Posted on 17th Nov 2011 @ 4:41 AM

Before we all got so darn old, our idea of a travel pillow was a wadded up jacket, stuffed between our shoulder and the window. Now, wiser as well as more decrepit, we insist on an actual travel pillow whenever we fly off into the wild blue yonder. (Or even climb aboard the tamer gray Trailways.)

The ergonomic benefits of a travel pillow are clear. A good travel pillow will prevent headaches and neck pain, and even make it easier to catch a few winks while you're on the road. Choosing a good pillow, however, is less simple. Here are a few of the most popular neck pillow variations, and how to tell if they're for you.

1. Classic U-Shaped

The original and still champion, the u-shaped travel pillow conforms perfectly to your neck, preventing your head from lolling onto the passenger next to you and your neck from cramping up. Anecdotally, we can also tell you these are great for preventing snoring. (Ahem.)

The pillow pictured is the Bucky Utopia, which is stuffed with buckwheat hulls, similar to many specialty neck pillows for the home. We've found pillows stuffed with everything from lavender to beanbag beans, and covered in everything from organic cotton to what looks suspiciously like teddy bear fur.

2. Inflatable

Inflatable pillows come in all shapes and sizes, from the standard U-shape to this odd-looking bandolier configuration. In any case, the big advantage to the inflatable style pillow is that it's easy to pack. The downside is that many inflatable pillows lose steam (or rather air) fairly quickly. It's hard to get comfy if you have to keep inflating your headrest.

3. Memory Foam

Our favorite space age miracle material, memory foam is so comfy because it conforms to your body. This particular model features a machine-washable plush cover that's especially handy for travelers. (Reason #347 not to accept the free pillows on the airplane: Who knows where they've been? Yuckers.)

4. Allergy Resistant

If life were a comic book, our arch nemesis would be a giant dust mite. His super power? The ability to become invisible and invade every cushion, drape, and carpet we encounter. In this alternate universe, we would combat the almighty dust mite by buying absolutely everything with allergy-resistant properties. It's not as dramatic as some comics, but we think it has the advantage of being relatable.

Anyway, this travel pillow is allergy resistant. Take that, dust mites.

5. All Shapes and Sizes

If you're shopping for a pillow for your kids (or you're a slight person) look for pillows sized for kids. Some are just smaller versions of the standard travel pillow, but others, like the one shown, are shaped like animals or decorated in ways that appeal to kids. This pillow, by the way, is not, in fact, a horrible possum, like we first thought, but rather an elephant. However, if there are any travel pillow manufacturers reading this, we would like to point out that a line of gross travel pillows would probably do very well with a certain segment of tween demographic. You're welcome!