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The Best Neck Pillows To Support Your Neck on Long Trips

Sleeping Institute Review Team
Written By Sleeping Institute Review Team
Last updated: Apr 6, 2025, 07:06 PM
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neck pillow

Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re unable to get comfortable during long trips. That’s where a good neck pillow comes in handy. Neck pillows relieve neck pain and support your head so you can rest during air, car, or train trips. They’re also really helpful when sitting in an uncomfortable seat or position for extended periods of time.

In this post, we’ll discuss the top neck pillows of 2025 to help you find the perfect one for your needs. From memory foam to inflatable, we’ve got options to suit every type of traveler. So, whether you’re off on a business trip or a family vacation, grab one of these pillows and ensure you get some much-needed rest on your journey.

View all Contents
  • Buying Guide: Neck Pillows
    • What To Look for When Buying a Neck Pillow
  • People Also Asked
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks of Neck Pillows

  • MLVOC Neck Pillow: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓
  • Crafty World Neck Pillow: Most Comfortable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓
  • Wolf Essentials Neck Pillow: Most Durable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓
  • Napfun Neck Pillow: Most Versatile (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓
  • Cabeau Neck Pillow: Most Reliable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓
  • Cloudz Neck Pillow: Best Value (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this neck pillows ↓

The Best Neck Pillows of 2025 in Detail

MLVOC Neck Pillow

Best Overall
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Ensuring both exceptional comfort and support, the MLVOC Neck Pillow is sure to be your perfect travel companion. First of all, its magnetic therapy cloth cover is filled with millions of premium microbeads, making it incredibly breathable and super soft. Then, there’s the pillow’s luxury memory foam, which uses five-second return technology to promise enduring comfort. Finally, the adjustable rope lock caters to varying neck sizes, providing customized support.

This pillow isn’t just comfortable, though; it’s also lightweight and compact. And, with an improved travel bag that compresses it to half its size, portability is effortless. Meanwhile, the attached snap strap allows you to attach the bag to your carry-on luggage for even more convenience. Combining remarkable comfort, portability, and support for extended journeys, this neck pillow stands out as the best choice on our list.

Product Pros
  • Adjustable strap for a snug fit
  • Memory foam provides maximum comfort
  • Complimentary eye mask and earplugs
  • Fits easily into a small travel bag
Product Cons
  • May be slightly misshapen

Crafty World Neck Pillow

Most Comfortable
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Embrace luxury for your neck wherever you roam with the Crafty World Neck Pillow. Its thermo-sensitive memory foam molds seamlessly to your neck, delivering tailor-made support on the go. Even more, the velour fabric cover feels silky and soothing, making this pillow the perfect way to relax whether you’re traveling, unwinding, or dozing off.

Beyond its personalized fit, this neck pillow offers multiple style options too. Whether it’s classic black, serene dark blue, calming light gray, or delicate light purple, you’re sure to find a color that suits your taste. And the best part? Every cover is machine-washable, ensuring easy upkeep. With the bonus of a travel-ready elastic strap that secures it to your luggage handle, this pillow is a superb choice for staying comfortable during road trips and long flights.

Product Pros
  • Comes in four attractive colors
  • Conforming memory foam provides a snug fit
  • Velour fabric cover adds extra comfort
  • Elastic strap for easy portability
Product Cons
  • The pillow ends do not connect

Wolf Essentials Neck Pillow

Most Durable
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The World’s Best Neck Pillow is a perfect companion for any traveler looking for comfort and convenience. Not only does it provide premium comfort, but it is also environmentally conscious, boasting a filling made up of recycled fibers and packaging crafted from 100% recycled paper — a level of commitment that I’m definitely impressed by. Adding to that, its crystal fleece cover and feather-soft fiber filling provide the perfect support for your head, neck, and shoulders, making sure you don’t feel fatigued after a long day of travel.

Most importantly, this neck pillow is also designed to be adventure-proof; it’s durable and easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about rips, tears, and stains. From Netflix binges to trips to Nova Scotia, this pillow provides an improved travel experience and even better naps! All in all, I’d confidently say that this option is suitable for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish travel companion while they are on the go.

Product Pros
  • Overfilled for maximum comfort
  • Soft and well-made
  • Removable inner stuffing
  • Optional snap feature for attaching to luggage
Product Cons
  • Not suitable for side sleepers

Napfun Neck Pillow

Most Versatile
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It’s time to grade your travel experience with the Napfun Neck Pillow — an essential for wanderers like me. Crafted from premium memory foam with five-second return technology, this pillow guarantees lasting comfort and durability. As a bonus, its design ensures optimal chin support, preventing your head from uncomfortably drooping as you rest. Notably, its design flawlessly aligns with your neck and shoulders to offer exceptional comfort and support for long flights or road trips. And, unlike other travel pillows, this one retains its shape even with extended use because it’s memory foam, making it a go-to choice for those seeking more comfortable adventures.

Product Pros
  • Properly supports the neck without sagging
  • Compact, easy-to-carry design
  • Made from premium-quality memory foam
  • Comes with a travel-friendly storage bag
Product Cons
  • May not fit all necks

Cabeau Neck Pillow

Most Reliable
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Crafted from memory foam, the Cabeau Neck Pillow is your solution for muscle fatigue on flights, road trips, and even at the office. As featured in a variety of top travel publications, including CNN, Travel + Leisure, and People Magazine, this pillow has been the top in its class for three years running. But, what really makes this pillow stand out is its unique straps that effortlessly attach to any chair, whether it’s on an airplane or in your office. This prevents slouching and ensures perfect alignment of your head and spine for maximum comfort. Additionally, the ergonomic memory foam design caters to various resting positions, and the pillow even has an adjustable clasp for extra chin support. So, if you’re looking for a reliable way to stay comfortable while traveling, this may be your perfect match.

Product Pros
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Comfortable, high-quality memory foam design
  • Features a quick-release clasp
  • Approved by orthopedic experts
Product Cons
  • Isn’t filled enough

Cloudz Neck Pillow

Best Value
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The Cloudz Neck Pillow is the original microbead travel pillow and has been trusted by millions of travelers for over 15 years. Filled with exclusive Comforlite microbeads, it offers exceptional support and adapts to any sleeping position. Unlike other pillows that use lower-quality beads, this pillow maintains its durability and won’t easily lose its shape. Beyond that, you’ll be glad to notice that it’s a two-in-one delight — one side boasts a plush, cozy feel, while the other offers cooling spandex comfort. The snap closure secures the pillow around your neck, preventing your head from drooping forward during rest. Additionally, it easily attaches to luggage or backpacks with a snap, making it a very convenient travel accessory overall.

Product Pros
  • Convenient snap closure
  • Comforlite microbeads contour to your neck
  • Provides lumbar support
  • Comfortable and convenient
Product Cons
  • A little too firm

Buying Guide: Neck Pillows

Whether you’re a frequent traveler, office worker, or simply looking for added comfort during rest, neck pillows offer the perfect solution. The market is vast, however, and it can be hard to know which pillows are really worth buying. That’s why, in this guide, we’re breaking down everything that you need to know about neck pillows in detail. From memory foam to microbead options, we’ll delve into the essential features that ensure optimal support and restful sleep. Get ready to enjoy the relaxation you deserve!

What To Look for When Buying a Neck Pillow

Neck support

Most neck pillows are designed to cradle your head and provide natural neck and head support so you can maintain a healthy posture during long travels. Go for options with ample padding and/or memory foam that conforms to your neck and head for optimal comfort and support. Also, I’d recommend looking for adjustable straps or bands so you can adjust the pillow’s height depending on your neck’s size.

Adjustability

Pillows made with adjustable buckles or straps allow you to fit them around your neck and shoulders according to your size and shape. This helps you maintain a supportive posture while sleeping or sitting in different positions throughout long journeys.

Shape

Most neck pillows are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably around your neck without causing too much strain. Keep an eye out for curved shapes that align along the contours of your neck and shoulders to get maximum comfort and support while you sleep or sit upright.

Size

Make sure the pillow you choose is large enough to fit comfortably around your neck, shoulders, and back without feeling too bulky or intrusive. Since most options come in a range of sizes, you should be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly without much issue.

Weight

Find a lightweight pillow that has enough, but not too much, filling so it won’t feel too heavy when worn around your neck and shoulders. The goal is to maintain proper posture rather than add extra strain on your upper back, shoulders, and neck over time.

Comfort

The pillow’s material should be soft against your skin for added comfort throughout long travels, so consider options like polyester-cotton blends and microfiber materials. Ensure the inner material isn’t too soft or firm for your personal needs so you don’t experience any discomfort when wearing or using the pillow.

Firmness

You’ll need a pillow that’s just firm enough to maintain its supportive shape while avoiding a stiff or uncomfortable feel throughout long periods of use. Memory foam pillows typically have adjustable firmness levels so you can tailor them according to personal preference, while other types offer varying degrees of firmness depending on their build quality and the materials used.

Temperature control

If you’re like me, you tend to sleep hot — even when you’re napping during a flight or car ride. Thankfully, some neck pillows feature temperature-regulating features, such as breathable fabrics and cooling gel inserts that draw heat away from the body, keeping you cool as you travel.

Versatility

Do you want a pillow that can be used in multiple positions, such as behind your head, between your knees, or around your lower back? If so, make sure to check that your pillow of choice can be used in different positions before making a purchase.

Portability

Portability is crucial when it comes to neck pillows. See if the pillow you’re looking at folds up into a compact size so it’s easy to store in a small bag, backpack, or suitcase when not in use. Perhaps it has straps that make attaching it to your luggage simple. Whatever solution you go for, find a pillow that easily fits your travel needs.

Cleaning

Look for a pillow with a removable cover so you can take it off and wash it as needed for sanitary purposes, especially if you’re sharing it with others or reusing it often during your trip.

People Also Asked

What is the ideal neck pillow for long travels?

The ideal option for long travels provides neck and head support and is made of a soft, breathable material such as memory foam. It should be adjustable and contoured to fit the shape of your neck for comfortable sleep on the go.

What kind of material is used in neck pillows?

Neck pillows are typically made from comfortable and supportive materials like memory foam or premium microbeads. Memory foam retains its shape and molds to your body while providing optimal support, while microbeads offer superior maneuverability.

Do neck pillows offer any type of lumbar support?

Some of the neck pillows offer lumbar support to help keep your spine aligned while you sleep. Lumbar support can help reduce aches and pains from being in one position for too long.

Doe neck pillows include a removable and washable cover?

Most quality options will come with a removable, washable cover that is easy to maintain and keeps you from having to buy a new pillow every few months. The cover should be made from a breathable, moisture-wicking material that keeps you feeling cool and dry during your journey.

How do neck pillows distribute weight to keep your spine aligned?

They use an ergonomic design that distributes weight evenly along your spine while providing cushioning and support at key pressure points. This allows your head, shoulders, and back to stay in proper alignment as you relax during a journey or sleep in a sitting position.

Are neck pillows comfortable to use while reclining or sitting in an airplane seat?

Yes, most neck pillows are ergonomically designed to provide comfort when reclining or sitting in an airplane seat by contouring your head, shoulders, and back into the correct position so you can maintain good posture during those long trips.

Do neck pillows come with a carrying bag or a storage case?

Many neck pillows come with a convenient carrying bag or storage case so you can easily store them away when not in use. These bags also let you take your pillow with you on longer trips without it taking up much space in your luggage.

Why Trust Us?

At The Sleeping Institute, we're dedicated to transparency, impartiality, and accuracy in every article we publish. Our reviews are based on comprehensive analysis and firsthand experience. Staying current with the latest advancements in sleep technology, we offer up-to-date, reliable, and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions for a better night's rest. Let us be your trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of sleep technology!

Contributors

Sleeping Institute Review Team
Sleeping Institute Review Team
Pillows
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