There are plenty of reasons you might struggle to fall asleep on a plane. Whether it's the excitement of your upcoming adventure, anxiety about jet lag that's ironically keeping you awake, cramped seats that seem to shrink by the hour, or the inevitable crying baby — getting rest mid-flight can be a challenge. Unless you're one of the lucky few who can sleep anywhere, you probably need a little (or a lot) of extra help.
That's where travel pillows come in (right alongside your favorite earplugs and eye mask ), and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are travel pillows for every type of traveler. There are neck pillows with hoods to block out light for daytime flyers, wraparound options that keep your head from tilting forward (and startling you and your seatmate mid-nap), compact versions of traditional pillows that feel like home but are perfectly portable, and so many more.
To help you find the perfect match, we rounded up 10 of our favorites. You'll find PS editor-approved picks, top-rated options with thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, and budget-friendly finds starting at just $14. Check them out ahead.
25 Editor-Loved Travel Essentials, From Comfy Sneakers to Ear Plugs Best Neck Pillow With Beads Open Story Travel Neck Pillow ($13) While travel neck pillows are filled with various materials, such as memory foam and polyester, this pretty Target option uses beads. You might prefer this style fill over others because the beads can shift and mold to the shape of your neck, meaning it should give you more customized support than a memory foam option, for example. This one has a snap clasp for securing around your neck or luggage handle and comes in two colors: gray and lilac (pictured here).
Best Inflatable Travel Pillow Keemall Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow ($14, originally $20) If you're short on storage space at home or packing room in your suitcase, an inflatable travel pillow like this top-rated option is worth considering. Shoppers say it inflates in just two breaths, feels soft and comfortable thanks to its velvet casing, and easily deflates to fold into a small carrier. Best Travel Pillow With a Hood Cirorld Travel Pillow With Hood ($16) While this travel pillow might not be a fashion statement, it doesn't need to be.
Hooded travel pillows are among the most searched-for on Amazon, and this one delivers. The hood helps block out light and some noise, so you can relax more easily. Shoppers agree it works wonders — one five-star reviewer raved, "The hood was terrific! I slept for 5 1/2 hours of the 8 hr flight.
" Best Travel Pillow For Kids Infanzia Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow ($18) Don't worry, we didn't forget about the little ones. This neck pillow was specially designed with them in mind. Parents in the reviews love that the back is thinner than an adult-sized version, so it won't push your child's head forward, making it possible for them to rest more comfortably (which means you can, too!).
Best Neck Pillow on Amazon Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling ($16, originally $22) This Amazon bestseller boasts over 10,000 five-star reviews for a reason. It's made of sturdy memory foam, a cooling, breathable fabric, and even comes with a portable travel bag. Best Customizable Travel Pillow Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow ($25, originally $40) If you've ever been frustrated by the rigid design of a neck pillow, this one might become your new favorite.
Whether you're in the middle, aisle, or window seat, you can twist and mold this pillow to the perfect shape — and adjust it when things get uncomfortable. Best Travel Blanket and Pillow EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow ($26, originally $34) While you can make this travel pillow work in any seat, we especially love it for aisle seats. It's ideal for anyone who dislikes traditional neck pillows and even comes with a matching blanket to help you actually get some sleep while traveling.
Plus, it comes with a handy (matching!) case with a luggage sleeve for easy transport. Béis's Glossy Carry-On Is the Solution to My Overpacking Problem Best Viral Neck Pillow Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow ($65) This viral travel pillow is so popular that three PS editors had to try it — and confirmed it helps them fall asleep fast on any form of public transportation. The verdict? They love it for its adjustable, comfy, yet super supportive design.
It looks like a scarf but has a fancy internal plastic frame support system wrapped in soft fleece that provides neck support. Learn more in our Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow Vetted review . Editor Quote: "The best thing about this neck pillow has to be the fact that it's adjustable.
By twisting the toggle on the side, you can raise or lower your resting point to just the right height, then move the landing shelf to either side, or the front if you're able to rest in a forward lean." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping Best Machine-Washable Travel Neck Pilow Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow ($69) A wraparound neck pillow might be a better choice than the standard U-shaped design because it offers 360-degree support, perfect if you struggle to keep your head from falling forward (which could result in a mid-flight scare). With added support all around, it's a great option for anyone prone to neck aches after traveling.
Plus, the sleeve is machine-washable, so you can toss it straight in with the rest of your laundry when you unpack. It's even editor-approved; read our comprehensive review of the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow for more. Editor Quote: "This neck pillow is so easy to pack and not bulky, making it the perfect travel accessory.
The product includes a protective bag to store my neck pillow when I am not using it, which is ideal and helps keep it clean. The softness of the neck pillow's outer sleeve is so cozy, and the memory foam makes me feel like I'm laying my head on one of the pillows that I sleep with daily. " — Indira Diaz, former social strategy coordinator Best Compact Travel Pillow Purple Harmony Anywhere Pillow ($149) Whether you treat yourself to a lay-down seat (lucky you!) or just need a pillow that's comfier than the standard hotel variety, this option from Purple is worth checking out.
It's a compact take on the brand's signature soft, bouncy, and cooling design. Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
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