Inflatable Pillows: Travel Solutions You Never Knew You Needed
Love to travel, hike, backpack, and in other words- just explore? Want to be comfortable while doing so? Portable or travel pillows are a surefire way to help influence a more comfortable night’s rest, and amongst the most popular products to invest in are inflatable pillows.
Easy to store and easy to use, these are space saving solutions that provide adjustability and comfort a no matter your needs- or situation. Take a look at our explanation of why these pillows are a must have, and which top picks we recommended.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
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| #2 |  WELLAX Ultralight Camping Pillow
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| #3 |  Pitch and Trek Camping Pillow
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| #4 |  UROPHYLLA Inflatable Travel Pillow
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| #5 |  Klymit Luxe Pillow
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Table Of Contents
- What is an Inflatable Pillow?
- Who Should Use an Inflatable Pillow?
- How They Compare to a Non-Inflatable Pillow
- Common Inflatable Pillow Shapes
- Top Inflatable Pillow Picks
- 1. TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
- 2. WELLAX Ultralight Camping Pillow
- 3. Pitch and Trek Camping Pillow
- 4. UROPHYLLA Inflatable Travel Pillow
- 5. Klymit Luxe Pillow – Lightweight Luxurious Inflatable Travel Pillow
- Conclusion
What is an Inflatable Pillow?
An inflatable pillow is just that- a pillow that you can easily blow up with very little effort to provide support to your head, or other various body parts. They are generally made from a durable polyurethane shell that is puncture resistant and heat sealed to avoid leaks. They almost always are covered in a soft velour, and may even have a separate pillowcase like covering for added comfort. They come in various designs and shapes as well to fit your specific uses and needs.
When not in use, they deflate and pack into very small spaces and weigh practically nothing. Because of this they are ideal for all types of travel.
Who Should Use an Inflatable Pillow?
An inflatable pillow is for everybody! But seriously, their design is geared towards easy to carry, easy to pack, and easy to store solutions for travel related purposes. Hiking, camping, backpacking, and car or air travel can all be made that much more comfortable with an inflatable pillow product.
How They Compare to a Non-Inflatable Pillow
Obviously, a non-inflatable pillow is built with a core consisting of foam, poly fibers, or blends of materials to produce a malleable surface. Obviously, they can be more comfortable if you get the proper loft and size for your needs. They won’t pack as small or light as an inflatable, however, although some can be quite compressible.
An inflatable pillow has a few more benefits to take into consideration. For starters, it is incredibly lightweight and weighs practically nothing. It also folds down into a very small space and is easy to put into a side pocket of a backpack, purse, fanny pack, or even cargo pocket. This allows you to have quick and easy access; helpful for air travel. It also inflates quickly , and deflates just as fast. Not to mention that you can adjust the amount of air it takes for a more customized feel. .
Common Inflatable Pillow Shapes
Inflatable pillows come in multiple shapes and various sizes to meet your specific needs. Most common include:
• U or C-Shaped
U or C shaped pillows are the most popular for bus, car, or air travel when you must sit more upright in your seat. These help support your head, neck, and chin. Inflatable versions are especially nice as you can adjust them to your specific seating arrangement, body shape, and support needs.
• Hourglass
Hourglass pillows are designed for various body uses. Not only can they support your head and neck, they also work to cushion your back, knees, and back. They work when sitting up or laying down.
• Rectangular
This traditional shape is popular for camping and backpacking as it offers a bit of a larger overall space to lay upon. These are often well loved for how they double for lumbar support as well.
• Bowed
These are typically oval or rectangular and have a bowed shape to help cradle your head. These are also popular for backpacking and camping.
• Cylinder
These cylinder shaped pillows are perfect for neck pain and under the knee support. They usually have a soft, removable cover as well.
• Wrap-Around
Wrap around style pillows are similar to the U-shape pillows but they offer more all-around support. These are especially liked for long air travel.
Top Inflatable Pillow Picks
Our top picks, listed below, highlight various styles and features so you can see what is available to you. These are quality, durable items that work for all sorts of travel and pillow needs.
1. TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
SPECS:
- Size: 16 x 12 inches
- Weight: 3.4 ounces
- Warranty: 100% lifetime guarantee
Label: Editor’s Top Pick
This inflatable pillow is a traveller’s dream. Weighing in only at 2.4 ounces, it packs into a 5x 2 inch bag, and expands to a 16 x 12 inch pillow with a variable profile up to 4 inches. Easy to blow up, it only takes 3 to 5 puffs of air, and even includes a decompression button to help customize the feel, and deflate it when you are ready to pack it back up.
With a slight depression in the middle, it helps hold your head where it belongs through the night, and supports your neck. It is covered in a soft velour and won’t stick to your skin either. It also works well for lumbar support and provides a non-slip backing and wipes clean easily.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Purchase This Pillow
Incredibly lightweight and compact, this is a choice all travellers may want to have on hand, no matter where you are heading.
2. WELLAX Ultralight Camping Pillow
SPECS:
- Size: 14 x 12 inches
- Weight: 2.8 ounces
- Warranty: 100% lifetime guarantee
Label: Editor’s Runner-Up
This is the ultimate camping and backpacking pillow that comes in at an incredible 2.8 ounces with a full expansion of 14 x 12 inches. The 5 x 2 inch travel size is about as small as it comes, making it easy to pack away no matter what your destination is. Easy to adjust, it has a decompression button and only requires 3 to 5 breaths to inflate.
The inverted U-shape is perfect for head and neck comfort, as well as for you back. The bottom, non-slip surface keeps it in place, and the soft, velour top is soft and non-sticking against your skin. As a bonus, the pillow somes with a sleep mask to aid you in your rest!
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Purchase This Pillow
This is a great back and side sleeping choice for backpacking and camping due to its incredibly compact size and serious lightweight design.
3. Pitch and Trek Camping Pillow
SPECS:
- Size: 15.5 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Warranty: 30 day returns
Label: best Waterproof, Wipe Clean Surface
The Pitch and Trek camping pillow is another excellent option that provides you the means to pack an incredibly lightweight (only 3.5 ounces) and small, compact pillow to any location you desire. The overall inflated dimensions are 17.5 x 12.5 x 5.75 inches, with the ability to adjust the height profile to whatever comfort level you need.
Easy to blow up, it only takes 3 good puffs, and the durability allows you to use them on hard surfaces without worry of creating holes. The indentation in the center helps create a more comfortable head and neck rest, which also doubles as a lumbar back support.
| Pros | Cons |
| No soft velour cover and can stick |
Who Should Purchase This Pillow
This is an excellent, lightweight choice that packs easily and is comfortable for adjustment no matter where you lay your head.
4. UROPHYLLA Inflatable Travel Pillow
SPECS:
- Size: 11/8 x 11.4 inches
- Weight: 0.35 ounces
- Warranty: 18 months of customer care/service
Label: Best Inflatable Pillow for Air Travel
When you want the best for air, train, bus, or vehicle travel, this is the perfect C-Shaped pillow that allows for great head and neck support when you are forced to stay in an upright position. At only 0.35 ounces, it is incredibly lightweight and is fully adjustable when inflated to meet your specific comfort needs.
Covered in a soft velour, it packs into a 6.7 x 3.7 inch bag and extends to a 11.8 x 11.4 inch pillow that wraps around your neck. It also offers an ergonomic design to help cradle your head and neck and provide added support.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Purchase This Pillow
This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants added support for resting upright. The pillow provides a great way to adjust to your needs without being stiff and uncomfortable.
5. Klymit Luxe Pillow – Lightweight Luxurious Inflatable Travel Pillow
SPECS:
- Size: 25 x 22 inches
- Weight: 6.2 ounces
- Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
Label: Best Full-Size Inflatable Pillow
When you aren’t sure you want to sacrifice your pillow size no matter where you lay your head, this is the inflatable, full-size option you want. Expanding to 25 x 22 inches in 3 to 5 quick breathes, it packs into a small 3 x 7 inch bag and only weighs 6.2 ounces. Built like a standard rectangular shape, it also extends a bit to provide you added room.
It also is coveted in a soft, quilted material and provides easy adjustability and gives you the feel of a more traditional pillow. The cover does remove for washing and the pillow itself is super easy to wipe clean and is waterproof.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who Should Purchase This Pillow
Lightweight and easy to pack, this is a choice you want to consider when you want the space of a full size pillow.
Conclusion
When you want customized and personalized comfort when travelling or exploring, these inflatable pillows provide an excellent solution. They also provide body support at any time you need it to cushion joints or support your back. These options are excellent choices and allow you to pick and choose your favorites for all your pillow needs!