Move over donut pillows! When trying to catch some Zzz’s on a plane, you may think you need a pillow to best support your neck. Yet, according to hundreds of happy reviewers, this genius, contoured eye mask with a padded headrest strap may actually be what you need to prevent “head bob and weird neck positions” while resting on the go.
Many say it’s better than a neck pillow for support and comfort, “saving” users on 16-hour flights and relieving neck and shoulder pain through international flights. Even better? Prime members can currently snag it for 20% off.
Blocking light and keeping your head off your shoulders, reviewers say it’s given them the “best sleep” they’ve ever had on a plane.
Deemed a game-changer, lifesaver and the “best travel buddy ever,” fliers are ditching their neck pillows for this versatile, folding eye mask. Compact and foldable, it’s less bulky than a traditional pillow, with many reviewers saying it works better than various options they’ve tried.
“I am not the kind of person who can sleep on a plane. I tried that turtle neck thing and it didn’t work for me. The travel neck pillows don’t work either. But THIS WORKED!” one wrote, saying their neck didn’t hurt after sleeping on a long plane.
While the shape may remind you of orthodontic headgear, reviewers say it’s easier to use than it seems.
Use it just as an eye mask or with the removable, versatile strap to support your forehead or chin. “You just slip the straps around the headrest, cinch them up, put the eye mask on the Velcro and you’re good to go,” one said. ”…It’s totally adjustable so you can make the mask or the chin strap as tight/loose as you want.”
Users say the strap helps them keep their mouth closed as they slumber and keeps their head from putting pressure on their neck when sitting for long hours. And the coutoured eye mask completely blocks out light, helping you create “a little sleep cave.”
“I probably was a sight to see but I didn’t care because I was comfortable and well rested when I landed,” another wrote. “I used the chin strap, the head strap and the eye mask but you don’t have to use them all.”
There’s a version for the car, too.
If you’re not much of a plane traveller or spend a lot of time as a passenger princess, there’s also an eye mask-only version that clips onto the back of your car seat rest. And it’s currently under $20 for Prime members. Like the plane version, it gives you 360 degrees of cushion padding, support for your head and blocks out the light, letting you sleep on the road.
Users love this adjustable eye mask for keeping their head steady on long plane rides. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one on sale before your next flight.
“I hesitated about buying this after reading some reviews. It seemed a little gimmicky but it worked great for me. No head jerking forward or bobbing. I found it pretty easy to use if the seat has the foldable sides on the headrest. I probably wouldn’t go to the trouble for a short flight but a life saver for an overnight long haul.” — Barbara Wilson
“Get it! This thing really relieved my neck and shoulder pain from being drowsy or falling asleep and even with a neck pillow on I would wake up very sore. Also the chin strap for me was imperative to keep my mouth closed and comfortable as I passed out. I had an overnight international flight and this was pretty easy to set up and use. I loved being able to completely sone out with my earplugs on and this and I was resting comfortably for hours. So glad I got it!” — Amazon costumer
“This arrived just in time for me to test it before my long trip across the pond! I went on a very early 6h trip from Charlotte to SFO and this contraption was so helpful to get some sleep. I’m rarely able to take naps in planes, but this made it possible to feel comfortable enough to sleep in an economy class seat for the whole flight. I was so comfortable I almost missed breakfast. Definitely worth the buy.” — Elfie
An upgrade to your window seat
“This is such a cool invention for the plane. The table tray is never big enough for a drink and snack and your device. I love that I can add this to the window and have more room on the tray table. It holds my drink, phone and a snack. It even has a place for glasses. I keep this in my travel backpack and I use it every time. Great thing for planes!,” says Jody Overby. Note that there is some reviewer commentary about whether or not this device is actually legal to use, so be sure to check your airline’s individual policy.
Some easy additional storage
First class passengers not only get bigger, more comfortable seats. They also get plenty of storage, keeping everything they need within arm’s reach. Economy passengers can expand their extremely limited storage space with Airplane Pockets. Slide this sleeve over the seat-back tray and gain room for a tablet, phone, water bottle, glasses, and more. Airplane Pockets has been a lifesaver for my kids, who inevitably lose items on planes.
“5-stars. I love this. I’ve used it several times and it’s such a stress saver. More room and pockets than the seat back. I’m able to put my water bottle, book, phone, snack, earbuds, with room to spare. I like that I can just grab it off the tray back and put it in my backpack as is to quickly get off the plane. Keeps me from getting into my carryon 10 times during a flight. It’s great quality. Thick and stretchy and washable. Also good to cover the tray table if it’s dirty or I want to rest my head.” says Samantha, who also notes that AirplanePockets may not work on some planes.
An inflatable seat pillow (10% off)
Sitting in an economy seat for hours is enough to make anyone’s back and tailbone sore. Upgrade your seat instantly with the inflatable Cabeau Evolution cushion. A little extra padding for your bottom not only makes economy seats more comfortable, but can also help prevent some aches and pains that plague economy-class passengers. I started sleeping much better once I added one of these cushions to my travel kit. I recently slept soundly through a 10-hour flight to Buenos Aires and I credit this little pillow for much of my success! Get it for 10% off.
“I came here right from the airplane to write this review. I had a 12 hour round trip flight in economy, where the seats are made of both concrete and cardboard somehow. On the way there, my tailbone was in agony. I had to move around every 30 seconds in pain. On the way back, I got this silly little cushion to sit on. I had zero tailbone pain and I was able to relax and focus entirely on the other forms of misery the flight offered. It’s a tiny little blow up cushion that fits in a tiny bag. Life changing,” says B Johnson.
A better blanket
A soft, cozy blanket can make or break a trip. Unfortunately, airline-provided blankets in economy tend to be rough and scratchy. The UnHide Lil’ Marsh Traveler blanket comes to the rescue. This soft, lightweight blanket helps economy passengers feel pampered but folds up small so it doesn’t take up a ton of room in carry-ons.
“I use my regular UnHide nightly but I knew I’d need the extra suitcase space so I ordered the travel version and was so glad it arrived in time, fit into the luggage perfectly, and was utilized by everyone in the condo the whole trip,” wrote reviewer Katie P.
A travel pillow so good you will doze off even if you are in the middle seat
For those not fortunate enough to have a lie-flat seat, getting some shuteye on the plane can be a challenge. A fantastic airplane pillow can help. The Ostrichpillow neck pillow is a game-changer. Its asymmetrical sides help travelers find a comfortable position that works for them. Plus, it folds up small and has a removable cover that can be washed to easily get rid of airplane germs once you return home. I never get on a flight longer than five hours without this pillow.
I recently lent my Ostrichpillow to my husband for an 11-hour flight to Jordan. He usually has a hard time sleeping on flights. This time, he came back with complaints that the pillow worked too well because he slept so long he only got to watch one movie.
“This is a fantastic travel pillow. It really transforms your ability to rest or sleep on an airplane. It gives enough support, but at the same time it’s not overly cumbersome or rigid. While you might hesitate to carry anything bulky on to a plane, it stuffs down into the sack that comes with quite easily. This can then hook onto your carry-on bag. I highly recommend it,” says David Angel.
A cozy cardigan
One of my favorite ways to upgrade an economy flight is with this cozy oversized cardigan. It’s incredibly comfortable, looks great dressed up or down, and holds up well to the rigours of travel. Because the cardigan is oversized and made from soft cotton, it doubles as a fantastic airplane blanket. Quince’s oversized cardigan comes in four colors and sizes XS-XL. This cardigan is my MVP for travel. I own it in two colors, and it always comes on the plane with me.
“I love that it’s cotton and it has pockets! It’s really a beautiful sweater and soooo comfortable! I think this is my 4th one! All the colors I’ve tried are really pretty!” says Jennifer G. “I’m in love with this cardigan. It’s so soft and the perfect weight. It’s a beautiful sweater and I think it will last a very long time, such great quality! I highly recommend. I’ll probably purchase again in another color,” says Cindy L.
Cozy compression socks that feel luxurious
“Some of the best compression socks out there. I normally use compression socks for extra circulation but these really stood out with the comfort and quality. They fit great – order a size bigger if you have thick calves they slide on great and the alpaca fiber is as soft as a cloud. I really look forward to seeing Hollow socks in my clean laundry and will spend a few minutes sifting through it in order to wear my hollow socks! I’ve had them for a while now and they are still in great shape good quality and durable,” says AC.
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