Sleep can be elusive when you travel, especially when you're stuck in a nearly upright position. A good travel pillow can help a great deal. It can also help prevent waking up with a sore neck. Here are some of the best travel pillows to encourage a comfortable snooze.
Cabeau Evolution Classic
This tall and extremely comfortable pillow is constructed from memory foam and has a media pocket in its machine-washable cover. An adjustable toggle clasp holds the pillow snugly closed in front, so you're surrounded in comfort from all sides. Plus, you can squish it down and fold it up into the included bag, so it takes up less space in your carry-on.
Huzi Infinity Pillow
This Möbius-shaped pillow can be used in many different ways. It has just the right amount of softness and support. Use it around your neck, around your neck and back, against a window, or on a tray table.
VISCO LOVE ProComf Travel Mate
If you don't need or like the type of pillow that goes around the neck, check out this small memory foam pillow. It has ventilation ducts to keep you cool as you sleep. Roll it up into the provided bag for easy travel. Use it against the window in a moving vehicle or use it as a traditional pillow in bed.
trtl Pillow Plus
This magical little device is more brace than pillow. While it's not cushy, its inner core is adjustable to your neck height, and it is certainly well-padded. This allows you to sleep comfortably, even when sitting upright. It doesn't sound or look like a comfortable pillow, but it is.
MZYSKJ Travel Pillow
This memory foam pillow has millions of microbeads inside. The sweat-resistant cover is machine-washable. You can adjust the tightness, and turn it around, so the higher part is where you need the most support. Compress the pillow into the included travel bag to save space. A sleep mask and a pair of earplugs are included for your dreaming pleasure.
Which one should you choose?
Time spent on an airplane, train, bus, or other vehicle is usually not the best part of a trip. Sleeping while you travel helps the time go faster and allows you to reach your destination well-rested and ready to go, but it's difficult for some to get comfortable. One of these pillows can help you get to sleep, get better quality sleep, and wake up without a crick in your neck.
I personally use and love the Cabeau Evolution Classic, I rarely take a long flight without it. Note that it does take up a good bit of space in your carry-on, but it can be compressed into a smaller pouch (not included) to save room. I find it both comfortable and comforting to wear. Unlike the typical beanbag neck pillow, the Cabeau sits higher, and the firmness of the memory foam allows your neck to tilt just enough to get comfortable but not enough to get a crick.
I've also used the trtl Pillow Plus. I was nervous about flying across the country on a redeye flight without my Cabeau, but the trtl was surprisingly comfortable. I'm not a good sleeper under the best of conditions, but I slept a good chunk of the flight with the trtl secured around my neck. Bonus: it doesn't take up much space in your carry-on bag. Another bonus: take out the internal support structure, and the fabric portion of the trtl can be washed. I still prefer the Cabeau for its cushiness, but the trtl is an effective and comfortable alternative I'll use when space is at a premium.
