Best Travel Pillows For Long Haul Flights

While there are so many inconveniences when traveling by plane, perhaps the most frustrating is trying to get some sleep in already cramped quarters. But travelers need rest, and so we buy and try one after another travel pillows, not finding that one pillow that gives us the most sleep. Our guest author brings us her comfy suggestions for 4 best travel pillows for long haul flights.

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Best Travel Pillows For Long Haul Flights

Traveling is a lot of fun, but the change of time zones and the constant packing and unpacking will eventually get to you. But there is a way to continue enjoying your world exploration: stealing precious sleeping hours or minutes while on the plane, train, bus, or car (assuming you are not the one driving)!

While sleeping in a chair is not the most comfortable position,  improve your condition by using a pillow designed especially for traveling. But which pillow to chose with the vast amount of brands and producers who feature at least one travel pillow? We asked around and found out the 4 most comfortable travel pillows for long haul flights.

1. Neck Pillow

This is the most common shape for a travel pillow and it’s quite easy to use as all you have to do is place it around your neck. Its main purpose is to support the head when you fall asleep in a vertical position and provide cushioning for when you nod off and the head falls sideways (or in front, depending on your preferences).

The secret to choosing the perfect neck pillow is to consider your sleeping habits and luggage space. For instance, not all neck pillows have stuffing. Some are just material that wraps around the neck with a supportive core, while others are inflatable.

Amazon also offers the Cabeau Evolution travel pillow – machine washable with 360-degree neck and chin support — and in several colors!

Another great and affordable travel pillow option from Amazon is this Everlasting Comfort Travel Pillow – 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow, and how can you not love that it includes an Eye Mask and Earplugs (Black)?

2. Memory Foam Travel Pillows

This memory foam travel pillow model is one step forward from the stuffed neck pillow. It is equipped with memory foam walls that keep the head from falling sideways or in front while sleeping. The foam is flexible and adjusts around your unique neck shape so it won’t be uncomfortable or rigid, which is why it is a fantastic choice.

Also, the pillow is adjustable around the neck, so anyone can wear it. Finally, unlike the stuffed models, the back of this pillow is designed to sit flush against the headrest and has rubber pointers so it won’t slip. However, it may be a bit bulky for a piece of small luggage as it won’t compress as a standard neck pillow does.

3. Scarf Pillow

One of the Highest Rated Pillows in the World (Market) in 2019, this design is perfect for those of you who get chilly during a flight. The pillow has a supportive core (or ribs) that keep the head in position while sleeping and the rest is made of an extremely soft material that wraps around the neck like a scarf.

Overall, this design is very lightweight and small, but it will only support one side. If you know you like to change positions while sleeping in a chair, it may not be too useful. Finally, keep in mind that this pillow can get hot while wearing it, so it may not work during summer times.

4. The Pillow You can Hug

This design was created to provide more of a bed feeling to side sleepers. Even though it is bulkier than any of the pillows mentioned above, it is the most comfortable. Place the pillow across your body, with the big side on your shoulder. Or place it on one side. A cord attached to the top can go around the headrest to make sure it won’t move around while you sleep.

And yet another option via Amazon, the side sleeper contour travel pillow.

This model can be hugged, to reduce the feeling of chair-sleeping and the soft surface is very nice to touch. Still, in the end, you are the one to choose which pillow works best for your needs, but make sure to do the research before choosing on impulse!

5. Travel Pillows for Kids

Long flights are difficult enough for families, so why not purchase travel pillows especially designed for your kids? Here are a few of our recommendations:

My two youngest granddaughters are obsessed with Unicorns, so that’s why this Cloudz Plush Animal Pillows – Unicorn is the perfect travel companion on airplanes.

Another fun and affordable option is this travel pillow for kids with cute animal designs:

What is your favorite travel Pillow? Please share with us in the comments below!