5 Different Types Of Travel Pillows And Their Uses

Long trips and constant travel mean awkward sleeping positions, leading to stiff neck and sore shoulders. That's where travel pillows come in to rescue our muscles. Made especially to support your neck and head while you rest on the go, travel pillows are compact, comfortable, and a must-have in every traveler's gear. But with so many types available, choosing the right one that keeps the luggage right and the journey comfortable can be difficult. Thus, in this blog, you will read about the different types of travel pillows and how they support you. 

Explore the different types of travel pillows and their uses; Photo Credit: FreePik

What Is The Use Of Travel Pillow?

A travel pillow is one of the best travel accessories. It is designed to provide the best support and comfort to your neck and head during traveling. You can use it in a car, flight, train, bus, or anytime you want to prevent stiffness and discomfort. 

When choosing a travel pillow, certain features can indicate whether the pillow will provide the desired level of comfort or not. Look for labels like high-density foam and complete wraparound support.

Also Read: Road Trip Must-Haves I Always Keep In My Car And You Should Too

5 Types Of Travel Pillows

1. U-Shaped Travel Pillows

U-shaped travel pillows are designed to hug and support your neck while traveling in a car or flight. They prevent the head from tilting uncomfortably while sleeping upright and may help reduce the risk of neck stiffness and fatigue. Most models are equipped with memory foam or microbeads that offer portability as well as comfort. 

2. Wrap-Around or J-Pillows 

The next type of travel pillow you can check out is the wrap-around or J-shape ones. These are designed to provide complete support to your chin, neck, and side head, which is something that traditional U-shape pillows often miss. However, they are also bulkier and perfect for long flights or train journeys where you need good-quality sleep for many hours.

J-shape travel pillows offer support to your chin, neck, and side head; Photo Credit: FreePik

3. Inflatable Travel Pillows 

If you are a light packer, you will definitely love inflatable travel pillows. When not in use, you can simply deflate and roll them up in your backpack for easy traveling. While they may not offer the same plush comfort of memory foam, they are still ideal for quick naps or traveling short distances. The best part about these pillows is that they often allow customised support and firmness adjustment.

4. Memory Foam Travel Pillows

As the name suggests, this type of travel pillow molds to the natural shape of your neck and head. They are known for providing superior comfort, especially when traveling on long trips. Although they can be bulkier than inflatable options, memory foam pillows often come with compression bags for easier packing. They are best for travelers with neck pain or those seeking premium comfort. Their durability and ergonomic design make them a great investment for frequent flyers and road trippers alike.

Memory foam pillows mold to the natural shape of your neck and head; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Travel Pillow Scarves

If you are looking for something stylish and functional, you may end up falling in love with travel pillow scarves. They don't ruin your fashion aesthetics and still make the journey more comfortable. 

A travel pillow scarf combines the look of a fashionable wrap with hidden internal support for the neck. These are ideal for minimalists who want to pack light or for people who don't want to carry visible travel gear. These scraves wrap around the neck like a scarf and offer inner structures for support. This makes them discreet yet effective.

These were some of the most common types of travel pillows you can try the next time you want comfort on the go. From classic U-shaped pillows to stylish scarves, travel pillows are designed to solve different comfort problems on the go. With the right one, even the longest journeys can feel restful. So, if you have travel plans coming up, make sure to shop for travel pillows online to explore the different types. 

Products Related To This Article

1. BILLEBON Ultra Soft Premium Neck Pillow Travel Accessory

2. BILLEBON Soft Travel Neck Pillow

3. BILLEBON Grey Memory Foam Filled Breathable Travel Single Hump Neck Pillow

4. BILLEBON Pink Memory Foam Filled Faux Velvet Breathable Travel Pillow

5. Black gold Green Portable Travel Pillow

6. VIP Snooze Grey Memory Foam Filled Neck Pillow

7. Assembly Memory Foam Filled Travel Neck Pillow

8. Pum Pum Black 2 Pieces Fibre Filled Faux Velvet Ultra Soft Car Headrest Pillow

9. Pum Pum Black 2 Pieces Microfibre Filled Polycotton Ultra Soft Travel Pillow

10. Tommy Hilfiger Blue Geometric Print Memory Foam Neck Support Travel Pillow

Frequently Asked Questions On Types Of Travel Pillows (FAQs)

1. What type of travel pillow is best?

Generally, memory foam travel pillows are U-shaped ones, which are favored for their ergonomic support and comfort.

2. What is a travel pillow called?

A travel pillow is commonly called a neck pillow or an airplane pillow.

3. How to correctly use a travel pillow?

To use a travel pillow correctly, wear it with the opening at the back to give great support to your head. Or you can keep the opening at the front to support the chin.

4. Which material is best for a travel neck pillow?

A memory foam travel pillow is considered one of the best options for comfort on the go. Microbeads and inflatable options are also good, depending on your specific requirements.

5. Is memory foam better than regular travel pillows?

Yes, memory foam pillows are generally better than regular ones. They offer better neck alignment and durability, especially on long journeys.  

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.