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Choosing the Right Travel Neck Pillow

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There are many different types of travel neck pillows, so many in fact that it can be quite difficult choosing which one is best suited for your travel needs. Following is a brief summary of the different types of pillows available, with recommendations concerning their use. Of course, when deciding on which travel neck pillow to buy, your own comfort should be the main criterion you base your decision on. After all, there is no sense in buying a recommended pillow only to find that it is not quite right for you, especially if you finally come to that conclusion half way through a trans-Atlantic flight.

Horseshoe or U-shaped travel pillows were primarily designed to help support your neck and head while traveling in a vehicle. They are often used for air travel as well. You can easily find inflatable u-shaped pillows, which are usually less expensive than those with a fabric covering.

Therapeutic or Contour Pillows: These are usually rectangular shaped pillows, often filled with memory foam. The plus with this type of pillow is that they are often contoured so as to not only support neck and head, but also your upper back and shoulders. They can also be used for vertical sleeping, thus are handy if you have a long layover and would like to rest in-between flights.

Inflatable Travel Neck Pillows: The advantage with inflatable pillows is that you can easily deflate them so that they take up very little space when traveling. You can also adjust the firmness of the pillow by letting a little air out of the pillow until it is soft enough for you rest comfortably. Plastic does tend to make you sweat more than usual so it is best to look for an inflatable travel neck pillow that has an accompanying soft cover, preferably removable so you can wash it after use. On the downside, even the best quality inflatable pillow can sometimes feel a little stiff, even with a cover, which can be trying if you are using one on a long flight.

Foam or Fiber Contour Pillows: Providing you buy the right one, these can be much more comfortable than their inflatable counterparts, depending on the filling. One of the most popular fillings for these pillows is memory foam, which gives great support while traveling. Pillows filled with memory foam are usually quite a bit more expensive than other travel pillows, although this may be worthwhile if you travel a lot or have a long trip ahead of you. They are not as compact as regular foam pillows and take up a good deal more room than a deflated inflatable pillow, so you will need to make sure you leave room in your check on luggage for it. Many are also covered with a thermo fabric that helps keep you cooler while you rest.

Some pillows are filled with Styrofoam beads or millet hulls. The disadvantage of choosing a pillow filled with these substances is that the filling tends to move around and bunch up on one side or the other, requiring you to constantly readjust it. They are usually fairly inexpensive and a good choice if you are not traveling long distances or if you do not mind having to readjust the pillow from time to time. You do need to be careful that they do not come undone at the seams or are ripped; if they do, they can make quite a mess. Check the quality before buying one.

Some neck pillows for travel have other features that can help make your journey less stressful. For example, you can find some horseshoe pillows that have Velcro snaps on the ends. While it is fairly easy to pack up an inflatable pillow, it can be quite a scramble packing up your firm travel pillow once the plane lands. If the pillow has Velcro snaps on the end, or a small strap with snaps on the end, you can quickly strap it around the handle of your carry-on bag without having to fuss with trying to pack it away. It is also a good idea to look for a pillow that has either a removable cover or an extension that can be removed for easy laundering. If you are planning to purchase an inflatable pillow, look for one that has an easy to get to air release valve. The air release valve allows you to quickly adjust the hardness of the pillow in flight without worrying that you are going to end up deflating the whole pillow.

It is often best to try the pillow before you buy it. Some shops will allow you to try the pillows in their shop, however if you are purchasing one online that is obviously not possible. In that situation, you may want to ask some of your friends or relatives if you can test theirs. Comfort should be your main concern when buying a travel pillow, while cost and quality also important factors to consider.

Travel Pillows are Designed With Comfort and Rest in Mind

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Travel pillows come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and styles. Travel neck pillows, for example, used when traveling on airplanes or in vehicles are useful for supporting the neck; however, they do not offer much support to your body. Some pillows are designed to allow your head to rest comfortably on them, while the longer part drapes across the front of your chest. Others are rectangular in shape, contoured to give support to both the neck and the rest of your head while you sleep.

They are also made from different materials. Many people prefer to use an inflatable travel pillow. These are especially helpful for those traveling by plane, when weight and oftentimes space in your luggage is an issue. Almost any style of travel pillow can inflatable. The more common inflatable pillows are the horseshoe shaped pillow. They can be inflated when it is time to rest on an airplane, bus or even while traveling in a car. Then, once the journey is over, they can be quickly deflated and stored in hand luggage.

Some inflatable pillows are much more comfortable than others. One thing that can be bothersome when trying to rest with a plastic pillow under your head is the heat that is generated. The heat can make you sweat and feel quite uncomfortable. One way to avoid this happening is to buy an inflatable pillow with a cover. These covers are usually made of some type of material that is both comfortable to sleep on and that absorbs extra sweat. If you cannot find one that has a cover, it is usually fairly easy to find a small sized pillowcase that can be used instead.

One more feature that can be very helpful is the ability to snap the pillow together at the front. This can help to keep the pillow firmly in place. You do need to be careful, of course, that it does not make it too restrictive or tight around the neck. You should also look for one that has a small tie with Velcro attached, as that way you can easily attach it to your carry-on bag handle while preparing to disembark, and saves you from having to quickly stow it in your luggage.

Another very nifty inflatable pillow that is perfect for traveling is the Skyrest travel pillow. Unlike other pillows that are placed behind you, this pillow is specifically designed to sit on your lap (or on your desk, if you need to take a power nap while working). As most people who have fallen asleep in their chair, or on a plane, know the natural tendency is for your head to flop forward rather than backwards. With this pillow resting in your lap, it is in the perfect position for when your head does suddenly loll forward. It will support it in a very natural position and hopefully provide you with enough comfort that you can rest easily for as long as you need to. It is inflatable, and when collapsed it folds up nicely so that it can easily be popped into your carry bag.

The memory foam travel pillow is another favorite amongst travelers. Often rectangular in shape with elevated, contoured side sections it also provides you with a great deal of support while sleeping. As heads will often naturally turn to the left or right once sleep hits you, the sides of these pillows will comfortably support your head without causing any undue strain on your neck, thus preventing the sometimes painful side effect of a stiff, sore neck. Memory foam is great because it is usually firm enough to be comfortable without being too hard. It also adjusts to any pressure put on it while you are resting, thus a slight shift in position will not cause you to suddenly wake up. Memory foam is denser than regular foam thus this pillow can tend to be a little heavier than most other travel pillows, and it is also more difficult to find a place for in your hand luggage. Some pillows come with a carry case that can be clipped to the handle of your luggage, making it much easier to take along with you when you travel. You can also find neck travel pillows made from memory foam, which are also fairly comfortable.

Everybody is unique in their taste and preference when it comes to travel pillows. What one person may enthusiastically claim as being the best and most comfortable pillow, another may find downright uncomfortable. It may take a little trial and error, and trying different brands and styles of pillows until you find what helps you to rest comfortably while you travel. However, once you have found the right pillow you will find that traveling becomes much more pleasant, and you will wake at your destination refreshed and ready for whatever is ahead of you.

Maximizing the Travel Experience with a Travel Pillow

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If you are planning a long trip for that vacation you always wanted, you may find a travel pillow to help ease any discomfort associated with extended periods of travel whether in the car, on a plane or on a train. Travel pillows can help both adults and children have an enjoyable experience before even reaching their destination. Neck pillows for travel can help you be ready to start your vacation fun right away without having to wait until your body recovers from an exhausting trip.

Travel neck pillows are usually designed to fit the contours of the body, molding into a perfect fit so that you do not have to keep readjusting yourself. For instance, a memory foam travel pillow might be made especially for the neck or may come in a full size so that you can place it behind the back or wherever you need some extra comfort. Many well-known brand names design travel neck pillows such as Brookstone, Evenflow, Everloft, DreamSacks, Northwest, Signature Designs, Skullcandy, Travelon and Zoobies.

If you need a full-size pillow for those trips in bus, camper, car, RV or plane, Everloft’s luscious travel pillow has a blend of Everlon filling and memory foam. It is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. Its 14-inch long and 10-inch wide dimensions fit into most attaché cases, backpacks and suitcases. Furthermore, even though it is meant to be easy to carry, you can still use it for your home. Everloft’s pillow is relatively inexpensive at around $20.

Of course, there are other options available as well. Lewis N. Clark’s comfort neck pillow is designed specifically to keep the neck comfortably aligned while relaxing. This plush design is constructed with fiberfill and is hand washable for easy care. It has a carryon strap so that it can be attached to handles and luggage. Lewis N. Clark’s neck pillows come in a variety of colors and makes fun designs for children such as the Li’l Lewis Puppy Pillow among others. Their products are also conveniently priced under $20.

Should you want a pillow that is easy to store when it is not in use, you may want to consider an inflatable travel pillow such as the REI self-inflating travel pillow. Just as it inflates quickly, it also rolls up to a small bundle for packing in its storage stuff sack. Although it is inflatable, it is made of a soft stretch-knit polyester fabric that is comfortable on the skin. It also has silicone striping on the back to help reduce shifting while you are using the pillow. REI’s pillow also costs around $20. You may even find a generic inflatable travel pillow for about $5 should you desire.

Reakt’s neck pillow has the additional conveniences of being pressure and temperature sensitive with a foam that molds to your body’s contours. The warmer the temperature becomes, the softer the pillow gets. Adversely, the cooler the temperature gets, the firmer the pillow becomes. The Reakt design is also from Lewis N. Clark and features a removable faux suede exterior along with a vibrating feature. You may pay a little more for this design than another, but you may still find it between $20 and $30.

If you are looking for a travel pillow made of luxurious material, DreamSacks carries a silk filled travel pillow that is compatible with the brand’s silk blanket, eyeshades and pillowcases. This hypoallergenic pillow is not only filled with layers of silk products but is also covered with a smooth charmeuse silk. However, you will have to dry clean the DreamSacks pillow. Still, if you are one who likes to pamper yourself even as you travel, you can find a DreamSacks silk travel pillow from between $40 and $50.

Then again, you may simply want to sleep without worrying about bruises, cramps and kinks in your bones and muscles. ObusForme has a very inexpensive Air Travel Pillow that vertically supports with head with an ergonomic design that prevents the side-to-side swaying motion that occurs when you doze off. The inflatable pillow can be worn either in the front or back and deflates quickly to be stored compactly in its accompanying pouch. It also features extended air chambers to heighten support of your neck and back. At less than $10, you could also get ObusForme’s side sleeper inflatable pillow for maximum comfort, also around $10.

With so many options from which to choose, you are bound to find the travel pillow just right for you or your family’s needs. Many travel pillows are very inexpensive, so the factors you need to consider are your personal style and what level of comfort you need. In either case, you could be traveling in comfort and ease in no time. You can make the trip there just as enjoyable as the destination itself.