Is there anything more challenging than trying to sleep while travelling?
We don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable sitting at 90 degrees on a plane is. You could lean your chair back, but you might be too polite to get it into a position where you can sleep. Meanwhile, the person in front doesn’t care and is basically lying in your lap.
It’s no easier in cars, buses or trains. You can’t lean your head against the window because of the vibrations, and often, these chairs don’t recline.
If you really want to get your beauty sleep while travelling for hours, you should invest in a travel pillow.
Whether you’re hitting the road to your favourite hotel or packing your suitcase for a flight overseas, your portable travel pillow will become as vital as a toothbrush every time you go on holiday.
But which one do you get? Is memory foam or microbead better for neck support? Should it be u or tube-shaped?
We’ve got all the answers to your questions and tips on finding the most comfortable travel pillow for your next adventure.
The best travel pillows in Australia
Want a sneak peek at the best travel pillows in Australia? Keep reading to find out why they made our list.
- Best travel pillow overall – Milano Decor Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
- Best travel pillow for flights – Samsonite Travel Pillow Memory Foam
- Best travel pillow road trips – Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow
- Best neck support travel pillow – Go Travel Aero Snoozer Inflatable Neck Pillow
- Best memory foam travel pillow – Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- Best inflatable travel pillow – Cabeau AIR TNE
- Best microbead travel pillow – Cuddle Buddy
- Best u-shaped travel pillow – Slip Pure Silk Jet Setter Travel Pillow
- Best travel pillow for kids – Cabeau Evolution Kids Neck Pillow
- Best hypoallergenic travel pillow – Laser Memory Foam Deluxe Neck Pillow
The 10 best travel pillows in Australia
1. Best travel pillow overall – Milano Decor Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
As one customer put it, the Milano Decor Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow is “Very supportive, yet so soft”. It’s precisely what you want in a travel pillow. It’s a comfy and cosy companion that you can nuzzle into while it supports your neck. The fabric won’t heat up while you’re snoozing, and the firmness of the memory foam is perfect for long-haul trips.
Pros
- The cover is removable and machine washable.
- It also comes in black.
Cons
- You can’t fold it when you want to store it away.
Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $49.00
2. Best travel pillow for flights – Samsonite Travel Pillow Memory Foam
Samsonite is no stranger to travel accessories. They make excellent suitcases and outstanding travel pillows. The Samsonite Travel Pillow Memory Foam features a handy clip in the front to secure it while you’re sleeping and a pouch attachment so it’s easy to carry while you’re checking into your hotel.
Pros
- The polyester-polyethylene blend makes for a comfy combination.
- The pouch includes a handle for easy transport.
Cons
- It’s not as firm as other memory foam travel pillows.
Customer rating: No Reviews
Price: $36.95
3. Best travel pillow road trips – Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow
Speedbumps and potholes are no challenge for the Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow. The memory foam pillow not only locks your head into place but can also align your spine and relax your back muscles. However, it’s the raised side cushions that support your head no matter the direction you sleep that we love the most.
Pros
- There’s a front clasp you can adjust to ensure it fits perfectly.
- The cover is made of a soft velour that’s also removable and machine washable.
Cons
- They are bulky, so you’ll need to make room in your bags.
Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $29.99
4. Best neck support travel pillow – Go Travel Aero Snoozer Inflatable Neck Pillow
The Go Travel Aero Snoozer Inflatable Neck Pillow doesn’t just put you to sleep. It keeps you asleep. It securely holds your neck in place, so it’s not rolling all over the place. As it’s inflatable, you have total control over the firmness of the travel pillow. Simply push the valve to release air when you’re looking for something a little softer to rest your head on.
Pros
- The elastic clasp stops your head from rolling forward and waking you up.
- Easy to fold up and pack when your trip is over.
Cons
- The outer material is plastic and isn’t as comfy as other travel pillows.
Customer rating: 3.8 out of 5
Price: $19.99
5. Best memory foam travel pillow – Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Engineered for long-haul travel, the Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow eliminates all of the obstacles that stop you from getting a good sleep in planes, trains or automobiles. The seat strap system eliminates head drops and manages neck strain. It can even protect you from whiplash when cars or buses break hard.
Pros
- The material is moisture-wicking if you can’t open a window for fresh air.
- It compacts to half its size, which is perfect if you’re travelling light.
Cons
- It will take some fiddling to find the perfect fit.
Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $39.99
6. Best inflatable travel pillow – Cabeau AIR TNE
The best feature of inflatable travel pillows is that you can adjust the firmness to your liking. The Cabeau AIR TNE makes this process so easy you can do it with your eyes closed. The valve is conveniently located at the base, and there is a button to manage the compression. It’s even easier to roll it up and pack it away in the included travel bag while you watch everyone else stand in the aisles waiting to disembark the plane.
Pros
- It has a raised support at the back to cradle your neck and provide 360-degree support.
- The material is optimised for heat flow to account for your body temperature.
Cons
- It’s only available in a few colours.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5
Price: $24.99
7. Best microbead travel pillow – Cuddle Buddy
The Cuddle Buddy is unlike other travel pillows on this list. It’s a versatile tube-shaped pillow that you can rest against windows, seats, and anywhere else you want to sleep. It’s specifically designed for side sleepers but can relieve necks, arms, and backs regardless of where you position your head.
Pros
- It’s easy to transport and doesn’t take up a lot of room in carry-on luggage.
- You can also get it in lavender.
Cons
- The cover isn’t removable, but the pillow is machine washable.
Customer rating: No Reviews
Price: $41.00
8. Best u-shaped travel pillow – Slip Pure Silk Jet Setter Travel Pillow
For a more luxurious travel experience, check out the Slip Pure Silk Jet Setter Travel Pillow. The moment your head makes contact with this silky-smooth material, you’ll feel like you’re travelling first class. It even comes with its own trendy see-through carry bag you can use to make other travellers jealous as you stroll through the airport.
Pros
- It comes in a range of different colours and styles.
- You’ll get 100% neck support and a strap to keep it secure at all times.
Cons
- It’s not machine washable, so don’t spill any airline food on it.
Customer rating: No Reviews
Price: $139.00
9. Best travel pillow for kids – Cabeau Evolution Kids Neck Pillow
If your kids keep stealing your travel pillow, get them their own. The Cabeau Evolution Kids Neck Pillow has a kitty, puppy or panda option. The puppy version shares a strong resemblance to a famous blue canine. Like Cabeau’s other products, it’s soft, comfortable and provides all the neck support your kids need to keep them rested on the long trip.
Pros
- The material is eco-friendly and suitable for kids with sensitive skin.
- It has an open-neck design to prevent overheating while sleeping.
Cons
- There’s no pouch or bag to transport it.
Customer rating: No Reviews
Price: $29.99
10. Best hypoallergenic travel pillow – Laser Memory Foam Deluxe Neck Pillow
Featuring a memory foam made from hypoallergenic properties and an eco-friendly filling, the Laser Memory Foam Deluxe Neck Pillow is stretchy, durable and, most importantly, comfortable. The cover is machine washable, and the travel pillow regulates temperature to reduce discomfort regardless of whether you’re in a car with no air conditioning or the middle seat of a plane.
Pros
- It has a handy strap to customise the fit to your neck or to attach to your suitcase.
- The cover is made of polyester spandex, which is easy to maintain.
Cons
- It’s bulky and takes up a lot of luggage space.
Customer rating: No Reviews
Price: $19.00
Choosing the right travel pillow for your next trip
As you can see from our list of best travel pillows in Australia, there are various styles, and they are made from multiple materials. While browsing the different models, consider these factors before finalising your purchase.
- Sleeping style: The travel pillow’s design should match how you prefer to snooze. The Cuddle Buddy tube-style will be the most comfortable if you’re a side sleeper. But if you plan on sitting upright for an extended period of time, a U-shaped option will hold your head in place so it’s not bobbing around.
- Portability: If both hands are carrying your luggage, you’ll need a convenient way to transport your travel pillow. Some clip to your suitcase, and others are deflateable. You’ll even find models with their own carry bag for added convenience.
- Adjustability: You don’t want a travel pillow that is as tight around your neck as a bow tie. While memory foam travel pillows can adjust their shape to your body, others require a loosening of the straps to make them fit perfectly.
- Material: Pay close attention to the fabric. If you want a luxurious feeling for your head, consider the Slip Pure Silk Jet Setter Travel Pillow. For allergy sufferers, look to hypoallergenic models like the Laser Memory Foam Deluxe Neck Pillow. Choosing the right material will help keep you comfortable.
- Maintenance: After a long trip, the last thing you want to do is handwash anything. Thankfully, many travel pillow covers are removable and machine washable. If it’s not, you may want to consider an alternative.
- Price: There are travel pillows for every budget. But if you spend less, you may sacrifice vital features.
Travel pillow tips and tricks
Never used a travel pillow before? It’s easier than it looks. But if you struggle to get comfortable, try these tips when you want to doze off.
- Adjust the positioning: While placing the pillow behind your head makes sense, you might find the cushion more comfortable in front of your face. You can easily lean your head forward and turn it to either side. If you’re a front sleeper, this will help you feel like you’re in your own bed.
- Personalise the pillow: Many travel pillows have adjustable settings. You can loosen the strap or customise the fit to your liking. A good tip is to leave plenty of breathing room around your neck. It can heat up if it’s a tight fit.
- Change your sleeping position: Keep moving within your seat until you find the perfect spot. On a plane, you may want to lean your chair back or lay forward on your food tray. For cars, test the front and back seats to see which one is easier to fall asleep on.
- Increase your support: Don’t just use the travel pillow to maximise support for your body. Add additional padding, such as a scarf or jacket, to minimise neck strain.
- Add accessories: Don’t be afraid to get an eye mask or earplugs to help you get some rest. Compression socks and sneakers can also make a difference to your comfort levels.
Travel pillow FAQs
What is the best travel pillow for long flights?
We recommend the Samsonite Travel Pillow Memory Foam. Samsonite has a reputation for quality travel accessories, and its travel pillow is no different.
Can a travel pillow help prevent neck pain?
Some travel pillows can relieve pressure on the neck. They can also align to the body of your seat and improve your posture while you try to get some rest.
How do I choose the right size travel pillow?
Some of the factors you want to consider when choosing a travel pillow are the portability, adjustability and material it’s made from. It should also complement your sleeping position.
Are inflatable travel pillows any good?
Inflatable travel pillows are easy to transport and simple to adjust. You can add more air when you want a firm cushion or release the compression when you want to sink into it.
What are the benefits of memory foam travel pillows?
Memory foam travel pillows provide excellent neck support, relieve pressure points, and contain hypoallergenic properties. They are also durable and easy to maintain, as they often have removable, machine-washable covers.
How can I wash my travel pillow?
Yes, you can! Many travel pillows have removable covers. But you won’t be able to machine-wash most cushions, the one exception in this list is the Cuddle Buddy.
Can I take a travel pillow on carry-on luggage?
All travel pillows are permitted in carry-on bags. You can attach it to your luggage or store it within your suitcase.
What are some alternatives to traditional travel pillows?
Instead of using a travel pillow, you can roll up a blanket, scarf or jacket and rest your head on it. However, it might be less comfortable to sleep on.
Are there travel pillows for side sleepers?
Yes, there are! The Cuddle Buddy is tube-shaped and designed specifically for side-sleeping travellers.
How much should I spend on a travel pillow?
Travel pillows are worth every cent, provided you choose the right one. Consider your budget and the vital features you need for a comfortable trip.
How do you choose the best travel pillows in Australia?
As frequent travellers who rely on catching sleep between work trips to different cities, we’ve become well-versed in what makes a great travel pillow. We don’t just rely on reviews; our selection process is based on in-depth customer feedback, conversations with fellow travellers, and occasional testing of travel pillows ourselves. This multi-layered approach allows us to recommend pillows that deliver the comfort and support you need for restful travel.