Travel Pillows: Types, How to Choose, and Top Picks (Australia)
Introduction
Travelling can be exhilarating—but long journeys add neck strain and broken sleep. A good travel pillow fixes a lot of that. This guide explains the main pillow types, how to choose the right one, and top picks you can get in Australia.
Types of Travel Pillows
Memory Foam Travel Pillows
Foam contours to your neck and head for personalised support—great for long hauls.
Benefits
- Excellent neck support
- Comfortable for long durations
- Durable and long-lasting
Recommended: Memory Foam U-Shaped Neck Pillow
Inflatable Travel Pillows
Ultra-packable and firmness-adjustable—ideal when space is tight.
Benefits
- Adjustable firmness
- Compact and easy to pack
- Lightweight
Recommended: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
Ergonomic Travel Pillows
Shaped to keep your neck and spine aligned; helps prevent post-flight kinks.
Benefits
- Improved neck and spine alignment
- Designed to reduce neck pain
- Works for varied sleeping positions
Recommended: Cabeau Evolution Cool Travel Pillow
Classic U-Shaped Pillows
Simple, familiar wrap-around support from all sides.
Benefits
- Easy, effective design
- All-round neck support
- Widely available
Recommended: U-Shaped Memory Foam Pillow
Wrap-Around & Hooded Pillows
360° support to stop side-tilt; great for very long flights or buses.
Benefits
- Full-circle neck support
- Prevents head tilt
- Ideal for long journeys
Recommended: Hooded Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Microbead Pillows
Malleable and breathable; better for short trips than overnighters.
Benefits
- Breathable, moulds to you
- Usually more affordable
- Good for short journeys
Option: Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam & Microbead Pillow
Choosing the Right Travel Pillow
Match Your Pillow to Your Trip
Long-Haul Flights
Prioritise support and alignment (memory foam or ergonomic). Add an eye mask, quiet headphones, and a light blanket for a sleep-friendly setup.
Short Trips
Go compact and quick-pack (inflatable or microbead).
- Recommended: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
- Option: Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam & Microbead Pillow
Travelling with kids? Consider the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System for compact, FAA-approved safety.
Backpacking vs Business
- Backpackers: lightweight, multi-use pillows
- Business: sleeker designs that pack flat
Material & Filling
Memory foam: best support, bulkier. Inflatable: adjustable & ultracompact. Microbeads: breathable feel, less support on very long flights.
Top Travel Pillows (Reader Favourites)
- Memory Foam Travel Pillow — conforming support; washable cover.
- Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow — inflatable, packs tiny; adjustable firmness.
- Cabeau Evolution Cool — ergonomic with cooling vents; great on long hauls.
- U-Shaped Memory Foam Pillow — classic all-round support.
- BCOZZY-style chin-support pillow — 360° support to prevent head drop.
Tips for Using Travel Pillows
Fit & Position
Set the pillow so it supports under your jawline and the side you lean to—tiny angle changes can remove neck strain entirely.
Care & Maintenance
Wash removable covers regularly. Dry inflatable pillows fully before storing.
Smart Hacks
- Use as lumbar support on buses/trains.
- As a quick footrest to improve circulation.
- For inflatables: leave slightly under-inflated for comfort and conformity.
Conclusion
The right pillow makes trips kinder on your neck and your sleep. Prefer foam for support, inflatable for packability, or ergonomic for alignment—and you’ll land fresher.