Updated at: 08-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

I recently returned from a month-long trip around Europe. Having the opportunity to visit a wide variety of locations was a highlight of the trip. To go to each location, I had to spend a significant amount of time on the road. I’d say I slept a lot on the road, on planes, trains, and buses, and my beloved travel cushion was one of the most lifesaving objects in my carry-on bag.

Pillows are useful for a number of reasons, including:

They’re tiny: Carry-on luggage won’t have to be crammed full of them. Because it’s a lot bigger than the average-sized pillow

They feel at ease: When you’re attempting to get some sleep while seated, a travel pillow is a godsend (like in an airplane)

If you’re traveling by airline or bus, it’s nearly hard for me to sleep, but this pillow allowed me to get some zzzs so that I could be rested and ready for my destination when I arrived.

Step 1: Supplies

In order to make your own travel pillow, you’ll need the following materials:

Here is the link to the pillow pattern I used:

About half a yard of fabric will be needed.

You may buy polyester fiberfill at any craft or fabric store. JoAnn Fabrics has it on sale.

Needle for sewing by hand

You can find thread at any craft store.

Spools of thread

3 Ways to Make a Neck Pillow - wikiHow

Step 2: Cut Out the Pattern

Cut out your cushion template and set it aside.

The fabric should be folded in half and the flat side of the pattern should be flush with the fold of the fabric when you lay down your design. You’ll see a “fold” indicator on one of the sides of my pattern; this is standard practice for pattern pieces.

Use pins to secure the pattern to the cloth so that it does not budge when you cut the fabric.

Remove pattern piece from fabric by cutting around it with a sharp pair of scissors. Don’t stretch the fabric during cutting to avoid a deformed piece.

You will need two U-shaped pieces to build the pillow. To get the second piece, follow the same instructions as the first one.

Step 3: Sew Pieces Together

Sewing the two U-shaped parts together is now possible.

In order to get ready to sew, you’ll need to lay out each piece of cloth in such a way that it has the correct side facing inward, and the wrong side facing outward.

Using a sewing machine, attach the two parts together. Your cloth should have a seam allowance of roughly 1/4 inch. Stitching at this distance from the end of the fabric results in a 1/4′′ stitch.

It’s a good idea to back stitch about 1/4″ every time you start or stop a stitch. To prevent the thread from slipping out of the fabric, do this.

Fill your pillow by leaving about 2 inches of cloth unsewn. AROUND THE CORNER, DO NOT SEW. You’ll get a cushion that’s pretty flat.

Step 4: Stuff Your Pillow

When you flip your pillow right side out, you’ll notice that the stitching seam is now on the inside of the cushion.

Using polyester fiberfill to stuff your pillow is a great way to achieve the softness you desire. Because the pillow I brought with me on vacation was firm, I decided to stuff this one a lot more than I normally would.

Step 5: Hand Stitch Closed

Once you’ve stuffed your pillow, it’s time to finish sewing it shut.

You’ll see that the fabric wants to fold into the cushion naturally because you previously constructed a seam, so give yourself a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Secondly, thread your needle and tie the two ends of your thread together as shown in step two. Stitching with two strands of thread strengthens your seam.

The ladder/blind stitch will be used for this closer.

Then, from back to front, pass the needle into the folded seam and pull the thread tail completely through. On the interior of your pillow, you will find the knotted end of your thread.

Go directly across from your last stitch. push the needle in and then back out of opposite seam crease to create a stitch.

Your last stitch should be just next to this one. Create a stitch by inserting the needle into the opposite seam crease and then pulling it out again.

Step 6: Travel!

Finally, you’re ready to go! So get out there and have some fun!

How to Sew a Travel Neck Pillow | eHow

What is a Travel Pillow?

On the way home on the train or bus, you’ve probably seen your fellow passengers place them behind their backs. The regular lordotic curvature of your cervical spine is maintained with a travel pillow’s u-shaped design, which provides neck support and a comfortable resting posture for your head.

You have seven bones in your neck that are supported by muscles and spongy cervical disks. The lordotic cervical curve is a minor curvature of the cervical spine that is considered normal.

Stress on the spine can cause neck pain if the natural curvature of your spine is disrupted, such as when you bend your neck for an inordinately long period of time. On a bus or plane or when you’re sleeping in the wrong position, this is what happens.

A travel pillow’s job is to keep your neck’s natural curvature and support your head, so that you don’t end up in pain afterward. Filling the gap between your neck and the headrest, these pillows are usually smaller than the ones you use at home and are tucked behind or around the back of your neck.

Benefits of a Travel Pillow

When we speak travel pillows, we’re not referring about the rigid neck pillows that airlines supply. Disposable felt and mesh are encased in a plastic layer for long-term durability and easy sanitization, respectively.

A comfortable neck pillow is one that is formed of a material that is warm, light, and breathable, and is then covered in a fabric such as cotton or silk. It’s sturdy enough to keep your neck in place, but it’s also flexible enough to conform to your head’s shape and movement. In addition to providing support for your head and neck, a travel pillow can also help you sleep more comfortably. Among the additional advantages are:

1. It mimics your home pillow

It’s good to know that many travel pillows are constructed of memory foam if your at-home pillow makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud nine. Buckwheat and pure fiber are two other alternatives that are both soft and breathable. These materials keep your neck and head in place and prevent motion from being transferred.

Choose a travel cushion that is as comfortable as your regular one at home, so that you may enjoy the same level of relaxation while on the road. It is possible to sleep or travel comfortably even if you are sitting up, thanks to the pillow.

2. It’s warm and breathable

The absence of fresh air on board any mode of transportation is a common pet peeve for travelers. When the air is dry and musky, your skin tends to seem pale.

The plastic seat coverings also don’t help, and it’s nearly hard to sleep soundly on the plane. Warmth, breathability, and cleanliness are all hallmarks of a good memory foam pillow. Your cheeks and neck won’t feel dry or sweaty when you lay your head down.

3. Prevents fatigue

If you’re flying or traveling for a lengthy period of time, travel can be a grueling experience. That exhaustion can be alleviated by taking a one- or two-hour snooze while on the road.

Because bus and plane seats are so unpleasant, you’ll need a nice travel pillow to get some shut-eye. In addition to helping you sleep, the comfort of the mattress will ensure that you have a good night’s rest.

4. Reduce snoring and sleep apnea

Has anyone else ever had to sit next to someone who was snoring excessively on a flight? What a mess, I’m sure. When you’re on a plane, snoring is quite natural, but it can be awkward and plain annoying to other passengers. Even if you snore at home, you don’t have to be the annoying person.

Snoring and sleep apnea can be avoided thanks to the support provided by a travel neck pillow, which keeps your neck and head in an upright position. You’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep without disturbing your neighbors thanks to this pillow.

5. It is portable and easy to take care of

Travel pillows used to be the same size as your regular pillow, but that’s no longer the case. Even if you don’t want to bring bags, they are now remarkably compact and light. When not in use, some of the best travel pillows may be folded up into a small package, while others are deflatable.

Additionally, travel pillows may be washed in the washing machine at the end of each trip, making them convenient. Keep them smelling and looking their best by scrubbing them. Alternatively, you can get the cover cleaned rather than the entire thing.

How to Use a Travel Pillow

Because they are meant to be wrapped around your neck, most travel pillows are shaped like a u. Due to the fact that it is facing up, some have straps to keep it from slipping off when the entrance is closed. In order to prevent your head from falling forward, you should lean back in your seat and then prop a pillow over your neck to keep it in place.

Recent studies, however, have shown that we’ve been doing it all wrong from the start. Rather than preventing your neck and head from slipping back, a travel pillow may be more effective at preventing them from bobbing side to side. Sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus recommends that the pillow be turned over so that the bottoms are on your head and not your chin….

The ears of the cushion prevent your head from bobbing backwards and shifting out of place. Using a travel cushion incorrectly may be the reason why so many individuals have claimed that they don’t work.

How to Choose the Right Travel Pillow

It’s surprising that so many people aren’t carrying a travel pillow, given the many advantages it provides. However, unless you purchase a high-quality travel pillow, all of these advantages are not assured. The finest travel cushion doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it must strike a balance between affordability and quality, without sacrificing personal choice.

Consider the following factors while shopping for a travel pillow:

Support

It is the basic objective of a travel pillow to keep your head and neck in proper alignment. As a result, it’s important that the material inside the garment isn’t too flimsy.

Memory foam and buckwheat are excellent cradling materials that aren’t overly firm. While you don’t want a pillow that is too soft, like cotton or polyester, you also don’t want a pillow that is too hard.

Comfort

If you want to get a good night’s sleep on a bus or plane, you need to be comfortable. Again, the material used to make the cushion determines its level of comfort. Pillows made of memory foam and buckwheat have a perfect balance of firmness and softness.

To keep sweat from dripping down your chin and sticking to your face, it needs to be both warm and breathable. A soft, smooth and breathable material like cotton is ideal for the pillow’s top cover.

Durability and ease of maintenance

When you’re on the road, a comfortable travel pillow is a must-have. It should be durable, easy to clean, and convenient to keep. Invest in a high-quality travel pillow so that it will last you for a long time.

To ensure you always have a clean pillow, make sure it’s easy to clean or wipe down. If at all possible, go for a pillow with a removable, machine-washable zip cover.

Size and weight

You should keep in mind when purchasing a travel cushion because you’ll be lugging it around with your other belongings as you travel through bus stations and airport stretches.

A portable and lightweight design is required. In order to use your travel cushion as a single piece of luggage, the finest ones have a bag with cords that you can attach it to.

How to Maintain a Travel Pillow

Keep your travel pillow in a dry, clean location at all times, just like you would any other pillow. If it isn’t too dusty outdoors, open the windows and doors every now and then to let fresh air in and keep dust mites and mold at bay.

Washing a travel cushion more than once will damage it because most of them aren’t machine washable. Using a small vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the pillow and washing the removable cover after each travel is preferable.

How to turn your hoodie into a travel pillow

FAQs

What style of travel pillow is best for specific types of travel?

The sort of travel and how you want to use the cushion will determine which style of travel pillow is ideal for you. A rectangle or hourglass cushion is generally preferred by backpackers and campers who intend to sleep on their backs. A u-shaped, wrap-shaped, or j-shaped cushion can provide neck support for travelers who want to sleep upright on an aircraft or in a car.

How much do travel pillows cost?

Between $10 and $100 is the price range for travel pillows. The quality, materials, and construction all play a role in determining the final cost.

How do I clean a travel pillow?

Cleaning instructions are usually included with the purchase of a travel pillow. To ensure that your pillow lasts as long as possible, always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. The covers of many travel pillows may be removed and washed in a washing machine. Even though their interiors can’t be washed in a machine, they can usually be spot cleaned.

Where can I buy a travel pillow?

Manufacturer websites, department stores, and internet marketplaces are all good places to look for travel pillows. A travel cushion can be found at most businesses that provide home goods, travel items, and/or sleep aids, making it easy to find one.

How long do travel pillows last?

When it comes to the longevity of your travel pillow, it all depends on the quality of your pillow and how well you take care of it. A well-made and well-cared-for travel pillow can last for years. Traveling can limit the lifespan of a pillow, especially if it doesn’t fold up for storage in a suitcase.

Are travel pillows adjustable?

There are certain travel pillows that can be adjusted to some degree. The stiffness of inflatable pillows can be altered by adding or removing air from the chambers. Adjustable neck closures are a common feature of many travel pillows.