TGN
One of the most important things we can get, and sometimes one of the most difficult, is a peaceful night of sleep. When we get that restful night, we are more active, alert and we become more productive in our day to day lives.
It isn’t always that simple though, if you love to travel, move a lot in your sleep, or you struggle from neck and shoulder pain then achieving a blissful night sleep can seem more elusive then finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
We are going to go through the best rated, and highest reviewed pillows which will ensure that you finally achieve that perfect, restful and deep sleep whether you’re on a night bus in New Zealand or counting sheep in your bed in NYC.
The Most Comfortable Travel Pillows
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TRTL Travel Pillow
The Trtl Travel Pillow is a best-selling, scientifically proven travel pillow for supporting the neck and head.
At a first glance it doesn’t look like a conventional pillow, but it does perform amazingly. It looks more like a wraparound scarf, but built into the material is a neck and head support which stops your head drooping off to the side.
The soft fleece is stretched across the internal ribs creating a comforting hammock effect. The TRTL travel pillow can be worn to either side of your neck or at the front, wherever you find it most comfortable.
The total weight of this travel pillow is a mere half a pound and is only half the size of a traditional travel pillow. It will fit in your backpack, hardly taking up any room, making it the perfect travel buddy.
The U-shaped support is padded with soft foam, making this a really comfortable travel pillow. It supports your head and neck without leaving you feeling like you have just been mauled by an angry bear.
The Trtl travel pillow is extremely versatile and it the perfect companion for long distance flights, driving, or anywhere where you need to sleep in an upwards position.
‘The TRTL has a unique U-shaped support, covered in fleece. The extra fleece wraps around your neck to keep the support in place. Strengthened ribs that make the support have been scientifically proven to support the head and neck better. I have personal experience with this pillow, I normally don’t manage to sleep well on trains or buses. But with the TRTL I managed to sleep so well on a night bus that I almost missed my stop (which was the last stop, someone had to wake me to get me off the bus).’
Contributor – Nat Took
Website – https://natpacker.com
Camp Dreamer Self-Inflating Pillow
A more traditional style travel pillow, but with a twist. The REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Self-Inflating Pillow is an amazing travel pillow and a great innovation to the travellers world.
If you love your sleep, and you cannot get comfortable without a perfectly adjusted pillow then fear not, REI has you covered.
The REI Camp Dreamer is perfect for camping, road trips, and air travel. It is a tradition style pillow but with a nifty little trick up it’s sleeve. It has been fitted with a Hi-Flow flat TPR valve which allows for instant inflation/deflation.
If you like your pillow to be a little softer, then you can drop some air out. Prefer firmer support while you sleep? Let more air in! REI has made sure that this travel pillow caters for the masses when it comes to getting a deep and restful nights sleep, on the go.
The pillow itself is foam filled which adds a layer of insulation from cold surfaces. It includes a quilted soft touch pillow case which is removable and machine washable. The pillow protector also reverses into a stuff sack so you can pack this up into a handy little carry bag which will fit into your backpack or suitcase, easily.
It comes in two different sizes, depending on how much space you want to save the large is 17.5x12x3” and weighs 9.4Oz, the small measures in at 14x9x2” and weighs 6.1Oz.
‘Ideal for camping, road trips and air travel, this pillow compresses small and packs into its own pocket for easy storage when you don’t need it. When it’s time for a quick snooze though, the pillow expands to full size nearly instantly when unpacked, without any inflation needed.’
Trailbreak Foam Pillow
Another robust choice from REI for the avid traveller! The REI Co-Op Traibreak Foam Pillow is a great budget choice if you really love your sleep, but want to save a few dollars.
It doesn’t have any fancy valves but once unpacked it does self-inflate into a good size pillow, almost instantly. It also deflates quite easily and fits inside its own pocket for space saving packing away into your backpack, or suitcase.
The REI Trailbreak is made up from left over bits of foam REI uses in their self-inflating sleep pads, which is absolutely brilliant and makes this a more sustainable, environmentally friendly choice of travel pillow.
It comes in two sizes, the large measures 21×17” and weighs 15 Oz, the smaller measures 18×14” and weighs at 10 Oz.
‘Ideal for camping, road trips and air travel, this pillow compresses small and packs into its own pocket for easy storage when you don’t need it. When it’s time for a quick snooze though, the pillow expands to full size nearly instantly when unpacked, without any inflation needed.’
Flash Sit Pad
The REI Co-op Flash Sit Pad is a little more than just a comfortable place to kneel or sit. It doubles up as nifty pillow, making this a great choice for campers, or travellers in colder climates!
Sitting around a campfire at midnight, staring up at the stars is one of the most joyous moments of travelling, the only things which could ruin it is wet knees, or a soggy bottom.
REI have you covered. This handy Flash Sit Pad is perfect for keeping an insulated layer between yourself and the hard, cold, or wet floor which you may find yourself on. It has been crafted from polyester and mylar insulation which are great for insulation.
It has a weld through design which makes it sturdy but gives a nice plush feel while offering great support. The bottom of the pad has a flat valve for quick and simple inflation and once done you can roll it up back into its carry bag for easy storage.
The standout difference about this though, is that it doubles up a rather comfortable travel pillow. Simply roll it up and snap it to change from padded seat to lumbar support or sleeping pillow!
It comes in one size; 16×111.5” and weighs a mere 3.5 Oz.
‘At just 3oz, the REI Flash Sit Pad lets you keep a light load without sacrificing any plush comfort. Enjoy sitting on it around the campfire, or roll it up as a pillow during air travel.’
Contributor – Jessica Schianodi Cola
Site – https://www.rei.com
Evo Microbead™ Travel Pillow
The Evo Microbead Travel Pillow by Cabeau is a traveller’s dream. A great piece of innovation designed to offer you maximum comfort at an extremely affordable price.
The Evo Microbead offers a great amount of comfort and support and is a superb option for anyone travelling on long distance flights, or for anyone who may be sleeping in a sitting position for long periods of time.
It has been crafted to adapt to the unique shape of your neck and head thanks to the millions of movable beads which make sure you can fall asleep in the comfiest of positions.
It is made from a breathable poly/spandex cover which promotes air circulation which keeps you and the pillow cool in a range of environments. It has raised side supports which not only supports your neck but also your head to prevent any ‘sleep wobble’.
The adjustable clasp and millions of internal micro beads mean you can find the perfect level of support and firmness for you unique sleeping style. Another innovative feature Cabeau has added is a media pocket for storing your ear plugs, ear phones, or phone for easy handsfree listening.
The total length of the Evo Microbead is 10.25x10x5.25” and it weighs in at 5.6Oz. The Microbeads are 100% polystyrene.
‘The Evo Microbead™ travel pillow responds instantly to movement and shape-shifts easily to conform to you – all while providing maximum support for your head and neck. The breathable fabric will keep you cool and comfortable all night long.’
Contributor – Katie Tejada
Site – https://www.cabeau.com
Evolution® Classic Travel Pillow
The Evolution Classic Travel Pillow by Cabeau is another fantastic addition to any avid travellers’ arsenal. It provides an immense amount of comfort and support for travelling on the go.
It is great for long distance flights, train, or car journeys where you want to get the most satisfyingly, deep sleep you can.
Cabeau crafted this travel pillow with a responsive memory foam core which is as luxuriously soft as it sounds. The patented ergonomic design offers 360-degree neck and chin support making sure you definitely will not be waking up with a stiff or sore neck.
It features a removable, machine washable cover which stops odors and eliminates bacteria and dust mites. The raised side supports stop any ‘head wobble’ and offers ample support even when travelling on the most uneven terrains.
The adjustable clasp makes sure that no matter what your size or sleeping position you will be able to find a comfortable level of support to ensure you have a deep and restful sleep.
What makes this a great choice of travel pillow is the flattened back design which helps to align your upper spine to reduce, and stop neck strain while sleeping sitting for long periods.
They have innovatively added a media pouch which is a great touch.
The total length of the Classic Travel Pillow is 9.5x10x5” and it weighs in at 11.6 Oz. The pillow cover is made from 100% polyester and the memory foam is 100% polyurethane memory foam.
‘The Evolution® Classic travel pillow is made with plush memory foam and has 360° head + neck support, putting an end to stiff necks, bobbing heads, and cramped, uncomfortable sleeping positions.’
Contributor – Katie Tejada
Site – https://www.cabeau.com/
Evolution® S3 Travel Pillow
Another fantastic addition from Cabeau, the Evolution S3 Travel Pillow. The latest and most innovative offering from Cabeau the Evolution S3 is one of the most adaptable and comfortable travel pillows on the market.
It offers amazing support and comfort for long distance travel no matter what mode of transport your trying to catch some sleep on.
It features a patented seat strap system which prevents head drop, maintaining a natural breathing position making sure you breathe easy while you sleep without feeling like you have sleep apnoea.
It has raised side supports which stop any ‘head wobble’ and the adjustable clasp allows you to find a level of comfort and support which supports you in finding the perfect position and support for a restful sleep.
The pillow cover is removable and machine washable which eliminates odours, bacteria and dust mites which can build up over time when travelling and sleeping in different places.
The fabric is moisture wicking and abrasion resistance which helps to keep your cool and dry and prevents any skin rashes while sleeping long hours on transport. The pillow is made from a premium memory foam core which offers ample support and softness for that perfectly relaxing sleep.
The Evolution S3 has a zippered pocket for storing small items or a cell phone, keeping important items safe while you sleep.
The total length meausures 9.5x10x5” and weighs in at 11.6 Oz. It comes with a compact travel bag which the pillows folds into and once stored in the travel bag the measurements are 6”x5” diameter x height.
A great option for someone looking for a little more premium support while still being able to slip your travel pillow into your backpack or suitcase.
‘The Evolution S3 has headrest support straps that attaches to the airplane seat wings and effectively prevents your head from falling forward or sideways. It has a zippered side pouch for you to secure your belongings, and is made of high-quality memory foam.’
Contributor – Katie Tejada
Site – https://www.cabeau.com
Flight Fillow
Flight Fillow turns any sweater or hoodie into a travel pillow giving you all of the benefits without any of the hassle. It fits in your pocket, is easy to wash, and is the fraction of the price of the standard bulky neck pillow that’s value!
We have all been there – you are packing for a trip and want to have the comfort of a neck pillow but don’t want the hassle of having to pack it or lug it around. Flight Fillow solves this common problem by easily turning any sweater or hoodie into a travel pillow giving you all of the benefits without any of the hassle.
This is great for both short and long flights, as well as backpacking since Flight Fillow is light weight and easy to pack. You simply roll up your hoodie or jacket and put it into the Flight Fillow to use as a neck pillow. Alternatively, you can tuck in the arms of the sweater/hoodie to use Flight Fillow as a traditional pillow!
Flight Fillows are manufactured in the USA and were inspired by the creator’s own internal debate that she would have when packing for trips – “should I pack my neck pillow? Is the inconvenience of carrying it worth it for such a short trip?”. The first Flight Fillow was made for its creator’s own personal use and she had no intention of selling it. This was just to solve her own problem! However, people were quickly asking her to make some for them too, which led her to bringing Flight Fillow to market!
Contributor – Rachel Gohlke
Site – www.flightfillow.com
Nod2.0 Sleep Upright Travel Pillow
If you travel a lot then you will no doubt have suffered from a sore neck, or worse. That feeling of whiplash often comes from your neck and head ‘wobbling’ while you sleep. Sleeping on a train, plane or in a car often will make you more susceptible to this kind of injury.
Sleepupright has come up with an innovative solution which is the worlds first patented travel pillow designed to stop forward head motion. It makes sure you get a restful sleep while being in a safer position to prevent neck and head strain.
The Sleepupright Nod 2.0 works different from a traditional travel pillow and is aimed at use on long distance flights, train or car journeys. A normal travel pillow works by offering support to the neck and lower head whereas the Sleepupright focuses on head support by connecting from your forehead to the back of your seat.
The Nod 2.0 is quick and simple to install to almost any seat you may find yourself trying to catch a snooze on. The retractable clips fit in various different ways and with the simple push of a button the eye mask secures your head back to the seat, comfortably.
It has been crafted from stain resistant fabric, which can be wiped clean and the material is luxuriously soft memory foam. Although this works by clipping to the back or sides of your seat it has been designed to be non-invasive to the people sitting around or behind you.
It is suitable for people of all heights and sizes and offers full support of the head and neck even with its compact design. It measures in at 3×5” and will conveniently fit in your pocket, travel bag and suitcase.
‘Nod2.0 is a compact solution for business travelers and getting great sleep on the go. Take it with you in your handbag, backpack or briefcase, It’s the size of an iPhone! While most traditional travel pillows add bulky layers around the neck, Nod2.0’s patented design stabilizes the weight of the head by clipping to the rear of the seat back, allowing you to fully rest your head and neck while seated upright. Nod2.0 works on all seat types for all height passengers and most importantly, doesn’t interfere with others around you.’
Contributor – Paula Blankenship
Website – www.sleepupright.com
Best Value for Money Travel Pillows
REI Co-op Self-Inflating Travel Pillow
The REI Self-Inflating Pillow ($20) is just the shape you’d want from a travel pillow. It has subtle supports that wraps around both sides of the head, while also fitting snugly behind your neck in a way that promotes rapid time-to-sleep. At just 4 ounces, REI has managed to strike a great balance between convenience, size/weight, and comfort. It’s firm while still being comfortable, and its exterior polyester feels both soft and highly durable both in your hands and against your neck/head. The back of the pillow has about a dozen silicone stripes, which I call “friction lines,” to keep the pillow in place. Whether it’s on your shoulder, a plane seat, or against a damp window, it ensures that your sleep is as comfortable as possible. Another bonus of the polyester exterior is that the pillow is very easy to hand-wash, something that can’t be said about other pillows that have a plush surface. When you do wash the REI pillow, it feels noticeably clean.
Contributor: Jordan Bishop
Organization: How I Travel
Website: https://howitravel.co/n26-metal
Coop Memory Foam Pillow
Coop pillows are highly customizable and adjustable to your individual sleeping needs. Traditional pillows are either too high, too low, too hard or too soft to suit our needs. The memory foam in Coop pillows comes in mini pieces of memory foam, allowing you to add more or remove some to accommodate to your liking. The best part is they are washable too.
Contributor: Charlotte Ang
Organization: M&P International Freights
Website: https://www.mp.com.sg
Best Pillows for Combination Sleepers
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow is easily customizable. You can unzip it to remove or add foam for extra softness or firmness. You can send it to Snuggle-Pedic where they will personalize it for you. They can change the fullness, stiffness, and springiness.
Contributor: Caleb Backe
Organization: Maple Holistics
Website: https://www.mapleholistics.com/blog/author/caleb-backe
Most Comfortable Camping Pillows
Nemo Fillo Inflatable Travel Pillow
There’s nothing worse than a miserable night’s sleep when you’re on a camping adventure, and Nemo agrees. That’s why this is the perfect pillow to take on your next tent trip. It combines luxury foam with air insulation that you can inflate to your desired height and thickness for an optimal night’s sleep in the wilderness.
Contributor: Sam Maizlech
Organization: Gunivore
Website: http://gunivore.com
Highlander Sleepeze Air Pillow
Sleepeze Air Pillow from Highlander effortlessly combines convenience and affordability. The pillow is covered in a velvety flock and designed to provide support and decrease pressure and discomfort. Crafted from durable PVC, this a very robust option.
Contributor: Lukas
Organization: Military 1st
Website: https://www.military1st.com
Best Pillows for Shoulder or Back Pain
Sunshine Pillows Chiropractic Neck Pillow
This pillow provides those that sleep on their back comfortable support. For those with persistent neck pain, this soft option contains flax seeds that contour to your neck, and help avoid spasm when you wake up.
Contributor: Allen Conrad
Organization: Montgomery County Chiropractic Center
Website: https://montcochiro.com/team/dr-conrad/
Side Dreamer Pillow
A crescent-shaped pillow that keeps your head in-line with your neck and supports your shoulders when sleeping your side. A choice of internal filling in either all-natural shredded latex or wool.
Contributor: Sukie Baxter
Organization: Whole Body Revolution
Website: https://wholebodyrevolution.com
Best Pillows for Different Sleeping Positions
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam
While Down pillows are comfortable and conforming, they always need to be fluffed and do not hold their shape throughout the night. They are also a problem for those that suffer from feather allergies. Good quality shredded memory foam solves this problem through its ability to conform but can make too heavy of a pillow for some users. Only the Snuggle-Pedic uses a proprietary mix of our very special hypo-allergenic and extremely low V.O.C. Biogreen memory foam and CertiPUR-US certified foam. This proprietary mix of foams come directly from our very high-end, all U.S.A. produced mattresses made right in our Agoura Hills, CA, factory. The tiny pieces are incredibly soft and fluffy and make our pillow lighter and more resilient than the usually shredded memory foam pillows found on the market.
Contributor: Jennie Katz
Organization: Snugglepedic
Website: http://www.snugglepedic.com
