Top 10 Best Travel Neck Pillows in 2021 (MyPillow and More)

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

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 inside their travel bags.

If you're 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.

These are a great choice for anyone that prioritizes traveling light. Some inflatable pillows need to be manually inflated, but there are others that will inflate automatically and deflate just as easily. Inflatable pillows don't come in as many designs and styles like some other pillows but function fine as a basic travel pillow.

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. These 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.

You may need to unroll and let them air for a while before you use them. This is because they don't all expand immediately, but once fluffed up again they will give you a comfortable pillow.

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. 

They can be a little bulky to travel with, however, so look for pillows that fold down neatly. Others will come with travel bags or snap closures that can be attached to luggage to make them easier to carry.

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 is U-shaped. These are available in both inflatable and non-inflatable designs. They fit comfortably around your neck and can be kept in place with velcro or snap closure. 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 as they offer no neck support.

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. It can be tricky to get a J-shaped pillow in place, however.

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. They can often be difficult to use and position, also.

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. 

This type of pillow can take some adjustment. At first, they can feel too hard and uncomfortable but will pass. A quick way to resolve this is to make the pillow warm before you use it.

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 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 as 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. They don't offer the same level of support as memory foam pillows, either.

Inflatable pillows are easy to carry around and do not take up much luggage space. If the pillow needs to be inflated manually, this can be tiresome. You can get inflatable pillows that will inflate automatically, however. 

If not maintained properly, even a tiny prick or tear can cause these pillows to deflate. It can also be tricky sometimes to fully inflate them.

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 your head from bobbing and jerking, which will not only cause neck pain but will wake you up.

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, depending on how you are seated. They offer good neck, chin, and head support for a comfortable sleep. 

Most people can get by without sleeping on a short journey. However, 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.

When a neck pillow doesn't come in the pattern or color you want, sometimes you just want to make your own! Here's an easy DIY neck pillow guide from Treasurie to help your fully personalize your travel buddy.

A travel pillow can make you more comfortable when you travel, but there are other items that can make your traveling life easier. We have recommendations for some more items that will help you on your journeys.

As we spend up to one-third of our life sleeping, the need for a good pillow to sleep on becomes indispensable. The wrong pillow can cause restless nights, lack of sleep, and an achy neck. And, if you are someone who has attempted to sleep while traveling, 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 the 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

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Traveling can be a stressful time, and that is especially true for air travel. Travel pillows can make us more comfortable, but it's also important that we have everything that we need for both the flight itself and our journey at hand. Personal Finance and Travel Content Creator Cinneah El-Amin has recommended a stylish piece of carry-on luggage that can ensure you have everything you need.