Whether you are on a red-eye flight, a long drive or a weekend in a hotel with flat pillows, the right pillow can be the difference between arriving rested and arriving wrecked. Here is how to choose the best travel pillow for flights and road trips.
U-shaped neck pillows: good for upright naps
The classic neck pillow wraps around your neck to stop your head from dropping forward or sideways while sitting up. It is handy on planes and trains. The downside is that it only works upright, and many people find it pushes the head forward.
Compact memory foam pillows: good for real sleep
A compressible memory foam travel pillow is a small version of a real bed pillow. It packs into a bag, expands when you unpack it, and gives you proper support anywhere you can lie down: hotel beds, guest rooms, the back seat on a road trip, a tent or even against the window on a plane.
Which travel pillow is right for you?
- Mostly short flights, sitting upright? A U-shaped neck pillow may be enough.
- Road trips, hotels, camping or overnight travel? A compact memory foam pillow is more versatile.
- Picky about pillows at home? Bring memory foam. Hotel and guest pillows are often too soft or too flat.
What to look for in a memory foam travel pillow
- Compressible foam that packs into a carry bag
- Medium-firm support that holds its shape
- A size that is big enough to sleep on, not just lean on
- A soft, removable cover you can keep clean on the road. Here is how to wash a memory foam pillow
Our pick: VaVerto Camping & Travel Pillow
The VaVerto Camping & Travel Pillow is designed for comfort and easy portability. Its compressible medium-firm memory foam adapts to your head and neck, then quickly expands to full size after unpacking. At 12 x 18 x 3.5 inches it is a proper pillow, yet it compresses into its included carry bag for flights, road trips, camping and backpacking.
Pick a plush velvet cover in Rust Orange, Grey or Blue, or the White Bamboo-Derived Viscose Cover if you want breathable, cooler comfort. For sleeping at home, the full-size VaVerto Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow offers the same supportive feel with cooling gel foam.
Travel sleep tips
- On flights, choose a window seat so you have something to lean against.
- Pack your pillow last so it is easy to reach.
- Give memory foam a little time to expand after unpacking.
- Keep your neck aligned. If you are prone to stiffness, read our guide on choosing a pillow for neck pain.
Your pillow, anywhere
Compressible memory foam that packs into its own bag and expands back to full size.
Shop the memory foam travel pillowFAQ
What is the best travel pillow for sleeping on a plane?
For upright naps a neck pillow helps. For window seats, overnight trips and hotels, a compact memory foam pillow gives fuller support.
Can I bring a memory foam pillow on a plane?
Pillows are generally allowed, and a compressible pillow in a carry bag takes up little space. Check your airline's carry-on rules before you fly.
Is a memory foam travel pillow good for road trips?
Yes. It works in the car, in hotels and at campsites. See our best camping pillow guide for outdoor tips.
