Trying to fall asleep on a flight is not an easy feat: Unexpected turbulence, cabin announcements, and — the worst — an inconsiderate passenger nearby are just a few elements that can disturb your resting pattern. Combined with the discomfort of being stuck in a tiny seat, you’re lucky to get a few minutes of shut-eye, if at all.
“When we are in a new environment, our brains are fundamentally on high alert, scanning your new environment, and processing new sounds and smells,” says Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher and co-author of Sleep for Success!. “This orientation can limit the sleep you get while away from home.”
Achieving quality sleep on a plane takes patience, practice, and some helpful travel accessories designed for maximum comfort. A travel pillow to provide support is crucial in this case. If you think that any generic pillow from a local discount store would do, you’d be terribly mistaken. With some useful pointers from Dr. Robbins, we’ve compiled the best travel pillows on the market, so you can wake up from a long-haul flight without a sore neck.
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This memory foam pillow has topped Amazon’s bestseller list for travel pillows for a reason: the unique contoured design braces your neck, so your head is cushioned in whichever direction it moves when you’re sleeping. Reviewers also loved that you can squeeze everything down into a tiny bag, and the inclusion of spongy ear buds helps block out unwanted noise from chatty seatmates.
Shop Amazon
MLVOC Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow, $, available at Amazon
At first glance, this might look like your average infinity scarf, but this super-soft fleece travel pillow is hyped for its ability to stretch and support your head — just like a hammock. The lightweight product is a must-have for any travelers who struggle with a sore neck, and it takes up a lot less room than your average pillow.
Shop TRTL
Trtl Travel Pillow, $, available at Trtl
This stylish matching accessories set will win you so many compliments at the airport. There is a magnetic closure on both ends, so the whole thing stays around your neck in a secure way. The silky material, which can be machine washed, is kind to your skin.
Shop Anthropologie
Calpak Neck Pillow & Eye Mask Set, $, available at Anthropologie
This cocoon of a travel pillow just screams “do not disturb.” The thick beaded filling does a great job blocking out light and noise, and the fabric is soft and cuddly. It can also be used when you’re lounging around as a body pillow.
Shop Free People
Ostrich Pillow Original Napping Pillow, $, available at Free People
This neck pillow features a thick memory foam design that remembers your support spot and adjusts its shape accordingly. A removable and washable cover keeps things hygienic. The product can be compressed to half of its size for ease of packing, using the round zipper bag provided. The best part? You can strap it to your airplane or car seat so it doesn’t fly off your shoulder while you’re dozing off.
Shop Amazon
Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Neck Pillow, $, available at Amazon
For travelers who like to lean forward when they catch some ZZZs, this inflatable pillow is the comfortable cradle you need while up in the air. The ergonomic design keeps back pain (from incorrect posture) at bay, with holes for you to rest both of your arms on.
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Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow for Airplane, $, available at Amazon
If you toss and turn a lot when you’re asleep, the best travel pillow for you would be something long and noodle-shaped, so it can be easily twisted to adapt to different poses. Reviewers love how lightweight and soft this one is, and the free earplugs are a nice bonus.
Shop Amazon
PG6 Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow, $, available at Amazon
This itty-bitty cushion has been praised for its utter ease to inflate and set up, and travelers with back issues will appreciate the generous padding on the lower back. It’s a great buy for overpackers since it takes up practically no room when deflated.
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SmartTravel Inflatable Lumbar Travel Pillow, $, available at Amazon
If you tend to lean on one side of your shoulder when you snooze, this J-shaped pillow is a big game changer: The curve sits along the contour of the side your head, and it is perfect for window seat passengers.
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J-Pillow Chin Supporting Travel Pillow, $, available at Amazon
Do you often find yourself dipping forward when you’re sleeping on a plane? This wrap-around pillow has a special design that offers full support for your neck and chin. The secure placement enables you to rest up on a long-haul flight — without getting migraines or a stiff neck. It can also be folded in half if you want to sleep on your side.
Shop Amazon
BCOZZY Neck Pillow, $, available at Amazon
This travel pillow is many things in one: it can be used for lumbar support, laid flat as a foot rest, or worn around the neck. The microbead filling means its extra snug and malleable.
Shop Samsonite
Samsonite Microbead 3-in-1 Neck Pillow, $, available at Samsonite
This horseshoe-shape pillow is the ultimate bougie treat for your neck and shoulder muscles to take a break. The quality of the Slipsilk material — a shiny, lush fabric that can be hand-washed — has the dreamiest hand feel. Paired with a matching eye mask and non-medical face mask, this set provides the five-star beauty sleep you deserved.
Shop Nordstrom
Slip Frequent Flyer Travel Set, $, available at Nordstrom
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