The Best Airplane Pillows for Travellers

If you are an avid plane traveller, it makes sense to be comfortable when traversing the skies. Airplane pillows can provide some comfort and allow you to wake up without aches and pains all over your body.

It is not uncommon to see people walking around the airport with airplane pillows hooked around their necks, sticking out of their bags, or draped over their carry-on luggage. This is because planes are not the most comfortable places to nap, but sometimes you have to get a quick shuteye. Airplane pillows can provide a bit of comfort whilst supporting your head, neck, arms, and other parts of your body.

I’ve always wanted an airplane pillow, but I never bit the bullet because I wanted to find one that could be used for several purposes. And, for some reason the popular travel pillows, which are the neck pillows, always looked uncomfortable. However, I found out that there are several types of airplane pillows, that are not limited to the curved neck pillow.

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Types of Airplane Pillows

There are many different types of travel pillows which suit the needs of travellers. Although it’s not that difficult to find a travel pillow, you may be looking for something specific, especially if you suffer with an injury. When choosing an airplane pillow, you can consider a few characteristics:

Comfort: Some travellers may choose pillows that support different parts of the body. But others may be focused on comfort. If your pillow is uncomfortable, then it does not serve its purpose. The ideal travel pillow should provide comfort in a variety of sleeping positions. Because you will spend most of your flight sitting up in the aircraft, your pillow should be comfortable when used in this position.

Material: Some pillows are made from memory foam that offers firm support to the neck, head, and spine. A firmer foam is recommended because softer foam may be uncomfortable and cause pain. Pillows may also be filled with polyester, beads and special polyfoam. There are also pillows that are inflated with air and can be deflated when not in use.

Cost: As with many other travel products, the price range for airplane pillows is very large. Research has shown that non-inflatable pillows are more expensive that inflatable pillows. However, you must pay attention to the price in conjunction with other factors such as overall quality and usefulness.

Wolf Essentials Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket, 50x60 Inch, Lightweight, Compact, Perfect for Airplane and Car, Charcoal

BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket Pillow Airplane Flight Blanket Throw Bag Pillowcase Compact Large Blanket 2 in 1 Combo Warm Traveling Plane Essentials Portable Gifts Lightweight Grey Gray T007

PAVILIA Travel Blanket Pillow, Soft Airplane Blanket 2-IN-1 Combo Set, Plane Blanket Compact Packable, Flight Essentials Car Pillow, Travelers Gifts Accessories Luggage Backpack Strap, 60x43 Teal Blue

Eddie Bauer - Throw Blanket, Reversible Sherpa Fleece Bedding, Home Decor for All Seasons (Edgewood Red, Throw)

Best Airplane Pillows

The best airplane pillows for travellers are:

Huzi’s Infinity Pillow
The Cushion Lab’s Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow
Sea to Summit Nest’s Aeros Ultralight Pillow
Travelrest’s Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Cabeau’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

1. Infinity Pillow by Huzi

The Huzi Infinity Pillow is a weirdly shaped pillow that serves multiple purposes. It has the capability and appearance of an infinity scarf and literally wraps around your body. The pillow offers support for your neck, chin and head and allows you to sleep comfortably on longer flights. In addition to supporting your provides comfort when travelling or even at home. It’s currently available in several colours such as grey, burgundy, navy, pine green, purple, sunset orange and terracotta.

Dimensions: 10″ L x 6.5″ W x 6.5″ H
Material: Bamboo fabric (outer shell); polyester (filler)
Weight: 1.06 pounds
Machine Washable: Yes
Where to Buy: Amazon

2. Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow by the Cushion Lab

The Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow by the Cushion lab is an award-winning pillow with a patented support system. The pillow is designed to support your neck and stabilize your head, whilst offering support for your face and chin. Because this neck pillow has an asymmetrical design, it prevents dangerous head nodding and thus prevents neck strain. Another feature of the Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow is that is comes in two sizes. The medium is for customers 5’ 7” and shorter with an average build, whilst the large option is for customers 5’8” and taller.

Dimensions: 9″ L x 10″ W x 5″ H
Material: Recycled polyester rayon (outer shell); memory foam (filler)
Weight: 0.8 pounds
Machine Washable: Yes
Where to Buy: Amazon/ The Cushion Lab

3. Aeros Ultralight Pillow by Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight Pillow is a pillow that can be used for various types of trips. Although it is marketed as an outdoor pillow for backpackers, campers, and long-range hikers, it can be used for long flights. One of the benefits of the pillow is that it is inflatable and can be folded to fit into the tiniest space. This makes it especially attractive for minimalist travellers who love to pack light. For airplane travellers, the Aeros Ultralight Pillow, which comes in two sizes, functions as a lumbar pillow and provides neck and head support.

Dimensions: 14.2″ L x 10.2″ W x 4.7″ H (regular); 17.3″ L x 12.6″ W x 5.5″ H (large)
Material: Polyester knit (outer shell); laminated face fabric (inner shell); air (filler)
Weight: 2.1 ounces/ 0.13 pounds (regular); 2.5 ounces/ 0.16 pounds (large)
Machine Washable: No (Hand wash only)
Where to Buy: Amazon/ Sea to Summit

4. Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow by Travelrest

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is one of the top travel/ airplane pillows on the market. It is a foldable pillow that can be compressed, which makes it extremely easy to move around with. Made from a memory foam that was developed by NASA, the pillow cradles your neck and offers maximum support to your shoulder and head. Another benefit of the pillow is that it can be put to use even when you’re not travelling. Additionally, customers who purchase this pillow will also receive a pouch to store the pillow in as well as free air plugs.

Dimensions: 12″ L x 11″ W x 5″ H
Material: Memory foam (filler)
Weight: 13.6 ounces/ 0.85 pounds
Machine Washable: Yes
Where to Buy: Amazon

5. Cabeau’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

The Evolution S3 Neck Pillow by Cabeau is described as the world’s best engineered neck pillow. It uses a patented strap system to prevent neck strain. The straps are used to secure the pillow to the seat, which helps to secure your head. And, the pillow’s raised sides stop your neck and neck from falling over during your rest. Although the Evolution S3 might be seen as a high-end travel pillow, it is worth every cent. It is a diverse product that is beneficial for travellers, gamers or people who sit for long periods of time.

Dimensions: 9.5″ L x 10″ W x 5″ H
Material: Polyester (outer cover); polyurethane memory foam (filler)
Weight: 11.6 ounces / 0.7 pounds
Machine Washable: Yes
Where to Buy: Amazon