by Joshua Thomas
Driving is fun on short distances but on a long drive, it can be very exhausting. The body parts that suffer most from this fatigue are the head and neck because as you drive, you must hold your head up for all those hours.
One simple solution that can help you avoid all this is the use of a car neck pillow, which is simply a cushion that is attached to car seat around the headrest area, thereby providing crucial support that will certainly make a long drive feel much shorter.
There are different types of these pillows though and to help you pick one that suits all your needs, the review below covers 7 best car neck pillows that you can get in the market.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Aukee 9129636743769 (Best Overall) |
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2. Langria 6634632 (Best Infinity Shaped) |
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3. Sendi Neck Pillow (Best for Travel) |
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4. Aeris HP007Black (Best Budget) |
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5. Alibo Neck Pillow (Best Cervical Roll) |
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6. TravelMate MP 12 (Best Compact) |
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7. Zatooto CHRP-0726-BLK (Large) |
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Though expensive, Aukee's car pillow stands out due to a number of beneficial features such as a memory foam inner core, which is designed to release the pressure of the cervical vertebrae as effectively as possible.
In the process, the pillow provides good support to the head and neck and enables you to maintain a proper posture for comfortable driving.
Apart from this, a high-quality grade A cow leather finish also contributes towards the high cost, but it creates a durable outer layer and this makes it the top-rated car neck pillow.
Instead of one, this kit contains 2 headrest pillows, enabling you to afford the same level of comfort to the front passenger as you drive.
While the two pieces are primarily meant for car use, they are multipurpose pillows that can be used in airplanes, trains, when watching TV, napping, studying and many other areas.
Other features include an environmentally friendly construction (space memory cotton), an easy to clean design due to the leather surface and this outer jacket is removable for further cleaning.
Pros
Cons
The infinity shape of Langria's car neck pillow is its greatest strength because, with the sunk middle section, you get an ergonomic neck curve design that provides superb neck support, preventing pain and stiffness.
Another benefit with this product is its easy maintenance process, in which the outer cover is removable and can be machine washed, enabling you to maintain hygiene quite easily. However, the inner memory foam should not be machine washed or machine dried.
This outer cover has a strong elastic strap attached to it, which is used to anchor and fasten the pillow to the seat so as to ensure it remains in one position as you drive along or as you are traveling on a bus, plane or train.
On the downside, you only get a single piece and it usually has a minor odor associated with its manufacturing process when new. This though should only last for about 72 hours after unpacking the product.
Pros
Cons
Sendi's car neck pillow features the signature U shape that is known for traveling purposes. This is because it provides good support to the neck while also preventing leaning towards the neighboring passenger (in planes mostly) and keeping the head from falling forward.
A removable and machine washable microfiber cover makes it easy to maintain hygiene, and it is breathable so as to disperse heat for comfort. On the inside, a memory foam cushion doubles up the comfort level, creating a better sleeping experience for the long journey.
Even though it is packed as a single piece with no elastic strap, the pillow comes with a carry bag for easy transportation as you move around, and it can also be easily attached to carry-on luggage without taking up any space due to its built-in snap strap.
Other features include a hommization snap button that locks the pillow around your neck to prevent it from falling off and blue and gray color options to match different car interiors.
Pros
Cons
You can also spend less to get a good car neck pillow such as this single piece from Aeris, which is still a high-quality product. It features a highly responsive memory foam on the inside that provides excellent support and has a dog bone shape that fits snugly around the back of the neck.
This foam actually yields slowly under pressure because it is composed of a visco-elastic temperature sensitive material, which molds to your neck's contours.
For hygiene purposes, the interior memory foam layer is coated using two outer layers, one being a non-removable internal cover that conceals the foam itself while an external machine washable cover makes it easy to clean, and it has a plush velour construction that gives it a luxurious feel.
Other features include a carry bag that compresses the pillow to half its size for easy transportation and an odorless new piece as it is aerated for 7 days before packaging to ensure the manufactured memory foam dissipates this smell.
Pros
Cons
If you prefer having that cervical roll type of pillow that conforms perfectly to your neck's curve, then this piece from Alibo is the best product to consider.
This rounded design provides great support to the head and neck, which contributes a lot towards improving the driving experience or even napping on long trips.
A great contributor towards this good support is a memory foam interior, which is very soft and retains heat so as to alleviate tension muscles.
Satin fabric is used to build the outer cover, which adds its own level of comfort and luxury while also being machine washable for easy maintenance.
Other features include a compact design that you can carry anywhere with you, an adjustable strap for fixing on car seats and availability in black and beige colors so as to match light or dark colored car interiors.
Pros
Cons
This is the smallest car neck pillow in this review, measuring only 10 x 5.5 x 4 inches in size. However, what it lacks for in size, makes up for it in comfort and is actually chiropractor recommended because it provides excellent head and neck support.
At the same time, this pillow enables you to maintain proper spine alignment, which reduces muscle and joint discomfort.
A memory foam interior makes it soft for comfort while a plush velour outer cover enhances this and adds a touch of luxury.
In addition to this, the velour outer cover is removable and can be machine washed for easy maintenance.
Other features include a black only color option and a built-in elastic strap for holding the pillow in place on the headrest.
Pros
Cons
Zatooto's car neck pillow stands out as the largest car neck pillow, measuring 16.5 x 12.6 x 5.1 inches in size. This means that it provides support over a larger area that encompasses the head, neck, and shoulders.
The pillow is actually a 2-in-1 product that is a headrest pillow and also provides lumbar support, leading to extra comfort.
While providing this wide coverage, a high-density memory foam interior gives a slow rebound and no deformation, ensuring that you get good support as you drive, especially for long distances.
Another benefit with this product is that it can be adjusted as you raise or lower the headrest because it has a belt plus elastic design at the back that can be better fixed to the seat.
Black, beige and wine-red cover color options are available for matching with different car interiors or personal tastes. However, this outer casing is not machine washable.
Pros
Cons
In this context, compatibility basically shows which areas or which cars the pillow can be used in. The different car makes have different types of seats and this is what brings in the compatibility factor.
Generally, large car neck pillows with wider faces have a more universal fit since they cover a large area and thus, they will sit comfortably between the headrest and the other part of the seat, even if you adjust the headrest's height.
Therefore, if you want a universally compatible car neck pillow, look the wide ones.
Small-sized car neck pillows have the advantage of being compact and easy to carry, making them usable in cars, planes, trains, and buses because you can easily tag them along.
However, their small size means that they provide support over a small area and thus, might not be very comfortable.
On the other hand, large pillows have bulky and weighty disadvantages on their side, but they provide excellent support over the head, neck and even shoulders. They are perfect if you want a pillow that will be permanently placed in your car.
To achieve portability and comfort though, it is recommended to get one that is neither too big nor too small by looking at and comparing the dimensions.
Apart from size, car neck pillows are available in different shapes such as dog bone, infinity, cervical roll (rounded), U shape and the regular boxy shape.
There is no way of telling which one is best because all provide the head and neck support that is required and therefore, the decision here should be based on personal preference, considering which shapes works best for you.
This is one of the most important things to consider because it directly affects the comfort that you will get. Even though most of these pillows have memory foam interiors, some have a high-density foam that is firmer and more resistant to compression than regular memory foam.
However, the choice between the two is also down to personal preference because some people prefer the soft, sink in type while others prefer a harder foam.
Another thing to consider is the outer cover material. The best cover should be breathable so that you don't perspire a lot, and should also be easily removable for washing by hand or machine, or easy to wipe such as leather material.
This is important for hygiene purposes because even if the material is breathable, dirt and sweat will still form on the surface after some time.
People who drive for long distances or those who drive for a living need to consider a car neck pillow that affords them more support, with firmer foam cores and more durable designs.
They should also look for wider pillows that support a larger area, covering at least the head, neck, and shoulders. Units bearing such features might be more expensive but they will definitely impact your driving experience in a positive way.
TravelMate Car Neck Pillow (Soft Version)- Neck Pillow; Car Pillow; Memory Foam Neck - Walmart Link
Yoocaa Car Headrest Pillow, Road Pal Headrest, Adjustable Car Seat Head Neck Support, U - Walmart Link
INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow, Prevent Head from Falling Forward, - Walmart Link
Aukee Headrest Pillow, Car Memory Foam Car Neck Pillows Soft Leather for Driving Home - Walmart Link
Feagar Car Seat Neck Pillow, Headrest Cushion for Neck Pain Relief&Cervical Support with - Walmart Link
anzhixiu Car Neck Pillow for Driving, Memory Foam Car Pillow for Driving Seat for - Walmart Link
Car Headrest Pillow, Hswt Car Neck Pillow Head Pillow, Car Sleeping Travel Pillow, Car - Walmart Link
Xergur Car Headrest Pillow, Memory Foam Road Pal Headrest, Adjustable Car Seat Head Neck - Walmart Link
HEAPANY Car Headrest Pillow, Roadpal Adjustable Sleeping Headrest for Car Seat, Head Neck - Walmart Link
COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow, Remarkable Head Chin Neck Support U-Shaped Animal - Walmart Link
Critter Piller Kid's Travel Buddy and Comfort Pillow, Brown Dog - Walmart Link
BCOZZY Kids Neck Pillow for Car & Airplane, Perfect Toddler Kids Travel Pillow, Road Trip - Walmart Link
TravelMate Car Neck Pillow (Soft Version)- Neck Pillow; Car Pillow; Memory Foam Neck - eBay Link
Yoocaa Car Headrest Pillow, Road Pal Headrest, Adjustable Car Seat Head Neck Support, U - eBay Link
INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow, Prevent Head from Falling Forward, - eBay Link
Aukee Headrest Pillow, Car Memory Foam Car Neck Pillows Soft Leather for Driving Home - eBay Link
Feagar Car Seat Neck Pillow, Headrest Cushion for Neck Pain Relief&Cervical Support with - eBay Link
anzhixiu Car Neck Pillow for Driving, Memory Foam Car Pillow for Driving Seat for - eBay Link
Car Headrest Pillow, Hswt Car Neck Pillow Head Pillow, Car Sleeping Travel Pillow, Car - eBay Link
Xergur Car Headrest Pillow, Memory Foam Road Pal Headrest, Adjustable Car Seat Head Neck - eBay Link
HEAPANY Car Headrest Pillow, Roadpal Adjustable Sleeping Headrest for Car Seat, Head Neck - eBay Link
COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow, Remarkable Head Chin Neck Support U-Shaped Animal - eBay Link
Critter Piller Kid's Travel Buddy and Comfort Pillow, Brown Dog - eBay Link
BCOZZY Kids Neck Pillow for Car & Airplane, Perfect Toddler Kids Travel Pillow, Road Trip - eBay Link
In conclusion, in selecting a car neck pillow, personal preference and cost are the main things that will determine your pick.
Be it large or small sized, infinity or U shaped, all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for a specific type of driver.
Therefore, after going through the content above, it is our hope that the selection process of the best car neck pillow for you will be much simpler.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care