9 of the best travel pillows right now

By Rudie Obias From Mashable

The worst part about traveling is… well, traveling. Nobody likes to spend hours sitting in a cramped space in between two strangers with little to no leg room. In fact, if you think about it, every flight or bus ride is the worst way to begin and end just about every trip and voyage. Not to mention all of that wasted time in busy and loud airports or train stations waiting to connect.

The best thing you can do in these situations is to try to make the process as comfortable and relaxing as possible. That’s where we come in. We rounded up the best travel pillows that will make your next trip cozy and pleasant without taking up valuable luggage space. 

Whether you are a heavy or light sleeper, we have a travel pillow that will suit you and might make you enjoy flying for long periods of time. Meanwhile, we picked products that won’t break the bank either, so you can rest assured that you got the most bang for your buck while also feeling relaxed and in the right frame of mind to start exploring and enjoying your final destination.

Here are the best 9 travel pillows for your next trip:

BEST FOR NECK SUPPORT

IMAGE: JUNINGThe GoodComfortable • Good neck support • CustomizableThe BadDoesn’t come with carrying caseThe Bottom LineIf you’re looking for a no fuss travel pillow, the Neck Support Plane Pillow by JUNING is a good option for neck support and comfort while in cramped spaces.

1. Neck Support Plane Pillow by JUNING

This pillow’s U-shape supports your neck for ultimate comfort.

• Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 3.3 inches
• Weight: 8.2 ounces
• Material type: Memory foam

$9.99 from AmazonTired of a stiff and awkward neck when traveling? This travel pillow from JUNING uses a unique soft microfiber pillowcase that maximizes the high quality and extra-dense memory foam inside, which is perfect for better and customizable neck support. 
Just relax your head and neck inside of its U-shape and this travel pillow will do the rest, so you can just relax to your final destination. If you ever wanted to feel the ultimate comfort, then this travel pillow is for you. It’s even good for lounging around your home while watching TV or taking a nap.
Neck Support Plane Pillow by JUNING retails for $9.99 on Amazon.

BEST FOR PORTABILITY

IMAGE: TRAVELRESTThe GoodRollable • Offers lateral support and comfort • InflatableThe BadA little pricey • Cover sold separatelyThe Bottom LineThe Travelrest is rollable and compact, so it can fit in any bag or suitcase for easy portability. Once you need the travel pillow, just inflate it and strap it across your shoulders and chest for lateral support.

2. Travelrest

Just roll it up and toss it in your bag until you need it.

• Dimensions: 2.2 x 4.8 x 10.8 inches
• Weight: 5.6 ounces

$25.95 from AmazonTravelling can be tedious, especially if you’re trying to cram a lot in a small space. With valuable storage decreasing on airplanes, you need a travel pillow that’s compact and out of the way. 
Enter Travelrest, an inflatable travel pillow that’s rollable and small enough to fit in a pocket. Just inflate the pillow once you’re onboard and you can sleep with it in various positions for the best travel experience ever. This travel pillow also offers lateral support across your shoulders, chest, and waist.
The Travelrest goes for $25.95 on Amazon.

BEST FOR GERMAPHOBES

IMAGE: AIRCOMFYThe GoodComes with a satin-laced pillowcase • Uses a hand pump to inflate within 60 seconds • No need to use your mouth to inflate itThe BadNot spectacular • Squeaks when it inflatesThe Bottom LineIf you want the portability of an inflatable travel pillow without blowing it up every time you need it, then the Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow is a good solution.

3. Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow

This travel pillow features a built-in hand pump, so you don’t have to worry about placing your lips on it.

• Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Material type: Velvet

$21.95 from AmazonAre other inflatable travel pillows leaving you breathless? TheDaydreamer from AirComfy is an inflatable neck pillow that you don’t have to blow up to inflate. Instead, the pillow features a built-in hand pump, so you don’t have to worry about placing your lips on it. It even comes with a satin-laced pillowcase for additional support and style. 
The Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow retails for $21.95 on Amazon.

BEST FOR ADJUSTABILITY

IMAGE: PACK4TRACKThe GoodComes with a carrying case, ear plugs, and sleeping mask • Fully adjustable for your own personal comfort • Flexible and firmThe BadIt can get warmThe Bottom LineThis Travel Pillow from PACK4TRACK takes one-size-fits-all to the next level with an adjustable design that suits your unique size and build.

4. PACK4TRACK Travel Pillow

No matter how big or small your neck, this travel pillow will fit.

• Dimensions: 25 x 6 x 4 inches
• Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Material type: Spandex and polystyrene

$19.95 from AmazonSitting in a cramped seat can lead to neck strain and discomfort. However,PACK4TRACK’s travel pillowcan give you the support you need, no matter the size of your neck. 
While most travel pillows have a one-size-fits-all approach to support, PACK4TRACK uses an adjustable system that gives you customizable comfort while traveling. It’s easy to carry around with its included case, while it also comes with ear plugs and a sleeping mask for additional relaxation.
The PACK4TRACK Travel Pillow goes for $19.95 on Amazon.

BEST FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

IMAGE: BCOZZYThe GoodPerfect size for children and adults • Lightweight • Good neck supportThe BadQuick wear and tear • Not good for long necks • PriceyThe Bottom LineThis travel neck pillow from BCOZZY offers chin and neck support for long trips. It’s great for adults and children alike with various sizes, colors, and styles available.

5. BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

This travel pillow wraps around your chin’s natural rest position for better support.

• Dimensions: 13.4 x 5.7 x 5.6 inches
• Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Material type: Polyester and polyester blend

$54.97 from AmazonWhile most travel pillows only come in one size, the chin-supporting Travel Neck Pillow from BCOZZY comes in various sizes for adults and children with the same support and comfort for whomever is wearing it. The travel pillow wraps around your chin’s natural rest position for better support while sitting. 
The pillow is lightweight with an easy to carry strap attached, while it’s also great for resting or sleeping in awkward positions while traveling on a bus, car, train, or airplane. It’s even great for watching TV at home. 
The BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow retails for $54.97.

BEST FOR STYLE

IMAGE: TRTLThe GoodStylish • Mechanically engineered for the best sleep • Solid neck and head supportThe BadMight get warm on longer trips • A bit awkward to wearThe Bottom LineIf you want a travel pillow that won’t make you look goofy, the Trtl Pillow is a stylish option, while also giving you the neck support you need on long flights.

6. Trtl Pillow

This travel pillow claims to be scientifically proven for the best sleep results.

• Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Material type: Fleece

$29.99 from AmazonMost travel pillows are big and bulky when placed around the neck. However, Scottish company Trtl created a travel pillow that’s mechanically engineered to offer the best neck and head support while sitting in a cramped space. 
Trtl Pillow is also scientifically proven for the best sleep results while traveling. It also has an eye for style and looks like a scarf draped around the neck instead of a traditional travel pillow.
The Trtl Pillow goes for $29.99 on Amazon.

BEST FOR PRESSURE RELIEF

IMAGE: AERISThe GoodRelieves tension and stress • Comes with a carrying case and sleep mask • Comfortable and cozyThe BadToo firm for someThe Bottom LineIf you’re looking for a top notch travel pillow that will relieve tension and stress, then the AERIS travel pillow is a good choice.

7. AERIS Travel Pillow for Restful Sleep

It’s designed to relieve neck pressure and tightness.

• Dimensions: 12 x 10.2 x 4.2 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Material type: Memory foam

$25.99 from AmazonThe AERIS Travel Pillow is made from conforming visco-elastic memory foam that’s designed to relieve neck pressure and tightness, so you can sleep easier and better. The pillow also promotes and stimulates blood circulation and reduces muscle tension and stress that you might experience from traveling. 
AERIS is so confident that you’ll love their travel pillow that they’re offering a lifetime free replacement guarantee. You won’t lose sleep, so what do you have to lose?
The AERIS Travel Pillow for Restful Sleep retails for $25.90 on Amazon.

BEST FOR STAYING INCOGNITO

IMAGE: Z9The GoodComes with a built-in hoodie • Comfortable and cozyThe BadHood is not as thick as it should be • A little expensiveThe Bottom LineZ9’s Natural Latex Travel Pillow is very comfortable with the addition of a built-in hoodie to completely rest your eyes. Although it looks goofy, this travel pillow takes comfort to the next level.

8. Z9 Natural Latex Travel Pillow

This travel pillow comes with a built-in hoodie.

• Dimensions: 23.8 x 4.1 x 4.1 inches
• Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Material type: Nature latex with 100% cotton hood

$25.99 from AmazonZ9’s travel pillow is made from 100% natural latex particles for the best comfort and support while in a sitting position. Its U-shape is pretty common among travel pillows, but what makes it unique is its built-in hoodie to block out light from your resting eyes. 
Just flip this baby up and the other passengers might think you’re wearing a hoodie, but when they look closer, they’ll notice it’s a Z9 travel pillow instead.
The Z9 Natural Latex Travel Pillow goes for $25.99 on Amazon.

BEST FOR STANDING OUT

IMAGE: OSTRICH PILLOWThe GoodImmersive • Comfortable and cozyThe BadYou’ll look goofy • PriceyThe Bottom LineThe Ostrich Pillow Original Travel Pillow completely immerses you into the best and most comfortable sleep you’ll ever have, especially in an airport or on an airplane.

9. Ostrich Pillow Original Travel Pillow

Drift off to dreamland in complete comfort.

• Dimensions: 16.1 x 4.3 x 11.4 inches
• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Material type: Cotton

$99 from Ostrich PillowThis is a strange one, but it certainly stands out more than the rest. The Ostrich Pillow is a unique travel pillow that’s designed for a complete immersive sleep experience. 
Once you place your entire head inside the Ostrich Pillow, you won’t care about looking silly because you’re drifting off to dreamland, as you are cocooned into a comfortable and isolated hub of viscose and elastomer with coated micro-beads for the best sleep ever.
The Ostrich Pillow Original Travel Pillow is available on the company’s website for $99.00.

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