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Did you get a neck pillow for traveling but you’re not exactly sure how to use it? Then you’ve come to the right place. We spent hours researching about how to wear a neck pillow for maximum comfort and better sleep while you travel. Read the full article below for easy steps and an essential tip that will do wonders for you.
How to properly wear a neck pillow
Follow these five steps to properly wear a neck pillow:
- Place the pillow around your neck
- Recline your seat,
- Wear a sleep mask,
- Rotate the pillow
- Place the pillow on the tray to lean forward if necessary
I’ll go into more detail on each step below.
1. Place the pillow around your neck
Most u-shaped neck pillows will fit around the back of your neck with the opening over your throat. Some travel pillows will also have straps that cross the opening to keep it in place. If your pillow is not u-shaped, it may be designed to fit between your shoulder and your head instead of around your neck.
2. Recline your seat
Since u-shaped travel pillows are designed to support your head as it falls back, slightly recline your seat to get a more comfortable sleeping position. Remember to be mindful of the passengers behind you and be careful not to move the seat too far back.
3. Wear a sleep mask
If you’re traveling on a plane, there’s bound to be electronic lights whether it’s daytime or nighttime. To help you fall asleep easier, we recommend wearing a sleep mask to block out any lights. The Manta Sleep Mask is an excellent option which blocks out all sunlight and artificial light.
4. Rotate the pillow (if necessary)
Try rotating your u-shaped neck pillow so that it supports your chin as your head falls forward. If your travel pillow is one that fits on your shoulder, try switching shoulders to find the best position for you.
5. Place pillow on tray if you want to lean forward
If you want to lean forward to sleep, a u-shaped pillow is ideal because they provide a space to put your face in while the rest of your head stays supported. Stomach sleepers are more likely to do this since they might find it more natural to lean forward instead of reclining.
Should you wear your travel pillow in the front?
We do recommend wearing your travel pillow in the front if you’re sleeping upright on a plane. Dr. Michael Breus, aka The Sleep Doctor, says that wearing your travel pillow in front will keep your head from bobbing and moving around.
However, it is important to note that this does not apply if you’re lying down and sleeping in a horizontal position. In this case, wearing the pillow the normal way will provide better support for your neck. You can also try sleeping without a pillow, but it may not be as comfortable.
FAQs
You’re not really “supposed” to, but wearing a neck pillow backwards can support your neck better especially if you’re in an upright position.
Yes, neck pillows are great at providing support for the cervical region of your spine.
Yes, you can carry a neck pillow on a plane.
No, it does not have to fit in your carry-on. You can bring it on the plane as a personal item as long as it’s not bigger than your bag.
Conclusion
Wearing a travel pillow can be done around the back or the front your neck. Each method has its pros and cons and it all comes down you what you prefer more. Follow the tips that we shared above to get more comfortable and better sleep overall anytime you travel.
Next step: Read our Infinity Pillow Review. The Infinity Pillow is a uniquely-shaped pillow that’s ideal for travel. If you don’t like normal u-shaped travel pillows, then Infinity is the brand to go with.
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