Searching the the perfect memory foam travel pillow for your next trip? We’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re looking for a neck pillow for plane rides or a full-blown travel pillow, we’ve put together a big guide to all of our favorites. There’s something here for every size, shape, and price range.
It’s due time to say goodbye to the old u-shaped neck pillows you see lining the retail racks at airports.
#1. Ostrich Pillow Go
- Price: (Click to Check Current Ostrich Pillow Go Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
When it comes to memory foam neck pillows, the Ostrich Pillow Go is easily my top pick. You may be familiar with the Ostrich Pillow brand for their original concept, this very odd-looking, head-consuming pillow.
Unlike the meme-worthy original Ostrich Pillow, the Ostrich Pillow Go has a great design. It’s simple, it’s comfortable, and it won’t have you looking like a total weirdo.
If I had to choose one travel neck pillow for planes, trains and cars, this would be the one.
Comfort
Differing from a traditional u-shaped travel neck pillow, the Ostrich Pillow Go has a wrap-around design. This helps to give true 360-degree support for your neck and head. It feels like a 50/50 split between a neck pillow and a (comfortable) neck brace. A snug fit will keep your head from going too far to any one side while also keeping it from falling forward.
An asymmetrical design gives the pillow more height in certain areas than others. Laying your head on a higher side will keep your neck straighter, while a lower side lets your head fall a bit more. The difference isn’t much, but it’s enough to allow you to vary things a bit and add some extra comfort on long trips.
The foam inside the Ostrich Pillow Go is more firm than what you’d find in the average memory foam nick pillow. Anyone who has been frustrated by many of the more flimsy options on the market will likely find the Go to be more to their liking.
Velcro fasteners on the two ends of the pillow allow for easy adjustments. The vast majority of people won’t have a problem getting the right fit. Only those who have particularly large necks may find it difficult to keep a secure velcro connection.
Overall, the Ostrich Pillow Go is a very comfortable pillow. The shape is well-designed and the memory foam is just the right density for balancing comfort and stability. A good pillow, along with other smart travel decisions, can go a long way in keeping you feeling good.
Size & Packability
The Ostrich Pillow Go is one of the larger memory foam neck pillows on this list when in use, but packs very nicely when it isn’t.
Unlike a standard u-shaped neck pillow, the Go’s shape makes it perfect for rolling. You can easily compress it down in an instant and put it inside the carrying bag that comes with the pillow.
Build Quality & Style
The Ostrich Pillow Go’s construction is very good. It looks and feels like one of the most well-made neck pillows on the market.
Inside, the foam is sturdy and retains its shape well. Outside, the removable 95% viscose, 5% elastomer cover is soft and comfortable on the skin.
The Go pillow comes in a two-tone color scheme. There are a few different color options for the inside section of the pillow (the part that touches your neck), but the main part of each pillow is a light heathered grey.
All in all, the style of the Go is markedly more tasteful and subtle than the zany neck pillows you see lining the average airport retail rack.
Extra Features
Each Ostrich Pillow Go comes with a small carrying pouch. This pouch allows for easy travel, keeping the pillow compressed to about half of its normal size.
The Go also features a removable outer cover. It easily zips on and off, making it very easy to throw in the washing machine.
#2. NEMO Fillo (Smaller) & Fillo Luxury (Larger)
- Price(Small): (Click to Check Current NEMO Fillo Price on Amazon)
- Price(Large): (Click to Check Current NEMO Fillo Luxury Price on Amazon)
- Type: Full Travel Pillow
Rather than a neck pillow, the NEMO Fillo is a full-fledged memory foam travel pillow. If you’re looking for the most versatile pillow on the list, this is it.
The Fillo was created by NEMO Equipment to be the perfect travel, camping, and backpacking pillow. Its innovative design makes it an extremely packable option that is as close as it gets to at-home pillow comfort.
If you think you can’t easily travel with a full-sized pillow, think again. Matter of fact, WebMD even recommends bringing your own pillow to avoid germs.
Comfort
The NEMO Fillo does an incredible job of providing a ton of comfort in such a light package. For a travel pillow that you can take just about anywhere, it really can’t get much better.
A high degree of innovation is what really sets the Fillo apart from similar travel pillows. Sandwiched in between a layer of memory foam, the Fillo features an air bladder that is inflated by a simple mouthpiece on the side of the pillow.
This air/memory foam combo gives the pillow a unique edge over almost anything else on the market. The air allows you to get just the right pillow height and firmness while the thick memory foam adds just the right amount of padding.
Whether it’s being used as a plan/train/automobile pillow, a hiking/camping pillow, or a full hotel pillow replacement, the Fillo performs extremely well.
This is the perfect solution to give travelers some extra assurance that they’ll have a comfortable pillow wherever they go. Unlike many hotel pillows, the Fillo works for side sleepers, stomach sleepers and back sleepers alike.
Size & Packability
The standard Fillo is 17″x 4″ fully inflated and compresses down to about the size of a potato when packed.
Slightly larger than the standard Fillo, the Fillo Luxury is 20″ x 11″ fully inflated and compresses down to about the size of a grapefruit when packed.
Both the Fillo and the Fillo Luxury have built-in stuff sacks. This means that you don’t have to worry about losing the small pouch you need for neatly packing your pillow. Simply pull the self-contained stuff sack out of the side of the pillow and you’re good to go.
Regardless which model you choose to go with, the Fillo is a packing dream.
Build Quality & Style
The Fillo has great construction for being such a lightweight, easy-to-pack pillow. From the memory foam padding to the air mouthpiece and the air bladder itself, everything works and holds up very well.
The microsuede or jersey covers feel great and come in a variety of colors.
Extra Features
Memory foam pads, an air bladder, a built-in stuff sack, and a removable pillowcase/cover all combine to make what is just about the most feature-rich travel pillow on the market.
One of the coolest features unique to the Luxury model is a built-in shock cord on the underside of the pillow. It allows you to pack in a piece (or multiple pieces) of clothing under the pillow to add height.
#3. Cabeau Evolution
- Price: (Click to Check Current Cabeau Evolution Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution is one of the bestselling memory foam travel neck pillows of all time. It’s a staple, widely used by travelers all across the globe.
If you’re looking for a more traditional, no-frills neck pillow for planes, trains, and everything else, the Evolution is hard to beat.
Comfort
Cabeau has designed the Evolution to be a very comfortable pillow for a wide variety of positions.
The most noticeable thing about the Evolution is that it is quite large on the neck. Even taller travelers will usually find that the sides come up much higher than what would be common for most standard neck pillows.
These high sides make the Evolution very stable and very supportive, but they can be a bit much for those with shorter necks. A small person may feel a bit “swallowed up” by the Evolution.
One of the best comfort features on the Evolution is its flat back. The pillow dips in a bit toward the edges, keeping the back of your seat from pushing the pillow (and thus your head) forward much. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Compared to most of the other pillows on this list, the Evolution definitely has more of a true memory foam feel to it. It’s cushy and comfortable, but the extra-high sides keep your head from sinking down too far. Put on a cozy pair of travel socks and snuggle up.
Size & Packability
The Cabeau Evolution is definitely one of the larger travel neck pillows out there. Its sides are especially high compared to the norm.
Even though it’s quite large when in use, it still packs down nicely into the pouch that comes with the pillow.
Build Quality & Style
A big part of the reason that the Evolution sells so well is that it’s a very reliable pillow. Cabeau has has designed and built the pillow with materials that are a big step up from plain old neck pillows. The memory foam is plush, but still holds up well after being compressed down many times over.
You can get the Evolution in a wide range of colors.
Extra Features
The Cabeau Evolution comes with a travel bag, a removable cover, and adjustable front toggles.
It also includes a unique built-in pouch on the side of the pillow. Most regular-size smartphones will fit in it, but larger phones may not. If nothing else, it’s a good place to store headphones or earplugs.
#4. Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate
- Price: (Click to Check Current Travelrest Ultimate Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate is definitely the most interesting pillow on this list. One look at the pillow and it’s easy to see why. The Travelrest’s strange shape allows it to be set up in a variety of positions in an airplane seat.
In order to keep the pillow packable, the Travelrest uses both air and memory foam in its construction. It’s quite large when inflated and gives you plenty of space to lean on the pillow.
You’re likely already well aware that it’s very hard to stay asleep when you’re holding your body upright. The Travelrest gives you some freedom to lean without encroaching on your neighbor’s seat space.
Comfort
Travelrest designed the All-in-One Ultimate to be a complete solution for full upper body comfort in an airplane seat. Not only does it keep your head up, it also gives you a solid surface to lean a shoulder on.
The strap configuration on the All-in-One Ultimate gives you the freedom to play around with the pillow until you find what works best for you. You can anchor it to your seat’s headrest, sling it around your back, or simply wedge it under your arm without an anchor point.
Filling the pillow with air is easy, with only a few breaths being enough. It’s equally easy to let air out with just a few taps of the vent. The air gives the pillow its size and structure. The memory foam gives the pillow the extra comfort.
Overall, this is a very comfortable option that can be set up in many different configurations. It may take a bit of playing around to find the perfect position, but it’s very effective once you find it.
Size & Packability
For such a large pillow when in-use, the Travelrest packs up very nicely. This is thanks to its inflatable design. This is definitely the largest of of the plane-oriented travel pillows on our list when it’s fully inflated.
Rolled-up and stowed, the All-in-One Ultimate isn’t any bigger than the average rolled-up neck pillow.
Build Quality & Style
Since the Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate is an inflatable pillow, it’s not quite as durable as a travel pillow with a 100% memory foam structure. That said, the Travelrest is still plenty tough.
The materials are good and the pillow is well made. It should hold its shape and it should not leak. Test the pillow as soon as you get it to be sure. Travelrest tends to do a good job with quality control, but it’s always a good idea to double check anything that inflates.
As we already stated, this is definitely on the larger end of the travel pillow spectrum when it’s fully inflated. It’s effective and comfortable, but may not be the best option if you’re looking for something subtle. People will notice this one and will likely ask you about it.
Extra Features
Instead of a travel pouch, the Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate simply rolls up into itself and is easily secureable with the built-in straps. It’s very easy to attach it to your backpack or carry on.
The outer cover is removable and machine washable.
#5. Therm-a-Rest Compressible
- Price: (Click to Check Current Therm-a-Rest Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible pillow is the bestselling memory foam travel/camping pillow on the market. It’s a versatile, comfortable choice that works really well for all sorts of needs.
Unlike the other full-size travel pillow on our list (the NEMO Fillo), the Therm-a-Rest Compressible doesn’t include an air bladder. The inside of the pillow is filled only with memory foam that expands to be 4″ thick when unrolled.
Comfort
There’s reason behind the Therm-a-Rest Compressible being the most popular travel pillow online- it’s simple and comfortable. This is a great choice if you want the most straightforward full-size travel pillow that doesn’t involve any inflating or extra attention.
It’s not the thickest pillow out there, but it does a pretty good job for being so easy to carry along. On a plane, it’s small enough to put behind your back or your head if you’re leaning against the window.
I think most people will find that they’ll need to fold the pillow for maximum comfort when being used as an actual pillow in bed. Unless you like thinner pillows, it may be a bit too thin when using it unfolded as an actual pillow replacement.
Size & Packability
The Therm-a-Rest Compressible won’t get quite as small as the NEMO Fillo when packed, but it still is a very efficient option. Like the Fillo, the Compressible pillow has a built-in stuff sack to keep things simple.
Completely compressed and stuffed, the regular Compressible is just a bit larger than a regular-sized water bottle.
The pillow comes in a handful of sizes: 12″ x 6″(Small), 14″ x 18″(Medium), 16″ x 23″ (Large), 16.5″ x 27″ (X-Large).
Build Quality & Style
All in all, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible is a simple, well-made option. It’s not bombproof, but it’s plenty sturdy for such a lightweight travel pillow. The memory foam holds up well, even after repeated compressing.
The Compressible also looks good. It comes in a decent variety of colors and patterns. It’s easy to find something that fits your preferred style.
Extra Features
This is really a no-frills memory foam travel pillow. The two standout features are the self-contained stuff sack and the pillow’s ability to be completely machine washed. Simply throw the whole thing in the washing machine when it’s time to clean it.
#6. MLVOC Travel Pillow
- Price: (Click to Check Current MLVOC Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The MLVOC Travel Pillow is a strong performer with an ergonomic shape. A soft removable outer cover combined with plush interior memory foam make it very comfortable on long trips.
This is a good option for anyone who finds something like the Cabeau Evolution to be a bit too bulky. The MLVOC has more of a contour, making it a good choice for travelers with shorter necks.
The MLVOC comes in a set with a travel pouch, mask, and earplugs.
#7. Twist Travel Pillow
- Price: (Click to Check Current Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The Twist is a super versatile memory foam travel pillow that can be formed into all sorts of shapes. You can wear this one like a traditional u-shaped neck pillow, straighten it out, or a bend it into a mix of the two.
Inside the pillow are flexible joints that allow it to be twisted into whatever shape you’d like. They are surprising secure and durable for what you’d expect out of a product like this.
The Twist has a removable cover for easy cleaning and a simple snap mechanism on each end, making it easy to secure around your neck or on your luggage.
#8. AERIS Travel Pillow
- Price: (Click to Check Current AERIS Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The AERIS travel pillow is an affordable, straightforward memory foam travel neck pillow. It’s very simple in its design and works well for a wide range of travelers.
Of all the neck pillows on this list, the AERIS is the closest thing to what you’d think of as a “standard” option. It may not look like much, but it’s actually strong performer. This is thanks to its thick, quality memory foam and soft removable cover.
The AERIS comes as a set with a travel pouch, a mask, and earplugs.
#9. GOSLEEP Travel Pillow
- Price: (Click to Check Current GOSLEEP Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The GOSLEEP is one of the most unique travel pillows on the market. Instead of a standard neck pillow design, the GOSLEEP is a flat pillow/eye mask combo that anchors to the headrest of your seat.
Once the pillow has been secured to the seat, you put the eyemask on and pull the elastic cord around the headrest. Not only doe the eyemask block light, it also secures your head, keeping it from bobbing around while you rest.
#10 BCOZZY
- Price: (Click to Check Current Price on Amazon)
- Type: Neck Pillow
The BCOZZY is a simple wraparound style neck pillow that is specifically designed to help keep your chin up. It’s a solid performer that comes in three different sizes.
If you’ve had a hard time finding a neck pillow that keeps your head from falling forward, the BCOZZY’s innovative shape could be just what you need.
Best Memory Foam Travel Pillows – Summary
| Pillow | Score | Price |
| Ostrich Pillow Go | 9.5 | $$$$ |
| Nemo Fillo | 9.5 | $$$ |
| Cabeau Evolution | 9 | $$$ |
| Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate | 8 | $$$ |
| Therm-a-Rest Compressible | 8 | $$ |
| MLVOC | 7.5 | $$ |
| Twist | 7.5 | $$ |
| Aeris | 7 | $$ |
| GOSLEEP | 7 | $$$$ |
| BCOZZY | 7 | $$$ |
