Inflatable vs. Memory Foam Travel Pillow: Which is right for you?

We all know that a good travel pillow is important; they are the difference between a sore neck & feeling refreshed after a long trip! But how do you know which one is the best travel pillow for you? Let’s get back to the basics & look into the two main types of travel pillows: memory foam & inflatable. In this travel pillow comparison, we will go through the pros & cons of both to give you a better understanding of which one better suits your needs.

Inflatable Travel Pillow

Let’s start with the inflatable travel pillow, often considered the most practical option. When deflated, they can be as small as the size of your hand and are incredibly lightweight. Perfect for those who like to travel light. Another benefit of inflatable travel pillows is their adjustable firmness; just fill them with air until you reach the level of support you desire. Some days you may need more support, some days less. Inflatable pillows can do both!

However, they do need to be inflated each time you use them. This can be a slight inconvenience if you're in a rush. They are also more delicate & may not survive a lot of wear and tear. If they become damaged, they may leak air and deflate quickly. But don’t let this put you off; just make sure to purchase inflatable pillows made with good-quality materials & keep them in a bag when not in use to ensure that your inflatable pillow lasts! A final con is that inflatable pillows might not be as soft & snuggly as other types of pillows (after all, they are filled with air). We can’t have it all!

Memory Foam Travel Pillow 

Now onto memory foam travel pillows: these are made with comfort in mind. Memory foam molds to the shape of your neck to provide pillowy soft support. These are the ideal choice for those who need extra support or for those who experience neck discomfort. This type of travel neck support pillow does not need any setting up beforehand. Just take it out of its pouch, & it’s ready to go!

As great as memory foam pillows are, they are not quite as space-friendly when compared to the inflatable pillow. And they are generally more bulky and heavy in comparison, so make sure to leave enough space in your carry-on! Another potential turn-off is that their level of support cannot be adjusted.

Which one is right for you?

Now that we have broken down the pros and cons of both, which one do you think is right for you? A lightweight and compact inflatable pillow where you can regulate the firmness and fit it into the smallest of backpacks? Or the luxuriously soft memory foam pillow? Where you can reach superior levels of comfort at the cost of a little extra bulkiness and less versatility.

Traveling should be a pleasant experience, & although crowded buses & cramped airplane seats may be inevitable, a sore neck should not be on your itinerary. And that's where a travel neck pillow can make a difference. Not only do inflatable & memory foam pillows make your travel experience a more pleasurable one, allowing you to sleep more soundly. But they also keep you from an injury that spoils your entire trip.

When shopping for a travel pillow, be sure to choose ones made with quality materials. At FLOWZOOM, we focus on quality, affordability, & comfort. If you’re leaning towards inflatable pillows, our AIR pillow hits the mark. Not only does it feature a special one-way valve, making inflation a breeze. Its unique design allows for up to 5 wearing options, each offering a different area of additional support. Feeling uncomfortable in one position? Just try one of the other wearing options and feel the difference!

If memory foam pillows are calling your name, our ergonomic COMFY pillow is the one for you! Not only is it luxuriously soft, but it provides amazing support by molding itself to the curves of your neck & head. With a ventilated pillowcase, it's sure to keep you cool during your travels; it doesn’t get much better than this!

Both pillows are comfortable & supportive. Yet both have their own features that fit your individual travel needs. So give one a try on your next journey & see the difference it makes.

Happy travels!