pluto travel pillow

This Travel Pillow Is Like Being Inside a Mini Sensory Deprivation Tank

By Juliet Izon

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In my younger years, a transatlantic red-eye flight in coach posed no greater problem than wondering what kind of music I should stock my iPod with. Armed with the airline-issued “pillow,” I could fall asleep within minutes, only to somehow wake up actually refreshed upon touching down in Rome .

Sadly, those days are behind me, and I now travel with an arsenal of products to help me eke out a few hours of rest on a long-haul flight. I’ll pop gummy melatonin before boarding, swaddle myself in  an oversized plane blanket , and then attempt to block out all exterior stimuli with  a heavy-duty eye mask and  construction-grade earplugs . The final element is a neck pillow. Without it, I find myself jerking awake whenever my head lolls forward, which is about every 15 minutes. (I’m a blast as a seatmate, if you couldn’t tell.)

And while I’ve found stellar eye masks and blankets over the years, the platonic ideal of a neck pillow had eluded me until recently. Most were not supportive enough for sleeping, or could only be used to rest your head on one side. But one day, while scrolling through Instagram, the  Pluto Pod popped up. More than just a neck pillow, the Pod also boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, the best travel pillow I’ve used? Absolutely.

The pillow is the result—like many wonderful recent innovations—of curious people with time to kill during the pandemic. Susana Saeliu, founder and CEO of Pluto Pillow, spent a lot of 2020 daydreaming about when she might be able to fly again. And, after successfully launching  a unique sleep pillow , she wanted to try her hand at a travel version. Pluto partnered with lauded design firm IDEO to create it, and received a lot of valuable feedback from focus groups made up of flight attendants and frequent travelers. “It was like one big therapy session,” Saeliu says. “They groused about how tiring traveling is, and that the travel pillow options today are a mess of tradeoffs that fall short. Pillow A might be comfortable, but it’s not portable. Pillow B is portable, but it’s not comfortable. And on and on.” The result of these sessions and many prototypes is the slightly wacky-looking but supremely comfortable Pod.

The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet. The first time I used it, I passed out  in the morning for a solid two hours on my way to  Nemacolin in Western Pennsylvania. It’s also worth noting that if you’re wearing a face mask, it’s a lot more comfortable to use this pillow’s built-in eye mask than a traditional over-the-head model. Since Pod’s mask is not pressed up against your eyes, it’s much easier to breathe through the face mask.

While the blackout hood is what obviously makes this pillow different from its competitors, I have also found the neck piece of the Pod to be better structured than other models. First, it wraps around your neck completely and securely thanks to the extra-wide band of Velcro fastening. This means that whatever position your neck lands in after you fall asleep, your head will have a sturdy surface to lean on (and the padding in the hood makes leaning against a window much more cozy). Plus, compared to other brands that might be stuffed with lightweight polyfill, the performance foam in Pod never loses its shape. And when your flight is over, the whole pillow neatly folds in on itself, making it easy to stuff in your backpack or attach to the handles of your suitcase .

As I write this, I’m in the middle of packing for a trip to  Secret Bay on the island of Dominica . I believe this will be my pillow’s third country on its passport, and certainly not its last. Do I probably get a few strange looks while I sleep peacefully inside the Pluto Pod? My guess is yes, but you know what? I couldn’t even see them if I tried.

Pluto POD Pillow Review – The Most Versatile Travel Pillow?

It can be challenging to get quality sleep while you’re traveling. And it’s even harder when you can’t get your own personal space. Luckily there’s a travel pillow that can help you achieve better sleep on the go.

In my unbiased Pluto POD pillow review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this new travel pillow and why it could be one of the most versatile travel pillows out there.

Let’s dive in!

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

The Pluto Pod is a travel pillow that can help block out light and keep your neck supported. Just pull the hood over for privacy and sleep in comfort while on the go.

Pluto POD Travel Pillow Overview

Pluto is known for appearing on Shark Tank, where the brand makers displayed their innovative custom-built pillow, the original Pluto pillow. The company also makes a full body pillow called the Pluto Puff, but now offers a travel pillow: the Pluto POD.

This is a unique travel pillow that can be used in a few different ways to help you get the best sleep whether you’re on the road or in the air. Here’s a quick overview on who should get the Pluto POD, and who may need to stick to other travel pillows:

Who Might Like the Pluto POD?

• Travelers looking for total neck and chin support
• Anyone looking for a travel pillow with a hood
• Anyone needing a travel pillow that can be tightly packed away

Who Might Not Like the Pluto POD?

• Shoppers on a budget
• People who prefer a soft, felt feel to their travel pillows
• People who prefer more traditionally shaped travel pillows

Sleeping with and Using the Pluto POD Travel Pillow

Right out of the box, the Pluto POD comes to you buttoned up, which is actually one way you can use this pillow. If you’re in the car or have a window seat on the plane, you can use it as a more traditional pillow in this form. Or if you have lower back problems, you can use it as a cushion between you and the seat!

But once you open it up, it turns into the neck-hugging style of travel pillow we’re all more accustomed to. I have a thicker neck, but I’m glad to say that this pillow fit really comfortably around my neck and it offered some pretty good support. This is because the pillow completely wraps around your neck, and you attach it with velcro, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off.

And if you’re sensitive to light while you sleep, the hood has a built in eye mask that you can pull out and use to block out the light. Pluto also mentions that this is a good pillow to help you carve out some personal space and privacy thanks to the pull down eye cover.

RELATED: Best Travel Pillows

What Does the Pluto POD Pillow Feel Like?

The main pillow portion of the Pluto POD is made of a dense memory foam core. There’s not going to be much contouring here, but it does provide ample support for your chin, neck, and head to rest on while you’re using it.

RELATED: Best Memory Foam Pillows

The outer cover feels like a thick, jacket-like material but has an inner, softer fabric which feels very comfortable.

Pluto POD Pillow Construction

Let’s take a look at the materials that make up the Pluto POD.

The Pluto POD has an outer cover that features a few different materials. On the outer part of this cover, you’ll find a material called Alcantara. This is a thick microfiber material that feels similarly to material you find in thick, waterproof jackets.

On the inner part of the cover, you’ll find a softer, mesh-like fabric that feels very soft to the touch.

The main pillow is at the bottom of the hood, and wraps around your neck in a collar that you can connect with velcro. The actual pillow is made from firm, dense memory foam.

Pluto POD Price

Pluto sells the Pluto POD in one size, as a one-size-fits-all travel pillow. It retails for $145.

Pluto POD Pillow Performance

So, how did the Pluto POD perform in some key categories? Let’s find out.

When it comes to traveling, how well you can store your travel pillow is a big consideration. With the POD, you have the ability to fold the foam collar up, attach it with velcro, and then roll the pillow up into the hood. There are buttons that you can snap the hood to the pillow to make sure it doesn’t come unraveled. Storage is one of this pillow’s strong points.

Sleeping Hot or Cold

The Pluto POD doesn’t feature anything specific in terms of cooling or breathability. If you’re rushing to your next destination, or are in the car with sunlight beaming through the windows, you may feel a little stuffy.

But using it on a plane or during the night, you shouldn’t have to worry about overheating.

Off-Gassing

The Pluto POD comes to you in a box, though it won’t be compressed. You won’t have to worry about any off-gassing odors right out of the box.If you do notice any smell, I would recommend washing the removable cover before first use to help.

Care Instructions

The Pluto POD pillow was designed to be hygienic. After each trip, it would be a good idea to clean the outer cover.

To do so, simply remove the memory foam core from the collar, and the cover is machine-washable for easy care!

The Pluto POD pillow isn’t listed as a hypoallergenic product. However, you do have the ability to wash the outer cover, which means you can ensure that the pillow doesn’t trap allergens or other germs while you travel.

Company Policies

Here’s what you can expect when you make a purchase with Pluto.

Warranty Info

Pluto offers a 1-year warranty on the POD.

Sleep Trial

You will have 110 days to test out the Pluto POD pillow to see if it’s the perfect travel pillow for you!

Return Policy

If, during that 110-day period, you decide the POD is not for you, you can return it for a full refund.

How Does the Pluto Pod Pillow Compare To Other Pillows?

This travel pillow certainly has a lot going for it, but it’s always best to keep your options open. Let’s compare the POD to two other popular travel pillows on the market.

Pluto vs trtl

Sleeping upright is a challenge when it comes to traveling. One of the best travel pillows for neck support is the trtl (pronounced “turtle”) travel pillow. What makes it so great for neck support is that the pillow has a plastic insert designed to contour to your neck and shoulder, making it rather comfortable to rest your head on. Both of these pillows should work well for avoiding neck pain during your travels.

The trtl has a comfortable polyester outer cover that has been textured to look and feel like felt, and it has easy care: you can machine-wash it. However, unlike the POD, it is only designed to go around your neck, and doesn’t come with a light blocking hood. Finally, in terms of price, the trtl pillow is much more affordable.

Who Should Get the Pluto POD Pillow?

• Travelers who want to block out the light
• Anyone who prefers a foam travel pillow

Who Should Get the trtl Travel Pillow?

• Travelers who need substantial neck support

Read our full trtl Travel Pillow review .

Pluto Vs. BCozzy

Support is the name of the game with travel pillows. One pillow that offers a good amount of chin support is the BCozzy travel pillow. This pillow has a wrap-around design that can connect in the front to keep your chin and head upright while you sleep.

It has a 100% polyester construction, from the outer cover to the inner fill. The cover can be machine-washed for easy care. But if you prefer a more supportive, dense foam travel pillow, opt for the POD. But because it only wraps around your neck, and doesn’t come with a hood, it can’t block out light.

Unlike the Pluto POD, the BCozzy has multiple sizes to accommodate children and adults alike, and it has multiple color options. The POD has been designed to be a one-size-fits-all type pillow and doesn’t offer much color variation. Finally, if you’re shopping on a budget, the BCozzy is much more budget-friendly, and you can also find it on Amazon.

• Anyone who needs a multi-use travel pillow

Who Should Get the BCozzy Travel Pillow?

• Anyone looking for multiple sizes and colors

Read our full BCozzy travel pillow review .

Our Pluto POD Pillow Review Ratings

Take a look at our Mattress Clarity score for the Pluto POD pillow. Pluto POD Pillow Review 4.4 Reviewer Comfort 4.5 Support 5 Durability 5 Style 4 Weight 4.5 Space 4.5 Versatility 5 My Experience 4.2 Value (Price) 2.5 {{$data | json}} -->

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Pluto and its pillows.

What are Pluto pillows made out of?

Pluto makes a custom pillow designed for you by providing a questionnaire to collect sleeping information and body stats. Though they may have different designs, most Pluto pillows will feature the same materials: a core of high-quality memory foam and an outer layer of soft down alternative. Be sure to check out our Pluto pillow review ! The Pluto POD features a memory foam core collar and an outer cover and hood made out of a material called Alcantara.

Where is Pluto pillow manufactured?

Pluto manufactures all its pillows out of a factory in Los Angeles.

How much does a Pluto pillow cost?

When you purchase a standard pillow from Pluto, it will cost around $85. The Pluto POD will cost $145

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Tony Klespis

LOS ANGELES--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Pluto , the first and only company to offer fully custom, built-to-order pillows, today launched their stylish, sleep-enhancing interpretation of the travel pillow. The “ POD ” creates personal space and gives travelers optimal sleeping conditions, so they can arrive at their destination recovered and ready for an adventure.

Designed in partnership with IDEO, this unrivaled innovation was created based on feedback from sleep researchers, flight attendants and avid travelers. Made from a combination of Alcantara and memory foam to provide support, comfort and flexibility, the POD creates privacy even when you’re stuck in the middle seat. Design features include a soft and structured hood, adjustable 360 support around the neck and under the chin, and a convertible, built-in eye mask to block unwanted light. The one-size-fits-all POD is stylish, hygienic, portable and promises a journey that’s just as enjoyable as the destination.

According to Coco Rocha, supermodel and busy mom of three who is fresh off the New York Fashion Week runway and headed to Europe for the international shows, “I'm always on the go and I know how important it is for my overall health to prioritize rest and recovery. After traveling with it all summer, the POD has quickly become an essential. It's the perfect hack to get a good night's sleep on a redeye or a quick catnap between shoots and it's definitely coming with me to all the fashion weeks."

Boasting over 60,000 happy customers to date, Pluto knows that great sleep is life-changing. After the company recently conducted a National Sleep Survey* which revealed that 65% of people have difficulty sleeping while traveling by car, train or plane and more than 50% of respondents agreed their ability to enjoy an adventure is compromised by jet lag and travel fatigue. Pluto is excited to manifest their mission of better sleep on the road by launching the POD.

“We knew that after mastering the pillow in the bedroom, it was time for us to try our hand at creating a pillow that can accompany our customers on trips! Wearing the POD is like being in your own little capsule - and you’ll look great too,” said Susana Saeliu, Co-Founder & CEO at Pluto. “At Pluto, we were tired of seeing the same horseshoe, u-shaped designs or the tacky ones that made you look ridiculous, so we got to work and developed the one-of-a-kind POD.”

The POD is available exclusively at plutopillow.com/pod and retails for $145 US, with free shipping to the contiguous United States. To learn more about POD and explore Pluto’s other offerings, including its built-to-order sleep pillows and the PUFF body pillow, you can visit plutopillow.com and follow Pluto on Instagram .

ABOUT PLUTO PILLOW

Pluto Pillow is the first and only sleep pillow that's custom-built to your body stats, how you sleep, and what you like. We leverage data through a proprietary process to help all sleepers take the guesswork out of pillow shopping and to maximize their sleep. To start customizing a pillow, all you have to do is visit our website (plutopillow.com), fill out a quick questionnaire, and your data will run through an algorithm that will help us create a custom pillow for your body stats, sleep positions, and preferences. Our materials combine for over 35 variations through our patent pending process. We also offer a body pillow called the PUFF and the POD travel pillow to meet all of your sleep comfort needs. To learn more, please visit PlutoPillow.com . You can also connect with Pluto on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter .

IDEO is a global design company committed to creating positive impact through human-centered design. We collaborate with our clients to tackle complex challenges ranging from addressing climate change and building new ventures to helping make organizations more creatively competitive.

*This online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults was conducted by market research company OnePoll , in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data were collected between April 5 and April 7, 2022. All participants are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team, who are members of the MRS and have corporate membership to ESOMAR and AAPOR .

Jack Taylor PR [email protected]

Due to high demand, some custom pillows may be delayed 🙂 Current delay for custom original 24"x16" pillows: up to 4 weeks Current delay for custom king 34"x16" pillows: up to 4 weeks The Pluto PUFF has landed—the galaxy's comfiest body pillow ☁️ The Pluto PUFF delivers within 7 business days 🚀 Get $10 off your custom Pluto Pillow when you buy PUFF!

Custom Pillow

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A PILLOW CRAFTED JUST FOR YOU

Custom-built to your body stats, how you sleep, and what you like; all for $110 with a 110 night risk-free trial. Always free shipping and returns in the US .

Customize Now!

See the new Pluto POD 🚀

Tell Us About Yourself

Complete a quick questionnaire on your body stats, how you sleep, and what you like.

We use your info to craft your custom pillow

Privacy is fundamental.

Protecting your privacy and earning your trust is our highest priority.

• Pluto doesn't sell your personal information. Ever.
• We only collect what we need to give you the best possible experience
• At any time, you can opt out and we can remove your info from our system

We are committed to protecting your sensitive information, and we encourage you to read our full privacy policy here . If you have any questions about how we handle your data, send us an email at [email protected] !

We deliver your custom pillow right to your door with free shipping

Your custom pillow ships free and you'll have 110 risk-free nights to test your Pluto Pillow out in the comfort of your bed. Customize Now!

About The Pillows

Our pillows are all a modular design, crafted from a solid foam core, encased within an outer plush pillow. The core's height, properties (density, additives), all depend on your answers. The fibers in the outer cover vary in thickness and quantity from one pillow to another (also dependent on your answers!).

And if you heat up at night, your pillow surface will be made up of cooling fibers. Our materials can combine for over 35 variations through our patent pending process, and the "feel" of the pillows can be a drastic difference from another.

What Customers Say

"This is the first pillow that has allowed me to let go of my old one."

"I’ve been recommending Pluto to all my friends, and I’ll be gifting this to others as well."

"I have never been a person to bring my own pillow on trips but I am absolutely going to start, my pillow is just THAT GOOD!"

"My 'Sleep Cycle' app so far tells me that I've been sleeping 5% better when I use my new Pluto pillow!"

"Custom pillows are the way to go and this company does them best."

"After trying the Casper and Coop pillows, then landing on Pluto - I must say Pluto checks all the boxes. The Pluto is the best of the 3"

“Every part of the Pluto Pillow process is designed to take the guesswork out of pillow shopping.”

"Exactly the right combination of support and softness"

"Customize Your Perfect Pillow Online"

"I didn't know what to expect, but sleeping on it has been a remarkable improvement"

Personalize Your Pillow Now

Always free shipping and returns. Risk-free 110 night trial.

Click here to gift a pillow!

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Pluto Pillow review: next-level customization and comfort

The pluto pillow is custom-made for your sleep needs, so does it deliver.

TechRadar Verdict

The Pluto Pillow offers something we’ve never seen before: the ability to complete a questionnaire that creates a unique sleep profile. Based on the results, Pluto creates a customized pillow that’s designed for your preferred sleep position, pillow material, firmness level, and more.

Customized for sleep position

Customized for mattress firmness

Customized for personal preference

Customized for hot or regular sleepers

Smooth or quilted surface

Not a lot of pillow specificity

Asks for age, height, and weight

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Review in brief
• Price and deals
• Design and materials
• Performance
• User reviews
• Should you buy it?

The Pluto Pillow promises to let you build the perfect pillow according to your preferences. It walks you through a variety of questions, based partially on the pillow you currently have – and how well you like it. Other questions include your exact age, height, and weight, and also questions about the firmness of your bed, pillow surface preferences, and sleeping positions.  

The result is what you would expect – the perfect pillow based on what you indicated that you’d like. Unless you input the wrong data, it’s hard to see how someone wouldn’t be happy with the Pluto Pillow. We tested it out to see how it matches up to the best pillows on the market. To boost your sleep comfort further, take a look at our guide to this year's best mattress for all budgets.

Pluto Pillow review in brief

The Pluto Pillow is the first, and, to our knowledge, only pillow that provides such a high degree of customization. The first step in the process is to complete a questionnaire that asks your name, email address, age, height and weight. Aside from the fact that you should never ask a lady her age (and many don’t want to reveal their weight either), we did have a privacy concern, considering how often companies have their data hacked and sold on the black market – and many companies also freely sell the personal data of consumers. It seems that only medical professionals really need to know your age, height, and weight. For a pillow, perhaps an age range or weight range should be sufficient.

Type: Foam core Best suited to: Side, back, and stomach sleepers Dimensions: Queen 24” x 16 inches; King: 34” x 16” Trial period: 110 nights Warranty: 1 year

But aside from these privacy concerns, the questionnaire helps to discover your preferences – for example the type of pillow you currently use, how you would describe it, the current pillow’s height, and how much you like it (on a scale from the 1-5).

The questionnaire also asks your starting sleep position as well as the position you tend to wake up in. Even your mattress type is taken into consideration, as well as your preference for a softer or more supportive pillow, whether you prefer a smooth or quilted surface, and whether your head gets hot when sleeping.

This information is run through Pluto’s proprietary algorithm - and we found that the Pluto Pillow you receive really is designed to be the perfect pillow for your individual needs. 

Pluto Pillow review: price and deals

Pluto makes an original size Pluto Pillow that is available on the Pluto website for $110. It also makes a king size pillow for $140. Pluto also makes a body pillow (21” W x 54” L) for $110.

The price point for the Pluto Pillow puts it in the luxury pillow category. Competitors include the Layla Kapok Pillow , which is on our list of the best bed pillows of 2023, and retails for $109 for a queen. It’s not nearly as customizable as the Pluto Pillow; however, the Layla Kapok Pillow zips open, and comes with a bag of extra fill, which allows you to add or remove fill from the pillow to reach the desired level of softness or firmness. In addition to memory foam, the Kapok pillow consists of natural Kapok fibers (that have been harvested from the seeds of Kapok trees and are designed to create a down-like feeling).

If memory foam is a preference, and keeping cool at night is a priority, the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow is another memory foam option. At $165, it is significantly more expensive than the Pluto Pillow. And, it does not zip open like the Layla Kapok Pillow to allow you to add or remove fill.  However, the graphite-infused memory foam used in the pillow is designed to provide a cool night’s rest by pulling heat away from the body.

Pluto Pillow: from $125 at Pluto The original size Pluto Pillow is available on the Pluto website for $125. Since it’s customized, the pillow is not available anywhere else. Also, since it’s customizable the pillow is suited for any type of sleeper.

Pluto Pillow review: design and materials

• Pillow is springy and bounces back
• Breathable foam is temperature-responsive
• Choice of covers

Regardless of the results of your sleep profile, the Pluto Pillow is made of CertiPUR-US certified foams that are free from ozone depleters, TCEP flame retardants, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, and also free from formaldehyde and other bad materials and chemicals. The foam core is made of breathable polyfoams that are temperature-regulating. Your pillow may be softer or firmer depending on your selections.

There’s a choice of covers, depending on your results: for example, it may be a high thread count cotton, or it may be a quilted knit. It may have an advanced cooling surface if you’re a hot sleeper, but it won’t if you indicate that you don’t sleep hot. However, one constant is true across the board: long, silky fiber clusters are individually blown into each cover – but how many of these fibers are included depends on your questionnaire responses.

The cover is removable, and can be laundered (separately) in the washing machine in cold water on a delicate cycle. (Only non-chlorine bleach should be used if needed.) You can also tumble dry the pillow on a low heat setting. Pluto recommends washing the cover every 2 to 3 months – or whenever you think it needs to be laundered. Otherwise, fluff it every few days to help the pillow maintain its shape.

Pluto Pillow review: performance

• Supportive in every position
• Cooling experience
• Plushy/melt-in feeling

For over two weeks, we slept on a pair of Pluto Pillows to see how they fared in performance, testing for setup, comfort, support, and temperature regulation. We also slept on side, back, and stomach positions to see if the performance was the same. Here’s how we got on...

5 out of 5 stars

Setup was extremely easy. The pair of Pluto Pillows arrived in brown shipping boxes, and inside of that, they were each in Pluto-branded boxes. Upon opening the interior boxes, the pillows were covered with a sheet of white packing paper, along with a thank you card, and a piece of Airheads bubble gum. 

There was also another sheet of paper that recapped our tester’s questionnaire responses. It included her height and weight, current pillow (feathers/down with low (0-3 inches) regarding height and firmness level. We rated her current pillow a 5 out of 5, and Pluto said our tester seemed to prefer plushy & melt-in (she does). The paper also noted that our tester generally settles into bed on her side and wakes up on her stomach.

Based on those responses, our tester was informed that the enclosed Pluto Pillow‘s foam core and plush cover would combine to provide her with the plush and melt-in feeling that she preferred.  

The pillows were shipped full size instead of being compressed, so there was no need to wait for them to regain their shape.

Pluto noted that if the pillows had a scent, it would quickly go away, but we did not experience any off-gassing smells.

Temperature regulation

Our tester noted on her questionnaire that her head tends to get hot while sleeping. However, the Pluto Pillows are not only cooling, they’re actually cool to the touch. This is an important distinction as some “cooling” pillows feel like normal pillows to the touch. As a result, we did not wake up hot and sweaty at any time during the testing process. Even more than two weeks later, and with heavy winter bedding – including a weighted blanket and faux luxe fur throw included on the bed - the pillows were still cool to the touch, and the temperature-regulating features kept our tester from sleeping hot.

Firmness and support

Our tester’s primary pillows are the Casper Down Pillows, and since she rated these pillows 5 out or 5, Pluto’s mission was to provide a comparable experience. We feel it’s important to note this because our tester did not want a firm pillow. Given the choice between “plush and melt-in” and “settled and supportive,” she chose the former.

It should also be noted that our tester has a medium firm Saatva mattress. In fact, the firmness level of the mattress is one of the questions on the Pluto Pillow questionnaire. And since the mattress is already firm, a soft pillow can offset or balance the firmness. 

For sleeping on side and stomach positions, the pillow felt luxurious and she did actually feel like she was melting into it. Even sleeping on her back was comfortable. But if you prefer a firmer pillow that provides more support, your questionnaire responses should indicate such.

Pluto Pillow review: user reviews

The Pluto Pillow is not available on Amazon or other third-party sellers, so all of the user reviews we saw were on Pluto’s website. Currently, there are 1,998 reviews, with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5. Buyers are generally well pleased. Some have stated that the pillows have caused them to experience the best sleep ever. 

Among the few complaints: some buyers thought the pillow was too hard while others thought it was too soft. One person found it too bouncy and didn’t like that it sprang back when her head was removed. Yet another customer complained about the blue stripe on the pillow and said she wished the pillow was completely white. 

Should you buy the Pluto Pillow?

We highly recommend the Pluto Pillow – especially for people who struggle to find the right pillow for their needs. The ability to complete a detailed survey asking about preferences, sleeping positions and firmness levels – even the firmness of the mattress – cannot be overstated. Your responses should help you land up on the most comfortable pillow for your needs.

We were concerned about the personal information required to customize the pillows. We felt that a range of answers, instead of very specific information, could have sufficed. Also, we would have liked to see details on the actual pillow chosen for us. For all we know, Pluto may only have 2 or 3 different pillow types to choose from, and they’re not being customized at all. But even if this is the case, our tester swears her pillows were perfect.

If you prefer another foam option that also has cooling features, check out the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow. It costs much more, and does not include the range of customization features found in the Pluto Pillow. However, it does include graphite-infused memory foam, which is designed to pull heat away from the body to keep the sleeper cool at night. We haven’t found anyone else using that type of technology.

If customization is important, the Layla Kapok Pillow, while not as customizable as the Pluto Pillow, does have a zippered cover, so the fill can be added or removed. It also comes with an extra bag of fill. And unlike the foam used in the Pluto Pillow, the Kapok pillow consists of natural Kapok fibers (designed to mimic the feeling of down).

Terri is a freelance writer living in Birmingham, AL. She is an experienced mattress and bedding product reviewer, and has tested hundreds of home and tech products, with bylines at Architectural Digest, Popular Science, CNN Underscored, NBC News, The Daily Beast, USA Today, Homes & Gardens, Bob Vila, and Tom's Guide. When she’s not testing products, Terri is interviewing the world’s foremost leaders for The Economist, and tracking down legal experts for the American Bar Association Journal. Follow her adventures @Territoryone.

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Pluto Pillow

Pluto pod travel pillow.

Noisy cabins, blinding artificial light, and uncomfortable seats make sleeping during a flight nearly impossible. After listening to the plight of flight attendants and frequent flyers, Pluto Pillow developed the ultimate travel pillow. The Pluto POD offers adjustable 360-degree support around your neck and chin. A structured hood and built-in eye mask creates a private and cozy personal space. Put it all together, and its unique design provides travelers the optimal sleep environment they can take anywhere. It also features a built-in eye mast to create the optimal sleep environment. Plus, the POD folds down for compact storage in carry-ons and is machine washable.

Presented by Pluto Pillow.

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Evermore ember candle.

Notes of amber, sandalwood, clove, and orange zest deliver a dark, spicy aroma. $45.

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Reigning Champ x Pendleton Stadium Blanket

Ombre striped blanket made from premium virgin wool/cotton blend and a napped finish. $400.

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Featured Gear

Nike alphafly 3 road racing shoes.

Running 26.2 miles is a lot different than tackling your local charity 5K. To accommodate the needs of marathon runners, Nike created the Alphafly line, now in its third generation. It employs two types of Zoom cushioning — a high-stack ZoomX foam midsole that encourages a smooth transition and Air Zoom units in the forefoot for an energy return boost. A wide, full-length carbon fiber Flyplate improves forward propulsion, and the breathable Atomknit 3.0 upper is paired with a lacing system designed with racer input to enhance comfort.

Presented by Nike.

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Golden Krust x Vita Coco Drink Deal

Over the past 35 years, Golden Krust has grown from a single restaurant in the Bronx to a Caribbean-owned Goliath with over 120 locations in North America. Now they're partnering with Vita Coco on a special deal to celebrate tropical flavors. Through June 30th, guests can add a Vita Coco drink — Juice or Original — to their order for just $1 with the purchase of one of the chain's signature jerk chicken meals. By pairing the refreshingly sweet coconut drink with savory, spicy, and slow-cooked jerk, it's a great summer treat.

Presented by Vita Coco.

Visit Golden Krust

Filson Mackinaw Wool Blanket

Soft virgin wool sourced from the US delivers a warm layer of insulation during crisp, autumn outings. $295.

Vacation x Prince Ball Boy Candle

The scent of freshly-uncanned tennis balls joins nostalgic '90s-era packaging in this collab candle. $42.

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Featured Video

Roborock s8 maxv ultra robot vacuum + mop.

With the S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock ensures every inch of your house is clean. The new model features a Flexi Arm Design with an extendable side brush that reaches into corners, while an Extra Edge Mopping System cleans along edges. A Reactive AI 2.0 Obstacle Recognition uses a 3D structured light and an RGB camera to identify and avoid obstacles in its path, and a PreciSense LiDAR navigation system scans rooms to create a map and determine the most efficient route. It upgrades suction power to 10,000Pa to pick up even more dust and dirt, a Carpet+ Boost System ups the hair pick-up rate by 30%, and the mopping system scrubs floors 4,000 times per second, detecting carpets and rugs along the way. With built-in voice assistance, users can start cleaning with a simple command, and when the job is done, the vacuum will retreat to its dock to automatically empty, wash, dry, and recharge itself. The S8 MaxV Ultra will be available April 22, 2024, and for a limited time, get a triple gift pack valued at $1,000 with your purchase.

Presented by Roborock.

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Uncrate Supply

Victorinox swiss army replica 1897 pocket knife.

2022 marks the 125th anniversary of the original Swiss Army knife. To celebrate, Victorinox is releasing a replica of the 1897 original. Conspicuously missing the cross logo — the company didn't get the trademark on it until 1909 — it has the same six functions, including a reamer/punch, can opener, small blade, large blade, screwdriver, and corkscrew. Limited to just 9,999 examples worldwide, this collectors item also features vulcanized fiber scales, Elsener Schwyz embossing on the large blade, and individual numbering. It arrives in a canvas sheath, inside special commemorative packaging.

Height: 0.6" / Length: 3.6" / Width: 0.9" / Weight: 2.9 oz

Kvadrat x Raf Simons Shaker Storage System

The Belgian fashion designer partners with Kvadrat on a minimalist storage solution.

Read More   or   Learn More From Kvadrat

D.S. & Durga Road Trip Hits Auto Fragrance Set

Freshen up anything from closets to cars with five of D.S. & Durga's top scents. $60.

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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested by Gear Experts

Elevate your flying experience with a good place to rest your head.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

We at MH are always testing the latest travel products, and the one item we're always looking for new developments in are travel pillows. Like your favorite pillow at home, the best travel pillow is going to fit unique to your sleeping habits, which is why we went and tested a wide range of travel pillows that will appeal to all types of individuals.

Best Travel Pillow for Long Trips

Pluto pod travel pillow.

Best Overall Travel Pillow

Trtl travel pillow.

Best Travel Pillow Under $30

Mlvoc travel pillow 100% pure memory foam neck pillow.

Best Travel Pillow for Keeping Your Head Secure

Cabeau evolution tne s3 travel pillow.

Best Travel Pillow for Window Seats

J-pillow chin supporting travel pillow.

Best Cooling Travel Pillow

Cabeau evolution cooling travel pillow.

Best Neck-Supporting Travel Pillow

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

Best Pillow for Adventure Travel

Wise owl outfitters memory foam travel pillow.

Best Lumbar Support Travel Pillow

Optp the original mckenzie.

Most Packable Travel Pillow

Teton sports camp pillow.

Aside from a stiff drink, a travel pillow is the one item that makes flying tolerable. A good travel pillows is soft, supportive ( memory foam is a good start), long-lasting, and easily packable. Not sure which one is right for you? We've done the legwork to round up the best travel pillows so far this year.

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Since we first got our hands on the Pluto POD to test earlier this year, the travel pillow gets on average one positive comment per trip through the airport. We've even gotten comments from flight attendants on how much they like the design! For starters the POD looks like something out of science fiction, and that's not done by accident. What the POD does is act as a sensory deprivation mask along with being a travel pillow, resulting in something almost entirely different than your average travel pillow. With all that being said, the POD has helped us power through cross country flights of 5+ hours like a champ.

The overall design is larger than most travel pillows, which may dissuade some. However it does pack up to an impressive carrying size that still fits in a travel backpack or carry-on . Why the large size? Well for one the neck support is firm and allows the wearer to wrap it as tight or as loose as they'd like in order to get the right head positioning. The hood is also large, as it extends out over the top of the head to fully immerse yourself into the pillow. The hood keeps the pull down eye mask inside: it's a legit eye mask, meaning it's not too thin or flimsy.

The POD is a bit bigger in size than most of the travel pillows on this list, which is why it might not be the ultimate best for taking on short excursions. But for long trips we have yet to find a pillow that's better. As for price, you won't regret making the investment on the POD. Grab one now before stock sells out.

The Trtl Pillow upends the traditional concept of bulky, bean-filled travel pillows. It’s a one-of-a-kind design that wraps around your neck like a scarf. A built-in inner “rib” contours the jaw, neckline, and shoulder, so it supports your head unlike any travel pillow we tested. That’s made it a favorite among some of the biggest names in the travel industry. It’s thin, lightweight, and packs down small, making it perfect for travel. If you’re inclined to drool while you sleep (no judgment), it’s also machine-washable.

It's true there might be a couple of other travel pillows with as good of comfort (if not better) but when you consider the unmatched portability the Trtl still takes the cake as our best travel pillow of 2023.

Read more: Best Travel Bags

This good ol' fashioned memory foam pillow comes in a simple design and a friendly price. You get the pillow, a carrying bag, an eye mask, and a set of ear plugs all for under $3o. While the memory foam pillow might not have any bells and whistles, it does have a comfortable wrap-around design and pull tabs at the front to make the pillow tighter or looser.

Those who are used to a memory foam pillow at home will likely enjoy this pillow. Overall, we see it as an affordable option that is suitable for short naps no longer than 2 hours at a time. If you're looking for a more customized fit or looking to max out on comfort though, we recommend going up on your travel pillow investment.

Cabeau makes a number of high quality travel pillows, and the TNE S3 is the latest iteration of its top selling product. The pillow's memory foam core has been a favorite from Cabeau fans for the past few years now as a trusted go-to for flying. This updated TNE S3 comes with a seat strap that will help you lock in the travel pillow, and a unique chin strap design that allows you to hold your head up in place for a secure sleep position.

This pillow is great for those who are prone to getting a sore neck when sleeping on a plane. It's also a solid option for those who are constantly finding themselves shifting their travel pillow around to get in a preferred spot. The one downside we found when testing is the pillow's design can push up on the ears and shift your earbuds around, which can be annoying for those who like to wear AirPods on the place.

J-Pillow’s Chin Supporting Travel Pillow is unlike any other on the market. That’s because it’s purpose-built to support your head and neck while traveling. The design isn’t for everyone and can take some getting used to. But, if you find traditional travel pillows aren’t supportive enough, we think this is a great alternative. The plush headrest is extremely comfortable, and the cushy design compresses smaller than typical U-shaped travel pillows. While many travel pillows boast only a washable cover, the entire J-Pillow can be thrown in the washer and tumble-dried, ensuring it’s hypoallergenic.

Our testers found the J-Pillow works best when laying it up on a window, whether it be a car, train, or plane. The downside is we believe there are other pillows that might be more comfortable when resting standalone, with no window to add support.

Read more: Best Travel Pants

If you run hot—even on freezing cold flights—Cabeau’s aptly named Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow helps keep you cool while napping. The ventilated mesh neck vents ensure better airflow than any pillow on this list, making this an especially great alternative for long-haul flights. With a memory foam core, this model offers excellent head and neck support. The thin, lightweight design packs down smaller than traditional travel pillows, so it’s well-sized for tossing into a carry-on.

Some travelers may find that the wraparound design feels more like a neck brace than a neck pillow . Unfortunately, these unique features come with a price, as this is among the most expensive options on this list.

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Ostrichpillow has long been a favorite among travelers in the know. The Ostrichpillow Go, in particular, features a unique, swooping design with the best neck support of any pillow we’ve tested. It’s also height-customizable so travelers can adjust to their preferred comfort level. The soft cover feels great against the skin and is removable for easy machine-washing. It packs down to less than half of its full size to slip effortlessly into the included carry bag, making it ideal for travel.

One qualm we had when testing was it felt quite heavy, weighing nearly a full pound.

Whether sleeping at home, in a tent, or on a plane, memory foam is our go-to pillow type. Wise Owl Outfitters’ Memory Foam Pillow features a memory foam core that’s soft yet supportive enough for window-seat naps in-flight. The plush micro-suede cover provides the perfect surface to rest your face and is machine-washable to boot. And because the design packs down incredibly small into the included stuff sack, it’s a great pillow for travel, camping, and any adventure in-between.

It’s available in two sizes: Small (12 x 16 inches) or Medium (14 x 18 inches), so you can choose the right one for your travel style.

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Travel pillows needn’t be just for sleeping. The Original McKenzie Self-Inflating AirBack Lumbar Support Pillow from OPTP makes any airplane seat, whether in coach or First Class, even more comfortable. Once properly inflated, it more than doubles in size for additional support for your lower back or anywhere you need it really. The built-in twist valve allows for fine-tuning the inflation to your comfort level. It packs down to just 8 x 3 inches, small enough for even the most compact carry-on bag.

We also love that the design is versatile enough to use just about anywhere and even rest your head on like a typical camp or travel pillow.

Travel pillows are often air- or bead-filled, so they can feel strange compared to your pillow at home. Not so with Teton Sports’ Camp Pillow. There are no fancy inner ribs or self-inflating features with this one. It’s a straightforward pillow, much like the one you probably already sleep on, only smaller. That design makes it immediately comfortable in almost any position, though it’s not as supportive as others on this list. It is, however, extremely packable, lofts up on its own (with no inflation necessary), and is machine-washable. Plus, at less than $20, it’s the cheapest pillow on this list.

Read more: Best Carry-On Luggage

.css-1c42clk{font-family:Knockout,Knockout-roboto,Knockout-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.075rem;}}.css-1c42clk b,.css-1c42clk strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1c42clk em,.css-1c42clk i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1c42clk a{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#FFF200;text-decoration-thickness:0.19rem;}.css-1c42clk a:hover{color:#D2232E;} What to Look for in a Travel Pillow

Shopping for travel pillows isn’t much different than shopping for traditional bed pillows. When we spent the past two months testing each travel pillow, we considered these features:

• Firmness : As with typical bed pillows, travel pillows range from soft (plush) to medium to extra-firm. The right one for you is a matter of personal preference.
• Core construction : The core of most travel pillows is either memory foam, air-filled, or bead-filled.
• Size & packability : How small does the travel pillow pack down? Will it fit in or clip on a carry-on travel bag? Consider whether the packed size fits into your travel style.
• Washability : Is the entire pillow machine-washable? Or just the outer cover?
• Price: In our experience, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $40-60 on a great travel pillow unless it's truly exceptional (like the Pluto POD). A quality travel pillow can be had for around $30.

Do Travel Pillows Count As a “Personal Item” for Air Travelers?

The short answer is: Sometimes . It’s up to the discretion of TSA agents. In our experience, if you carry your travel pillow in your hand through airport security or onto the plane, TSA and gate agents are more likely to count it as a personal item. We recommend wearing it around your neck, where it’s more likely to be overlooked.

How We Tested

We tested and thoroughly researched two dozen travel pillows for this roundup. We noted everything, including firmness levels, packability, durability, ease of washing, and, of course, price. The list above represents our honest opinions on the best travel pillows for travelers to shop in 2023.

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The Best Travel Pillow

By Sabrina Imbler

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give. It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow. It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit. Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace. The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size. Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep. The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly. While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me. While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood. In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.” In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off. The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl. But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest Ultimate’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest Ultimate with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks. The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau. Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy, which we talk more about below .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable, and it is pricy.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs nearly twice as much.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

by Elissa Sanci

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The 31 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.