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With travel going back into full swing these days, creature comforts like travel pillows are back in high demand. But with so many to choose from, how would you know which one works the best for what you need? Don’t fret ‘coz we’ve got it all covered. We’ve tested out countless brands and these are our top picks for the year 2022. Our Editor’s Choice for best travel pillow is the OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow.
Our Top Picks for Best Travel Pillow
- OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow – editor’s choice
- Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow – best organic travel pillow
- TRTL pillow – best portable travel pillow
- Infinity pillow – best cooling travel pillow
- Bcozzy Travel pillow – best budget travel pillow
#1. OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Good for memory foam fans
- Total neck support
- Washable cover
Cons
- Slight off-gassing
- Trapped tiny amount of heat
Our experience with the OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow
While most travel pillows have a rounded, u-shape to them, not all are designed to fit snugly onto your neck. This causes them to slip off at the most inopportune time – usually just when you are about to fall asleep.
The OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow features a 360-degree ergonomic design that offers full neck support that won’t slip off – no matter how thin or thick your neck might be.
Construction
Made from supportive, high-end BASF memory foam and encased in a super soft and breathable cotton blend cover, the OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow offers total head and neck support without ever slipping off thanks to its adjustable velcro strap closure.
The same velcro strap can hold the pillow in place atop your carry-on bag when you’re on the go and rushing through airports. No more fear of dropping your travel pillow on icky floors.
Weighing a feather-light 360 grams, the Go Neck pillow is unobtrusive and easy to pack. When not in use, you can also roll it up and stuff it into its own waterproof travel case.
The Go Neck pillow also comes with a removable and washable cover, so should any stains or accidents happen, it is easy to clean. If you are someone who travels frequently though, we suggest washing your pillow cover often to keep it clean, fresh and free from any bacteria that could hop on for the ride. The cover is OKEO-TEX certified.
You get to choose between 4 calming color combinations with the OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow. Because it is made from memory foam, there’s a little bit of off-gassing when you first unbox the pillow but this dissipated within 48 hours. We suggest airing out your pillow for a day or two prior to first use.
Comfort
While memory foam is known to have a slow response rate, we found the OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow to be pretty responsive and supportive when we tried it out. It offered us just the right amount of that cuddle-in feel that’s usually associated with traditional memory foam but without too much sinkage. It was exactly what our heads and necks needed, especially for long haul flights.
Some travel pillows offer very poor chin support and sometimes you end up sleeping with your chin down to your chest and your head falling forward which can cause a stiff neck. Because of the Go Neck pillow’s 360 degree wraparound design, we found ourselves sleeping in a comfortable position all throughout the flight while helping us maintain proper spinal posture, especially since we were sleeping upright.
Although sleeping position does not really come into play when it comes to travel pillows, side sleepers – who tend to lean sideways on either their travel companion or a side surface if you’re in a window seat – get a bit more neck support due to the Go Neck pillow’s slightly higher side edges.
Because it is a memory foam travel pillow, we also found that the Go Neck pillow trapped some of our body heat, causing us to sleep a little hot but because planes tend to be very cold, this did not bother us too much. But this is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by car or by bus, where the temperature can be much higher.
Size
The OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow comes in only one universal size. It measures 25 x 17 x 7 cm.
Warranty
The OstrichPillow Go Neck pillow comes with a risk-free 100 day return policy. It also comes with a 2 year warranty. OstrichPillow offers free shipping for all of their travel pillows.
Buy: OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow
#2. Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow
Check Current Price | Best Organic Travel Pillow
Pros
- Certified natural and organic
- Responsive and supportive
- Can be used for both conventional sleeping and travel
Cons
- Can be a little pricey
- May be too small for some
Our experience with the Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow
If you’re familiar with the brand Avocado, then you know their Mini Molded Latex pillow is certified to the nines. From UL Greenguard Gold to eco-INSTITUT to GOTS Organic, no matter how diminutive the Mini Molded Latex pillow may be, it IS definitely packing.
These certifications ensure the product’s safety and efficacy, all while saving the community and the environment. This is but one of the many reasons we here at Sleepline are big fans of Avocado products.
The Mini Molded Latex pillow just works. Not only can it be used as a travel pillow, it can be used for conventional sleeping as well (yep, on a bed and all). This is because unlike most travel pillows which are u-shaped and meant to be basically worn around your neck, the Mini Molded Latex pillow is built like a traditional pillow, only half its size.
Construction
The core of the Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow is made from charcoal-infused latex. Charcoal has been proven to be a well-known heat conductor as well as having the ability to absorb moisture, odors and toxins. This makes the Mini Molded Latex pillow cooling while keeping moisture and all the other nasties at bay.
The natural latex used in the Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow is ecologically sourced from Avocado’s partner communities around the world. It is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified which means the material comes from companies that manage forests in a way that preserves biological diversity while benefitting the lives of the local people.
Natural latex is naturally cooling and hypoallergenic. This means the Mini Molded Latex pillow is an excellent choice for those who sleep hot as well as those who suffer from chronic allergies.
The Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow contains no chemical nor physical fire retardants since charcoal-infused latex is already naturally fire-resistant. Bear in mind though that pillows are not required to pass the same safety standards as that of mattresses so we still suggest keeping your pillow away from any ignition sources.
The pillow cover of the Mini Molded Latex pillow is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Soft and breathable, it is also removable and washable. Avocado recommends air drying though rather than using a dryer.
The Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow comes shipped flat and vacuum-sealed. It only took a few minutes for it to reach full size and we did not experience any instances of off-gassing.
Comfort
Springy and supportive, we found the Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow to be a little on the firm side. This makes it suitable for side and back sleepers if they plan to use it as a conventional pillow. As a travel pillow, we found it to give firm support, even you prefer sleeping face forward on the plane’s tray table (which, by the way, we strongly advise against but hey, you do you).
While it isn’t your usual neck travel pillow, we still found it to be a surprisingly supportive travel pillow – whether used on the head or as a hugger. For those of you looking for a more memory foam-like feel, we have other travel pillow offerings on this list that are made of memory foam.
A firmer pillow, even though it’s not a u-shaped travel pillow, can offer both neck support and back support.
The Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow weighs 1.6 lbs and measures 20″ x 12.5″.
Sizes
The Avocado Mini Molded Latex pillow comes in only one size.
Warranty
Avocado offers a 100-night sleep guarantee for their Mini Molded Latex pillow and it comes backed by a 1 year warranty. All of Avocado’s products are made in the USA.
Buy: Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow
#3. Trtl Pillow
Check Current Price | Best Portable Travel Pillow
Pros
- 360-degree neck and chin support
- Machine-washable cover
- Scientifically tested to give lumbar support
Cons
- May feel a little bit different to those who are used to regular u-shaped pillows
- Fleece can get a little hot
Our experience with the TRTL pillow
Here’s something a little different – a travel pillow that looks unlike any travel pillow you’ve ever seen. U-shaped pillows that go around your neck are the most common travel pillows but the TRTL travel pillow looks more like a pillow/blanket hybrid/neck brace.
Offering both chin support and neck support, the TRTL travel pillow is a versatile travel pillow that can even be used as support even if you aren’t travelling.
Construction
The construction of the TRTL travel pillow is pretty simple. An ultra-soft fleece cover hides an internal support made from flexible medical-grade plastic that TRTL calls the “flipper”. This flipper is flexible enough to support either your neck, chin or shoulders which means you can choose which part of your head you need support the most.
A thin comfort layer of open-cell polyfoam surrounds the flipper, giving the TRTL pillow its softness and malleability.
Although the TRTL pillow only comes in one size, the velcro strap means it can suit any head and neck size – from bigger individuals to children. All you need is to loop it around your neck, wrap and you’re ready to nap.
The best neck support is a travel pillow that’s also chin-supporting. This ensures proper lumbar support even when you are sleeping upright. The velcro strap also ensures a snug fit and won’t let your head bob about whilst you’re up in the air or on the road.
The fleece cover – along with the foam – of the TRTL travel pillow can be removed and machine-washed and tumble-dried. All you need to do is to remove the internal support.
We also found the TRTL travel pillow to be very portable since it is foldable and can be easily stored in your carry-on baggage.
Comfort
I’ll be honest – it took a little getting used to when we tried the TRTL pillow. For people who are so used to u-shaped travel pillows, like we are, the TRTL pillow can feel a little neck brace-y on the first try.
But once you get used to it, you won’t even miss either a memory foam core or even a latex one. If you’re worried about the plastic flipper biting into your skin due to the weight of your head, don’t. We didn’t feel anything sharp or hard at all. All we felt was a soft yet supportive neck pillow that looks just like a scarf. If you hate bulky travel pillows, then this is the perfect neck pillow for you.
We found the fleece cover to get a little hot though even if it is pretty breathable so if you are an extremely hot sleeper, you might not like the feeling of heat around your neck. Then again, you just might. It felt like a soft, warm hug – perfect for the cold temperatures of an airplane cabin.
Sizes
The TRTL travel pillow comes in only one size but is adjustable to fit any head and neck size. It also comes in 4 different colors, including a stylish hot pink.
Warranty
TRTL offers a 100-day money back guarantee for their travel pillow. No warranty period is mentioned.
Buy: TRTL Travel Pillow
#4. Infinity Pillow
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Travel Pillow | Review
Pros
- All-in-one travel pillow
- Cooling
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Travel case comes separately
- Not for those who want a traditional u-shaped travel pillow
- No warranty or refund policy
Our experience with the Infinity pillow
Is it pillow? Is it a scarf? Is it a blanket? Is it a sleep mask? It’s all of these and more. By far the coolest pillow for travel we have ever tried, the Infinity pillow is not just a neck and head pillow but a full body one.
Construction
The Infinity pillow contains a polyester filling that is soft and pliable. Shaped into a circle – hence the Infinity moniker – the Infinity pillow can be looped onto itself and adjusted multiple times creating whatever design suits your needs and preferences.
Because of its infinity design, you get 360-degree support no matter what position you choose. Be it sitting upright, lying down, or even just lounging on the couch.
The outer cover is made from bamboo fabric that’s naturally cooling and extremely breathable. Natural bamboo fabric is also hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking so if you’re the type who sweats when they sleep, the Infinity pillow could be a good option for you.
The Infinity pillow weighs a mere .55 kg and measures 20 x 14 x 14 cm. This makes it extremely portable and light to travel with, no matter where in the world you might find yourself.
The entire pillow can be washed and dried. No removable covers needed. The only gripe we have with the Infinity travel pillow is that you need to purchase the storage bag separately should you need it.
Comfort
There are multiple ways to use the Infinity travel pillow. As a travel pillow, it can be looped around the neck, shoulders, arms or even legs. It can also be used as an eye mask, as well as a noise-cancelling pillow when used to cover the ears. It can also be used as a desk pillow, an airplane seat pillow or as a back cushion. In a pinch, it can even be used as a pregnancy pillow.
The pillow itself is super soft, although it isn’t very responsive due to the type of foam used. In fact, when we tried it out, it felt surprisingly much like shredded foam, just 10 times squishier.
The bamboo cover feels soft and silky smooth to the touch. It is also an actively cooling pillow, so should you use the Infinity travel pillow as a body pillow, you won’t sleep hot which is ideal for hot sleepers.
We like the infinite possibilities on how you can use the Infinity pillow and it is definitely one of the most versatile travel pillows that we have tried.
Sizes
The Infinity travel pillow only comes in one size but that one size fits all. You also have the options to choose between 8 different colors, including a purple.
Warranty
The Infinity travel pillow does not come with either a return policy or warranty.
#5. Bcozzy Travel Pillow
Check Current Price | Best Budget Travel Pillow
Pros
- Soft and malleable
- Whole pillow can be washed
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- May be too small for some
- No warranty
Our experience with the Bcozzy Travel pillow
Ergonomics is they key word when it comes to neck pillows and all of the pillows mentioned on this list has that and more, including our last but not the least offering – the Bcozzy travel pillow.
As we’ve previously mentioned, most neck pillows don’t really go all the way around the neck. But the Bcozzy travel pillow is a pillow that wraps around the neck snugly while offering both chin and neck support.
Construction
The Bcozzy pillow is filled with a polyester-based down alternative that’s soft and semi-malleable but also very responsive. The malleability means you can adjust the pillow to suit your travel sleeping style. You can fold the pillow onto itself if you’re a side sleeper or place the overlapping arms on top of each other for extra chin support.
The Bcozzy pillow also features a flat-back design that prevents the head from being pushed forward – a problem that many travelling sleepers have. This feature helps prevent neck strain and/or a stiff neck.
The outer cover of the Bcozzy travel pillow is made from a blend of micro-fleece and micro-suede and is smooth and cool to the touch. It is not, however, a removable cover but that’s ok because unlike a memory foam pillow, the entire thing is machine-washable. This is a good option for kids who are almost always prone to spills and accidents.
The Bcozzy travel pillow weighs 210 grams and measures 11 x8 x3 inches. It is super portable and easy to stash away. It also comes with its own travel bag, which is pretty hygienic.
Comfort
It’s quite rare to find a travel pillow that features a down alternative filling. Soft, pliant and yet pretty responsive, the Bcozzy travel pillow ticks all our boxes when it comes to the best travel pillow.
Travel pillows aren’t used solely for travel these days and the Bcozzy pillow can be used any time and anywhere you like – while you’re gaming, watching tv, studying or anytime you feel like your head and neck needs extra support. We also like that the pillow isn’t so large and in charge like a lot of travel pillows out there are.
When used as a travel neck pillow, we found the Bcozzy pillow to be both supportive and comfortable. Not once did our chins fall to our chests, causing neck and muscle strain which is the worst thing to wake up to after a little travel shuteye.
The blend of micro-fleece and micro-suede of the outer cover felt soft and cool to the skin. The only thing though is, that some people may find the Bcozzy pillow to be a little too thin, especially those who are used to chunky travel pillows.
Sizes
Thee Bcozzy travel pillow comes in two sizes – a large and an XL. It comes in 11 different colors, including a leopard print.
Warranty
The Bcozzy pillow comes with a 30-day refund/return policy. It does not come backed by a warranty.
Buy: Bcozzy Travel Pillow
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow | Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow | TRTL Pillow | Inifinity Pillow | Bcozzy Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Loft | 7cm | 12.5cm | N/A | 14cm | 3 inches |
| Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types |
| Trial (days) | 100 | 100 | 100 | N/A | 30 |
| Warranty (years) | 2 | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Link to buy | Buy OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow | Buy Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow | Buy TRTL Travel pillow | Buy Infinity Pillow | Buy Bcozzy Travel Pillow |
Choosing a travel pillow
There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing travel pillows, no matter what sleeping position you feel most comfortable in since you will be sleeping upright when you travel.
Now, the most crucial thing is that you choose something that will not cause any neck or muscle strain and all the rest is up to your personal preference.
Size
Some travel pillows are large and chunky while others are small and dainty. Some, like the TRTL travel pillow, look more like a scarf. All the pillows on our best travel pillow list are a one size fits all type of deal. This usually means they are adjustable so it does not matter whether you have a linebacker’s neck or something more swan-like, there’s bound to be a travel pillow for you.
Construction
The travel pillows most people are familiar with are the ones that are u-shaped but there are a lot of other types as well such as a neverending loop like the Infinity pillow or even a mini pillow that looks more like a traditional pillow like the Avocado latex pillow. Again, it boils down to needs and preferences.
Type of travel
Air, land or sea, travelling – no matter how exciting – can be tedious and tiring, especially long haul transatlantic travel. The type of travel pillow you choose should be able to give you the most comfort and support for the type of travel you plan to undertake. Read our guide on how to wear a neck pillow for more info.
Filling
Just like regular pillows, the filling of a travel pillow can be made from anything from memory foam to latex to down alternative to polyester. There are even travel pillows that can be filled with air such as inflatable pillows. Most of the filling are pretty responsive except for the memory foam pillow which basically cuddles the head.
Function
Travel pillows aren’t only used for travel. They can be used for just about any activity you can think of that requires comfortable support for the head. When choosing a travel pillow, think about all the things you plan to use it for other than travel and go from there.
Cost
Some travel pillows can be pretty costly while others are more budget-tier. The same rule applies to any other product – you pay for materials and name but this is not to say that a cheaper travel pillow is bad; it just may mean that it won’t last as long as the more expensive ones.
FAQs
It is definitely worth it to bring a travel pillow on the plane especially if you are travelling for more than 6 hours. Most people use their time on the plane to catch up on sleep so it is important to stay as comfortable as possible.
There isn’t a best shape for everyone since everyone’s preferences and needs are different. While u-shaped pillows are popular, infinity pillows can be used in a myriad of ways and positions.
Travel neck pillows really do work by helping support your head and neck while you sleep upright. This also minimizes the chances of getting a stiff neck.
Depending on the airline, travel pillows provided on the plane are usually stuffed with a polyester fill. Travelling in first or business class though means you may get a travel pillow filled with something more premium like memory foam or latex foam.
While there’s no harm in sleeping with a travel pillow in bed, traditional pillows may offer more support and comfort when you finally get to sleep in bed.
Conclusion
Travel pillows make travelling more comfortable, especially when you plan to take a trip that last for more than 6 hours. It is important to try and get some sleep, even during travel, so as to feel more refreshed and energized.
The most important things to look for when choosing a travel pillow are neck support and chin support. This helps minimize any chances of neck and muscle strain.
The best travel pillows are the ones that feel the most comfortable to you and not to anyone else.
Next step: Take a look at the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow. We like it because it offers more comfort and support than competing brands. The memory foam construction cradles your head and neck, making it ideal for long flights. If you’re a frequent traveler, this is the pillow for you.
How We Rate Pillows
There are many different types of pillows. In general, we rate pillows by 6 standards:
- Firmness and Support
- Loft & Adjustability
- Hypoallergenic
- Hygiene
- Comfort
- Structural integrity & Durability
View our full rating process for pillows.
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?