Travel pillow | Mister Sandman

What advantages do travel pillows have?

Travel pillow or Travel Pillow?

There are not many situations where something as pleasant as sleeping can turn into a real torture. Unless you are traveling, either as a passenger in a car, on a plane, or on a train. Everyone knows those situations where you are very tired, in a very small space, crammed with unknown people in one mode of transport or another, and would actually prefer to do nothing but sleep. The problem is: you can't find the right sleeping position due to lack of space, as soon as you fall asleep your head tilts forward, or to the side, or onto the shoulder of an unknown fellow traveler, and you wake up or are jolted awake. The solution to this annoying problem can be found in our Mister Sandman guide: the travel pillow! Travel pillows are available for different travel situations and for various typical travel sleep problems:

Travel pillow for the journey in the car, airplane, or train
Outdoor travel pillows, e.g. seat cushions for outside
Travel pillows for children
Travel pillows for camping

What is a travel pillow for?

The task of travel pillows: One should be able to sleep almost anywhere, as comfortably and with as much comfort as possible, whether on the road in a car or camping in a tent. Above all, the usual neck pain that one gets while traveling should be avoided as much as possible through the use of travel pillows and neck pillows, since unfortunately, one cannot take their beloved mattress with them. But which mattress is the right one for you regardless? By now, there is a suitable pillow for every conceivable situation that can arise while traveling, which should still help you achieve a problem-free and restful sleep, like the sleep products from Mister Sandman! The selection of travel pillows is very large:

Pillows as travel pillows in different pillow shapes
Pillows as travel pillows made from various pillow materials
Pillows as travel pillows in different colors
Pillows as travel pillows with different pillow fillings
Pre-filled or inflatable pillows as travel pillows
Novel travel pillows and travel pillows (Ostrich Pillow, Hoodie Pillow)

Various travel pillow models

If you want to use a travel pillow to make traveling as comfortable as possible, you have the choice between:

Travel pillows as classic head pillows
Travel pillows as orthopedic pillows or neck pillows
Travel pillows as U-shaped neck pillows
Innovative travel pillows (Travel Pillow, Ostrich Pillow, Hoodie Pillow) that combine various elements of classic travel pillows.

What do travel pillows do?

Each of these types of pillows serves differing functions as travel pillows and is intended for different locations of use. In principle, travel pillows are meant to provide comfort during travel, in foreign places, and sleeping spots. Depending on how and where one travels, travel pillows or a travel pillow can fulfill different functions:

Pillows as travel pillows are meant to make long sitting in airplanes, cars, or trains more bearable
Pillows as travel pillows are meant to make sleeping in airplanes, cars, or trains more comfortable
Pillows as travel pillows are meant to replace unsuitable pillows in foreign places, such as hotels and guesthouses
Pillows as travel pillows are meant to provide a piece of home in places like campsites (especially for children) and make camping overall more pleasant

Travel pillows as great all-rounders in everyday life

Travel pillows are not only practical companions and advantageous while traveling, but they are also very suitable as support for the neck and head at work or other activities that require long sitting. For commuters who want or need to catch up on a bit of sleep on the train, travel pillows are very suitable. The good old classic neck pillow, usually in the form of a neck roll, is still very popular for longer or shorter trips. However, a number of innovative travel pillows have now joined the solution to the problem of "sleeping while on the go." The travel pillow or, in modern terms, Travel Pillow, is increasingly encountered as a term for the good old travel pillow. Pillow comes from English and simply means cushion. However, it usually refers not only to the classic neck roll or the classic neck pillow but also to a range of innovative travel pillows, such as the "sleep cap" or the hooded pillow Hoodie Pillow, or the sleeping bag for the head, the Ostrich Pillow.

Pillows and travel pillows are important for restful sleep

Anyone who has ever experienced a restless night knows how important restful sleep is. Among many other factors, the right pillow choice, whether it's a head pillow for home or a travel pillow for on the go, plays a significant role. Buying a pillow is a personal matter, as not all pillows are suitable for everyone equally. Pillows can significantly contribute to restful and healthy sleep. The pillow market offers over 300 different types of pillows and even more pillow models, from premium pillows to budget pillow offers. For pillows that are primarily used for sleeping in one's own bed, the selection of pillows is particularly large:

Pillows in different pillow sizes
Pillows made from various pillow materials
Pillows with different pillow fillings
Pillows for special needs in health issues
Pillows for children
Pillows from various pillow brands

Mister Sandman mattresses suitable for your pillow

These fit perfectly with the high-quality mattress selection from Mister Sandman. Here you can choose from the following products that allow you an individual sleep:

But which mattress is best suited for you? Find out with the Mister Sandman mattress finder. You can then test your mattress for 30 days and return it for free if you don't like it.

Pillows for decorative purposes

Aside from the classic pillow or sleeping pillow, we surround ourselves daily with pillows that are meant to provide more comfort in our home or beautify our home as accessories. Pillows that serve as decorative pillows usually fulfill a dual function. These pillows are meant to be aesthetically pleasing, but they should also allow for comfortable sitting or lying down, for example on the sofa:

Decorative pillows for the sofa
Decorative pillows for armchairs and chairs
Decorative pillows for various rooms

Other pillow types

Aside from classic pillows and decorative pillows, there are also pillows designed for specific needs. Orthopedic pillows or pillows made from special materials are developed particularly with regard to health complaints and their relief. These pillows usually have fillings made from innovative pillow materials to adapt the properties of the pillows as precisely as possible to the needs of the pillow users. Travel pillows are also pillows made for a specific purpose, namely to make traveling and sleeping with a travel pillow more pleasant . However, some travel pillows combine both properties. These travel pillows are suitable for people who are embarking on a journey and suffer from health complaints:

Pillows for health complaints (orthopedic pillows)
Travel pillows (pillows for outdoor vacations, for tents, for travel, travel seat cushions)

Travel pillows perfectly suited for travel: Inflatable neck pillows

A neck pillow (English neck pillow) is, as the name neck pillow suggests, a neck cushion in the shape of a croissant. This u-shaped neck cushion is placed around the neck and is intended to support the head while lying down or sitting upright. The neck pillow is mainly used while traveling to allow for more comfortable sleep in certain situations, for example during travel by airplane or car, and to protect the neck. Neck pillows come in various designs and materials:

Neck pillows are available as inflatable neck pillows
Neck pillows are available with foam filling, such as memory foam
Neck pillows are available with natural fillings, such as spelt or cherry stones

What do neck pillows do?

The neck pillow scores points because it can significantly increase travel comfort for very different people and for children in a simple way:

Neck pillows stabilize the neck and thus help prevent neck pain and headaches
Neck pillows can often be compressed to a quarter of their size, depending on the pillow filling, thus taking up little space in travel luggage
High-quality neck pillows have a removable pillow cover and are therefore easy to care for

Other types of neck pillows

Inflatable neck pillows or neck pillows are an alternative to filled neck pillows.

An inflatable neck pillow takes up almost no space when not inflated
With an inflatable neck pillow, the firmness can be varied
An inflatable neck pillow is very affordable

Travel pillows for the neck

In addition to neck pillows, there are several other travel pillows designed to prevent neck tension while traveling. Neck pillows in the form of ergonomically shaped neck pillows or neck pillows that are versatile, meaning they can be used not only like a neck brace around the neck. Furthermore, there are compressed travel pillows. For example, travel pillows shaped like a regular sleeping pillow but smaller, specifically designed for travelers with neck issues. These neck pillows are not really intended for sleeping in a seated position in cars and airplanes, but rather as travel companions for people suffering from chronic issues in the neck, back, and shoulders who want to use a pillow that suits these issues in hotels and guesthouses.

Neck pillows as travel pillows can be pillows tailored to the needs of travelers with chronic neck issues
Neck pillows can be travel pillows that fulfill various functions during the journey due to their versatility: as a sleeping pillow, neck roll, or neck pillow

Neck pillows not just for travel

For people with neck problems, such as tension in the neck, neck pillows or neck support pillows are a true blessing. Neck pillows and neck support pillows help the head to lie in such a way that tension in the neck is relieved. The neck pillow offer and neck support pillow offer includes various neck pillow models, each with different fillings. Additionally, there are neck pillows and neck support pillows in various pillow designs:

Neck pillows and neck support pillows as support for head and neck while traveling
Neck pillows and neck support pillows as support for head and neck at home
Neck pillows as support for neck and head in various sizes
Neck pillows as support for neck and head with cover made of cotton or other pillow materials

Fillings of neck pillows

The different pillow fillings with which neck pillows are filled contribute significantly to the different pillow properties of the neck pillows and are thus suitable for different people:

Neck pillows with pillow filling made of gel
Neck pillows with pillow filling made of water
Neck pillows with pillow filling made of grains
Neck pillows with pillow filling made of foam (memory foam, for example)

Neck pillows with grain filling

Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of grains are very suitable as neck pillows. These neck pillows can be heated and thus relieve neck discomfort and headaches. Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of grains have very good supportive properties and help to relieve the neck. If you want to use a classic neck pillow with a pillow filling made of grains as a travel pillow, you should opt for a small pillow size. Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of grains can be heavy depending on the filling amount and thus be unpractical as travel pillows.

Neck pillows with water

Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of water are suitable both as neck pillows for home and as neck pillows for travel.

Neck pillows that are filled with water are lightweight and space-saving when emptied
Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of water are very effective for neck and back pain
Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of water adapt individually to a variety of neck pillow users

Neck pillows with foam filling

A very common pillow filling for neck pillows is foam. Foams as pillow filling for neck pillows come in different qualities. Therefore, there are neck pillows for home or neck pillows for travel made of simple foam. These neck pillows are usually available at a low price. Neck pillows with a pillow filling made of foam can also be filled with higher quality foam, such as memory foam. Memory foam is a special cold foam (visco) that has a very high adaptability and is therefore often used for neck pillows. Memory means memory. Memory foam in neck pillows and pillows in general adapts to the body contour-accurately and retains this imprint. Memory reacts to heat. When you place a neck pillow with memory foam in a U-shape around your neck, an individual imprint is created that only slowly returns to its original shape. Memory foam in a neck pillow thus allows for particularly comfortable and efficient support of the neck and head.

Memory foam in neck pillows ensures contour-accurate adjustment.
Memory foam in neck pillows provides a soft feel and comfort.
Memory foam in neck pillows reacts to heat and pressure.
Memory foam in neck pillows ensures a slow recovery.
Memory foam in neck pillows provides warmth.

Travel pillow as a travel gadget: The Hoodie Pillow

In addition to the classic neck pillows designed for travel, there are travel pillows with a special touch. The Hoodie Pillow is a travel pillow that is especially popular among bus travelers in the USA. But what exactly is a Hoodie Pillow?

A Hoodie Pillow is an inflatable neck pillow in the shape of a croissant with an integrated hood.
A Hoodie Pillow also has side pockets where you can conveniently store your wallet or phone.
A Hoodie Pillow also has holes for headphones.

Hoodie Pillow as a travel pillow

The term Hoodie Pillow is composed of the English term for hood and the English term for pillow. The Hoodie Pillow thus fulfills several needs that travelers have while traveling:

To be able to sleep comfortably with the help of a travel pillow or Travel Pillow.
To isolate oneself a bit from the other travelers, in this case through the hood, in order to sleep undisturbed.

The Hoodie Pillow fulfills both needs as a travel pillow and thus has an advantage over travel pillows that only function as sleeping pillows or neck support pillows.

Gadget pillow or innovative travel pillows

Another travel pillow that combines several functions of travel pillows is a travel pillow from an Australian company. The pillow can be adjusted to five different sleeping modes and accommodates all possible sleeping positions that one can take while sitting. Another travel pillow or travel cushion is the Ostrich Pillow, which translates to "Straußenkissen" or also the sleeping bag for the head. With this travel pillow or travel cushion, the entire head disappears into the pillow. Additionally, the hands can be inserted into the side holes of the Ostrich Pillow.

the travel pillow or travel cushion is meant to create a pleasant sleeping atmosphere
the travel pillow is supposed to help block out the surroundings

Travel pillows for camping - outdoor accessories: travel pillows

Anyone who wants to spend their vacation camping or trekking naturally needs the appropriate accessories. Depending on whether you are camping in a tent or in a caravan or setting off for trekking, different needs arise that are necessary for comfortable sleeping. Whether camping or trekking, various outdoor accessories are useful here. One should also buy outdoor equipment that offers good value for money. Outdoor equipment includes:

Sleeping pads
Sleeping bags
Pillows, travel pillows, neck pillows, seat cushions
Backpacks

Travel pillows for outdoor activities

Outdoor activities, whether children are involved or not, require particularly careful preparation for the trip. The term outdoor refers to all activities that take place outside, such as in nature. Outdoor vacations, like camping, tenting, or trekking, are just a few outdoor activities that one can engage in during their outdoor vacation:

Outdoor activity: Climbing
Outdoor activity: Rafting
Outdoor activity: Trekking
Outdoor activity: Mountain biking
Outdoor activity: Horseback riding
Outdoor activity: Canoeing

What are outdoor activities?

Various areas of interest can be summarized under outdoor activities. Outdoor activities include not only many outdoor sports but also outdoor activities such as

Outdoor activity: Survival training
Outdoor activity: first aid in the field
Outdoor activity: Plant knowledge
Outdoor activities: Knot knowledge

Outdoor vacations and outdoor activities are very popular. Outdoor activities are interesting not only for sports fans. Outdoor activities are also attractive for families. Outdoor vacations combine nature experiences with physical activity outdoors. Outdoor activities promise an eventful vacation and many beautiful memories.

An outdoor accessory includes a travel pillow

Those who are active during their outdoor vacation need moments of relaxation and coziness to approach the next outdoor activity refreshed. Travel pillows and outdoor cushions, e.g. seat cushions, are the perfect choice here to recover after an active outdoor day. Depending on how one arrives at their outdoor vacation, attention should be paid to the size of the cushions. A car arrival is particularly practical here. In the car, all the accessories for the outdoor vacation can be easily stored:

Travel pillows and head pillows fit in the car
Tents fit in the car
Sleeping pads fit in the car
Backpacks fit in the car
Suitcases fit in the car
The remaining outdoor accessories fit in the car

Travel pillows for tents

For tents, travel pillows that are compact yet comfortable are suitable. The pillows, whether neck pillows or head pillows, should fit comfortably in backpacks. Additionally, the accessories should not cause any difficulties during the journey, so they should be small, handy, and lightweight. Travel pillows for outdoor holidays, e.g., camping, come in many different varieties.

Inflatable travel pillows for tents or the caravan
Compact travel pillows for tents or caravans
Travel pillows for children

Travel pillows for camping

Travel pillows can make camping much more pleasant. If you spend your camping holiday in a tent, you should keep in mind that space in the tent is very limited. Therefore, you should ensure that travel pillows for camping do not exceed a certain size. After all, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and backpacks also need to fit in the tents, and of course, you do too. Additionally, the travel pillows designed for camping should take up as little space during the journey in the travel bags as possible. Travel pillows that are particularly suitable for camping in tents are any form of inflatable travel pillows. Inflatable travel pillows are easy to store when empty and inflatable travel pillows are very lightweight.

Travel pillows for camping do not have to be premium accessories.

The market for camping accessories, which also includes various types of pillows, travel pillows, and seat cushions, is large. Accordingly, there is a diverse product offering for outdoor vacations, from budget products to premium products:

Premium travel pillows
Premium tents
Premium sleeping pads
Premium backpacks
Premium outdoor accessories

However, expensive or premium does not always mean high quality or suitable. If you have planned your outdoor vacation and decided which products and travel pillows you want to buy, you should carefully study the offerings for outdoor products and accessories and pay attention to a good price-performance ratio.

Travel pillows for camping with a caravan

It is different when sleeping in a caravan rather than a tent. Here, it does not necessarily have to be special travel pillows. Usually, there is sufficient space to take your own pillows from home. Otherwise, almost all types of pillows and pillow products that one would use at home are suitable as travel pillows for a caravan.

Head pillows and sleeping pillows
Neck pillows and neck support pillows
Decorative pillows
Seat cushions

Full-size compressed travel pillows

Those who do not want to forgo comfort while traveling and camping can buy a compressed travel pillow that expands to the size of a full pillow after unpacking for some time. The problem with compressed travel pillows is that they are only compressed as long as they are in the pillow packaging. Once the travel pillow has expanded, it is not possible to pack it back to the same size for the return trip.

Travel pillows: What should be considered when camping with children?

Children often have a special relationship with their pillows. For children, pillows are not just any products, simply head pillows or merely accessories for the children's room. For children, pillows often represent warmth and are often used as cuddle pillows. Many children's pillows are not only used by children for sleeping and cuddling, but the pillows often also serve as toys. A trip or a camping holiday with children should take into account the importance of pillows for the comfort and well-being of children during the journey and while camping. If children are present during the trip or camping, one should consider taking the children's pillows from home to camping, provided that the backpacks and suitcases offer enough space. Otherwise, traveling by car is recommended. Alternatively, one can buy travel pillows specifically for children. Travel pillows specifically for children come in various shapes and designs:

Travel pillows for children for camping in the shape of U-shaped neck pillows
Travel pillows for children for camping made of cuddly material
Travel pillows for children for camping with child-friendly motifs
Travel pillows for children for camping with a child-friendly shape
Travel products for children for camping should be suitable for camping and always specifically adapted to the needs of children. Additionally, one should ensure that travel products and camping products for children are tested for harmful substances.