Consider your specific needs. Do you have neck or back pain? An option that holds your head upright may be best for you. Do you want to be able to move around and not disrupt your fellow passengers? Consider a traditional donut-shaped pillow filled with gel. Make sure to explore your different options. Getting suggestions from fellow travelers or reading product reviews may give you more insight into specific models. Think about the pillow’s portability. If you like to travel light or without any awkwardly shaped items that you have to strap to your suitcase, look at the weight and size of each pillow option.
Select or request a window seat if you can. You may even want to consider paying a bit extra for a window seat to increase your comfort. Window seats have a couple of benefits: they give something on which you can lean and help you avoid people crawling over you to get to the bathroom or for a walk. You can also control the window shade, which may help you sleep better. Sit near the front of the plane if possible. There is generally more noise at the back of the plane because of the place of the engines. However, you may be more likely to get a full row or two seats to yourself towards the back of the plane. This could make up for the extra noise. Ask an attendant at check-in what’s available and change seats to better options if you can. Avoid bulkheads and exit rows. Although you’ll have extra legroom, you may not be able to recline the seats or move the armrest.
Take your pillow of its case and look for the inflation valve. Start to either pump or blow air into the pillow until it is full. Lay back on the pillow to see if it is comfortable. Open the valve and slowly let out air until it reaches a level with which you’re comfortable. If you want a firmer pillow, add more air.
Be considerate of the person sitting behind you. For example, if you are on a plane and it’s mealtime, only recline your seat a bit or wait until the meal is over. You can always adjust your seat as the situation allows.
Try wedging your pillow in the small space between seats or up against the window.
Make sure that the back of your shoulder(s) and your head are touching the surface on which you’re lying. [8] X Research source
Make sure your neck pillow is supporting you without your head tilting forward or backward if you are a back sleeper. See if your neck is supported and your nose in line with the center of your body if you are a side sleeper. Keep in mind that both of these will work if you are a combination sleeper.
Remember to give yourself one week of sleeping on a neck pillow to figure out if it is the right one for you. If the pillow still isn’t comfortable after a week, consider returning it and/ or getting another option.
Recognize it may take a bit of trial and error to see where on the pillow is most comfortable with the lobes facing downward. Go with whatever provides the most support and is the most comfortable.
Consider turning over your any pillow you have every few weeks.
Make sure to give your doctor any potentially relevant information about the way you sleep such as position, snoring or sleep apnea, or even if you sweat a lot. Your doctor may know of specific brands that can accommodate all of your needs. Ask for a couple of different suggestions from your doctor in case you don’t like one of the pillows. Let your doctor know if you are using the pillow for your bed or for travel, which may influence his or her suggestions.
Side sleeper, which is the most common sleeping position Back sleeper, which is often associated with snoring and sleep apnea Stomach sleeper, which may cause your neck to twist more easily[15] X Research source Combination sleeper Travelers, who often sleep upright, slightly reclined, or leaning onto something[16] X Research source
Side sleepers: a firm or extra firm pillow that is 10 centimeters (4 inches) high Back sleepers: a medium-firm pillow that is a medium loft, which is the pillow’s height when it’s lying flat on the bed Stomach sleepers: a thin and soft, scrunch-able pillow Combination sleepers: a pillow with softer and firmer sections that is higher on the sides and lower on the center for when you change positions Travelers: pillows that provide maximum comfort for your specific needs and how you sleep. This includes neck support and ability to shift in your seat. [18] X Research source
Side sleepers: contoured memory foam or latex foam Back sleepers: down alternative, memory foam, latex foam Stomach sleepers: down, feathers, down alternative, polyester, or thin foam latex Combination sleepers: buckwheat hulls and multiple-material pillows Travelers: memory foam, gel, plush fabric[20] X Research source
Think about how soft your mattress is. If it is on the softer side, it may cause your body to settle more in relation to your pillow. This means you should get a lower loft, or height, pillow. Consider your body temperature. Do you get very hot at night? If so, you may want to consider a gel foam cooling pillow or a buckwheat hull version. Keep your body frame in mind. If you have a smaller frame, see if you can get a smaller neck pillow to fit your body. Think about how you normally sleep when you travel. Do you shift positions frequently and need a little bit more space? You may want a larger travel pillow that allows you to fully relax in your space. Be aware that these options that let you sprawl out and sleep may irritate fellow travelers. [21] X Research source Ensure the pillow is allergy tested and washable so that dust mites don’t build up on the surface over time. [22] X Research source This can not only cause allergic reactions but actually alter the weight and shape of your neck pillow. [23] X Research source
Keep in mind that it takes 15 minutes to settled into a pillow and about a week to know if your neck pillow is working. [25] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source This can make it difficult to know exactly which pillow is best in a store. Consider asking the sales staff what the return policy is so that you can return a pillow if it doesn’t work for you. Avoid discounting personal preference. If you like the feel of one particular pillow, that may be your deciding factor.
Double-check what the company’s return policy is for neck pillows. If you are unable to return a pillow, even if it is very uncomfortable, you may want to find a different option you can return. Be aware that you’ll need to replace your neck pillow about every 2 years. [26] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
