I hate plane journeys, particularly overnight ones. Sleeping on a plane for a 6 foot 2, long legged human like me is awkward and uncomfortable.
If you can afford first class, then great. But for economy flyers like me, sitting up straight and trying to sleep is almost impossible.
At first I try pushing my head back into the headrest and reclining, but when I begin to drop off my head flops forward or to the side, depending on the reclining position.
So I usually end up with my chin pointed down towards my chest, with arms crossed. But once I do eventually drop off, I am woken by a stiff neck.
So I decided to do a review of the travel pillow market to see if there's a solution that will help me sleep better on those long journeys.
I hope you find the perfect pillow for you. I'll reveal what I went for at the end of the post!
17 Best Travel Pillows for Long Journeys
1. BCOZZY
Good for: This is the only travel pillow that stops the head from falling forward. It wraps gently around the neck and provides soft and good support to the head, neck and chin. It can be conformed into several positions depending on personal preference.
Its design prevents the wearer from getting a stiff neck. It is ideal for trains, planes and automobiles. It’s also great for children because its unique design gives the child a sense of comfort and security while preventing the youngster’s chin from dropping forward and sideways.
It is durable and fully machine-washable. It can be attached to hand luggage or stored in a handbag.
Price: $24.97
> Click here for the full details
2. Ostrich Light
Good for: Neck support, lightness of weight. It is allergy proof and hand-made, measuring 15 centimetres high and 8 centimetres wide. It is 100% reversible, cosy and uncompromisingly comfortable.
It contains high quality eiderdown cotton and a coated micro-bead filling, creating a perfect environment to relax in. This pillow is lightweight, can be worn as a scarf on cold days and in draughty air-conditioned places as well. It is perfect to drift away into dreamland.
Its unique design lends itself to be portable, comfortable, and totally adjustable. Plus it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Price: from $39.95
> Click here for the full details
3. Ostrich (Original)
Good for: This napping pillow is filled with micro-beads for maximum comfort and lightness. Fabric cover is 95% viscose to guarantee the softest touch and 5% elastomer for flexibility. It has an ergonomic design to provide maximum quality sleep for a power nap at your desk, chair or wherever you may be without moving an inch.
It provides ideal protection for the neck and head. Snooze at ease anywhere thanks to its comfortable texture and qualitative finish. The travel head pillow has an opening on the front side allowing the user to breathe through the nose and mouth easily. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $99
> Click here for the full details
4. Huzi Infinity Pillow
Good for: Take the perfect nap on flights and layovers on the road. Twist, wrap and bundle it with its versatile Mobius shape and transform it to fit the needs of the space you're in.
Turn it into a neck pillow, lumbar support, window pillow, desk pillow, eye mask, noise cancelling pillow and more. The bamboo fabric cover is far softer than any high thread-count cotton fabric and is cool to touch and highly breathable.
The adaptive filling is downy, lightweight and supportive thanks to the cutting-edge 10-micron fibres that expand and intertwine to form air pockets. It’s easy to clean and is anti-bacterial and machine washable.
Price: $39
> Click here for the full details
5. Veretrip – Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Good for: This is a supportive, strong and comfortable pillow with inside memory foam and an adjustable attached strap. It is flexible to use in being not only excellent for sleeping on flights and in cars, but also for napping in the office, on the couch, deck chair, etc.
It comes with a detachable machine-washable plush cover. It is light and easy to carry and comes with a money-back guarantee
Price: $29.99
> Click here for the full details
6. Purefly – Soft Velvet Inflatable Neck Pillow
Good for: This unique neck pillow inflates with a button. The innovative design will give the user utmost comfort by providing a raised-neck support' to hold the head upright and maintain proper neck alignment. it is a great inflatable travel neck pillow for kids and adults.
It is manufactured with very soft, micro-velvet fabric that is very light weight but with an intrinsic robust quality. The cover is removable and washable. After use the air valve can be pressed to release the air then it can be folded and kept in the pack-sack provided
Price: $19.99
> Click here for the full details
7. Parvbo – Outdoor Travel Neck Pillow
Good for: Sleeping on long-haul flights without your head banging against window shades, and with no embarrassment of head lolling or drooling on other passengers. This is a functionally effective pillow without being bulky or difficult to carry.
It is just half the size of regular travel neck pillows and can even be attached to luggage. This airplane pillow contours to any neck, shoulder or jaw shape and ensures maximum comfort thanks to reinforced support combined with plushy polyester fleece.
Deep-sleep drool after a tiring day & pillow’s contact with contaminated surfaces & clothes is unavoidable so the pillow is machine-washable.
Price: $22.99
> Click here for the full details
8. Smarttravel Travel Pillow
Good for: This inflatable travel pillow allows people to face forward while napping. It is easy to inflate with a few breaths, taking approximately 30 seconds.
It is lightweight and easily portable and comes with a compact carry bag, Use it for airplanes, cars, buses, trains, office-napping or camping. It has multiple uses and is adjustable. It is ideal for young children on long trips, providing respite for parents.
Price: $19.49
> Click here for the full details
9. Cabeau – Evolution Memory Foam
Good for: The award-winning Evolution Pillow is the first travel pillow constructed with high quality memory foam that actually supports the neck without awkward positioning and discomfort.
It is proven to be more comfortable than inflatable, micro-bead and down neck pillows. It can be adjusted for 360 degree support whether the user’s head leans left, right, or tends to fall forward.
It comes complete with a flattened rear cushion perfect for all air travel seats on any flight. It is made out of high quality soft velour and includes a removable and washable cover that makes cleaning a breeze, eliminating germs easily. Pack the Cabeau neck pillow in your luggage easily with the small compact storage bag.
Price: $39.99
> Click here for the full details
10. Trtl Pillow
Good for: This is a scientifically proven long-haul flight neck support pillow. It holds the neck in an ergonomic position during rest and its makers claim it is better than a traditional u-shaped memory foam travel pillow.
It is half the size of a traditional travel pillow and weighs only 148 grammes – making it easy to carry. It easily attaches to luggage.
Price: $29.99
> Click here for the full details
11. Travelrest
Good for: This is the only pillow, neck pillow or travel accessory that provides full lateral support for the upper body making it easier to relax, fall asleep and stay asleep longer. It is best for side-sleepers.
It promotes proper head and neck alignment and keeps the head from falling forward. It is ideal for chronic pain sufferers. It inflates easily with just a few breaths and deflates instantly.
Stores neatly when rolled to minimise packing space. Its patented ergonomic design provides proper support to prevent tension and neck strain. Side sleepers love it. It has multiple uses and is adjustable.
It can be positioned across the torso or down the side. It can be worn like a messenger bag or tethered to an airline seat. It easily loops over headrests in cars and airline seat wings.
Price: $27.95
> Click here for the full details
12. J-Pillow Travel
Good for: This pillow actually helps you get some sleep on cramped planes, trains, buses or cars. It’s also perfect for relaxing at home, whether on the couch or reading in bed.
It’s great for sleeping upright in bed too. The pillow is especially effective when used in the window seat of a plane and less so when used in the middle or aisle seats but still better then regular travel pillows.
It’s easy to carry – use the handy snap-loop fastener to attach to hand luggage. The pillow can also be squeezed down to be more compact than most “u” shaped pillows. The whole pillow can be washed, not just the cover.
Price: $22.95
> Click here for the full details
13. ZZZBand
Good for: This is made of 100% soft polyester fleece and certified non-toxic. The ZzzBand is a sleep aid headband with an integrated adjustable strap designed to be used with the adjustable headrest (not the seat back) on economy seating.
It is an alternative to travel and neck pillows that works by eliminating head bobs and neck pain. It is made from soft fleece. It was created by an airline pilot to enhance sleep in economy seating.
It is compact and lightweight and fits easily in a pocket. The removable strap allows the ZzzBand to be versatile enough for use while sleeping at home or in a hotel to block out light.
Price: $19.95
> Click here for the full details
14. Edenpure
Good for: This multiple use travel pillow is inflatable, convenient and original. The portable pump can help easily aerate it. Its design is based on ergonomics: The unique design of the travel pillow allows for the curvature of the neck.
It supports jaw and clings to the head, neck and chest to reduce pressure. It comes with a portable pump that takes 90 seconds to inflate the pillow. Users can take this convenient anywhere.
Price: $16.95
> Click here for the full details
15. Travel Pillow (FBNC)
Good for: This is the perfect foam pillow for sleeping in airplanes, trains, buses and especially during a car ride. It fits everybody. It’s great for children – the memory foam neck pillow gives a child a sense of safety and comfort.
It is ideal for adults in that its unique design is perfect for full support while sleeping upright without getting a stiff neck. It is specially designed to relax the head and neck muscles and for stabilising and supporting them. It is made of high quality memory foam that fits anyone’s neck perfectly.
This traditional u-shaped memory foam travel pillow has a comfortable, soft and fully machine-washable velour cover with a zipper.
Price: $29
> Click here for the full details
16. Daisy Pillow
Good for: The unique daisy travel pillow provides the firmest all around head and neck support available. iI is the simplest and most comfortable travel pillow ever designed. it will allow you to enjoy a true sleep and will eliminate those stressful dozing periods.
This patent-pending bonded double cushion design firmly supports the chin, neck, face, back of neck and temple to create the most comfortable and best support for men and women, boys and girls.
It can be used in aisle or centre seats. Friction holds the pillow against the seat and the collar cushion holds pillow to the neck. It works even if the user is not leaning against a solid surface. It is 100% polyester soft plush with a 100% polyester cotton filling. It is machine washable.
Price: $33.70
> Click here for the full details
17. SkySiesta
Good for: This two fibre-filled, l-shaped supports keep the pillow snug around the user’s head. The snap buckle attached to the sides can be used to adjust the fit. It has a double layer connecting the fabric between the supports.
The pillow provides support for both the head and the chin – so no more neck pain. The pillow can be washed and tumble-dried.
Price: $24.50
> Click here for the full details
My Opinion
There's some really innovative designs here, each with there own take on what makes a good ‘sleep on the road'.
The right choice for you will depend on the position you sleep in when upright, or whether you want to lay on arm rest or pull out tray on the plane.
For me, I need something that will allow me to tilt my neck but at the same time supports my head so it doesn't fall too far forward. I have a long haul flight coming up in January, so I'll go for either the Bcozzy, Daisy or J-Pillow.
I'll choose two and A/B test them and see which does the best job.
Happy traveling!
