Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you often travel or go on long drives, you will need the best car neck pillow that offers maximum comfort to your head and neck. Car neck pillow pillows act as a cushion to your head and are ergonomically designed to offer you relief from head and neck pain.
Viktoria Hamma, a massage therapist and chronic pain coach, says, “Allowing your head and neck to rest on the back of the headrest is vital for maintaining good posture. Not every seat position allows easy access to the steering wheel and headrest. Thus, using a pillow to ensure better ergonomics is a great way to care for your spine health.”
However, when buying one, you need to have a basic idea about the types of pillows available to pick one that suits you well. So, to make buying a car neck pillow a breeze for you, we bring you a list of some tried-and-tested and best car neck pillows and a buying guide. Keep scrolling and take your pick.
Top Picks
11 Best Car Neck Pillows
1. Best Customizable:Hitish Memory Foam Car Neck Pillow
This customizable car neck pillow by Hitish is designed to provide optimum comfort and alleviate strain on your neck during long drives. The upgraded design supports your neck, shoulders, and head while easing that stiffness and neck pain. The neck pillow’s memory foam adjusts to suit your neck’s curve, supporting your cervical spine and head.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Ergonomic
- Can be used on office chairs as well
- Helps maintain good posture
- Easy to install
- Breathable and removable cover
Cons
- Straps may lose elasticity
- Seams may fray
"I use this versatile cushion on my car seat as well as my office chair. Soft and supportive, it improves my posture. Though the strap design is less accommodating, I cannot deny its convenience in my everyday life."
2. Best Clinical-Grade Memory Foam:Desk Jockey Neck Pillow Headrest Support Cushion
The clinical-grade memory foam neck cushion by Desk Jockey offers ample comfort and relieves neck pain while driving. The innovative cushion is designed after consulting board-certified physiotherapists. It is gentle on the skin, provides good support, and enhances posture. Besides, the cushion holds its shape for years and is easy to maintain. Here’s what the online reviewer George Chiang from the Ergonomic Trends channel had to say about the pillow after testing the product, “The super long adjustable strap basically lets you fit the pillow over any office chair. The material is dense yet soft. Making it dense is a good thing because it means it won’t sag over time as easily, yet there is enough give. This can also be used as a lumbar support pillow just by moving it down.”
Pros
- Durable
- Machine-washable velvet cover
- Provides perfect alignment
- Smooth texture
- Includes an extra strap for bigger chairs
Cons
- May not be suitable for air travel
- Strap clip may not be durable
"It has been a reliable choice for long car rides after my surgery. It's soft, super-supportive, and adjustable, giving me the convenience and comfort I need."
3. Best Durable:Feagar Car Seat Neck Pillow
Feagar’s car seat neck pillow is a well-cushioned headrest designed to alleviate neck pain with necessary cervical support. It has two adjustable straps with a protective cover that is easily washable, and its 100% pure memory foam construction ensures optimal comfort on long drives or travels. The machine-washable pillow is available in suede black and measures 9.4×7.1×5.9in.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Great cervical spine support
- Breathable and removable cover
- Durable zipper and buckle
- Excellent air circulation
- Extra inner cover for protection against dust and sweat
- Convenient for both drivers and passengers
Cons
- May not fit all car seats
"This neck pillow has been a practical solution for my dad's car journeys. It offers adequate support and provides relief to his neck pain. Though securing it in its place is tricky, its adjustable nature makes it manageable."
4. Best Inflatable:Skyrest Inflatable Neck Pillow
Make your travel experience extra comfortable with this inflatable pillow for cars by Skyrest. This comfortable travel pillow is designed to adapt to the natural curve of your neck so that you can rest comfortably. Additionally, it inflates in six breaths and deflates within ten seconds, and you can easily fold and carry it in your hand luggage.
Pros
- Made of premium PVC
- Ergonomic shape
- One-way valve
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Includes a drawstring bag
Cons
- Not machine-washable
- May have a chemical odor when new
"This cushion has proven to be a comfortable option for my car journeys. It quickly inflates and offers good support regardless of the height. Though washing it is slightly challenging, the restful travel experience it provides makes it worth the investment."
5. Best Support: Everlasting Comfort 100% Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
Here’s a travel neck pillow for cars designed to provide adequate support to travelers. It is also suitable for use on your flight or train journeys. The lightweight pillow conforms to the shape of your neck and head for the necessary support and comfort. The gel-infused memory foam car neck pillow is equipped with cooling features, such as ventilation holes, which offer enhanced breathability to keep you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Moreover, this Oeko-Tex-certified pillow is tested for harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Has a cellphone pocket
- Compact for travel
- Comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation
- Includes sleep mask and earplugs
Cons
- Drawstring might become loose easily
- May have an odor when first using the pillow
"Thanks to this well-structured, versatile neck pillow, I can comfortably sleep during long car rides. It is soft and supportive, and I enjoy using the included eye mask and earplugs."
6. Best 360-Degree Support:Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow features two unique factors — raised sides and toggles at the chin — to provide 360-degree support to the neck and the chin and prevent the head from wobbling. As it is memory foam-based, the comfort you get is personalized as the foam conforms to your contours. Moreover, the pillow has an ergonomic design and is flat at the back, allowing you to lean your head without restriction
Pros
- Washable cover
- Inhibits lateral movement
- Can be strapped to the seat
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Some may find it uncomfortable
- May inhibit the use of headphones
"I love how this pillow cradles my head and neck, making my long commutes more comfortable. Its robust design is a plus, and the removable cover makes it super convenient."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,192 positive reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Compatible:Samsonite Travel Neck Pillow
The adjustable car neck pillow by Samsonite ensures a seamless fit for most car seats. Forget about neck pain and discomfort during travel as the tried-and-tested pillow’s ergonomic design provides ample support to the tension points. Moreover, its firm memory foam may help absorb terrain or rough road-induced shocks, ensuring a comfortable ride.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Removable and washable cover
- High-grade memory foam
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Some may find it a bit bulky
- Foam may not be soft enough for some
"This neck pillow adapts well to different car seats. It offers improved posture, especially during our long car rides and also doubles as a bedtime pillow when I'm reading or relaxing."
8. Best With Massager:Comfier Travel Neck Pillow Massager
Comfier’s travel neck pillow provides a soothing massage and ample support. Strap it on and select between the two heat settings and from the six vibration intensities to reduce pain and soreness. The unique U-shaped design of the car neck pillow provides a snug fit around the neck which eliminates the need for frequent adjustments.
Pros
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Velvety soft cloth cover
- Memory foam-based
- Removal and washable outer cover
- USB rechargeable
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell when new
- Some may find the vibrations low
"The adjustable tightness and soft cushion of this neck pillow are worth appreciating. Using the hands-like massage feature with rhythmic vibration relaxes me instantly. I wish it had a remote for easier operation though."
Quick tip9. Best Lightweight:SeaHome Car Seat Neck Rest Cushion
The car seat headrest cushion from SeaHome is made of 100% pure memory foam and is firm yet adjustable and comfortable. This car neck pillow is designed in a double-curved wing design to fit the neck contours perfectly. One of the best car neck pillow options, it ensures comfortable seating and high durability. Available in a set of two cushions, the outer cover is lightweight and washing machine-friendly.
Pros
- Relieves neck and head pain during long drives
- Ergonomic shape
- Breathable fabric and leather
- Removable cover
- Adds necessary support for cervical spine comfort
- Soft on the skin
- Extra cover inside for protection from dust
Cons
- May not be stable on some car seat models
"I always enjoy using this cushion on my long commutes due to its adequate support around the neck and shoulder. It gives me the right amount of comfort, and though the strap doesn't fit my husband's car headrest, it goes nicely with mine."
10. Best With Adjustable Straps:Nayothecorgi Corgi Car Neck Pillow
This corgi car neck pillow resembles a soft toy while being functional. It is soft and fluffy, providing exceptional comfort to the neck when traveling. Its adjustable straps bestow it a universal fit, making it versatile and compatible with most car seats. The lightweight and compact design makes it convenient to carry and travel-friendly.
Pros
- Fashionable
- Child-friendly design
- Suitable for gifting
- Soft fabric
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Padding may not be sufficient
"I got this corgi butt neck pillow for my daughter-in-law and she immediately fell in love with its cuteness. It also works as an adorable soft toy for my granddaughter."
11. Best Breathable:Yuhuru Car Neck Pillows
Lay your hands on this soft and comfortable car neck pillow with a dual-sided faux Pu leather cover for an improved driving experience. It carries a cute butterfly design and provides wide-area coverage with a dimension of 10.6x7x3.2in.
Pros
- Sturdy and comfortable fiber inside
- Offers pain relief to the neck and shoulder during long drives
- Provides much-needed cervical spine support
- Tiny holes make it breathable
- Washable and removable cover
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not be suitable for tall people
"Though it lacks thickness, I love how it contours to the neck, offering a considerable amount of comfort and relief. Its top-notch fabric also adds to the comfort and aesthetics."
How To Choose The Right Car Neck Pillow?
Find the right car neck pillow for your vehicle by keeping the following factors in mind.
- Comfort: Choose one that offers you maximum comfort and softness. It should ideally offer you relief from neck, head, and shoulder pains, absorb pressure, be skin-friendly, and include soft covers.
- Safety: Always opt for expert-recommended and safety-certified car seat cushions that are rigorously tested to provide maximum safety.
- Material: The material used may vary from one cushion to another. Choose one made of high-quality materials such as faux leather, memory foam, fiber, etc.
- Shape: Car headrest pillows/cushions are available in different sizes and designs for improved look, functionality, and comfort. You can choose from rectangular, square, semi-circular, curved, and butterfly neck pillows for your car.
- Durability: Pick a car neck pillow that is durable. This can be done by checking the reviews online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a car neck pillow safe?
The best car neck pillows are the ones that are safety-certified and expert-approved. Besides offering comfort and convenience, they help reduce neck, head, and shoulder strains during long drives.
2. Which car neck pillow shape is the best?
Choosing a car neck support pillow based on its shape is a subjective decision. Choose one that offers comfort and is the best fit for your car seat.
3. What type of car neck pillow is the best for a child?
The best car neck pillows for children are determined by their size, adjustability, and comfort they offer. Usually, pillows that come with a soft cover and are highly adjustable are ideal options for children.
4. How does a car neck pillow work?
A car neck pillow reduces the gap between the headrest and the head and keeps you comfortable while driving. It is generally made of high-density memory foam and is malleable.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writers and reviewers have listed down some of the best car neck pillows available in the market to provide you with optimal comfort for every drive. We have curated this detailed list after going through numerous websites and customer reviews. We have also looked into multiple aspects such as material, softness, and durability to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Traveling long distances in a car can be exhausting and cause neck pain and back pain. The best car neck pillows come in handy during long journeys and offer good support to your head and neck. Choose the right neck pillow that is breathable, durable, and ergonomically designed, so you can travel in luxury no matter where you go. Also, make sure you pick car neck pillows like the Feagar Car Seat Neck Pillow that are easy to clean and come with an adjustable buckle and strap. Our other favorites include the easy-to-install Yuhuru Car Neck Pillow and the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow, featuring an orthopedic-approved build.
Infographic: Ways To Improve Your Driving Experience
While a comfortable neck pillow can give you the necessary support, specific posture-related changes can add to your comfort quotient when driving a car. So, check out the following infographic to learn more about ways to ensure a safe and comfortable car ride. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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