Last Updated On September 21st, 2022
Taking a standard pillow with you while travelling for long distances, especially on a plane, can be cumbersome and even make you less comfortable overall due to a lack of specific head and neck support. Fortunately, travel pillows are designed to help you avoid these issues by saving space and providing you with support just where you need it most, even in an upright sitting position. We created this best travel pillow in the UK list to help you find a pillow that will not only fit in your luggage easily but also increase your comfort level during travel and reduce your chances of developing a sore or stiff neck after a long flight.
Table of Contents
Best Travel Pillow Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. BCOZZY Chin Supporting (Editor’s Choice)
Our top all-around choice for the best travel neck pillow is the Bcozzy Chin Supporting. It offers plush chin, neck, and head support and comes in three different sizes to accommodate all body types.
Features
The BCOZZYChin Supporting pillow has a cylinder design that wraps around your neck enough to overlap which establishes significant chin support. The design also has a flat back so it shouldn’t push your head forward and features an elevated side for varying support and can also be folded for one shoulder use, making it good for side sleepers or a window seat. The Bcozzy travel pillow is made with a down alternative filling and microfleece cover.
The BCOZZY features a snap strap so you can easily hang it from your hand luggage and the entire pillow is machine washable. It also comes with a carry case and is available in various colours.
Of course, the BCOZZY travel pillow isn’t perfect for everyone. The curled shape may loosen with use, especially if you tend to fidget. It also has thinner side support compared to some of the other options.
- Plush support
- Completely machine washable
- Flat backed design
- Multiple sizes and colours
- Includes a carry case
- May loosen over time
- Thinner side support may not be ideal
2. J-Pillow Side and Chin Support (Best Ergonomic Design)
The J-Pillow travel pillow is a British Invention of the Year Award Winner. We love its innovative design and enhanced neck support.
Features
The J-Pillow is made with plush Cuddlesoft material and supportive 3D memory foam fibre filling. Instead of the usual U-shape that goes around the neck, it has a unique J-shaped design that supports your chin, head, and neck on one side. It is an excellent choice for neck support while sleeping in a window seat.
The J-Pillow comes with a compression bag for easier packing and is completely machine washable. It has a built-in snap loop fastener for attaching to your luggage.
The J-Pillow travel neck pillow only provides one-sided support and is not ideal for restless sleepers as it doesn’t stay in place when you move. However, if the design works for your sleeping habits it could be the best travel pillow you’ve ever tried.
- British Invention of the Year Award Winner
- Superior chin support
- Great for window sleeping
- Completely machine washable
- Plush Cuddlesoft material
- One-sided support may require switching if you rearrange
- May not be ideal for restless sleepers
3. Huzi Infinity (Customisable Option)
The Huzi Infinity travel pillow has a unique design that is highly adjustable and offers a superior level of cloud-like comfort.
Features
The Huzi travel pillow features a double wrap-around infinity style design that is fully adjustable for all types of support in any sleeping position. You can even hang your hands in the front part of the loop for a more cuddled feel. The Huzi Infinity is constructed using a bamboo fabric shell that is highly breathable, cool, and luxuriously soft. Inside the shell, layers of microfibre create a plush support system.
The Infinity pillow rolls up for a more compact carry or can be worn like a scarf. It is also completely machine washable. The unique design of this pillow may take some getting used to at first, but it does a great job reducing head and neck pain on long haul, or even short travel excursions.
The unique design of the Huzi infinity pillow is less supportive, unless pulled super tight, and has a bulkier design that isn’t as compact as some other choices.
- Infinity style wrap
- Highly adjustable design
- Breathable bamboo fabric
- Completely machine washable
- Soft and plush
- Unique design may prove to be less supportive
- Bulkier size may be an inconvenience
4. Trtl Plus (Luxury Choice)
If you’re looking for a luxury travel pillow, we recommend the Trtl Plus. Its innovative design is scientifically engineered to provide you with complete ergonomic support while maintaining a compact size.
Features
The Trtl Plus travel pillow is constructed in the style of a wraparound scarf with added support. It features a superior internal support system with an adjustable design that toggles to achieve the perfect height for your body shape. It also has soft touch fasteners to lock it in place around your neck and further customize the level of support. Its scarf style allows you to tuck your chin in and prevent your head from falling forward as well.
This travel pillow is made with soft microfleece and breathable mesh fabric with integrated soft foam padding and air vents for enhanced breathability and added comfort. It comes with a waterproof carry bag and is completely machine washable.
We don’t recommend this travel pillow for anyone with a shorter neck as they may have an issue using headphones. Also, the support system only functions on one side.
- Completely machine washable
- Internal support system
- Fully adjustable
- Breathable design
- Luxury quality
- One-sided support system may mean adjustments are needed as you move in your sleep
- May not be ideal for shorter necks
5. Trtl Original (Best Wrap)
The Trtl Original travel neck pillow is our top choice for a wrap style pillow. Similar to its updated counterpart, the Trtl Original was scientifically engineered and has been proven to provide a proper neck support.
Features
The scarf style wraparound design of the Trtl Original is made with super soft high-quality fleece with a thick velcro strap that fastens it in place. It is designed to fit any sized neck while also allowing you to tuck your chin in so it can support your head from the front.
One of the reasons the Trtl Original is so popular, aside from its innovative design, is that it doesn’t have any rigid components which mean you can fold it down to a smaller size that easily tucks into a bag or oversized pocket. The entire neck pillow wrap is also machine washable.
Keep in mind, the Trtl Original may retain some heat, as you might expect from a scarf, and the updated Trtl Plus model could be a better choice for you if you have a longer neck.
- Completely machine washable
- Scientifically proven support
- Superior wrap design
- Chin support
- Soft fleece material
- Support system may be uneven
- May retain some heat
- May not be the best for longer necks
6. Everlasting Comfort Set (Best Package)
Out top memory foam choice for the best travel pillow in the UK is the Everlasting Comfort Set. It features a classic U-shaped design with a few upgrades.
Features
The Everlasting Comfort memory foam pillow features a mostly cylindrical U-shape design with a few ergonomic enhancements. It has a slight raise on the top front sides and a raised back ridge that helps prevent your head from bobbing side to side. A drawstring cord on the front allows you to tighten the support as needed.
This travel pillow is wrapped in a machine-washable velour cover with a sewn-in cell phone side pocket for stashing smaller items or listening to music. The Everlasting Comfort set comes with a carry bag, 2 sets of earplugs, and a padded blackout eye mask to compliment the pillow.
The Everlasting Comfort neck pillow may push your head forward slightly and its bulkier size isn’t the most convenient if you are short on space.
- Top-quality memory foam
- Contouring memory foam
- Eye mask and earplugs included
- Cell phone pocket
- May push head forward slightly
- Bulkier size may make it less convenient
7. Metene Inflatable (Most Portable)
The Metene Inflatable travel pillow won an Invention of the Year Award for its scientifically designed support system. This is the best inflatable travel pillow on our list.
Features
The Metene Inflatable pillow has an ergonomic shape with lobes in the back to prevent your head from tilting side to side while you sleep. Unlike some other inflatable travel pillows, you won’t have to blow this one up with your mouth. Instead, it features a push button to add air with a quick-release valve so you can easily adjust the level of support and the size until you achieve the ideal amount of neck support.
This inflatable pillow has a soft micro-velvet material cover that can be removed and washed. It also comes with a carry bag that isn’t much bigger than a cell phone so it won’t take up much space in your luggage.
Unfortunately, this travel pillow lacks a front drawstring and may push your head forward slightly in some chairs.
- Push-button inflation
- Ergonomic back lobes
- Quick air release
- Lightweight and compact
- Won an Invention of the Year Award
- There may be a lack of a front drawstring that may reduce adjustability
- May push head forward slightly
8. Travelrest Curl (Best Value)
The Travelrest Curl travel pillow is our best value choice. It offers accurate support and pressure relief in a standard U-shaped design.
Features
The Travelrest Curl Travel pillow consists of therapeutic memory foam that conforms to your shape for accurate pressure-relieving support. Its cylindrical shape wraps around your neck so you can rest your head on either side. It features an adjustable drawstring fastener in the front that helps it retain shape and maintain the appropriate support level.
The blue Travelrest Curl neck pillow is covered with a removable soft microfibre cover. The cover can be machine washed and also has an elastic carry strap so you can attach it to your hand luggage.
Be aware, there are some reports of the drawstring cord detaching over time and this pillow’s thinner design may not be ideal for long necks. Also, depending on the plane or car seat, it may push your head forward slightly.
- Excellent value
- Memory foam padding
- Machine washable cover
- Soft microfiber material
- Thinner design may not give the most support
- May push head forward slightly
- Cords may detach
9. Cabeau Evolution S3 (Best Heat Regulation)
The Cabeau Evolution S3 comes highly recommended by a variety of reputable medical and consumer-based sources. It is a top-quality travel pillow that has an advanced design and brings you unparalleled comfort on the go.
Features
The Evolution S3 travel pillow has a unique ergonomic design. It features a flattened back, so it lies flush against your seat and doesn’t push your head and neck forward into an uncomfortable position when sitting upright. It also has raised sides and an adjustable clasp tie in front for added neck support.
Also, the design includes a strap in the back for looping around the headrest of your seat. A responsive memory foam core is encased in a cover made from a soft moisture-wicking material to help prevent overheating. The cover is also conveniently machine washable and comes in a variety of colour options. For compact transport, this pillow also comes with a compression carry bag.
However, the headrest straps on this travel pillow may not be as functional as hoped because they often force the pillow to sit higher up on the seat, making it somewhat impractical to use. Additionally, the compression carry bag may not be very durable, and the pillow may not be firm enough for some people’s preferences.
- Advanced ergonomic design
- Flattened back
- Additional neck support
- Responsive memory foam core
- Machine washable cover
- Carry bag may not be very durable
- Headrest straps could be impractical
- It may not be firm enough for some people
10. Globe Trek Hooded (Best for Blocking Light)
Globe Trek Hooded travel pillows have a bonus hood attached to the pillow itself. Aside from looking stylish, it also helps to keep you warm and cosy while you use the pillow. If this sounds like something you would like, this may be the travel pillow for you.
Features
Just like a typical sweatshirt hood, the one on the Globe Trek travel pillow has a drawstring so you can tighten it to get a better fit around your face. With a travel pillow, this trait is great for covering your eyes and blocking out unwanted light while you try to rest, especially in a public place where you have no control over the lighting.
These travel pillows contain a microbead filling that intuitively adjusts to your neck movements while also maintaining a comfortable level of support when you shift and change positions in your sleep. The cover is made from a soft cotton and polyester blend material. The entire pillow is fairly lightweight as well, so no need to worry about lugging it around with you, it will be super easy to carry.
Be aware that this travel pillow does not feature a drawstring to adjust the tightness of the pillow around your neck and is somewhat less supportive overall. The cover is also permanently attached, so you cannot remove it for washing.
- Hooded design
- Microbead filling
- Adjustable front drawstring on hood
- Lightweight
- Softcover material
- May be less supportive
- The cover may not be removable
- May lack a front drawstring on the pillow
How to Pick a Travel Pillow: A Buyer’s Guide
Even after reading through all of our travel pillow reviews, you may still have some lingering questions surrounding travel pillows and how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The following sections aim to answer these questions while exploring some basic concepts and traits found in the best travel pillows.
What to Look for in a Travel Pillow
Support
The most important trait to seek out when comparing the best travel pillows, also known as neck pillows, is support. The best travel pillows offer chin, head, and neck support on both sides. However, some travel pillows have minimal to no chin support, and some only offer neck support on one side. If you already know that your head tends to bob forward when you fall asleep sitting up, we highly recommend prioritizing chin support in your next travel pillow. One-sided support is fine for some people, but we don’t recommend it for anyone who tends to shift positions while they sleep.
Filling and Shell Materials
What a pillow is made of goes a long way in determining your overall comfort level during use.
The filling in a pillow can alert you to how soft or firm it will be, as well as contribute to heat retention. Many of our favourite travel pillows have a memory foam filling because it is pressure relieving and contours to your shape while still being firm enough to support your neck properly.
The shell on a pillow can also contribute to heat retention and your comfort level. For the most part, the best travel pillows from our list have soft exterior shells that are breathable and feel soft against your skin. Many of the best travel pillows also have removable covers that you can throw in the wash if needed.
Keeping It Clean
We think the best travel pillows will, at the bare minimum, have a machine washable cover but ideally will be entirely machine-washable, filling and all. Considering how we often hook travel pillows to our luggage and allow them to touch a myriad of surfaces, keeping them clean is important so why not make it as easy as possible? Some neck pillows only recommend spot cleaning the pillow or don’t have a removable cover so pay attention to this when comparing travel pillows and consider how important it is to you.
Size and Portability
Travel pillows are, of course, designed to be portable but the level of portability provided and the overall dimensions can vary greatly from pillow to pillow. That’s why we made sure to include the dimensions with each of our best travel pillows reviews so you know exactly what to expect.
Often, how easy a travel pillow is to pack or carry can depend on the design style and whether or not you can fold or deflate it for transport between use.
Travel Pillow Design Styles
The main design styles found in travel pillows include inflatable, U-shaped, and wraparound.
U-Shaped
The most common type of travel pillow is U-shaped. They are often cylindrical in shape and do a good job providing your head and neck with support. The best U-shaped travel pillows also have ergonomic enhancements to help keep your neck stable while sleeping upright and a drawstring in front to restrict the size and increase support.
Inflatable
Inflatable travel pillows are often U-shaped as well but they also inflate and deflate for a more compact carry. The space-saving design on inflatable travel pillows also allows for a more customizable support level based on how much or little you choose to inflate it for use.
Wraparound
Wraparound travel pillows are rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their less cumbersome design and compact, foldable material that is almost always entirely machine washable. However, some people find they don’t offer the level of support desired, especially if you are not sleeping upright, and they generally tend to retain more heat.
What type of travel pillow would serve you best?
The Best Pillow for Your Travel Needs
Now it’s time to make a decision, which one of the excellent options on our best travel pillow in the UK will you be adding to your travel accessories?
Could it be the BCOZZY Chin Supporting travel pillow with its flat-backed design that provides all-around support? With its plush comfort and completely machine washable construction, we think this is an obvious Editor’s choice. It even comes in multiple sizes and colour options.
Regardless of which travel pillow you choose, we know you’ll make the right decision for you and your travel needs. Now, all that is left is for you to make a choice, wait for your delivery, and then you can go travel the world in comfort.
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