The 5 Best Travel Pillows for long haul flights in 2020

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Compact Travel Pillow for long haul flights

The reason why this model can be called the best travel pillow for long haul flights isn’t that the manufacturer claims that its effectiveness is scientifically proven. In my opinion, this pillow deserves to be on the list simply because it’s very comfortable. Besides, it won’t take much space in your bag because it’s half the size of a regular U-shaped travel pillow. And it weighs only 136 grams, which makes it one of the most compact travel pillows on the market.

Overall, I’m rather happy with this neck pillow. I think it is suitable for any kind of transportation and has a potential to become your most favorite, best neck pillow for travel.

The Most Suitable Travel Pillow for Chin Support

 This neck pillow is super soft, comfortable, and adjustable. What makes it stand out among competitors is the enhanced support for the chin that it provides. If you often find yourself waking up because your head falls down, this is a great pillow for you.

To be honest, I enjoyed traveling and using this pillow. It is easy to adjust and provides great support. I feel like this neck pillow can become a great travel buddy for pretty much anyone.

Best Affordable Travel Pillow

This pillow proves that cheap doesn’t always mean bad. The Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow is very reasonably priced, however, it works quite effectively. It can accompany you on your every trip, and it won’t require much effort on your side. The thing is, this pillow has an elastic strap that allows you to easily attach it to your luggage without the need to spare the space for it inside the bag.

This pillow is a perfect model for people who prefer simple things. It offers decent support and can be considered as one the best pillows in this price category.

Best Inflatable Travel Pillow for long haul flights

Another contestant for the honor to be called the best travel pillow for long-haul flights is this model by Travelrest. What makes this pillow perfect for long flights is the use options it provides. Being equally comfortable for both adults and kids, this pillow keeps your head, neck, and body in proper alignment. The fact that it doesn’t take much space because it’s inflatable makes it a very compact and ergonomic option.

To tell you the truth, I had no complaints when using this pillow. I repositioned it once or twice, found the best position, and fell asleep.

Best Design

This product is soft and supportive at the same time, which makes it a great option for traveling. The pillow’s back part is flatter than that of most other pillows on the market, while the height of each side is higher. Such a design will keep your head in one stable position and allow you to relax more effectively. Besides, there’s a pocket on one side, so you won’t have to hold your phone or MP3 player in your hands if you prefer to fall asleep listening to something.

In general, I had a great time traveling and using this pillow. It felt soft, it supported my head and neck perfectly, and it didn’t let my head fall forward. I think this is an excellent option not only for travelers but also for people who want to relax at home and provide some additional support for their neck.

Factors We Look At

Travel pillows are designed to give you some comfort during traveling, but different models do it in different ways, which in reality might not always be as comfortable as expected. It’s important to take into account different factors in order to be completely satisfied with the purchase. Here’s what we pay attention to:

• Shape. Although the most common shapes are a U-shape and a ring-shape, there are much more designs available. Some of them are rather unique and unusual, which may cause some doubts in terms of their ability to provide comfort. That’s what we’re here for. We test pillows of different shapes and recommend only the ones that really work.
• Material. Most travel pillows you can find on the market today are either memory foam or inflatable. The cover may be made from polyester, velour, or fleece. Each of these materials has its own distinct characteristics, which we consider when reviewing a pillow.
• Adjustability. Loft is the most important factor that defines your comfort. The most common complaint from travelers as to their travel pillows is the insufficient support due to a low loft. That’s why many manufacturers began designing pillows that can be adjusted depending on your neck’s height. Adjustability also refers to the positions in which you can use your pillow.
• Compactness. Size and weight matter for travelers too. Even the most comfortable travel pillow in the world won’t be praised too much if it’s too bulky and heavy. The most compact models are foldable and inflatable.
• Ease of cleaning. Travel pillows get dirty much faster than bed pillows, and it’s obvious, as they travel with you everywhere. Also, drooling is a pretty common (and annoying) issue among people who sleep in a sitting position. That’s why we look for fully machine washable models or the ones that can be easily spot cleaned.

“The choice of a pillow is pretty much connected to the type of transport you usually use for traveling. If it’s airplane, an inflatable compact pillow is a better pick, as there are certain restrictions as to the amount of carry-on luggage you’re allowed to have on board. If you travel by car or train, there are more options, as there are no such restrictions and the space between the passengers allows for a bigger, bulkier pillow.”

Some Things You Should Know About Travel Pillows

Here are some things that I believe will be helpful to you when shopping for a new travel pillow and using it:

• Some airlines offer pillows to their passengers, but those usually measure 3 inches or less, which is too thin to maintain proper support throughout your trip.
• Typically, a travel pillow will cost you $10-$40.
• Inflatable pillows don’t need to be fully inflated to feel comfortable. In fact, you may feel much more comfortable with a pillow that’s 90% inflated if you’re used to softer pillows and have a smaller head.
• Some inflated pillows will need to you manually inflate them by breathing in oxygen, while others can have an automatic mechanism launched by a button.
• Non-inflatable pillows are usually large and bulky so they might seem not convenient for carrying around. However, most modern designs feature a special mechanism that allows you to attach your pillow to your luggage.
• Some manufacturers offer travel sets that include a mask and earplugs in addition to a pillow.
• Most travel pillows are not covered by any warranty. Yet, it doesn’t mean the manufacturer has made them low-quality and just doesn’t want to have any responsibility for that.

“If you’re often on the road, it makes sense to invest in a more expensive pillow that will supposedly serve you for a longer time.”

How to Sleep Better When Traveling

Even if you use the world’s top travel pillow, sometimes it’s not enough. In order to be able to sleep on the go, there are some other things you can do. Here’s how you can make yourself more comfortable, fall asleep easier, and sleep longer:

• Drink enough water. Staying hydrated directly affects your sleep.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothes. An airport isn’t a fashion podium and you don’t have to wear a suit or high heels. Wearing something comfortable will help you sleep better.
• Reduce the stimuli. Turn off your phone or laptop and get those screens away from your face. Wear a sleep mask to eliminate the light. And a pair of good earplugs will block the irritating sounds, allowing you to have a restful sleep.
• Don’t eat too much. Feeling heaviness in the stomach won’t let you fall asleep easily and might ruin your whole flight.

Conclusion

I must say, trying to pick the best travel pillow made me experience many peaceful hours on the plane. But the one that made me feel the most comfortable was the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow. It fits my neck and head perfectly and feels like a real pillow. It managed to keep my head and neck straight and even supported my chin. I think this pillow can improve any travel experience.

Which pillow would you take on your next trip? Share your opinion in the comments!

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