Memory Foam vs Inflatable Travel Pillow
Travel pillows come in three main types: memory foam, inflatable, and soft fill like fleece or polyester. Each makes a different trade between comfort and packing space.
Memory foam
Good:
- Most supportive. Foam holds its shape and molds to your neck.
- Comfortable for long flights.
- Often has the best designs, with chin clasps, side wings or seat straps.
Less good:
- Bulkier. Even compressed, foam takes more room than other types. The Cabeau Evolution S3 compresses to a third of its size in its case, which helps.
- Can feel warm in hot climates, unless the cover breathes well.
Inflatable
Good:
- Packs tiny. Deflated, it fits in a pocket.
- Light.
- Adjustable firmness by adding or letting out air.
Less good:
- Less comfortable for many people. Plastic or flocked surfaces can feel sticky.
- Can leak or lose air during a flight.
- Airline rules. Inflatable neck pillows are commonly used, but some airlines restrict larger inflatable products such as seat cushions and footrests that fill the space in front of you. Check your airline before you fly with anything bigger than a neck pillow.
Soft fill: fleece and polyester
Good:
- Light and squashable. The Trtl Original 2.0 weighs just 4.5 oz.
- Often fully machine washable.
- Some include clever supports, like an internal frame or overlapping chin arms.
Less good:
- Less support than memory foam for the whole neck.
Which should you choose?
- Long-haul flights where you want to sleep: memory foam with forward support.
- Backpacking or carry-on only, every inch counts: inflatable or a light wrap.
- You hate bulky pillows but want some support: a soft wrap with an internal support.
- Short flights: whatever packs smallest.
Whatever you pick, look for something that keeps your head from falling forward. That's what wakes most people. For five pillows compared, see our airplane travel pillow comparison.