You’ve done well if you end up with a travel pillow that holds your head naturally but firmly and does so without straining the muscles in your neck. In this article we consider some of the options on the market, and the decisions you will need to make, to ensure you end up with that ideal traveling companion.
If you are a traveler who places portability above anything else, then a blow up travel pillow should be first on your list. Generally weighing less than a pound and capable of being rolled away into the size of a small wallet, inflatable pillows are a popular choice for the long haul flier. But bear in mind that you may be sacrificing a degree of ergonomic support and comfort.
Memory foam pillows for example are far better at shaping to the contours of your head and neck without bottoming out or having too much bounce back. But they do tend to be heavier, more cumbersome and less portable. An exception perhaps is the Miracle Neck Rest. Despite being made from memory foam it is comparatively lightweight. This is mostly down to it’s compact size and it’s beautifully contoured minimalist design.
When it comes to selecting the best travel pillow shape, things have got a little complicated. Not long ago all you would really see on the market were U shape pillows. But now there is much more variety and it’s worth spending the time checking out all the alternatives. Take the TravelRest pillow for starters. It’s shaped like a giant comma and is meant to be ‘hooked’ onto the shoulder and worn across the body. Its starting to pick up some very positive reviews. Being an inflatable, it’s extremely lightweight. Also worth considering is the O shaped Comfy Commuter pillow that provides chin support while preventing side to side movement. It’s got a soft, fleecy cover that will just beg you to cuddle up.