Top 10 Best Travel Neck Pillows to Buy Online 2019

The below list features the 10 best travel pillows that suit different types of journeys that you embark on.

You might be going to spend only a few tens of dollars on a travel pillow. But, what if the product does not fit properly or fulfill its purpose?

The below guide discusses all the points that we took into account while looking for a comfortable travel pillow. Read and muse over the points that you should be acquainted with before clicking the 'buy' button.

Travel pillows come in sizes smaller than a standard pillow. Your mode of travel can decide what pillow you should buy. After all, no one wants a pillow uncomfortably stuffed up inside their travel bags.

If you are a backpacker needing a pillow while camping, there is nothing like an inflatable pillow. It takes up less space, and you can inflate it to the desired firmness. 

Once deflated, you can easily roll them up and store them in your backpack, no matter the size. A good quality one can serve the purpose for a few years.

A compressible, rectangular pillow would be the best bet for a long journey in a car or camping van. Once rolled out, it can transform into a foam-filled pillow of adequate size. 

And it can mold to the shape of your head and neck for maximum comfort. When compressed, it shrinks significantly, meaning you can save on space in your luggage as well.

While traveling by plane, sleeping upright might be your only choice, if you are not a business class traveler. U- or J-shaped pillows are great options for such journeys, despite the duration. 

They can fit snugly around your neck and over your shoulders and give adequate support. These pillows are ideal for kids too. 

Long flight journeys can be a nightmare for parents traveling with babies. In such cases, a self-inflating nursing pillow is a safe bet. It can comfortably prop up the baby to various positions. You can also find multi-purpose pillows that come with a swaddling wrap. 

Not all shapes of pillows are suitable for you. For a pillow to be called comfortable, it should fit snugly and provide adequate support. It should also stabilize your head despite what sleeping position you naturally take while on the go.

The most common travel pillow U-shaped, which come in inflatable and non-inflatable designs. However, everything comes with a downside, and this one raises concerns about not giving enough neck support.

Rectangular travel pillows are the closest to a standard pillow. They are ideal for camping or road trips where you can sleep on your back. Not to forget, these accessories are great for side sleepers as well. However, it is not suitable for a journey where you can only sleep upright. 

Manufacturers have made innovations to the classic travel pillow after careful thought and observation. J-shaped pillows are the better answer to the shortcomings of the U-shaped ones. They come with better neck, head, and chin support, allowing the head to be propped up during the travel.

Hourglass-shaped pillows normally come in inflatable designs. They are highly-versatile in supporting your upper body, especially the neck and upper back. They render great lumbar support as well. 

Wrap-style pillows are the ones that appear like a scarf around the neck. Some of these come with a built-in neck brace that’s scientifically proven to offer better support than a classic travel pillow. Their ergonomic design can hold your head steady while sleeping in an upright position - good for head tilters. Although portable, not all of these wrap-styles are firm. 

A pillow with a hard exterior would not comfort you, no matter what's inside. Likewise, the material that forms the inside would decide its density and ability to support your head. Read on to find the various materials used in travel pillows.

Memory foam pillows are firmer and become soft when they come in contact with body heat. Some memory foam pillows can be easily contoured and adjusted to suit your support requirements. Their ability to firmly support the neck, head, and spine is impressive. 

Also available are memory foam pillows designed for travelers who tend to get sweaty and hot. These come with sweat-wicking fabric and air circulation vents designed to eliminate heat and to absorb sweat. However, they are bulkier than inflatable pillows and are not ideal for backpacking and long road trips.

Lightweight and soft, micro-bead pillows are ideal for those who like something soft to lay their heads on. They can also conform to the shape of your neck and head. 

Lacking adequate density, they cannot offer the same level of comfort like that of a memory foam pillow, but they're often the more affordable option.

Latex pillows are comfortable, breathable, and soft; they have many small holes inside them that enable good air circulation. The material absorbs sweat and moisture, so no more worries about getting all sweaty while sleeping. 

Users have claimed that the pillow relaxes your neck muscles, facilitating better sleep. They are easy to maintain but are not as portable as air pillows. 

Inflatable pillows are easy to carry around and do not take up much luggage space. However, the need to be inflated manually can be tiresome at times. If not maintained properly, even a tiny prick or tear can cause it to deflate. On the upside, these tend to be the most budget-friendly.

Knowing your sleeping position and behavior can determine what kind of pillow best suits you. If you are a head-tilter or tend to lean forward while sleeping upright, go for a wrap-pillow. It can save you from nodding off (that might cause you to wake up with a sore neck). 

A standard U-shaped pillow is good for those light sleepers who are content with a nap. For fussy sleepers, a J-shaped pillow is the best bet. You can orient it to assume multiple positions. They offer good neck, chin, and head support for a comfortable sleep. 

Are you sleep-deprived while traveling? Most people can get by without sleeping on a short journey. Long journeys can demand adequate sleep and rest. Good sleep can mitigate the jet lag, stiff shoulders and neck, and more that you experience after deplaning.

The absence of adequate head support should not get in the way of you sleeping while on the go. A good travel pillow can conform to the unnatural sleeping positions of your head, and help you get some shut-eye. Frequent flyers and travelers should invest in a durable travel pillow.

As we spend one-third of our life sleeping (for those serious sleepers), the need for a good pillow to sleep on becomes indispensable. A wrong pillow can cause posture issues. The result would be restless nights, lack of sleep, and achy neck. And, if you are someone who has attempted to sleep while travelling, you can easily attest to how bothersome it can be. 

Nothing can be as comfortable as sleeping in your bed. But that cannot always be the case. With the use of a right travel pillow, you can snore away without the fear of drooling and falling onto your neighbor or waking up with a frozen shoulder, sore neck, or numb hands. 

So, why wait? Scour through our list of best travel pillows and find your choice. 

Author: Biji Bella Ravindran