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8 actually-comfortable travel neck pillows for every type of sleeper

Comfy enough for travelling and your daily naps.

Just like a quality carry-on bag, earplugs and eye masks, a travel neck pillow is a non-negotiable staple for many travellers on long-haul journeys.

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Be your mode of transport a plane, coach bus or train, this humble pillow makes a very handy companion when it comes to attempting shut-eye.

However, with so many different designs on the market these days, knowing which one to opt for can feel like a quest in itself. For example, do you choose one made from memory foam, an inflatable one or a pillow stuffed with microbeads? Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper?

With so much to consider, we’ve gone ahead and searched far and wide to bring you the very best ones on the market that cater to different sleep preferences, needs and budgets. They’re so comfy that you’ll probably end up using your new pillow for your daily naps.

The best travel neck pillows to buy in 2024

01

Trtl travel pillow

$79.99, Trtl

Best for: neck support

Sleeping soundly on any flight – whether that’s a red-eye or a short domestic flight – will make a world of difference to your travel experience. And that’s why finding a travel neck pillow that supports our neck while we sleep upright is high on the wishlist. This unique travel pillow from Trtl has 2,000,000+ fans and happy customers worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. 

The Trtl travel pillow features an internal support system hidden in its super-soft fleece casing. The strengthened ribs provide scientifically proven head and neck support, and the super-soft fleece and foam are stretched to create a comforting hammock effect. This unique patented design fits any neck shape to ensure the most comfortable sleep possible as you travel.

“Comfortable and very useful,” one of the thousands of five-star reviewers wrote. “Hated those around the neck pillows and the head bobbing and this erased that. Got some actual sleep on a flight for the first time.”

Plus, you don’t have to wait until your next plane ride just to use it, as one person wrote: “It is so comfortable and I actually fell asleep in the middle seat of the plane! I also used it on a long car ride and it was awesome to help me feel comfortable with my neck supported. Game changer.”

Key features:

  • Patented internal support system
  • Scientifically-proven head and neck support
  • Adjustable to most upright sleeping positions
  • Machine washable and hypoallergenic fabric
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

02

J-Pillow head, chin and neck travel pillow

$93.91, Amazon

Best for: window seat

Great for sleeping upright, this innovative J-shape travel neck pillow is ideal for window, middle and aisle but particularly the former. A Prestigious British Invention of the Year winner with good reason.

It’s garnered over 9.6k five-star reviews on Amazon, proving it’s worth every dollar.

“Bought this in preparation for a long haul flight,” one happy customer wrote. “Decided to try it out on a recent coach trip. Perfect fit, kept head in a good position. I’m only 5’ 1” so find my head doesn’t rest on the back of seat correctly. This made it a lot more comfortable. Firm, nice plush material and easy to get in/out of travel pouch which is provided. Would recommend to family/friends.”

Key features:

  • Chin support to keep head from falling forward
  • Conforms and twists in several positions
  • Handy snap-loop fastener attaches to luggage
  • Machine-washable

03

Globite neck pillow & mask set in dusty blue

$49.95, Big W

Best for: memory foam

Featuring a stylish, limited-edition print, this memory foam neck pillow from Aussie heritage brand Globite brings an old-timey charm to the voyage. Bonus points: it comes with an eye mask to help you snooze off on every flight.

Key features:

  • Contours to body
  • Firm support
  • Snap closure
  • Washable cover
  • Comes with matching reversible eye mask

04

Milano Decor memory foam travel neck pillow with clip cushion

$29.95 (usually $49), Myer

Best for: affordability

Retaining its shape while moulding to your neck, head and shoulders, this affordable memory foam travel neck pillow is plush and lightweight.

“This travel pillow is so comfortable to use. It moulds to your neck and gives great support. Will never fly without one,” one five-star reviewer confirmed.

A second person said: “Perfect support pillow for travelling and is suitable for all.”

Key features:

  • Removable wash cover
  • Evenly distributes pressure
  • Comes with a clip
  • 12-month warranty

05

Ostrich original napping pillow

$161.10, MyDeal

Best for: tray-table

A neck pillow currently doing the viral rounds, this is an immersive design great for long-haul flights and even power napping. A pillow, eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones all in one, it’s no wonder the Ostrich has gained cult-like status.

Hundreds of reviewers have labelled this pillow a “game-changer” for travelling and daily naps.

“I wish I knew about it sooner,” a reviewer wrote. “It is absolutely amazing! I’ve been using it to sleep at work, in the car for that cheeky nap and at University for those long days. The material is so comfortable, I love rubbing my face along it. The fact it covers your whole head feel like you are being bundled up in blankets in bed…even though you are outside!”

Key features:

  • Breathing hole
  • Good for stomach sleepers

06

Sea to Summit Aeros traveller pillow

$59.95, Amazon

Best: inflatable

Ideal for the backpacker, this neck pillow boasts a lightweight and inflatable design while still supporting the neck and head with its ergonomic shape.

Key features:

  • Compact design when deflated
  • Narrowed centre for better fit with seats and headrests
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Adjustable neck closure
  • Soft and stretchy material

07

Huzi Infinity pillow

$96.99, Amazon

Best for: versatility

Perfect for all sleeping positions, this infinity travel pillow is fully adjustable and breathable. Use it for neck and chin support, or as a lumbar or desk pillow. It’s the true MVP of tossers and turners.

“The most comfortable travel pillow I’ve ever used,” one of the thousands of five-star Amazon reviewers said. “It actually allowed me to get some sleep on a long haul flight from Sydney to San Francisco, and its versatility extended beyond just sleeping. It was a great arm rest, and had the added benefit of keeping you warm almost like a scarf.”

Another person added: “It came with me twice to Europe. I’ve washed it several times and it’s still like new. I would definitely recommend to everyone. Not as bulky as all the other styles and it’s super super soft.”

Key features:

  • Machine-washable
  • 360-degree support
  • Optimal breathability
  • Made from soft bamboo fabric
  • Comes in a variety of colourways

08

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow

$29, Amazon

Best: bead-filled

If air or memory foam isn’t your thing, a travel neck pillow with microbeads might be just right for you.

The Cloudz is the OG of microbead pillows and has become a fan-favourite for millions of happy travellers around the world. It’s accumulated over 5.9k five-star ratings on Amazon alone, with thousands of users saying it feels like resting “on a cloud”.

“I need to order more of these,” one person wrote. “Every time I wrap one around my neck I fall comfortably asleep.”

Another said: “The quality of these pillow are top notch. They are soft but have firm support and are very comfortable. They also have a convenient snap to assist in carrying and storing. They are definitely worth it and a great buy.”

Key features:

  • Filled with small polystyrene beads for support
  • Snap closure
  • Can be used for lumbar support
  • Available in a range of colours
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How do I choose a neck pillow for travel?

When it comes to choosing a neck pillow for your travels, there are a few things to consider, such as:

  • Your sleeping position: Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? The Ostrich pillow is great for those who sleep forward on the tray table or against the chair in front of them – while a classic U-shaped neck pillow works well for those who typically sleep on their backs or sides, for example. Different travel pillows are designed for different sleeping positions.
  • The type of travel you’re doing: If you’re planning on packing light with minimal luggage, you’ll want to choose a travel pillow that is compressible, lightweight and potentially, inflatable.
  • Neck support: One of the most important things to look for in a travel pillow is good neck support – the ideal pillow should keep your head and neck in a somewhat neutral position, even when you’re nodding off.
  • Durability and usability: The pillow should be made of a soft, breathable material, should be easy to adjust to your liking and should be washable.

Is a memory foam, inflatable or microbead travel pillow better?

Deciding between a memory foam, inflatable or microbead travel pillow comes down to personal preferences and needs. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

  • Memory foam: This type provides good neck support and moulds to your shape, which helps reduce pressure points. However, they can be bulky and heavy and some people find they lack breathability.
  • Inflatable: This type is lightweight and compact when deflated, making it easy to pack. You can also adjust the firmness by adding or releasing air. However, they may not provide adequate support and may feel uncomfortable if it slightly deflates while you’re resting.
  • Microbead: This type conforms to your neck, provides decent support and is generally more breathable than memory foam. However, it can flatten over time and may not be a good long-term investment.

Looking to save money on luggage, home, furniture and more? Check out our coupon codes for Myer, Bing Lee and more.

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