Best Neck Pillow For Long Flights – Expert Recommendations
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Tired of restless hours in your uncomfortable airplane seat? Unfortunately, a long-haul flight without neck support can leave you exhausted and sore for the next part of your journey. And quite frankly, a regular pillow doesn’t cut in for air travel. That’s why a proper travel neck pillow is so important!
For a good sleep on your flight, you need a travel pillow that provides full support to your head, neck, and chin. A softcover, accessories, and a convenient way to carry your travel pillows are always helpful, too! There are hundreds of fabulous products to choose from, so we researched and rounded up the best travel neck pillows on Amazon based on travel pillow reviews from frequent flyers.
1. BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow – Best Overall
The BCOZZY neck pillow is a traveler’s favorite for many reasons! When you’re ready to cozy up on long-haul flights, these specially shaped travel pillows make it easy to sleep.
Unlike a regular u-shaped pillow, the BCOZZY’s unique design provides neck support from all angles, preventing neck pain and keeping your head from falling forward. This specially shaped travel neck pillow also allows you to rest in your preferred sleeping position with adjustable arms that work from the window seat to the aisle.
We love that this travel pillow comes with its own carrying case and a soft but fully machine washable cover. Plus, it’s available in 4 sizes, from kids to adults, and 8 different colors!
2. trtl Pillow Plus – Superior Neck Support
The trtl pillow is one of the best travel pillows available for when you have to sleep sitting up on a long flight. This travel pillow is ergonomically designed and breathable while providing superior neck support.
One of our favorite features about the trtl pillow is that you can customize the height around your neck so that it fits in your spine’s natural curve. This makes it the best travel neck pillow for those who need extra neck support in those uncomfortable airplane seats. The soft fabric is also fully machine washable and extra plush so you can get some quality shut-eye.
This version of the trtl pillow also comes with a waterproof travel bag that clips right onto your carry-on for easy transportation.
3. NAPFUN Upgraded Travel Neck Pillow – Best For Chin Support
Looking for something with memory foam? Check out this travel pillow from NAPFUN.
Unlike most u-shaped travel pillows, these memory foam pillows have chin support that stops your head from falling forward, which keeps neck pain at bay and helps you sleep better. The ergonomically designed shape also makes it comfortable for side sleepers and does not push your head forward at all.
An adjustable closure keeps the pillow ends in place underneath your chin, and the outer cover zips right off when it’s time to wash. Plus, it rolls up into a small bag that’s barely larger than a smartphone! These extra features make it one of our favorite choices for memory foam travel pillows.
4. Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow – Best Memory Foam Neck Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution is our next pick for the best memory foam pillow for long-haul air travel. This doctor-recommended travel pillow offers superior neck support with many extra features.
While regular u-shaped pillows don’t offer enough support to keep you upright, the Cabeau evolution is specifically designed to keep you from falling forward with a special strap that connects to the back of the airplane seat. Additionally, it has a flat back, adjustable neck clasp, and raised side support, so your chin and head are perfectly cradled against the headrest. This extra reinforcement keeps your whole upper body in alignment for better sleep and fewer travel pains.
Other great features for this memory foam travel pillow include a built-in storage pocket, machine washable cover, and a premium memory foam core. It also has its own carrying case that reduces the pillow’s size by half and easily attaches to your carry-on bag!
5. J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow – Head, Neck and Chin Support
We’re always looking for the next best travel neck pillow, and the J-Pillow just may be it! This unique travel pillow won the British invention of the year in 2013, and it’s unlike any other travel pillow out there.
While most travel pillows go all the way around your neck, the J-Pillow sits cozily on just one side while still providing optimal neck and chin support. Designed to help you get plenty of sleep on car rides to long haul flights, this pillow fits right into the natural curve between your head and shoulder, then curls under your chin just enough to keep your head elevated.
It’s fully washable and filled with soft polyester. When you’re not using your travel pillow, just slip it into the included compression bag and snap it onto your luggage.
6. Lucear Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow – Unique Shape
Most travel pillows only offer support for your head. However, if you find yourself in need of different kinds of support on your long-haul flight, this particular memory foam travel pillow could be just the thing you need for better sleep.
The Lucear twist travel pillow isn’t just a basic neck pillow. It’s noodle-shaped adjusts with your needs to provide support where you need it. It alters and holds its shape to provide support for your lumbar, legs, head, and shoulders, or even works as a stand for your tablet! It’s the best travel pillow for travelers who need more than just head support.
The set also includes an eye mask and earplugs to help you get the sleep you need on the go!
7. Comfier Massaging Travel Pillow – Built-In Massage Function
Turn those long flights into luxurious interludes with a travel pillow that has a built-in massage function!
The Comfier travel pillow is made with memory foam, and the u shape provides 360-degree head and neck support during your flight. But what really sets this travel pillow apart is its heat and massage functions! The travel pillow has six built-in massage levels and two heat levels to keep travel pain away and help you fall asleep happily.
The rechargeable massage function works for up to 3 hours on a full charge. When it’s low, just connect it to your phone adapter, laptop, or power bank. The softcover also zips on and off for easy washing.
8. Kmall Inflatable Travel Pillow – Best Inflatable Travel Pillow
When space is an issue, or you don’t want a full travel pillow clipped to your bag, an inflatable travel pillow is a great alternative! Inflatable pillows don’t offer quite as much comfort or support as their stuffed counterparts. However, they’re still an excellent option for long flights. Our vote for the best inflatable travel pillow is this one by Kmall.
The u-shaped travel pillow is ergonomically designed with proper neck support, so you can get high-quality sleep when you need it. It also has a breathable and sweat-absorbent cover to keep you cool. The travel pillow inflates quickly to your preferred firmness level via the built-in pump buttons. It also deflates in seconds when you’re done by opening the air valve and pressing down on the pillow.
Unlike most neck pillows, Kmall inflatable pillows can fold up into a built-in pocket that doubles as a carrying case. It is one of the best travel pillows available for comfort and convenience!
9. MLVOC Travel Pillow – Best Wrap-Around Pillow
If you like the wrap-around shape of the trtl travel pillow, but not the price, the MLVOC travel pillow is a good alternative. These travel pillows don’t have an adjustable function, but the soft memory foam filling provides great support for all neck sizes with a tall side and short side. If you prefer to lean forward, it’s also contoured to keep your arms comfortably folded under your head while you sleep.
Other reasons we love these neck pillows include the adjustable buckle neck strap, therapy cloth and gauze covering for sensitive skin, and the machine-washable case. Each set also comes with a few things that are nice to have with you, including an eye mask, earplugs, and a carrying case.
10. Cabeau Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow – Best Cooling Neck Pillow
If you sleep hot, consider these innovative cooling travel pillows from Cabeau Evolution!
This travel pillow design also has a flat back and raised sides for 360-degree head support. However, it also comes with a moisture-wicking cover that is machine washable to keep odors at bay and ventilation holes to release heat and help you stay cool.
Another great thing about these travel neck pillows is their portability. The compact storage case reduces the pillows to a third of the original size and clips to your personal bag for easy transportation. It’s hard to find any other travel pillow with all these features.
Airplane Neck Pillow – Best For Sleeping
If you don’t like sleeping upright, there is a great travel pillow for you, too! It may look a little bulky, but the Airplane Neck Pillow is one of the best inflatable travel pillows for sleeping during your long flights.
This travel pillow has a 45-degree angle, which allows your head and neck to naturally curve forward to rest against it without hurting your spine. The head and armholes provide comfy places for your face and hands to rest as well. All of these contours and carefully-planned cutouts work together to keep the pain away and provide a premium sleeping experience.
The Airplane Neck Pillow inflates with just 5 breaths and deflates in as little as five seconds! It’s very easy to use on the go, then store it in the included carrying case when your flight is over. The pillows come in four different colors and come with an eye mask and earplugs.
Are Neck Pillows Worth It For Flights?
Yes, most people swear by neck pillows for flights, and we think they’re definitely worth it. They provide the support you need to keep your head and neck in a comfortable position while sleeping or resting on long flights.
How To Find The Best Neck Pillow For Air Travel
Now that you know a little more about neck pillows, let’s talk about how to find the best travel pillow for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for travel pillows:
Neck size and shape
Make sure to measure your neck circumference before buying a pillow. You’ll also want to consider the shape of your neck to find a pillow that offers the right amount of support. If you have a wide neck, look for a pillow with raised sides. For a narrow neck, choose a pillow with a flat back.
Material
The material of the pillow is also important. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a pillow with a soft and gentle fabric like cotton or bamboo. If you sleep hot, look for a cooling pillow made from polyester or bamboo.
Breathability
The best neck pillows are breathable, meaning they allow air to circulate through the fabric. This will help keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.
Portability
Some neck pillows come with a carrying case for easy transport. Others are inflatable and fold up to a small size for easy packing. The best travel pillows are easy to use and store.
Price
Travel pillows vary in price, but most are affordable. Consider your budget when shopping for a travel pillow, but be sure to buy a quality pillow that will offer the best support.
