If you think travel pillows are unnecessary contraptions that fail to make flying more pleasant, try coasting over the Atlantic without one.
The wrong travel pillows can be disappointing, for sure, but even they are usually better than nothing.
The key word here is usually. Depending on the type of sleeper you are and how inclined you are to fall asleep while flying anyway, the right travel pillow can take your experience from miserable to tolerable.
I am a frequent purchaser of travel pillows. This is mostly because my family prefers to travel overnight for our big overseas trips versus wasting a day sitting on a plane.
Over the years, I've definitely encountered some great travel pillows and some duds as well:
Right: Voyage Pillow
The Voyage Pillow was part of a Kickstarter campaign when I got one, but they are shipping out fairly regularly now. Not only is it lightweight and easy to carry, but it comes with a built-in eye cover that can help you block out in-flight light and distractions.
I also like the fact you can position this pillow in more than one way.
A major con, however, is the fact that it's hard to lean into the pillow unless you have a window seat or a spouse to snuggle up to.
[READMORE]READ MORE: 5 Things That Will Actually Help You Sleep on a Plane[/READMORE]
Right: Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow
This pillow is actually my husband's, but I use it rather frequently. I find it's most helpful when you're stuck in a dreaded middle seat with no one to lean on, or when you can recline a bit and turn slightly on your side.
While this pillow is expensive, it is sturdy and has stood the test of time for us. Unfortunately, it is bulky and I really hate carrying it from place to place. Lastly, it's expensive at around $40 plus shipping.
Right or Wrong: World's Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow, Charcoal
I bought a travel pillow similar to this one at a convenience store in a random airport. It was $10, so that was good.
Unfortunately, it has been just about as useful as cheap travel pillows tend to be. While I don't mind using this pillow to lean against the window for a nap, it's almost useless if you're sitting in the middle or on an aisle.
There is one exception, however. If you have enough leg room to lean forward and nap on your tray table, this pillow is great for giving you room to breathe.
Wrong: BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
While the BCOZZY chin supporting pillow might seem like a good idea in theory, in reality, it is not. In my experience, the bottom part doesn't hold together well enough to provide any meaningful support.
This pillow is supposed to be versatile enough you can use it a few different ways, yet I could never get it to stay in place long enough to sleep.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Hollywood's Secrets to Looking Fabulous While Traveling[/READMORE]
Wrong: Skyrest Travel Pillow
I bought the Skyrest Travel Pillow after seeing it in magazines for years and in a moment of apparent desperation. Some of the reviews claimed this blow-up pillow is the answer for stomach sleepers (of which I am one).
While the pillow isn't bulky until you blow it up, it becomes a nightmare to handle once you prepare it for sleeping. On a ten-hour flight where you might take a few short naps, it made no sense. What do you do with a giant blow-up pillow for three or four hours at a time?
It would be worth it if the pillow was even remotely comfortable. Sadly, it's not.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
