preferences at home should influence a buyer’s decision. The Sleep Advisor notes that most neck pain is caused by awkward sleep positions, and that using instinct to choose a pillow is ideal for finding one that supports the individual well. Neck pillows don’t just help travelers rest but prevent pain and discomfort caused by awkward sleeping positions.
Travel Pillow Size: Another consideration with neck pillows is it’s shape and dimensions. Tall travelers will need to find a pillow high enough to accommodate their neck while still supporting their head. Shorter travelers will need to make similar considerations so that a pillow that is too tall doesn’t feel constricting. Travelers will also find pillows that are too high will constrict use of headphones if they prefer to use headphones while using the pillow.
Travel Pillow Material: Just like with traditional pillows, neck pillows come in a variety of materials and filling including memory foam, microbeads, fleece, plastic ribbing, and even air (for blow up pillows). The material of the pillow will influence how comfortable it is, how heavy and bulky it is, and how well it will support the head during rest. It’s also important to consider how durable the material is, especially for frequent travelers.
When it comes to material it is fortunate that travelers have plenty of options for neck pillow colors and designs. Travelers can pick their favorite color, or choose one that matches their luggage. Most pillows are available in multiple different colors. The Trtl pillow doesn’t even look like a pillow at all, which is ideal for travelers who want to use a pillow inconspicuously.
Tips for Buying Travel Pillow: As stated before, travelers should consider their unique preferences and needs when selecting a neck pillow. Travelers with children should look for kid friendly styles since not all neck pillows are recommended for children. Travelers who specifically need to save space can find a pillow that deflates or compresses. If convenience is the most important factor, finding a pillow that easily latches onto or stows into luggage would be idea.
Travel Pillow Features: People change position when sleeping in their beds. While there is limited range of motion in a plane seat, travelers should consider a neck pillow that comfortably supports their head from different angles and positions without too much rearrangement. This is especially true for passengers who move a lot while sleeping.
Versatility can also apply to where the pillow is used. Neck pillows are primarily used to sleep in airplanes, but can also help provide support at a computer desk or while relaxing at home. Some users may prefer to seek out a model that can be used in multiple settings.
For those prioritizing packing light, a deflatable or compressible model will be ideal. Fortunately the pillows on this list that don’t easily compress can easily attach to luggage. Buyers should also consider the set up and packing required for different pillows. While some pillows can deflate or compress for compact storage, they also require some setup and takedown before and after use and may not be as convenient as other models. Each traveler should consider what best suits their needs.
Why Use a Neck Pillow?
Traveling by airplane is a fast and efficient way to get from one point to another, but trips by airplane are still long. Oftentimes the best way to pass the time is by sleeping, this is crucial during redeye flights. However, anyone who has tried to sleep in an airplane is familiar with the challenges associated with trying to get some rest. Airplane seats recline very little and are too narrow for passengers to stretch out.
Catching shut eye while sitting upright is challenging, but neck pillows are designed to help support travelers’ heads so they can rest more comfortably. Unfortunately, not all neck pillow are created equally. In fact, even the best pillow may prove better or worse from person to person.
Business Insider notes that different neck pillows are designed to overcome different challenges depending on how people sleep most comfortably. Innovative new neck pillow designs address a myriad of discomforts in order to give passengers their best shot at reaching their destination well rested. Before purchasing a neck pillow for travel, buyers should consider their own preferences. What works for one person may not suit another. Some pillow are softer while some are firmer but more supportive, other pillows are specifically designed to fold or compress down compactly for easy transportation.
The ease for cleaning the pillow should be taken into consideration, especially for frequent travelers. Fortunately all five of the pillows listed here are either machine washable or have a removable machine washable cover.
Conclusion
There are many styles of neck pillows to choose from, and not all of them are created the same. While sleep preferences are subjective, neck pillows such as those on this list have been tested and improved to provide ideal comfort in a less than ideal sleeping situation.