For holidays of any length, we have brought together a list of the best travel pillows for comfort. Perfect to pop in when packing your hand luggage, these pillow picks will tick your boxes for support, style, comfort and portability. You might not have your travel accessories ready just yet, but a travel extra that’s worth getting right now is a travel pillow.
Not only will a handy neck pillow save you from getting a naff one last-minute at duty-free, but travel pillows are also extremely versatile and can be used as great neck support for shorter trips in the UK, car journeys and camping. Don’t knock them until you try them. Travel can be the most stressful and tiring aspect of any trip, so ensuring you have some relative comfort in those moments is crucial to your well-being...
Best travel pillows at a glance:
• Best travel pillow overall: Eono Neck Pillow - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best budget travel pillow: Life Hall Travel Pillow - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best premium travel pillow: Tempur Original Travel Pillow - Buy now on Tempur
When it comes to packing for your holiday, there are few things you can go without. If you're likely to want to sleep on the plane, you may want to ring along a neck pillow. You'll find that most people save space by hooking this to the outside of their cabin bags rather than having it inside. Finding the best neck pillow for travel may seem a little daunting. After all, there are plenty of options out on the market.
Luckily, we've written the ultimate buyer's guide to this pillow accessory.
Best travel pillow and neck supports for travelling and holidays
Best travel pillow overall
Eono/AmazonThe Eono Neck Pillow is made of memory foam and comes with the perfect amount of support for the neck and head. This pillow is ergonomically designed to fit the curves of the skull, making it super soft and comfortable and reducing the risks of aches or cramps. The soft velour zip cover is machine washable so you can keep it nice and clean, and the pillow is easily portable with a handy travel bag. Not only does it offer 360-degree support, it comes with an adjustable eye mask as part of the kit. You'll be out like a light!
Customer Review: "Soft material, very comfy and easy to pack away. Surprised to see eye mask and ear plugs in the bag - bonus."
Pros
- Comes with earplugs, a sleep mask and a storage bag
- Super soft, filled with personalised memory foam
- Offers multi-angle protection for versatile comfort
Cons
- A bit fiddly to get back in the bag
- This style won't suit every neck
| Dimensions | 25 x 23 x 15 cm; 200g |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Support | U-Shaped |
- Ergonomic Shape - designed with orthopaedic raised lobe contouring.
- High-Quality Memory Foam - which is breathable and comfortable, and has good elasticity.
- Good Ventilation and Soft - offers velvet comfort as it intimately touches your skin.
- Easy to Care - as the case can be removed and hand washed if it is dirty.
- Essential for Travel - as the set includes a pair of earplugs, a sleep eye mask and a storage bag.
Best budget travel pillow
This classic memory foam Life Hall Travel Pillow is designed with orthopaedic raised lobe contouring on either side so your neck will remain comfortable no matter which way you lean as you doze off. Available in grey, blue or red, this travel pillow is compact and lightweight and can be easily packed away in the provided travel bag. The super soft cover can be removed to be washed in the machine and guarantees value for money whether you use it whilst travelling, working, at home or wherever you need a little nap.
Customer Review: "I have arthritis in my neck and ordered this in the hope that it would help. I have now had two perfect nights' sleep using it. It's wonderful and I wish I had discovered it long ago! Really comfortable and takes the strain out of neck stiffness. I use it when watching television and when reading also. I've now ordered a second one for the car. A great buy!"
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Made from leading memory foam
- Great value for any traveller
Cons
- Needs a strap to tighten around the neck
- The travel cover isn't very durable
| Dimensions | 27 x 27 x 12 cm; 270g |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Support | U-Shaped |
- Plush Cover - features an easy-to-use zipper and is machine washable - for all the family.
- Ergonomic Design - offer support for neck tilt from side to side.
- Perfect for Travel - with an adjustable rope design for attaching to luggage.
- Portable - folds enough for easy packing away in the included travel bag.
Best premium travel pillow
Tempur®uk.tempur.com
This Tempur Original Travel Pillow may come with a larger price tag but with a 3-year guarantee and super supportive TEMPUR Material, you're sure to get your money's worth. This travel pillow is made for use while lying down and is a great companion for staying away from home. With a handy travel case to roll the pillow into, the visco-elastic cells of the pillow actively mould and adapt to your head ensuring ultimate comfort day and night. The cover is removable for easy washing and a larger version of the travel pillow is available too if you have the space to carry the full-size.
Customer Review: "The Travel pillow is a fantastic pillow to take when visiting hotels and other places whilst visiting. It compresses easily, and because the zip is along the side it is simple to put in or take out of the case. Keen to buy a full-size version to replace my existing memory foam pillow as the Tempur resilience and give is way superior."
Pros
- Ultimate comfort and support
- The material adapts to your body
- Compresses easily for storage
Cons
- May not suit all travellers
| Dimensions | 760g |
| Material | TEMPUR, Soft Fabric |
| Support | Rectangular |
- Shaped from supportive pressure relieving TEMPUR® Material.
- Soft cream fabric cover is removable for washing at 60°C.
- Viscoelastic cells that actively mould and adapt to your body.
Best adjustable travel pillow
TJCwww.tjc.co.uk
If you're looking for ultimate adaptability in your pillow, this Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the one for you! Great for side, stomach and back sleepers, this pillow can be converted to support your head, back, shoulder or cervical spine as you nap or relax. We think it'll be great for long car journeys - with the pillow twisted to a position where you can rest against the window. The must-have for travel is easy to clean with a breathable, machine washable cotton cover and is portable too with the snap closure allowing you to curl up or attach it to your luggage or a headrest.
Customer Review: "Love this. Have used it at home and on my travels (hotels and planes). Provides perfect support for my neck and can be bent into various shapes to suit; comfy and supportive. Now I can get a decent night's sleep using a flat (thin) pillow and this little beauty whilst away rather than having to travel with a contour pillow or trying to make do without, only to end up with neck ache / a rubbish night's sleep. Highly recommend!"
Pros
- Provides custom support
- Easy to clean and carry
- Versatile comfort for travel
Cons
- Not the most lightweight option
| Dimensions | 34 x 24 x 11 cm; 454g |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Support | Wrap-Around |
- Provides Custom Support - contouring to almost any shape and position.
- Not Just A Neck Pillow - as this pick is versatile, convertible and supports any body part.
- A "Must Have" For Travel - which makes sleeping more comfortable with memory foam.
- Easy To Clean - the breathable, cotton cover is machine washable for your next trip.
- Easy To Carry - with snap closure, attachable to luggage or backpack.
Best travel pillow for 360 support
Ostrich Pillow/AmazonThis Ostrich Pillow Go Luxury Travel Pillow comes with a unique 360-degree design gives total neck support and can compress down to 60% of its original size for neat portability. The one size fits all travel pillow has an adjustable velcro closure and is stylishly designed with purpose so neck pain is a thing of the past! The cover is machine washable and available in the colour midnight grey.
Customer Review: "I am really pleased with the Ostrichpillow Go. It is really comfortable and because of the wrap-around design, it supports my head really well so that there is no neck strain, which I am particularly likely to experience with a conventional travel pillow. It is very light and very soft to the touch too. Yes am using it for commuting and it is about I am really pleased with the perfect one for just relaxing after a really hard day. I also sometimes use it as a neck support, when I am spending time working at the computer."
Pros
- Stylish, unique design
- Offers custom support
- Easy to clean and carry
Cons
- May be a little too warm for some
| Dimensions | 27 x 24 x 15 cm; 227g |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Support | U-Shaped / Wrap Around |
- Dream in Style - crafted with an elegant design and high-density memory foam.
- Easy to Carry - designed for comfort and includes a travel bag for transport.
- Custom Feel - thanks to the Velcro strap and the Viscolastic sleeve for your sleep.
- Machine Washable - sleeve is made out of soft, breathable and machine-friendly fabric.
Best travel pillow for double support
BCOZZY/AmazonThe BCOZZY Neck Pillow is a fantastic travel companion if you always find your head falling forward as you sleep. This pillow is designed to support your head, neck and chin and can be adjusted for side sleepers, to be worn all around or even elevated on one side. Designed with a flat back, the support doesn't push the head forward when leaning back and the durable, soft, machine-washable pillow will keep you nice and comfortable. It comes in three sizes, perfect for kids and adults, and a range of colours so you can tell which belongs to who!
Customer Review: "This is my first Amazon review and I am taking my time out to write it because I spent some time researching what type of travel pillow to buy, and am so happy with this product. I bought my Bcozzy for a 30-hour journey to Australia, and it worked perfectly. I have always come off of flights with very sore neck pain, mostly because my head falls right onto my shoulder or onto my front with no support. I wrapped the Bcozzy tightly around my neck and it held my head in place, whilst being nice and cosy. I slept very well for the length of the journey and the exhaustion that was setting in."
Pros
- The flat back design prevents any neck strain
- Offers double support to head, neck and chin
- Three ergonomic positions for comfort
Cons
- Mixed reviews about the fit, some have found it generous but others have found it a little tight
| Dimensions | |
| Material | Memory Foam, Fleece |
| Support | U-Shaped / Wrap-Around |
- Double Support - which helps relax and prevent neck pain and sore shoulders when sleeping.
- Two Sizes - Large and X-Large offer tailored comfort for any traveller.
- Ergonomic - for the desired position, no matter where your head falls when you sleep upright.
- Balance - between softness and firmness with breathable fabric and cosy microfleece.
- Flat-Back Design - prevents the head from being pushed forward, which causes strain.
- Easy to Carry - is very lightweight and comes with a luggage-friendly clip and carry case.
- Machine-Washable - to make life easy, with a carry case and machine-friendly fabric.
Best hooded travel pillow
trtl/AmazonThis wrap and nap trtl Travel Pillow offer more subtle support without the large memory foam bulk. It works by looping the pillow around your neck with adjustable height making it great no matter your preferred position. With over 80 configurations available, the pillow is customisable to any person regardless of height or size. It's super lightweight and compact, coming with a travel bag to easily store away. The breathable, super soft, machine washable microfleece and the plush foam padding are perfect for a snuggly sleep.
Customer Review: "The Trtl Plus is definitely the best Pillow to hold your head steady so one can get some rest. The Trtl is not bulky so I don't have this huge pillow in my carry-on luggage. The Trtl Plus + noise-cancelling headphones and a sleep visor are the perfect combination! The long-haul flights are starting to open up again so I'm planning on travelling within a month's time. Given all the PPE I'll need to wear on the flight, comfort becomes even more important than ever so it's my most essential travelling aide!"
Pros
- Lightweight and space-saving
- Ergonomic and offers unique support
- Machine-washable, hypoallergenic cover
Cons
- Not ideal for restless sleepers
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Material | Hypoallergenic Fleece, Foam |
| Support | Hooded |
- Ergonomic Sleep - prevents head nodding and keeps your head in a better, ergonomic position.
- Unique Support System - is hidden in the design of a scarf and comfortably padded.
- Space-Saving - making it smaller and lighter than traditional travel pillows.
- Travel-Friendly - by wrapping it around your bag strap or placing it outside of your luggage.
- Machine-Washable - you can easily wash the soft hypoallergenic cover of the neck pillow.
Best travel pillow with added massage feature
HoMedics/AmazonYou can sit back, relax and enjoy a neck massage wearing this HoMedics Vibration Travel Pillow. Its soft, memory foam design provides support and comfort while the vibration massage setting relaxes tense neck muscles. You've also got the bonus of earplugs included for added travel comfort. Luckily, the batteries are included. Easy!
Customer Review: "Ideal for aches in the neck, comfortable to wear, and this is enough to provide good support."
Pros
- Good value travel accessory
- Offers a relaxing massage
- Soft, memory foam for comfort
Cons
- Some customers are unsure about the massage feature
| Dimensions | |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Support | U-Shaped |
- Design - is made up of soft memory foam to provide support and comfort.
- Extra Feature - invigorating vibration massage relaxes tense neck muscles.
- Options - Choose from two speeds: low for relaxing or high for an invigorating massage.
- Machine-Washable - with a removable, washable cover for cleanliness.
- User-Friendly - the integrated controls are easy to use for easy comfort.
Verdict: Which is the best travel pillow?
By far, in terms of value and comfort, the Eono Neck Pillow steals the top spot. It's ergonomically designed with just the right amount of support for head and neck.
What to consider when buying the best travel pillow
Isn't travel exhausting? Long flights and intense road trips can wear us out. Therefore, a comfortable travel pillow can make all the difference to your journey by providing much-needed support and rest.
Finding the best travel pillow involves considering your comfort, support needs, portability, and the pillow's overall design. And - by following this buyer's guide, you'll be better equipped to choose a travel pillow that ensures a more pleasant and restful travel experience. You'll be catching some Z's on the plane without a care in the world...
We've gone into a little more detail when looking for the best travel pillow:
Size and portability
When on the road, something compact and easy to carry is important. After all, you're probably carrying around enough luggage. Who wants something else joining the mix? A pillow that can be compressed or folded into a small bag or attached to your luggage is ideal.
Comfort and support
This may be the most important factor to you. After all, its primary purpose lies in comfort and support. Our neck, head and shoulders may receive great strain during this time. For this, we recommend pillows made from memory foam, microbeads or something inflatable. These will offer good support and contour to your shape.
Pillow type
Next, pillow type is our third factor to consider. There are various types of travel pillows available, such as:
U-shaped - will provide support to your neck and chin, best for sitting positions.
Rectangular - are ideal for several sleeping positions, offering versatility.
Hooded - may work for you, as they offer a little privacy and block out any light or noise.
Wrap-around - is the ideal pillow for neck pain, as it's designed to offer full neck support and stability.
Material and cover
For this, we recommend checking the materials used in the pillow's construction. To see more about the products we've picked, click on the Specifications tab, where you will find materials (and more). Ideally, you want something soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Plus, removable and washable covers are a bonus, for keeping your new friend clean.
Adjustability
Some travel pillows come with adjustable straps or toggles to customise the fit, according to your preferences and needs, Handy, right? This allows you to secure the pillow in place and prevents it from slipping during use. You'll be comfortable in the knowledge that you're being well looked after by your new travel accessory.
FAQs
What is travel fatigue?
As more of us are taking trips abroad, travel fatigue is becoming something we expect to have. In a time when sleep and wellness are at the forefront of our minds, we should be taking this issue more seriously. Luckily, according to Sammy Margo – Sleep Expert at Dreams – this can be avoided.
But, what is travel fatigue? Essentially, it’s characterised by exhaustion, sleep disturbances and decreased alertness. Not to worry! It’s actually a very common issue, culminating from increased journeys, no matter the mode of travel. This can be caused by disrupted routines, minor time zone adjustments and physical discomfort during travel. Thus, significantly disturbing one's well-being.
How do I tackle travel fatigue?
To help us combat travel fatigue, Sammy Margo has provided her six favourite tips:
Power nap prior to your journey – “Take a strategic power nap or an intentional rest before embarking on your journey. Short, 20-minute naps or moments of rest can help alleviate fatigue and establish a refreshed state before confronting the challenges of travel fatigue.”
Hydration is key – “Start hydrating a few days before departure. Proper hydration is crucial in minimising the impact of travel fatigue. Maintaining optimal hydration levels supports the body's regulatory systems, including hormone secretion and thermoregulation, which play a vital role in the sleep-wake cycle.”
Light therapy – “Embrace exposure to natural light at specific times, such as going for a daylight walk or wearing sunglasses, to help regulate your body's internal clock. Light exposure aids in the adjustment of sleep patterns, promoting a healthier sleep-wake cycle.”
Mindful movement – “Engage in light physical activity upon arrival. Activities like yoga or stretching stimulate the release of endorphins and improve blood circulation, enhancing alertness and combating the drowsiness associated with travel fatigue.”
Avoid the afternoon crash – “Resist the temptation to nap upon arrival, especially in the late afternoon. Instead, try to stay awake until the local bedtime to help adjust your body to the new time zone. Even the smallest time zone change can impact our sleep-wake cycle, so by following this tip, it is easier to normalise our sleep patterns and reduce the impact of travel fatigue.”
Eating rhythms – “Maintain consistent eating rhythms during your travels. Adhering to regular mealtimes helps synchronise your body's internal clock and promotes a smoother adjustment to the local schedule, minimising the effects of travel fatigue.”
For a good night's sleep, check out Dreams Matters Club – for tips, tricks and expert advice.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.