My $20 Amazon Neck Pillow for Every Flight

As a full-time travel writer, I travel almost every week. After hours and hours of uncomfortable and restless flights, I have tried almost every travel pillow on the market. I’ve tried cozy memory foam designs that promise endless comfort, hooded styles that block out light, and even inflatable pillows that roll up into practically nothing. None of which have felt exactly right to me and all of which have ended up sitting in my closet after just a couple of uses.

However, last year I finally found the perfect option on Amazon: the Sarisun travel pillow. This simple neck pillow that costs less than $20 has earned a permanent spot in my carry-on. It’s comfortable, compact, and most importantly, it helps me sleep on planes.

Sarisun travel pillow

Amazon

While this product is labeled as a “pillow,” it is not a traditional travel cushion. Instead, it comes in two pieces that roll up into a carrying bag that can be attached to your backpack or stored inside itself. The first piece slides over the headrest of your seat and is made of a soft material (so it’s comfortable enough to lean on during the flight). You can tighten the straps to fit any size seat and adjust them to the perfect height for your body.

The second piece is a padded eye mask that attaches to the headrest piece on each side using Velcro. This eye mask is super comfortable, blocks out all light and distractions, and can fit as tight or loose as you prefer.

Sarisun travel pillow

Amazon

The result is a perfect head support; without rocking, leaning to one side or shaking yourself awake. Even in the middle seat, I don’t have to worry about my head falling into my neighbor’s space.

I have nerve damage in my neck that causes migraines, and this pillow supports my neck and head in a way that allows me to sleep without fear of waking up with a stiff neck and a headache. The previous pillows were comfortable for a few minutes, but left me with neck pain after a few hours of flying. Since the Sarisun travel pillow supports my head and I can adjust the straps, it is always comfortable.

I also love that there is nothing bulky around my neck and how easy it is to relax. I don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting my pillow so it’s out of the way, or feels too tight, and I don’t have to worry about blowing up a gigantic pillow during the flight.

Sarisun travel pillow

Amazon

I can also use my AirPods or noise-canceling headphones comfortably with this, effectively turning off sound and light, allowing me to sleep undisturbed. On more than 60 flights this year, I slept numerous times from takeoff to landing and slept a full nine hours on a recent long-haul flight. I’ve even used this pillow in my car on road trips (as a passenger, of course); It really is the perfect travel companion.

Amazon has other comfortable options to help you feel comfortable mid-flight. Keep scrolling to shop other pillows that deserve a spot in your personal article.