A travel pillow is a portable pillow designed to hold your head and neck upright while you sleep sitting up, on a plane, bus, train or in the car. That is what separates it from a normal pillow: a bed pillow supports your head when you are lying down, but when you nod off in a seat your head drops forward or to the side, and a travel pillow is shaped to stop that and keep your neck in a neutral position.
There are five main types. U-shaped memory foam pillows wrap around the back and sides of the neck and are the most familiar design. Wrap and scarf pillows use an internal support or a twistable tube to brace the neck from one side and pack down small. Chin-support pillows have overlapping arms or a front section that stops your head falling forward, the most common cause of waking with a stiff neck. Kids’ travel pillows are scaled down for smaller necks. Compact travel pillows are small rectangular pillows for hotels, hostels, camping and car trips.
The most useful number in this category is weight. The lightest wrap-style pillows here weigh around 130 grams (4.5 ounces), while memory foam pillows are much heavier and bulkier, which matters on a carry-on-only trip. Beyond that, the decision comes down to four things: whether your head tends to fall forward or sideways, how much packing space you have, whether the cover is washable, and whether you run hot, since dense foam can get warm on a long flight.
This guide compares ten travel pillows available in New Zealand across wrap, memory foam, chin-support, kids’ and compact designs, with long-haul flights from New Zealand in mind.
Travel pillow comparison
| Product | Best for | Type | Washable | Key feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| trtl Travel Pillow | Best Overall | Wrap with internal support | Yes, machine washable | Very light, around 130g | 4.0/5 |
| Cabeau Evolution Cool 2.0 | Best Memory Foam U-Shape | U-shaped memory foam | Removable cover | Air vents, dual-density foam | 4.1/5 |
| Ostrichpillow Go | Best Premium Memory Foam | U-shaped memory foam | Removable sleeve | High-density foam, compresses to half size | 4.0/5 |
| Huzi Infinity Pillow | Most Versatile | Twistable scarf | Yes, machine washable | Bamboo fabric, many positions | 4.2/5 |
| J-Pillow | Best Chin Support | Chin support | Yes, machine washable | 3-way head, neck and chin support | 4.1/5 |
| BCOZZY Chin Supporting Pillow | Best Double Support | Chin support | Yes, whole pillow | Overlapping arms, sized by neck | 4.1/5 |
| trtl Pillow Plus | Best Adjustable Wrap | Wrap with adjustable support | Yes, machine washable | Adjustable ribs, waterproof bag | 3.8/5 |
| Cabeau Evolution X | Most Adjustable Memory Foam | U-shaped memory foam | Removable RPET cover | Adjustable strap, closure and lobes | 3.9/5 |
| trtl Pillow Junior | Best for Kids | Kids’ wrap | Yes, machine washable | For ages 8 and up, under 4oz | 3.8/5 |
| alkamto Memory Foam Travel Pillow | Best for Hotels and Camping | Compact memory foam | Removable covers | Ventilated foam, extra cotton cover | 4.4/5 |
1. trtl Travel Pillow – Best Overall
The trtl is the travel pillow that broke away from the classic U-shape, and it is one of the most reviewed travel products anywhere, with more than 37,000 reviews and a 4.0-star rating. Instead of a ring of foam, it is a soft fleece wrap with an internal support system that braces your head against the side you lean on, keeping it upright while you nap.
The big advantage on a long flight out of New Zealand is size. At just 4.5 ounces (around 130 grams), it is far lighter than any memory foam pillow and comes with a travel bag that clips to a backpack or suitcase. The wrap is machine washable and quick drying once you remove the support.
It is at its best for side leaners in a window seat, and less effective if your head tends to drop straight forward.
Pros
- Extremely light at around 130g
- Packs small and clips to luggage
- Internal support keeps the head upright
- Machine-washable, quick-drying fleece
- Enormous review base
Cons
- Best for side leaning, less support if your head falls forward
- Fleece can feel warm on some flights
- Takes a little practice to position correctly
Key specs: Wrap-style travel pillow with internal neck support. Soft fleece. Around 4.5oz (130g). Machine washable. Includes travel bag with luggage clip.
2. Cabeau Evolution Cool 2.0 – Best Memory Foam U-Shape
Cabeau’s Evolution range is the best-known memory foam U-pillow, and the Cool 2.0 is the version for people who find foam pillows too hot. It adds air vents through the pillow for cooling comfort, which helps on a warm cabin or a sticky long-haul leg to Asia or the Pacific.
The dual-density memory foam gives firm, 360-degree head and neck support, holding your head up better than a softer wrap if you fall asleep deeply. It comes with an attachable deluxe travel bag.
It is rated 4.1 stars from more than 1,800 reviews.
Pros
- Air vents help memory foam stay cooler
- Firm dual-density foam with 360-degree support
- Well-known travel pillow brand
- Attachable travel bag
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than a wrap-style pillow
- Memory foam feels firm to some people
- Takes up carry-on space even when packed
Key specs: U-shaped memory foam travel pillow. Dual-density foam with cooling air vents. 360-degree head and neck support. Attachable deluxe travel bag.
3. Ostrichpillow Go – Best Premium Memory Foam
Ostrichpillow made its name with unusual nap pillows, and the Go is its sleek, premium take on the memory foam neck pillow. High-density memory foam gives 360-degree ergonomic neck support, and a velcro strap and soft viscoelastic sleeve let you tighten the fit around your neck.
The foam is designed to compress into the included travel bag at about half its size, a real benefit over bulkier foam pillows. The sleeve is removable and machine washable, which matters if you fly often.
It is rated 4.0 stars from more than 3,000 reviews. The brand recommends leaving it out of the packaging for at least 72 hours on arrival so the foam fully expands.
Pros
- Premium high-density memory foam
- Compresses to about half its size in the bag
- Adjustable velcro strap for a custom fit
- Removable, machine-washable sleeve
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- One of the priciest picks in this guide
- Needs about 72 hours to fully expand after unboxing
- Memory foam can feel warm on long flights
Key specs: U-shaped memory foam travel pillow. High-density memory foam, 360-degree support. Velcro strap. Removable, machine-washable viscoelastic sleeve. Compression travel bag.
4. Huzi Infinity Pillow – Most Versatile
The Huzi Infinity is a soft, twistable tube that you wrap and fold around your neck like a scarf, and that flexibility is the point. It can sit as a neck pillow in a window or middle seat, fold into lumbar support, or become a small pillow on a sofa or hotel bed.
It is made from soft bamboo fabric with layers of microfibre, which Huzi says is three times more breathable than cotton, so it suits people who find foam too hot. The whole pillow is machine washable.
It is rated 4.2 stars from nearly 7,000 reviews.
Pros
- Wraps into many positions, including lumbar support
- Soft, breathable bamboo fabric
- Whole pillow is machine washable
- Comfortable for people who run hot
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Softer and less supportive than memory foam for deep sleepers
- Bulkier to pack than the trtl
- Takes some experimenting to find the best wrap
Key specs: Twistable scarf-style travel pillow. Bamboo fabric with microfibre layers. 360-degree support. Machine washable.
5. J-Pillow – Best Chin Support
The J-Pillow won British Invention of the Year, and it solves the problem that a U-shaped pillow does not: your chin dropping onto your chest. Its J shape wraps under the chin and fills the gap between your head and shoulder, giving three-way support to the head, chin and neck.
It works well for side sleepers in a window seat and for anyone who wakes with a stiff neck after dozing upright. It is also comfortable on the couch, in the car or on a train. The pillow is machine washable and comes in its own carry case that snaps onto luggage.
It is rated 4.1 stars from more than 15,000 reviews.
Pros
- Supports the chin to stop your head falling forward
- Three-way head, neck and chin support
- Machine washable with a snap-on carry case
- Huge review base
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- The shape takes getting used to
- Ships internationally, so allow longer for delivery
- Bulkier than a wrap-style pillow
Key specs: Chin-supporting travel pillow. Three-way support for head, chin and neck. Soft fleece, plush cushioning. Machine washable. Carry case with luggage snap.
6. BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow – Best Double Support
BCOZZY’s patented design uses overlapping arms that support the head, neck and chin at the same time. You can place the arms under the chin, fold the pillow for side support, or rotate it for combined front and side support, so it adapts to how you actually sleep in a seat.
It is sized by neck circumference: the Large fits necks up to 16 inches (about 41cm), and the X-Large is for anything bigger, which is a useful touch most travel pillows skip. Microfleece, microsuede and bounce-back filling keep it soft, and the whole pillow is machine washable, with a carry bag and luggage snap loop.
It is rated 4.1 stars from more than 8,500 reviews.
Pros
- Overlapping arms support the head, neck and chin
- Three comfortable positions
- Sized by neck circumference for a better fit
- Whole pillow is machine washable
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
- Bulkier than a wrap pillow
- Some colours and sizes show very low stock
Key specs: Chin-supporting travel pillow with overlapping arms. 3 positions. Large fits necks up to 16in, X-Large for 16in and over. Microfleece, microsuede, bounce-back fill. Machine washable. Carry bag and snap loop.
7. trtl Pillow Plus – Best Adjustable Wrap
The trtl Pillow Plus takes the original wrap design and makes the internal support adjustable. You twist toggles on the pillow’s ribs to change the height, so it can fit anyone from petite to tall, which is the main complaint people have with the standard trtl.
High-density foam and super-soft fleece give a more cushioned feel than the original, and the internal structure keeps your head and neck in an ergonomic position. It is machine washable and comes with a waterproof travel bag that attaches to luggage.
It is rated 3.8 stars from more than 2,200 reviews.
Pros
- Adjustable support height fits a wide range of people
- More cushioning than the original trtl
- Machine washable
- Waterproof travel bag clips to luggage
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Lower rating than the original trtl
- Heavier and bulkier than the original
- One of the priciest picks in this guide
Key specs: Adjustable wrap-style travel pillow. Twist toggles to adjust internal support height. High-density foam and fleece. Machine washable. Waterproof travel bag.
8. Cabeau Evolution X – Most Adjustable Memory Foam
The Evolution X is Cabeau’s most adjustable pillow, built for people who never find a travel pillow that fits quite right. An adjustable neck strap sets the fit once, a cord and ball-lock front closure tightens the pillow around your neck, and the top and bottom pillow lobes shift outwards to change the height.
Cabeau describes the memory foam core as its softest yet, paired with patent-pending support structures. The cover is made from recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and can be removed and washed.
It is rated 3.9 stars from around 200 reviews.
Pros
- Adjustable strap, front closure and shifting lobes
- Cabeau’s softest memory foam
- Removable, washable recycled cover
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Smaller review base and a lower rating than the Cool 2.0
- More adjustment than most people need
- Bulky, like all memory foam U-pillows
Key specs: U-shaped memory foam travel pillow. Adjustable neck strap, cord and ball-lock front closure, shifting pillow lobes. Soft memory foam core. Removable, washable RPET cover.
9. trtl Pillow Junior – Best for Kids
Adult travel pillows are too big for most children, which is why the trtl Junior exists. Co-designed with kids, it is a smaller wraparound pillow with built-in head and neck support, and a hook-and-loop fastening makes it quick to put on and take off.
It is designed for ages 8 and up, weighs less than 4 ounces (about 110 grams), and is compact and machine washable. It works for long-haul flights as well as road trips, train journeys and school holiday drives.
It is rated 3.8 stars from more than 300 reviews.
Pros
- Sized for children aged 8 and up
- Built-in head and neck support
- Very light and compact
- Machine washable
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Not suitable for younger children
- Premium price for a kids’ pillow
- Like the adult trtl, best for side leaning
Key specs: Kids’ wrap-style travel pillow for ages 8+. Built-in head and neck support. Hook-and-loop fastening. Under 4oz (about 110g). Machine washable.
10. alkamto Memory Foam Travel Pillow – Best for Hotels and Camping
Not every trip needs a neck pillow. For motels, hostels, baches, campervans and camping, a proper small pillow is often more useful, and the alkamto is a compact memory foam pillow that packs into its own carry bag.
The viscoelastic memory foam adapts to the head and neck like a home pillow, and ventilation holes let air flow through the foam. It comes with a heat-regulating viscose outer cover plus an extra 100% cotton cover, and the foam is compressible so it packs down, then self-expands.
It is rated 4.4 stars from more than 800 reviews, the highest rating in this guide.
Pros
- Real pillow comfort for motels, campervans and camping
- Ventilated memory foam
- Two covers, including an extra cotton cover
- Compresses into a carry bag
- Highest rating in this guide
Cons
- Not designed for sleeping upright on a plane
- Bulkier than a neck pillow
- Made for lying down, so it will not stop your head nodding in a seat
Key specs: Compact memory foam travel and camping pillow. Ventilation holes. Viscose heat-regulating outer cover, cotton inner cover, extra cotton cover. Compressible. Carry bag.
How to choose a travel pillow in NZ
Start with how your head moves when you fall asleep sitting up. If it drops to the side against the window, a wrap pillow like the trtl or a U-shaped memory foam pillow like the Cabeau Evolution Cool 2.0 will hold it. If your chin drops onto your chest, which is the most common cause of waking with a sore neck, a chin-support design like the J-Pillow or BCOZZY is the better choice, because a standard U-pillow leaves the front open.
Then weigh support against packing space. Memory foam gives the firmest support but takes up real room, even in a compression bag, which matters on a carry-on-only trip. Wrap-style pillows like the trtl weigh around 130 grams and clip to your bag. Flights from New Zealand to Europe or North America often mean more than 12 hours in the air across two legs, so it can be worth carrying the bulkier pillow that actually lets you sleep.
Check that the cover is washable, because travel pillows pick up sweat, hair oil and cabin grime quickly, and most of the picks here are either fully machine washable or have a removable cover. If you run hot, avoid dense foam without vents, and look at the Cabeau Cool 2.0 or the bamboo-fabric Huzi Infinity instead. For children, buy a pillow sized for them, like the trtl Junior, rather than an adult pillow that pushes their head forward.
A travel pillow works best as part of a well-planned trip. Our guides to carry-on luggage and suitcases cover what to pack it in, and if you are looking for better sleep at home too, the best pillows in NZ guide covers bed pillows.
Verdict
The trtl Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most New Zealand travellers: it weighs around 130 grams, packs almost to nothing, and its internal support holds your head upright on long-haul flights. If you prefer the classic U-shape, the Cabeau Evolution Cool 2.0 gives firm memory foam support with air vents to keep it cooler, and the Ostrichpillow Go is the premium memory foam alternative.
If your head falls forward when you sleep, choose the J-Pillow or the BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow. The Huzi Infinity is the most versatile soft option, the trtl Pillow Plus and Cabeau Evolution X are the most adjustable, the trtl Pillow Junior is the pick for children aged 8 and up, and the alkamto is the one for motels, campervans and camping. Whichever you choose, check current stock and pricing before buying, since both change regularly.
FAQs
What is the best travel pillow in NZ?
The trtl Travel Pillow is the best all-round choice for most travellers, because it is very light, packs small and supports the head with an internal brace rather than bulky foam. If you prefer a classic U-shaped memory foam pillow, the Cabeau Evolution Cool 2.0 is the pick, and if your chin drops forward when you sleep, the J-Pillow is the better option.
Are travel pillows worth it for long-haul flights?
For most people, yes. Flights from New Zealand to Europe, North America or Asia often mean 10 to 17 hours in a seat, and sleeping upright without support usually leaves your head falling sideways or forward, which causes neck pain and poor sleep. A travel pillow that matches how your head moves can make a noticeable difference to how you feel when you land.
Is memory foam or inflatable better for a travel pillow?
Memory foam gives firmer, more consistent support and is more comfortable for deep sleep, but it is heavier and bulkier. Inflatable pillows pack down to almost nothing but can feel firm and bouncy and may lose air on a long flight. Wrap-style pillows like the trtl sit in between, with good support at a very light weight.
How do you stop your head falling forward on a plane?
A chin-support pillow such as the J-Pillow or BCOZZY is designed specifically for this, because a U-shaped pillow leaves the front of your neck unsupported. Reclining your seat slightly, leaning against the window, and wearing the pillow snugly rather than loosely all help. Some U-pillows, like the Cabeau Evolution X, have an adjustable front closure that adds a little front support.
Can you wash a travel pillow?
Most can be washed, but check the type. Wrap and fabric pillows like the trtl, Huzi Infinity, J-Pillow and BCOZZY are machine washable, sometimes after removing an internal support. Memory foam pillows usually have a removable, washable cover, but the foam core itself should not go in the washing machine. Wash your travel pillow after every long trip.
What travel pillow is best for kids?
Choose a pillow sized for children rather than an adult pillow, which is too thick and pushes a child’s head forward. The trtl Pillow Junior is designed for ages 8 and up and weighs under 4 ounces. For younger children, a small, soft pillow or a rolled travel blanket is often more comfortable than a structured neck pillow.
