Long-haul flights present a unique challenge for even the most seasoned travellers. Cramped into a standard 30-inch seat, breathing recycled air and fighting for legroom can make the experience particularly gruelling. Proper preparation is essential for arriving at your destination feeling human, and a quality travel pillow is arguably the most crucial piece of armour in this pre-holiday purgatory.
As a Travel Editor who frequently embarks on long-distance journeys, Genie Harrison has dedicated herself to finding the ultimate travel pillow. From traditional memory foam designs to innovative alternatives, a comprehensive testing process has identified the top performers to help you sleep soundly, whether you're heading to the Caribbean, Napa, or the Seychelles.
How We Put Travel Pillows to the Test
Recognising that everyone has different sleeping preferences, especially at 35,000 feet, the testing team evaluated each pillow from multiple angles. Key considerations included the comfort of the materials, the level of neck support provided, the ingenuity of the design, and how easily each pillow could be packed away.
Additional factors such as ease of cleaning, overall bulkiness, and versatility were also taken into account. A group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail collaborated to compare performance, ensuring the recommendations are based on rigorous, real-world testing.
The Top Travel Pillows for Your Next Flight
1. Best Overall: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Priced at £69 from Amazon, the Ostrichpillow emerged as the top contender despite being the most expensive option tested. Its 360-degree, ergonomic design, featuring a lightweight BASF® Memory foam core, provides exceptional support, even for those with longer necks. The cover is removable and machine washable, adding a practical touch. Tested on an 11-hour flight from London to Cape Town and back, it proved to be a welcome companion.
2. Best Neck Support: SNUGL Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Available for £31.99 from B&Q, the award-winning SNUGL pillow is shaped like a car seat for your neck and comes in two sizes based on height. Its standout feature is its adaptability; it can be arranged to support the neck whether it tends to loll forwards, backwards, or to the side. The sleeve is machine washable, though testers noted it is slightly heavier than some other models.
3. Best for Side Sleepers: TRAVELREST Neck and Body Pillow
This inflatable pillow, currently £25.50 on Amazon (reduced from £37.95), is a game-changer for side sleepers. With a few puffs of air, it inflates and is worn with a detachable strap like a messenger bag. It can be nestled between the seat and your head or used in an upright position, offering comfort without the constriction of a traditional neck pillow. Its inflatable nature makes it incredibly easy to pack.
4. Most Innovative Design: TRTL Travel Pillow
The TRTL pillow, priced at £39.99 from TRTL, boasts the most unusual design. It features an internal support system wrapped in soft fabric, worn like a scarf around the neck. While novel and incredibly lightweight for packing, some testers felt it required additional hand support for full neck comfort and noted the internal support could dig in if not positioned perfectly.
5. Best on a Budget: Roamwild Travel Pillow
At just £19.98 from Roamwild, this pillow offers an innovative design with a firm neck support and an additional inflatable section intended to help middle-seat passengers lean their head. The concept is clever, though the inflatable portion may not provide sufficient support on its own. Nevertheless, it offers solid comfort and better-than-average support for its price point.
6. Most Cosy: Bcozzy Travel Neck Pillow
Costing £32 from Amazon, the Bcozzy pillow snakes around the neck to provide all-round support. It is notably lightweight and comfortable to wear, though those with longer necks or heavier heads might find it less supportive than other options. It represents good value and clips easily onto hand luggage.
7. Most Versatile: Infinity Pillow
Fashioned after a Mobius strip and available for £43 from Infintypillow, this pillow can be twisted and wrapped in numerous configurations. It is soft and lightweight, making it comfortable to drape. However, during testing, it was found that even with two wraps around the neck, it sometimes lacked the necessary support, leaving the tester wishing for a longer version.
Travel Pillow FAQs
What are the different types of travel pillows?
The market offers several types: Memory foam pillows are excellent for those with neck or back pain. Inflatable pillows are ideal for travellers with limited luggage space as they compress significantly. Finally, cleverly designed pillows cater to specific sleeping positions and preferences.
Are travel pillows good for your neck?
According to Dr Lewis Raiman, a sports medicine physician verified on Doctify, travel pillows can be highly beneficial. He explains that neck discomfort during travel often stems from prolonged, unsupported bending or twisting of the neck. A well-designed pillow that keeps the head and neck in a neutral position can reduce muscle strain and uneven pressure, with those preventing the head from dropping forward or sideways being most effective.
Can the pillows be washed?
Hygiene is a key consideration, and fortunately, all of the pillows reviewed have removable sleeves or covers that are machine washable, making them easy to clean after a long journey.
