Best travel neck pillows in Canada 2023

Buckle up for our travel pillow picks for comfortable, slump-free sleeps on the go

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Whether you’re stuck in the dreaded middle seat on a never-ending plane ride or crammed into the back of a bus, finding a comfortable enough position to catch some quality Z’s on the go feels about as promising as winning the lottery. But fear not, weary traveller, for there is a knight in fluffy armour ready to save the day: the almighty travel pillow.

Let’s be honest, no one is expecting to get their best night’s sleep while travelling — but your pillow doesn’t have to be to blame. Gone are the days when the U-shaped pillow you got complimentary with your flight was the only option. Now, there’s a pillow shape, material and configuration for every type of snoozer.

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While you can find these magical neck supporters at every airport bookstore and major rest stop known to humanity, many simply don’t make the cut when it comes to comfort. If your upcoming vacation involves an excruciatingly long flight or an epic road trip, equip yourself for sleep success with our seven picks for the most remarkable travel pillows you can snag online for every preference.

Best memory-foam option: Ostrich Go Neck PillowBest for side-sleepers: Trtl PillowBest for versatility: Huzi Infinity PillowBest 2-in-1 budget-friendly option: Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel PillowBest inflatable option: Sunany Inflatable Neck PillowBest for window seats: J-Pillow Travel PillowBest camp pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

One of the greatest enemies of sleeping well on the go is the dreaded mid-nap head slump, which is exactly what inspired the Go Neck Pillow’s unique design. Like traditional U-shaped pillows, this hugs your neck, but unlike its counterparts, this pillow takes support to a whole new level. By offering 360-degree support, every angle of your neck and head is cradled with care. Thanks to its front Velcro enclosure, it stays in position and when not in use, it easily folds down to 60 per cent of its size and fits into the included drawstring storage bag. While the Go Neck Pillow comes with a higher price tag, its luxurious feel and convenience make it worth the investment for frequent travellers.

Benefits: Sleeve is machine-washable, comes with a storage bagMaterial: Rayon and memory foamPrice: $160.31Where to buy: Amazon

The ultimate ally for the notorious side sleepers among us, Turtl’s proprietary fleece-covered rigid frame gives your neck all the support it needs. Like a stylish neck brace, this pick is great for those prone to neck kinks and is the preferred pillow by nine out of ten participants in a study they conducted. And hot sleepers, fret not! While the original Trtl acts like a cozy, warm scarf, they just launched Trtl Pillow Cool constructed from mesh and cooling Tencel fabric. Whichever model you choose, we love that Trtl doesn’t require any inflating, squeezing, stuffing, or wrestling into a puny carrying case. It proudly packs flat, taking up no more space than your wallet and is ready for action when you need it.

Benefits: Available in four colours, also comes in a cooling versionMaterial: FleecePrice: $79.99Where to buy: Amazon

This versatile infinity oval of support allows you to wrap and twist the pillow into the shape that suits your snuggle best. We appreciate that it’s machine-washable, super-soft and breathable, and not only offers neck support but can be used as a lumbar pillow, desk pillow, chin pillow or noise-canceling pillow. Many also recommend it for travelling with kids, and the fact that it comes in four cute colours doesn’t hurt either! The only downside is the bulkiness it will add to your bag.

Benefits: Versatile for all kinds of sleeping positions, available in four coloursMaterial: Bamboo shell, polyester fillPrice: $67.80Where to buy: Amazon

The shape-shifting Samsonite Magic Travel Pillow makes our list because it effortlessly transforms from a cozy U-shape to a convenient square-shaped pillow in a matter of seconds — and comes in at a pleasantly affordable price tag. If you want both a regular pillow for car or camp sleeping, but a neck pillow while flying, you can’t beat this micro-bead-filled marvel which is just the right amount of squishy.

Benefits: 2-in-1 design, comes in two coloursMaterial: Polyvinyl chloridePrice: $23.23Where to buy: Amazon

For those who take more of a forward-slouch position when slumbering, this inflatable pillow will turn your lap, tray or desk into nap central. Hugging the flat side against you makes for the perfect position upright if riding on a train, and flipped the other way, you can sink your head right in a la a massage table with it resting on a tray table on a plane. As a bonus, there are arm holes on the sides that allow for air ventilation and a nifty private nook to read or edit your phone pics in — and it comes with a free eye mask and ear plugs.

Benefits: Inflatable, comes in three coloursMaterial: Polyvinyl chloridePrice: $33.99Where to buy: Amazon

This wonderfully comfy choice is a window-seat superhero in a car or airplane. Wedged up against a hard surface with the trunk under your chin, the plush J-Pillow keeps your head upright, but as it doesn’t have straps or wrap around your head or neck, it can tend to slip unless you’re still. It comes with a durable clip for attaching to your bag or carry-on and is a nice compact size.

Benefits: Great for window seatsMaterial: Polyester and foamPrice: $59.86Where to buy: Amazon

Designed to pack small and deliver big comfort when you’re home away from home, the Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow is our luxury pick while camping and road-tripping. Surprisingly ultralight, it packs up to a little larger than a typical water bottle (14 x 5 x 6 compressed) and fluffs out to a generous 14 x 18 x 4-inch pillow. It has a perfect fill level to satisfy all, and the brushed fabric feels like heaven on the face. Plus, it’s safe for the washing machine so you can freshen it up between campfires or plane rides.

Benefits: Comes in two sizesMaterial: Brushed polyester cover and urethane fillPrice: $79.34-$106.75Where to buy: Amazon

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