These Travel Pillows Are SO Good They Even Make "Sitting Middle" a Joy

AddisonTravel2025-08-136010

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People may say that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey, but we'd only agree if the journey is enjoyable and, above all, comfortable. After all, hours spent in a car or on a plane are hardly relaxing when your back is cramping up and your neck is developing knots. Enter the best travel pillows that make the journey almost as good as the destination.

With mere weeks left to enjoy the last days of summer, we're getting around to all of the weekend getaways, day trips, and more while we still can, and we're doing it with a travel pillow on our person, of course. The ones we deemed worthy of a spot in your tote come in various shapes and sizes, but they're all exquisitely comfortable. In fact, you may not dread the middle seat as much if you are nodding off on one of these fabulous finds, so if you have one last trip coming up before the weather takes a turn for the chilly, nab one of these travel pillows before they're gone. Luckily, you can use them all year long!

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Travel Pillow

We're going to kick off our list with an obvious bestseller from a company that really knows how to make people comfortable—after all, the expertise is in the brand name! "I bought this in 2022 for an overnight trip from New York City to Rome. I did tons of research before buying one because I wanted to ensure as best I could that when I clipped it onto my neck and closed my eyes, I'd be able to fall and stay asleep," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I like this one because the walls are taller, so my head isn't really lolling to the side and becoming sore when I wake up." It comes in two sizes, so if you think the walls may be too large, opt for the smaller one. "I will say, it's not super plush and squishy like The Company Store down alternative pillows I have on my bed, but I slept for hours without waking up."

$55.00 at amazon.com

Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This memory foam donut-shaped pillow is the classic neck pillow you may envision when thinking of a typical travel pillow. The super-soft cover encloses a memory foam cushion, so if you're accustomed to the dense feel of your current pillow, you will enjoy this one. It's not adjustable, so if you have a smaller neck, you may have to hold it in place if you tend to move around in your sleep. It also comes with a matching travel bag, so when you're not using it, you can keep it safe and clean. "This is the best neck pillow! It's so soft, comfortable, supportive, and stays clean," said one reviewer. "I used it on two international flights, both over nine hours, and slept so comfortably. The travel bag is also great! While other people's neck pillows end up on the floor or crammed in the overhead bin, mine stays clean."

$12.99 at amazon.com

Washable Silk Travel Pillow

If you're familiar with Lunya, the bedding and loungewear brand famous for its washable silk products, chances are, you already own this highly luxurious pillow. As is the case with the pajamas and sheets, the pillowcase (the cushion is included; don't worry!) is made entirely of 100 percent mulberry silk, so if you are one of those jet-setters who slathers your face in creams and masks before checking out and falling asleep, you don't have to worry about your products smearing into your pillow. Silk is not an absorbent material. The cushion itself is a very plush pillow made of recycled polyester, so anyone who enjoys the sink-in-soft feel can get ready to sleep very well. Otherwise, feel free to use the extra filling provided by Lunya in your order.

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We'll also add that even though it's in a more classic pillow shape (as opposed to the donut alternative), it's still easy to bring with you, as each side is equipped with a snap that, as you can see in the photo, wraps around the handle of your suitcase, to keep it in place.

$128.00 at lunya.co

Neck Pillow for Traveling

This Amazon pick is another classic option that gives you just the right amount of firmness, courtesy of the memory foam. Unlike the other highly affordable option on our list, this one doesn't sit under your chin. It actually sits on top of your shoulders and goes slightly outward so that it isn't pushing your chin higher than you'd like it to be while you sleep. "The memory foam is dense yet soft, providing the perfect amount of support for my neck without feeling stiff. It gently cradles your head so you're not bobbing side to side, and it doesn’t push your head forward like some of those overly bulky U-shaped pillows," a reviewer said.

$15.86 at amazon.com

Organic Mini Pillow

Since this mini pillow is from a renowned bedding brand known for its organic offerings, you can trust that it's cozy. However, it doesn't include a pillowcase, so if you want to put something between your skin and the cushion, be sure to add one to your cart. (Hint: they're silk!) Back to the pillow, though: It's soft and breathable, and filled with renewable materials, including GOTS-certified organic kapok fiber and GOLS-certified organic latex. Plus, it's on sale!

$56.00 at avocadogreenmattress.com

Harmony Anywhere Pillow

House Beautiful readers know that we have a thing for Purple products—especially the mattress, which tester Kate McGregor sleeps on religiously. So, you can expect the Anywhere pillow, which, as its name implies, is designed to go anywhere, to be just as good as the brand's bread and butter: the mattresses. This 100 percent pillow is cooling and supportive with a honeycomb cover. We'll also note that this pillow may appear photoshopped due to its puffy middle, but that was a deliberate design choice by the geniuses at Purple. It's plushest right where your head goes.

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$149.00 at purple.com

Nook Pillow

Buffy is another bedding brand we trust, as we've personally tested a few of their products. Assistant Editor Meghan Shouse has not one but two Buffy comforters, and Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie loves her Breeze sheets. So, when we came across this fuzzy neck pillow (appropriately dubbed the Nook), we had to include it—especially since it's on sale and may not be available for much longer. Here's the thing: You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this thing is overstuffed. It's like sleeping inside a pillow because the edges will definitely creep up and envelope your head and neck. It's filled with squishy 100 percent GRS-certified, BPA-free recycled PET fill, making it the most sustainable option on our list.

$47.52 at buffy.co

Original Travel & Camp Pillow

If you're thinking that the name Coop Sleep Goods sounds familiar, you may have heard Christina Haack talking about it, as she's a big fan of the brand. She doesn't have the miniature pillow (designed for camping), but she does have the bigger version, and had nothing but good things to say about it, which is how it ended up on our list. Like the bigger version, this is fully adjustable: You can add or remove fill to find the perfect level of support for your head and neck. The cushion itself is a proprietary medium-firm blend of memory foam and microfiber, so you can expect a pillow that won't lose its shape after sleeping on it for a few hours. Plus, it comes with this completely water-resistant carrying case.

$45.00 at coopsleepgoods.com

Twist Travel Pillow

Not only is this twisty travel pillow 50 percent off, but it also comes with several coupons that let you save even more if you plan on snagging two of these. The twisty shape isn't just fun to play with when you're bored; it also allows for a very cozy ability to contour to almost any shape and position you'd want. Don't just take it from us, though. Take it from this reviewer who had glowing comments about it: "This is the best neck pillow I have ever used. It can be manipulated into various shapes, which lend themselves to numerous uses. It is definitely not your typical travel pillow. I have used it daily post-surgery and will continue to use it through my entire recovery. After that. It will for sure become a travel staple for me!"

$19.99 at amazon.com

Travel Pillow with Extra Large Hood

If you invest in this travel pillow, you won't need to buy an eye mask as well, because it comes with a massive hood that essentially covers your entire face (while still being breathable, of course.) Once it's on and in the correct position, pull on the adjustable drawstring and anti-slip zipper, both of which work together to give you tailor-fit snoozes—in private. Feel free to sleep with your mouth open because no one will be able to see. "The memory foam offers great neck support without feeling too bulky, and it really helped me avoid that stiff-neck feeling after a nap," said one reviewer. "The hood is such a smart feature—it’s lightweight and soft, and it gives just enough coverage to block out light and make you feel a bit more tucked away, which is perfect when you’re trying to sleep in public spaces like planes or airports."

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$26.99 at amazon.com

What to Look for When Buying a Travel Pillow

Shape: Shape is arguably the first and most important consideration when buying a travel pillow, as it's a significant indicator of your experience. There are only three, all of which are cozy and comfy, depending on your preference. First, there's the donut shape, which slides around your neck and gives you an option to lean your head to either side without getting sore. It also gives you plenty of support behind your neck. Second is the classic pillow, but in a miniature version to make it travel-friendly. If you know the kind of feel you enjoy, you can pick up one of these pillows, ensuring a comfortable snooze. The only issue is that they only really work if you're putting it behind your head or if you have a window seat. Lastly, there is the twisty pillow, which can be conformed to any shape, depending on your preference and where you're sitting. These are a bit tougher to store since they're often quite big.

Fill: Most travel pillows are made of memory foam, but a select few are a combination of memory foam and microfiber or some variation of a PET fill. This is a personal preference, so opt for what you know you like. If you prefer a firmer feel, go with memory foam. Otherwise, opt for a mix of foam and fiber, or just fiber.

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Ease of Transporting: Since you will likely be carrying a tote (or backpack) and a suitcase, avoid adding extra weight to your load. Be sure to find a travel pillow that either fits in your purse or can attach to your luggage without getting dirty.

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Why Trust House Beautiful?

Before I became a shopping editor at House Beautiful, I was a travel editor at another publication. Comfort is absolutely paramount when it comes to getting to where I'm going, so when it was time to invest in my own travel pillow, I conducted extensive research for days. I included my personal travel pillow on this list because I know it's truly amazing. For any pillows that did not directly pass through my hands or those of my fellow editors, I made sure to include customer testimonials—both positive and negative. Plus, House Beautiful has its fair share of travel content, from a list of the most beautiful destinations in the world to the best deals on luggage, so you can trust our travel recommendations.

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