Is a travel pillow worth it?
From supporting side sleepers to not being worth the hassle, here are nine answers to the question, “Can you share why you think a travel pillow is worth it?”
- Great for Side Sleepers
- Unsung Heroes
- Incredibly Popular Among Bikers
- Proper Neck and Head Support
- Most People Can’t Use Them Properly
- Prevent Neck and Back Pain
- Great Investments for Journeys
- Essential for Flights
- Aren’t Worth the Hassle
Great for Side Sleepers
I think a travel pillow is worth it, but that’s because I’m a side sleeper. I use a travel pillow that’s a little larger than most, but it’s firm enough to keep my head upright while I’m sleeping, and the memory foam molds to my neck.
It also has a little hook you can use to secure it to the seat of a plane to keep it from sliding around. I don’t know if it would work as well for someone who sleeps on their back, but it’s been a lifesaver for me.
Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Rephrasely
Unsung Heroes
People who travel a lot, especially for work, will all tell you that travel pillows are total game-changers. When you fly in the delegation, chances are you won’t have much time to even rest, as you’re preparing for plenty of long and exhausting meetings.
You need to prepare accordingly, but not everyone can fall asleep on a plane or on a train. A travel pillow, however, makes it so much easier to catch some vital sleep before you land and have to immediately rush to some meetings.
Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD
Incredibly Popular Among Bikers
Travel pillows are incredibly popular among road warriors and air travelers alike. While some may think they’re a bit of an indulgence, having the right pillow can make all the difference for comfort on long trips.
Whether you’re looking for something to cushion your head while sleeping in economy seats or something to provide a bit of extra lumbar support during long car rides, the right travel pillow can make a world of difference in your comfort.
Aviad Faruz, CEO, FARUZO
Proper Neck and Head Support
A travel pillow is undoubtedly worth it. Of course, if you’re the driver on a road trip, you probably won’t rest, so you could get away without a travel pillow, but if you’re a passenger, you’ll wish you had one if you don’t.
It’s challenging to rest without support for your head. Almost certainly, as soon as you doze off, your head will start bobbing, which will probably wake you up. A travel pillow helps keep that from happening.
Another benefit is that a travel pillow will keep your neck better aligned, so after you wake up, you won’t have to deal with a sore neck. I keep a travel pillow in my car all the time. That way, if I get tired, I can grab it and take a restorative nap. When traveling by plane, I always hook a travel pillow onto my carry-on luggage, so I’m prepared to doze off while flying.
Melanie Musson, Insurance Expert, USInsuranceAgents
Most People Can’t Use Them Properly
Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re trying to get comfortable in an uncomfortable small seat. While many people believe travel pillows are essential for long-distance flights, I recently traveled to Africa and Hawaii and hardly used my travel pillow.
I don’t think travel pillows are worth it as most people don’t even know how to properly use them, and they just get in the way. However, you do need to support your neck, and bringing your favorite pillow can help to ensure you get 8 hours of deep sleep after your travels.
Brian Hawkins, Marketing Manager, GhostBed
Prevent Neck and Back Pain
It all started when I was packing for a long-haul flight and realized I had forgotten my travel pillow. With only moments to spare before boarding, I took the plunge and invested in a travel pillow—something I had previously deemed unnecessary.
Little did I know how much this small purchase would shape my entire experience! When it came time to board the plane, the first thing on my mind was getting as comfortable as possible with limited space.
After taking out my trusty new travel pillow, I felt like an expert traveler! It made such a difference in terms of comfort—not only did it provide extra support for my head and neck while sleeping, but also allowed me to look around without straining or changing positions frequently. The best part? When we landed after 12 hours of traveling, there wasn’t a single crick in my neck or back!
Jamie Irwin, Digital Marketing Executive, Elocker
Great Investment for Journeys
My experience with a travel pillow has been overwhelmingly positive. I love the extra cushioning and support it provides while I’m traveling, especially on long flights or car rides. It makes me much more comfortable and helps me sleep better by providing a cushion for my head and neck.
It’s easy to adjust for the most comfortable and supportive positions. I also like that it’s lightweight, small, and easy to store in my carry-on or luggage. Overall, I think it’s a great investment for anyone who travels frequently. It definitely makes the journey more comfortable.
Mark McShane, Marketing Director, Leeds First Aid Courses
Essential for Flights
When you think about travel pillows, don’t think about comfortable, fluffy clouds that take you to dreamland. Think about the famous song by the Wu-Tang Clan: “Protect Ya Neck.” I can’t count the number of times I’ve passed out on a long flight, only to be woken up by the pain in my neck from my heavy, tilted head.
Travel pillows stabilize your head and provide your neck with the support it needs to keep you upright for hours at a time. They may not always be stylish or comfortable, but they save you a lot of pain.
Nick Varga, Chief Riding Officer, ERide Journal
Aren’t Worth the Hassle
I’ve always been jealous of people on flights, contentedly snoozing away with their head cradled in a comfy-looking travel pillow. I’ve tried several different travel pillows hoping to achieve mid-flight snoozing bliss. However, the hassle of carrying a bulky pillow rarely pays off—it might make sleeping on the plane marginally more comfortable, but the downside of schlepping a bulky pillow around is not worth it.
Larissa Pickens, Co-Founder, Dapper Confidential
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “Is a travel pillow worth it? Please share your experience in traveling with a travel pillow.”