Tourists have different opinions about essential items to bring. However, there is one classic on many lists: the travel neck pillow.
Unfortunately, one of the downsides of discovery is having to deal with some physically uncomfortable situations, such as sleeping sitting up. That is why compact cozy items are so popular. However, with so many on the market, determining the best one for you can take time.
“When you can’t lie down on a plane, it’s important to try to support your neck and spine. Ultimately, you want your neck and spine to be as straight/short as possible,” says Keith Cushner, M.D. Shop products at Sleeping foundation, told TPG. “It’s important to consider a travel pillow that’s right for your needs in terms of shape, size, and portability.”
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a travel neck pillow.
Determine your type of sleeper
To know which travel neck pillow is best, you have to decide if you are a forward or backward sleeper. Sitting in a chair, will you rest your head on the back of the chair or lean on a pillow on your lap or on a tray table?
Back sleepers
Orthopedic doctor Jason Alviene told us: “Back sleepers should look for C-shaped pillows that can wrap around your neck without difficulty.
The chair doesn’t recline as much and can cause you to fall forward while sleeping, frequently waking you up. According to Alviene, because of this, the back of the pillow should be thinner so it doesn’t push your head too far forward.
The edges of the pillow should also be thicker so that it can lift your head without shifting too much to the side. This will keep the neck in an ideal position with less strain on the muscles.
Transitional sleepers
“Side sleepers should look for a pillow shaped like a quarter-circle,” says Alviene. “This will create a rounded edge with two straight sides forming a right angle. It will look like a quarter of a cake when viewed from the edge. The rounded end will point towards your face and you can easily easily sit on your lap or tray as you lean forward. These tend to be larger than others, so buying an inflatable pillow makes walking easier.”
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Related: My new strategy to maximize sleep on transatlantic flights
Find the optimal neck position
The neutral position is the most optimal neck position for sleeping on a plane when you can’t lie down.
“You want your neck to be as straight as possible,” explains Alviene. “If the muscles on any side of the neck are stretched, you’ll wake up with pain and possibly muscle spasms. With any choice of pillow, you’ll have a very good neck posture to sit on and rest with the muscles in their normal position without having to contract too much to keep your head in the correct position.”
The material must be comfortable
Travel pillows are made from many different materials. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
“It is very important that you find a comfortable pillow [and] Cushner said.
However, some materials can make a difference.
For example, a travel pillow made from a blend of polyester and recycled rayon won’t absorb much heat and keep you cool. One is made of micro-fleece that is gentle on your skin, so it can prevent irritation from frequent movement. Viscose will also help prevent heat retention and limit skin irritation.
Related: We tested 7 of the top neck pillows to help you wake up with no stiffness and pain
Additionally, an ergonomically shaped memory foam travel pillow can ease common aches and pains. They also tend to offer a good combination of support and softness. However, they can hold more heat and are stiffer depending on the brand.
If you opt for a more traditional travel pillow, one with feathers and feathers will be softer and potentially more flexible if you’re leaning against the window while sleeping on the plane. Pillows filled with fiber and microbeads will also provide a softer feel. Just make sure you have a washable cover.
Alviene adds: “Read the material your pillow is made of because you want to make sure you don’t have an allergy before you buy it.”
Pros and cons of inflatable pillows
Travel pillows come in all shapes and sizes, including inflatable pillows. Should I choose an inflatable pillow or a non-inflatable pillow? Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
You can (obviously) deflate an inflatable pillow. That means it’s very compact when not in use, saving space in your luggage. You can also adjust the air level in the inflatable pillow to suit your firmness preference.
Non-inflatable pillows come in a wider range of materials, making it easy to find the most comfortable pillow for you. However, they tend to be bulkier.
bottom line
In the end, several factors determine the best travel pillow for you. Understanding how you sleep, how firm you like it, and the travel you’re taking will help guide you in the right direction.
An important thing to remember is that the pillow is easy to move. According to Alviene, if it doesn’t attach to your bag or fit in your luggage, you probably won’t use it, making it a waste of money.
