An inflatable neck pillow provides a comfortable sleep product that is ideal for use when traveling. Inflatable pillows can be taken anywhere, are space efficient and can minimize strain on the neck when trying to rest during long flights, train journeys or car rides, as well as when simply being forced to sleep sitting up in less than ideal circumstances.
Inflatable pillows are not perfect and do demonstrate some distinct disadvantages compared to other sleep product options. However, due to their unique ability to go anywhere on a moment’s notice, they remain a popular addition to any travel kit.
This discussion provides a consumer report on the advantages and disadvantages of using an inflatable pillow when traveling. We will also explain how these products may benefit chronic neck pain sufferers and what other uses they might be good for in order to get the most value from their purchase.
Inflatable Neck Pillow Products
Inflatable pillows come in many styles, sizes and levels of quality. These products are sold almost exclusively to consumers who want a travel-friendly option for providing sleep comfort on the go, without taking up too much room in luggage. To this end, most inflatable pillows succeed wonderfully, since many can actually be transported deflated in a pocket or purse without taking up much space at all. Most quality inflatable pillows have a self-inflating mechanism in the form of tiny built-in pumps, while lower quality products might have to be manually inflated using breath.
We have seen inflatable pillows in several shapes, including small and medium size traditional rectangles, small and medium size squares, the traditional travel favorite U-shaped pillows and even long inflatable bandolier pillows that are favored by some savvy tourists, Finding the right style for you depends on your needs and preferences, as well as how much room you can allot to the product in your bag.
Similarly, the cheapest products are made from simple plastic, while better quality products are usually covered in some other type of cloth material to provide more comfort and often include a texture that can reduce slippage of the head when being used in a travel scenario.
Inflatable Pillow Applications
Traditionally, inflatable pillows are used to support the head when seated in a train, plane, bus or car, or when being forced to otherwise attempt to sleep while seated upright. With the average seat size on commercial transportation of all types (especially planes) getting smaller each year, the proposition of finding any degree of comfort when trying to sleep is difficult. Travel pillows make this goal of sleeping soundly without neck strain more realistic and inflatable styles are certainly the most practical for people who do not want to take more items than are absolutely needed, particularly with the constant reductions of baggage weight allowances in recent years. However, some people use inflatable pillows for other purposes as well and therefore may carry several with them when traveling:
Inflatable pillows can be used to support the lower back, which is another area which suffers from long periods of seated posture.
Inflatable pillows can be used to provide cushion in between the knees during luxurious travel moments when a person can actually lie down to catch some zzzs, such as when waiting in an airport for a connecting flight.
Some people like to actually sit on an inflatable pillow to provide greater comfort when being forced to sit on a hard surface for an extended timeframe, particularly in rough conditions. This can make long boat and bus rides much more pleasant, especially for those with coccyx pain or hemorrhoid problems.
Of course all types of inflatable neck pillows can also serve additional duty once you reach your hotel, as some sleepers prefer to use multiple pillows and not every hotel provides enough to accommodate the needs of multiple travelers sharing a room.
Inflatable Neck Pillow for Pain Relief
Inflatable pillows are not especially known for providing great levels of comfort or pain relief. However, when compared to not having a pillow on a long flight or trip, they can certainly make the journey more comfortable and even help to reduce neck strain, forward head posture and headaches that commonly affect long-haul travelers. Therefore, we recommend that every regular traveler should invest in a quality inflatable to take with them, just in case they need it. The cost will not be very high and the potential benefits provided can really help to mitigate the negative effects of long travel.
Remember that the cost of a cheap inflatable pillow is not too much less than the cost of the best versions, so it is advised to purchase higher-end pillows that self-inflate, are more durable, have anti-slip functionality and will provide a lifetime of improved comfort compared to a simple inflatable plastic bag.
