Travel Pillow

If you are traveling on a budget, you are probably not flying in an oversized comfy first class airline seat.  To make the journey a little more bearable, you may want to consider bringing along a small Travel Pillow.  Having a pillow can also make it more comfortable and easier to sleep on long train rides.

You will find several different styles of pillows available including inflatable and memory foam.  The price range of pillows can vary greatly from a few dollars up to $50 or more.  Pillows can be found online and at several different stores including Walmart, Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Our advice is to visit your local store to see their pillows.  Bed, Bath & Beyond has a large selection to choose from where you can actually try them on.  After you find the pillow that's right for you, shop around online for the best deal.

Memory Foam Inflatable
Advantages Disadvantages
  • Memory foam is far more comfortable than inflatable pillows
  • Some may have attached straps allowing it to be attached to the headrest of an airline seat
  • Breathable
  • Offers the greatest head and neck support
  • Bulky taking up more room in your pack
  • Heavier
  • More expensive
  • Should be kept in a waterproof stuff sack
Advantages Disadvantages
  • Compact and packable taking up little room in your pack
  • Lightweight weighing virtually nothing
  • A additional case it not necessary
  • Inexpensive
  • Less comfortable than Memory Foam
  • Most likely made with plastic covered in thin micro-velvet making them non-breathable
  • Firm and bouncy similar to an air mattress
  • May frequently need additional air
  • Can be punctured rendering it useless

We used to bring an inflatable pillow with us on our flights but found them to be very uncomfortable.  They offered some support, but it was like trying to sleep on a bouncy inflatable air mattress.  As we have traveled more, we decided to splurge on a Memory Foam Pillow.  Although bulkier and heavier than an inflatable pillow, we found them to be far more comfortable and supportive and well worth the cost, additional weight and space it takes up in our back.  These pillows can easily be compressed to about 1/4 their size and stuffed into a compression sack allowing you to easily pack it inside your pack or attach it to the exterior.

The newer version of the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam pillow, the S3 comes with attached straps allowing you to attached the pillow to the headrest on an airline seat.

Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow

https://www.cabeau.com/

This is our pillow of choice

Not only is this pillow comfortable, but it includes a snap-lock connector in front of the pillow allowing you to secure the pillow around your neck adding greater support, keeping your head upright.

Award Winning

The patented Evolution Pillow is the first travel pillow constructed with high quality memory foam that actually supports your neck without the awkward positioning and discomfort.  Proven to be more comfortable than inflatable, microbead, & down neck pillows.

Sleep Soundly

Adjust for the perfect 360 degree support whether your head leans left, right, or tends to fall forward. Complete with a flattened rear cushion (perfect for all air travel seats on any flight).

Money Back Guarantee

Cabeau is committed to your complete satisfaction.  Accordingly, they will replace all damaged or defective products due to materials or workmanship, upon your receipt of product.

Washable

Made of high quality soft velour, the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow includes a removable and washable cover that makes cleaning a breeze and eliminating germs easily.

Storage

Pack the Cabeau neck pillow in your luggage easily with the small compact storage bag. The pillow will compress to about 1/4 the normal size by simply rolling it up into a ball and then placing it inside the stuff sack.

Product Dimensions: 10 in. x 5 in. x 9.5 in.
Weight: 11.7 oz.

Cloudwing Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This is another example of a Memory Foam pillow that we have very similar to the Cabeau shown above but at a slightly lower price point.

This pillow has an attached stuff sack allowing you to fold the pillow directly and easily into it.

Compared to the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow above, this pillow fits looser around the neck and you are unable to cinch it as tightly as is possible with the Cabeau.  It's up to personal preference as to how tight you want the pillow and how much support you require.

 
 
 
Compression Straps

If you already have a pillow, there is an easy and inexpensive alternative to pre-connected straps for attaching your pill to your airline seat.

Simply buy a pair of compression straps about 2 feet in length and wrap them around each side of the pillow to secure it to the seat.

Having straps will also allow you to compress the pillow in it's stuff sack or secure other items to your backpack if necessary.

https://www.rei.com/product/848429/redpoint-34-webbing-straps-with-side-release-buckles-package-of-2


Waterproof Dry Bag

Your pillow may come with a stuff sack but depending on the sack, you may want to consider some type of Dry Bag.

There are several different types and styles of dry bags available, so depending on your pillow you may have to shop around to find the perfect bag for you.  Visit your local sporting goods store and bring your pillow to test them out.

You are not looking for a heavy rubberized bag but rather a lightweight waterproof bag made from Rip-Stop nylon.  Most bags will have a roll-top design with a clip.  As shown in the photo, this will also allow you to easily clip the bag to the exterior of your pack if necessary.

Having a bag will also provide addition waterproof storage should it be required.