The best neck pillows for travel support your head and neck to ensure you can sleep comfortably on any journey, since limited space and lack of proper pillows on planes and trains can leave you feeling sore and achy. After extensive research, the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow is our top recommendation thanks to its adjustable design and comfortable memory foam filling. We also recommend the Trtl Travel Pillow if you’re seated in a window or aisle seat and will be favoring one side of your neck.
The best neck pillows for travel support your head and neck to ensure you can sleep comfortably.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When selecting a neck pillow, choose an option with firm support. “The right pillow will keep your neck in a spine-neutral position when you fall asleep in the upright or seated position,” says Dr. Mara Vucich, D.O., a physiatrist at the Maryland Spine Center in Baltimore, Maryland. “Otherwise, your head and neck may end up in an awkward position, which can put unwanted stress on your neck and spine.” Comfort is still key, so make sure that the pillow you choose allows for movement without being restrictive. Ahead, the best neck pillows for travel in 2025.
Weight: 0.5 pounds | Cover material: Oeko-Tex Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Sleeve is machine washable
Pros:
360 degrees of support
Adjustable wrap design
Compresses to 60% of its original size
Comes with a travel bag
Cons:
Memory foam can trap heat
Velcro portion is a bit short
This well-made and comfortable neck pillow has a supportive memory foam core that promotes proper alignment regardless of your position (it offers support whether you sleep with your head back, to one side or straight in the middle). A velcro closure secures it so that you can adjust the fit, and the outer shell is machine washable for easy care. The pillow itself feels soft and keeps your head elevated. Plus, it compresses to 60% of its original size and fits into the included travel bag when not being used.
What the reviews say: “I’m one of those people that can never sleep on a plane, no matter how long the flight is,” writes one reviewer. “I’ve tried many types of pillows, and nothing helped. I had a 12-hour flight coming up and decided to give this one a try. It was the best decision ever. I slept for several hours and felt much more rested.”
Weight: 0.28 pounds | Cover material: Fleece | Fill material: Foam, plastic | Care: Outer wrap is machine washable
Pros:
Lightweight and packable
Personalized fit
Cons:
Designed to support one side of the neck at a time
Takes extra time to adjust it and find the right fit
If you want something to support your head and neck while in a window or aisle seat, we recommend the Trtl Travel Pillow. It resembles a padded neck brace or wrap, and it’s covered in ultra-soft fleece that feels comforting against the skin. The internal support system keeps your neck, chin and jaw in place, although the internal brace only sits on one side. Similar to our top pick, this has a velcro closure so you can adjust the fit based on your preferences.
What our editors say:Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, swears by the Trtl Pillow and has been using it exclusively for years on domestic and long-haul flights. “I’ve found it’s ideal no matter which seat I’m in,” she says. Since switching from more traditional neck pillows to the Trtl, “I don’t wind up feeling any residual neck or shoulder pain whatsoever after dozing off on a long flight. Plus, getting a personalized fit is easy because you can adjust it to your liking. It may sort of look like you’re wearing a neck brace, but it works, and I’m standing by it forever.”
Weight: Not listed | Cover material: Alcantara and WPS mesh blend; Spandura | Fill material: Foam, recycled fill | Care: Cover is machine washable
Pros:
360 degrees of support
Includes a sleep hood and eye mask
Adjustable velcro band
125-night trial
Cons:
Expensive
On the bulkier side
If you have trouble sleeping while traveling due to light and noise, the Pluto Pod solves those problems thanks to the built-in hood and eye mask. The hood and eyemask portion are fully adjustable, and the neck portion of the design offers 360-degree support. When you’re not using the Pluto Pod, it rolls down into a small, traditional-looking pillow that wraps onto your luggage handle or can be stashed inside your suitcase. It’s a bit larger than other options on our list (it measures 31 by 15 inches when open), but the unique features help you feel like you’re resting in a quiet, private space rather than a crowded airplane.
What our editors say:Lindsey Vickers, a former mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, recommends the Pluto Pod for travel. It addressed her travel and nap concerns, from an unsupported neck to a bobbing chin to excessive light.
Amazon
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
Weight: 0.7 pounds | Cover material: Microsuede | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable
Pros:
Flattened back helps maintain spinal alignment
High sides keep your head, neck and jaw from bobbing
Patented seat straps prevent slouching
Cons:
Takes some effort (especially if you’re short) to attach the straps to your seat
Although this pick has a traditional “U” shape, higher sides provide extra support and gentle contouring for the head and jaw area. The 360-degree support is ideal for all types of sleepers, and the addition of seat straps prevents you from tipping forward or slouching while you sleep. Other helpful features include an adjustable clasp, washable cover and convenient carry bag.
What the reviews say: “This is a real winner. I travel a lot and take long trips, and this [pillow] allows me to sleep for a long period of time because my head isn’t flopping around,” says one reviewer. “I also have no neck pain, which I have had with my other [travel pillow]. It folds up nicely and fits in its case far better than my others. You can’t go wrong with this.” Another confirms, “The sides are high and supportive enough that I woke with zero neck pain and [experienced] zero head bobs while sleeping.”
Amazon
Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
Weight: 12.7 ounces | Cover material: Polyester | Fill material: Memory foam, plastic | Care: Cover is machine washable
Pros:
Mesh side vents enhance breathability
Moisture-wicking cover material
Cons:
Doesn’t compress well for storage
If you run hot, the Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow has mesh side vents that let hot air escape, and the moisture-wicking material keeps you cool throughout your journey. The dual memory foam fill material offers firm support, and the design has a flat back, so you’re not pushed too far forward in your seat. The raised sides hug your jawline, and the front clasp is adjustable. While customers say it does an excellent job of preventing overheating (especially on long flights), it’s not as compact and portable as other choices.
What the reviews say: “This pillow is well-built, comfortable and keeps your neck cool. It’s the best neck pillow I’ve ever used,” says one customer. “I can wear noise-canceling headphones with this without issue, and the ventilation really works.” Another user says it’s “very sturdy, well-built and provides great comfort when traveling. The vents on the sides prevent overheating and sweat.”
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics.
The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage.
Our staffers shared their firsthand experience with certain picks. Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla is a fan of the Trtl Travel Pillow, while another tester considers the Pluto Pod a favorite.
Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from Dr. Mara Vucich, D.O., a physiatrist at the Maryland Spine Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
How We Chose The Best Neck Pillows For Travel
We began researching the best neck pillows for travel based on the recommendations of our seasoned Forbes Vetted team and Vucich’s expert insight.
Our travel editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers like Ostrich and Cabeau.
We evaluated various pillow types, from traditional “U” shapes to unconventional designs, to find options for different needs and preferences.
We carefully considered several factors: weight, shape, materials, support, portability, maintenance and price.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Consider In The Best Neck Pillows For Travel
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best neck pillows for travel. Here’s what to look for.
Support
The most important consideration when looking for a neck pillow for travel is support level. Whether you’re sleeping in an upright position or on your side, maintaining a spine-neutral position helps alleviate aches and pains—and prevents you from waking up feeling tired and sore. Look for a firm pillow that can elevate your head and neck, as something too soft won’t help you maintain proper alignment. Also, consider how you usually sleep, as this can impact the type of support you need. For instance, the Trtl Travel Pillow only supports one side of your neck at a time, so it’s better suited for airplane travel if you’re in an aisle or window seat. If you tend to toss, turn, or reposition frequently while you sleep, opt for the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow (which provides support from all angles), the Pluto Pod or the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow.
Materials
Airplanes can be hot and stuffy, so look for a neck pillow with a breathable cover that’s easy to care for. Many options have a cotton, polyester or viscose cover that’s machine washable and won’t cause you to overheat. Memory foam is a common fill material thanks to its long-lasting support, pressure relief and ability to promote proper spine alignment.
Shape
Most pillows have a “U” shape that wraps around the neck and keeps your head upright. This shape also prevents the head from bobbing around, which can lead to wakefulness. Other options might resemble a neck brace or include extra features like a hood to block out the light while sleeping. Consider how you prefer to sleep and read through customer reviews to better understand how this shape feels after continued use.
Portability
Your neck pillow will travel through the airport, on the airplane and to your new destination, so choose something that doesn’t take up too much space. Many pillows, like the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow, come with a travel case, while others may have a hook or clip that allows it to hang from the side of your bag. Most airlines don’t count neck pillows as a carry-on item, but it’s a good idea to double-check ahead of time and find one that packs down to be on the safe side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Neck Pillow For Airplane Travel?
After extensive research, our team rated the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow as the best neck pillow for travel. It offers travelers 360 degrees of support, regardless of how they sleep, and the memory foam fill is soft and comfortable. It also comes with an included travel bag so you can easily store it when it’s not in use.
What Material Is Best For A Travel Neck Pillow?
Memory foam offers excellent support and pressure relief, so it’s a great material for a travel neck pillow. The Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow and Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow both have memory foam filling wrapped in a fabric cover that’s machine washable. All the picks in this guide have a breathable cover that’s easy to care for.
Do Neck Pillows Actually Help On Planes?
Yes, neck pillows are helpful if you plan to nap or sleep while on a plane. According to our expert, it keeps your neck in a spine-neutral position when you fall asleep upright or seated, preventing unwanted stress on your neck and spine. If you travel frequently, investing in a good neck pillow can help you rest easier and make air travel more comfortable.
