Best Travel Pillows

29 Dec, 2022 tripgotrip No Comments

The 5 Best Travel Pillows of (2023)

In this article, we propose the best travel pillows with their advantages and disadvantages, and also a buying guide so that you know what you should take into account when buying one that meets your needs.

Going a long way has its consequences. No matter how you decide to travel (by plane, in the car, or on a bus), sitting for so long without proper support will strain every muscle in your body. In other words, if you’re not comfortable enough to sleep soundly, you’ll arrive at your destination with pain, bags, and dark circles under your eyes.

Fortunately, the rest product manufacturers have set their eyes on the needs of frequent travelers to surprise us with a compact, comfortable and easy-to-use accessory. With a travel pillow by your side, you’ll be able to:

  • Fall asleep and rest well before reaching port.
  • Travel comfortably, even if you are in economy class.
  • Adapt to the new destination schedule to avoid jet lag.
  • Improve blood supply, at least during the journey.
  • Avoid headaches, neck pain, neck tension, and poor posture.
  • Take advantage of the sleep mask and that pair of earplugs you just bought.

If you tend to spend more time on a plane than in your own home or you are simply planning to visit distant lands, stay with us! We’ve tested endless options to bring you the perfect travel pillows for you.

Best 5 Travel Pillows of 2023 

Sleeping while you reach your destination is not an impossible mission. 

You only need a couple of relaxation keys (like preparing a playlist with your favorite songs), an appropriate eye mask, and, of course, a travel pillow. The combination of these three elements will make the transfer -whether by train, bus, car, or plane- a dream. Since there’s nothing worse than carrying a lot of dead weight when you leave the house – especially when there are luggage limitations – we’ve done a lot of research for you.

We select the 5 best travel pillows on the market so you don’t lose money, comfort, and -of course- storage capacity.

Pikolin Home travel cushion

Main features of the Pikolin Home travel pillow

  • Available measurements: 28 x 28 x 8 cm.
  • Pillow weight: 350 g.
  • Pillow cover: removable. Made with 80% cotton and 20% polyester.It can be washed in the washing machine.
  • Travel Pillow Type: U-shaped cervical design.
  • Filling/operation of the pillow: viscoelastic pillow.
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Our ranking of travel pillows comes to an end with this edition of Pikolin Home: a perfect pillow for medium-length journeys, for the home and the office. Its viscoelastic core generates a wonderful cloud effect.

The pillow itself is not that firm. It could be said that it has a medium firmness pulling to low. That is why it would be a good bet for people with little weight or the elderly. We could also recommend it for the little ones in the house. There are several factors that we like about this model. First, it is one of the highest-density memory foam travel pillows. This eliminates pressure points in the neck area, apnea, muscle tension, and cramps. 

Second, it has a “U”-shaped design, which is the classic cervical. Therefore, it is perfect for sleeping on a seat. Another advantage that it offers to travelers is that it is a removable pillow. You can machine wash the cover and have a 100% sanitized product. 

When removing the cover, the travel cushion will not be unprotected because it has a kind of porous mesh that covers the foam (and this is always appreciated). Things we don’t like so much? Its height and firmness may not be enough for certain travelers. Also, it does not compress. Perhaps it is a good alternative for trips by car, train, or bus; but if you travel by plane, you will have to give up part of your carry-on baggage allowance.

Other than that, it’s an excellent product! It is OEKO-TEX certified and completely hypoallergenic.

Pros

  • Made of memory foam with a high cloud effect.
  • Ergonomic design that protects the cervical area.
  • You can use it even at home or in the office break.
  • It has a non-removable inner cover and a machine-washable outer cover.

Cons

  • Its medium-low firmness is not for all sleepers.
  • It is a bit heavier than other travel pillows on the list.
  • It cannot be compressed or folded and it does not come with a transport bag.
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Flowzoom Travel Pillow

Main Features of the Flowzoom Travel Pillow

  • Available measurements: 34 x 29 x 20 cm.
  • Pillow weight: 312 g.
  • Pillow cover: removable. Made with velvet. Machine washable.
  • Travel pillow type: multi-purpose. It adjusts to 5 different positions. Includes chin rest and detachable hood.
  • Filling/operation of the pillow: inflatable. You can inflate it with two puffs and deflate it immediately with the exhaust valve.
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The first place in the ranking goes to a German pillow that has been designed to sleep in any position. 

With the FLOWZOOM by your side, you can rest leaning on the window, on a surface or on the seat. As it has 360° support, your neck will remain fully aligned, giving you the necessary support. 

In other words, your head won’t go forward, backward, or to the side.

The FLOWZOOM travel pillow also includes a hood that will protect you from light, noise, and temperature changes. If you want to travel light, this is definitely an option to consider. Does it have any disadvantages? Yes. We are talking about an inflatable model that, although it has great value for money, lacks padding. The good part is that it swells and deflates quite quickly.

In addition, it includes a velvety soft cover that you can remove to wash at home and a travel bag to protect it from dust, spills, and moisture (and this is always appreciated).

Pros

  • Perfect for seasonal trips.
  • Adjusts to five sleeping positions.
  • You can remove the cover to wash it at home.
  • Compact model that takes up little space.
  • Includes a hood for better rest.
  • It swells and deflates at lightning speeds.
  • It is comfortable enough for short journeys.

Cons

  • It has no padding. (It’s an inflatable pillow)
  • It is not designed for people who are overweight (it could put a little pressure on you around the neck).
  • It is not made for constant use. If you are a frequent traveler, memory foam travel pillows will suit you much better.
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Com-Four Travel Pillow

Main Features of the Com-Four Travel Pillow

  • Available measurements: 30 x 36 x 10 cm.
  • Pillow weight: 110 g.
  • Pillow cover: not removable. Velvety soft-touch surface.
  • Travel Pillow Type: U-shaped cervical design.
  • Filling/operation of the pillow: inflatable pillow with retractable valve.
View On Amazone

We couldn’t say goodbye without leaving you a perfect option for young university students, short trips, or those who carry their whole life in their backpacks, right? Com-four surprises us with a special package that brings not one but two travel pillows.

It is true that they are inflatable and do not have adjustable straps or transport bags. But don’t be fooled by this! They also have their advantages. They are soft to the touch, swell easily, and are small enough to fit in your pocket. If you’re loaded with luggage or just backpacking the world, this could be good news, right?

Are they really comfortable? They are not bad, at least not if we consider their low price. But there are more comfortable travel cushions for long trips.

Pros

  • You can put them in your pocket.
  • Two pillows come for the price of one.
  • The retractable valve will help you deflate them easily.
  • When it comes to travel pillows, it’s the most compact you’ll find!

Cons

  • They are not removable and cannot be washed in the washing machine.
  • They might fall short for tall or overweight people.
  • They do not seem very resistant to continuous use or the passage of time.
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Wellgro travel pillow

Main Features of the Wellgro Travel Pillow

  • Available measurements: 28 x 28 x 15 cm.
  • Pillow weight: 280 g.
  • Pillow cover: removable. It can be washed by hand. Polyester.
  • Travel Pillow Type: U-shaped foldable cervical design. It incorporates chin support and eliminates pressure in the neck-shoulder area.
  • Filling/operation of the pillow: pillow with viscoelastic filling. Also includes a pocket for mobile devices, a travel bag, a sleep mask, and a pair of earplugs.
View On Amazone

Second place for best travel pillows goes to this Wellgro memory foam edition.

What we love? Being filled with viscoelastic, it favors a proper rest. Its shape protects the cervical area, promoting good head-neck-back alignment. Does it fit 100%? Not completely . However, it is one of the most comfortable -and economical- on the market.

The pillow also includes a practical transport bag, a pair of earplugs, and a sleeping mask. The cushion cover is soft enough not to leave marks on your face, is machine washable, and has a dedicated pocket for mobile devices. If you’re traveling alone and want to keep your credit cards, iPod, or mobile phone out of the hands of intruders, it could be a good option.

Is it portable enough to travel comfortably? yes. It weighs a little more than other travel pillows -this is due to the viscoelastic filling- but it compresses as much as possible so that you can move it easily.

Pros

  • Promotes blood circulation.
  • Ergonomic “U” shaped design.
  • Eliminates pressure in the neck area.
  • The soft cover does not generate any heat.
  • It is compressed as much as possible to save space.
  • It is removable. You can wash the cover preferably by hand
  • Includes eye mask and earplugs accessories

Cons

  • It is not suitable for children or short people.
  • Some users complain that it does not fit completely on the neck.
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Ostrichpillow Go

Main Features of the Ostrichpillow Go Travel Pillow

  • Available measurements: 17 x 27 x 13 cm.
  • Pillow weight: 420 g.
  • Pillow cover: removable. Includes a velcro closure for maximum adjustment. The cover can be machine washed without any problems. Made in a soft elastic fabric to avoid damaging the skin.
  • Travel Pillow Type: Scarf-type design with custom fit.
  • Filling/operation of the pillow: pillow with viscoelastic filling. Provides support to the chin, the neck, and the entire head. Includes a transport bag.
View Amazon

If you want to travel in style and look amazing – even asleep – you need the Ostrichpillow Go! This model belongs to the high-end scarf-type memory foam pillows , which makes it almost imperceptible.

Its core is made of a high-density memory foam for a guaranteed cloud effect. In addition, it has the OEKO-TEX manufacturing certificate. What does this mean? That the cushion has been manufactured without toxic or polluting substances.

Moving your Ostrichpillow Go will be very easy. And, this edition is compressed to 60% of its size and includes a transport bag to make your life easier. 

To the touch, the cover of the Ostrichpillow Go feels very soft, but the best part is that it is removable. You can wash the cover in the washing machine without problems.

Do Ostrichpillow Go travel pillows have drawbacks? Perhaps the price, which might be too high for some budgets. For the rest, it is perfect, especially if you have planned a long trip or with many stopovers.

Pros

  • It is easy to transport.
  • Looks good.
  • 360 support guaranteed.
  • Includes high-quality materials.
  • Compact and imperceptible design.
  • It has a velcro closure for a better fit.

Cons

  • Velcro tends to wear out easily. It won’t last intact for two years.
  • It doesn’t take its shape right away. To use it for the first time, you will have to wait 72 hours.
  • The viscoelastic could give a little heat. If you are traveling during the summer or to a hot and humid city, this could be a problem.
View Amazon

Buying guide: how to choose the perfect travel pillow?


There are certain features that are key when buying a travel pillow. Think that if you are going to make a long journey, you need something that gives you good support. To help you in your purchase, we leave you some elements that you should examine before choosing your next companion.

There are certain features that are key when buying a travel pillow. Think that if you are going to make a long journey, you need something that gives you good support. To help you in your purchase, we leave you some elements that you should examine before choosing your next companion.

Weight and Measurements

Travel pillows have been created to make your journey easier, not difficult. That is why you should buy a model that has a design that is portable enough not to take away from your luggage capacity . Find a lightweight pillow that you can easily carry in your hand or, if you tend to carry too much weight, a cushion that you can compress, fold, or deflate.

Firmness Level

Experts recommend buying a travel pillow with a medium or medium-high firmness; this to give appropriate support to the delicate neck area. The healthiest models are, without a doubt, the viscoelastic ones, but there are also others, such as those made of natural latex, viscographene , viscogel , etc.Styrofoam or inflatable travel pillows are not usually the firmest on the market. Their rigidity is rather soft, but they can be used if you have a short trip or a tight budget.

Customizable Design

Look for a universal fit that works for you when traveling by plane, car, bus, train, etc. Looking at the fastening strips will give you a couple of clues about adaptability since you will be able to determine if the model you have in mind fits well with any type of seat.The shape of the pillow also matters, and a lot! The “U” and “J” shaped cushions are perfect because they can even be used with a special hairstyle, an updo, a braid, with loose hair… whatever!

Pillow Case

If you want a travel pillow that is comfortable and soft; We recommend looking for a model with a natural cover. Organic cotton, velvet, silk or bamboo fabrics are usually as comfortable as a cloud . A breathable fabric, such as polyester with micro-perforations, will also work well (even if it’s not natural).

Easy Maintenance

Having a zippered cover that can be washed at home is not everything. There are travel pillows that go above and beyond by allowing the entire unit to be machine washed . What does this mean? That you can put the cushion in the washer and dryer. If you usually suffer from asthma or allergies, this will be the perfect model for you!Can’t find a washable travel pillow? No problem! Select an edition with a removable cover and wash it before you leave the house.

Hygienic Treatments

Hygienic treatments usually come in the pillowcase, although there are models with foams that also repel mites, fungi and bacteria . Keep your eyes open for quality certificates, such as OEKO-TEX (free of toxic substances). You should also check that the product you want to buy has a Sanitized treatment and hypoallergenic materials .

Recovery of Shape

The recovery of the shape will help you calculate the quality and approximate duration -useful life- of your travel pillow . The viscoelastic models, especially if it is high density, are the ones that will best fit the delicate head-neck area. They may have a slow ( cloud effect ) or fast ( weightless effect ) recovery speed, but this will not be as important as their ability to not deform over time.Styrofoam, down, inflatable products, etc., are not so lucky . They may conform to your body much better than the seat headrest, but they may lose their original shape with constant use.

Additional characteristics

A travel pillow with side pockets for your passport, credit cards or cell phone can be a good bet, especially if you’re traveling alone. There are models that also include a connection to a removable battery and a charging port for mobile devices. With a product like these, you could read your favorite book on Kindle or listen to music without anything stopping you.Several manufacturers have tried to design multi-purpose travel pillows: with hoods to mitigate the cold, eye masks to keep out the light, and anti- noise ear muffs . If you don’t want to travel with a lot of accessories in tow, you could take a quick look at these models.

Preferred Sleeping Position

Do you fall asleep easily? Then a cervical travel pillow will do the trick. If you tend to be a restless sleeper , then it is preferable to look for a necklace-type or “G” -shaped model to rest in any position.Good neck support is essential, but so is having support in the chin area to prevent the head from falling forward. Can’t sleep any other way than on your side? We recommend long “J” shaped travel pillows . They will fit you like a ring on your finger!

Inflation And Deflation Speed

If you’re on a tight budget or have a lot of things in your hand luggage, don’t worry! Buying an inflatable travel pillow is always an option . Although they are not the best in terms of rest, it is better to have it in your hands -or, rather, behind your head- than to sleep without anything.Mind you, before you click “buy,” be sure to take a look at the inflation and deflation speed. Setting up your travel pillow or cushion shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. 

Frequently asked questions about travel pillows

If you made it this far, you may still have some questions about travel pillows . Find out what they are made of, how many styles there are and what their benefits are in a snap.

What benefits do travel pillows have?

Travel pillows are the perfect complement for both frequent travelers and seasonal tourists. When you are in a small seat for so long, your body suffers (and this is something you will regret when you reach your destination) .If you can make your journey more comfortable and healthy, why not give it a try? After all, the benefits of this type of products for rest are worth it:

Resting in an inappropriate position brings with it many problems, including headaches, neck and upper back tension, muscle stiffness, etc. Necklace or ring-shaped travel pillows solve these problems effectively, allowing you to fall asleep without suffering the consequences.

The best travel pillows on the market have been made with viscoelastic or memory foam to give you superior adaptability, even if you’re sitting down. As the memory foam adapts very well to the contours of the neck, you will have good support and proper alignment of the spine.

 There are people who are sensitive to low temperatures and the dryness produced by air conditioning. Fortunately, scarf- or necklace-type travel pillows can help with that. Its filling will act as a protective barrier. Thus, you will have the perfect temperature to sleep without anything waking you up.

And this is very important when embarking on a trip. You don’t want your pillow to take up half of your carry-on allowance, do you? Travel pillows and cushions have the perfect dimensions so as not to end up being a complete hindrance. And remember: if you are carrying a lot of weight, you always have the option of choosing an inflatable option.

Cushions and pillows for travelers are quite affordable. Do you want to know something else? Since you don’t use them every day, they have minor wear and tear that will make the investment worth it. Most models also include removable covers that you can machine wash or dry clean and travel bags to protect the pillow from dust and moisture. As you can see, you won’t have to do much to take care of your next acquisition.

start your dream vacation exhausted, irritated, jet-lagged and sore muscles. Travel pillows eliminate these problems making it easy for you to fall asleep in minutes. By reducing some of the causes of insomnia and poor rest, you won’t have to worry about night cramps and sleep apnea anymore.