Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
The Good
- Straps to airplane seat
- Memory foam comfort
- Quick-dry fabric
The Bad
- Bulkier than inflatable options
We tested 25+ travel pillows on long-haul flights across three continents to find the ones that actually help you sleep. From memory foam to innovative wrap designs, here are our expert picks for every sleep position and budget.
The best travel pillows for most people, based on extensive flight testing.
Our team tested 25+ travel pillows on actual long-haul flights including LAX to Tokyo (11 hours), New York to London (7 hours), and San Francisco to Sydney (15 hours). We evaluated:
Memory foam provides superior support and conforms to your neck shape. These pillows are ideal for long flights where comfort trumps packability.
Pro tip: Memory foam pillows can feel warm. Look for models with breathable, moisture-wicking covers if you tend to sleep hot.
These pillows break from the traditional U-shape to solve specific problems like chin support, side sleeping, or ultra-compact packing.
Why innovation matters: Traditional U-shaped pillows don't work for everyone. The Trtl's scarf design is half the size of regular pillows, while the BCOZZY wraps around for chin support that prevents head bobbing.
You don't need to spend $60 for a good travel pillow. These affordable options deliver solid performance at a fraction of premium prices.
Best value: The Napfun at $20 offers 100% memory foam construction—the same material premium pillows use—at a third of the price.
For minimalist packers and ultralight travelers who need a pillow that won't take up precious bag space.
Complete reviews of every travel pillow we tested, ranked by overall performance.
Memory foam pillow with seat strap to prevent head falling forward
Approx.
Ergonomic travel pillow with internal support system
Approx.
Ergonomic design that lays flush against seat
Approx.
Premium ergonomic memory foam with 360-degree support
Approx.
Unique wrap design with chin support for side sleepers
Approx.
British Invention of the Year with unique J-shape
Approx.
Memory foam travel pillow with snap loop
Approx.
Best-selling budget memory foam travel pillow
Approx.
Adjustable height and circumference for custom fit
Approx.
Ultralight inflatable pillow for minimalist travelers
Approx.
Inflatable pillow with lateral support for side sleeping
Approx.
Understanding the different types helps you choose the right pillow for your sleep style:
Your sleep position is the most important factor in choosing a travel pillow:
Detailed analysis of our top picks, synthesized from hands-on testing and professional reviews.
The best traditional travel pillow—the Seat Strap System physically prevents your head from falling forward.
The Cabeau Evolution S3 has earned its reputation as the go-to recommendation for traditional travel pillow buyers. The signature innovation is the Seat Strap System—velcro straps that attach to the airline headrest wings, physically preventing your head from falling forward. You can even slip out to use the bathroom and the pillow stays in place.
The memory foam hits the right balance: supportive enough to hold your head in position, soft enough to remain comfortable for hours. The thinner back section allows better spine alignment against the seat—a design detail that shows Cabeau understands ergonomics. The removable, machine-washable cover addresses the hygiene concerns that plague shared travel gear.
The main limitation is size. Even compressed, this is a substantial pillow that takes up meaningful carry-on space. And travelers under 5'4" often report the high sides feel claustrophobic. If packability is your priority, the Trtl is a better choice. But for pure comfort and the anti-head-bob innovation, the S3 is the pillow to beat.
Seat Strap System prevents head bobbing
Velcro straps attach to airplane headrest wings, keeping your head in place. You can slip out to use the bathroom and the pillow stays put. This is genuinely innovative.
Quality memory foam support
Responsive memory foam provides firm support without being rock-hard. The slimmer back section allows for proper spine alignment against the seat.
Washable, moisture-wicking cover
The polyester cover is removable and machine washable—essential for a product that touches your face for hours. The material wicks moisture and resists odors.
Includes compression case
Rolls up to about half its size and comes with a travel bag. Still substantial, but more manageable than it first appears.
Excellent value at ~$40
Compared to premium pillows in the $60+ range, the S3 delivers similar quality and features at a lower price point.
Too tall for petite travelers
significantIf you're under 5'4" or have a shorter neck, the pillow may feel like a neck brace. The high sides can feel claustrophobic and may interfere with over-ear headphones.
Bulky to pack
moderateEven compressed, this is a substantial pillow. Minimalist packers will find it takes up precious carry-on space. Consider the Trtl if packability matters.
Cover is tricky to reinstall
minorWashing is easy; getting the cover back over the memory foam core is a bit of a wrestling match due to the pillow's unique shape.
Back support is thin
minorSome users report the very back of the pillow (behind the neck/head) is too thin, offering less support than expected when leaning straight back.
Seat Strap kept pillow in place for entire flight. Woke up with zero neck pain—unusual for economy class. The anti-bob feature is real.
Over-ear headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5) fit but feel slightly pushed. In-ears work perfectly.
Felt overwhelmed by the pillow height. Sides pushed against jaw uncomfortably. Not recommended for shorter travelers.
Compressed to about half size but still takes up significant space. Plan for it when packing.
Cover came out of wash fresh and clean. Reinstalling took effort but worth it for hygiene.
The Seat Strap System physically prevents your head from falling forward—the core frustration with most neck pillows.
At ~$40, it delivers premium comfort without premium pricing.
Designed for the slightly reclined airplane seat position.
The machine-washable cover is essential for a face-touching product.
The pillow's height overwhelms shorter frames. Look at the Trtl Plus instead.
Even compressed, it's substantial. The Trtl folds flat like a scarf.
Designed for upright sleeping. If you lean against windows, consider other options.
The high sides can interfere with large headphones. In-ears work fine.
At ~$40, the S3 delivers features found in $60+ competitors. The Seat Strap System alone justifies the price over generic options.
1-year limited warranty
Memory foam holds its shape well. The cover material is durable. Users report 3+ years of regular use without degradation.
Cabeau has better traditional support; Trtl is far more packable. Cabeau for comfort-first travelers, Trtl for minimalist packers.
Both address head-bob differently. Cabeau uses straps; Travelrest uses 360° support. Similar quality and price.
The Seat Strap System is what justifies the premium. Generic pillows lack this innovation.
If packability matters more than traditional pillow feel.
If you want 360° support including chin support.
Updated December 2024
A genuinely innovative design that packs flat like a scarf—but only works if you sleep in one position.
The Trtl Pillow Plus is a genuinely innovative design that works brilliantly—if you're the right sleeper for it. Instead of a traditional U-shape, it wraps like a scarf with an internal plastic support rib that holds your head in a tilted position. Reviewers report sleeping 6+ hours on long-haul flights with zero neck pain.
The packability is the standout feature. The Trtl folds flat to about the size of a folded scarf—a fraction of what traditional memory foam pillows take up. For minimalist packers and carry-on-only travelers, this is huge. The fleece material is cozy (perhaps too warm for some) and fully machine washable.
The critical limitation: it only works in one position. You sleep with your head tilted to one side. If you shift positions during sleep or prefer leaning against the window, the rigid support becomes uncomfortable. The Plus version adds height adjustment to accommodate different neck lengths, which addresses the main complaint about the original Trtl.
Prevents head bob completely
The internal plastic support rib physically holds your head in a tilted position. Unlike memory foam that compresses, this rigid support doesn't give way during sleep.
Incredibly packable
Folds flat to about the size of a folded scarf. Takes up a fraction of the space of traditional pillows—a massive win for carry-on packers.
Height adjustable (Plus version)
The Plus model allows you to adjust the height of the support to fit different neck lengths. This addresses the main complaint about the original Trtl.
Proven on long-haul flights
Multiple reviewers report 6-14 hour stretches of uninterrupted sleep. CNN Underscored called it essential for 'travelers seeking better in-flight sleep.'
Fully machine washable
The entire pillow is machine washable—not just a cover. Comes with a water-resistant carry bag.
Only works in one position
significantYou sleep with your head tilted to one side. If you shift positions frequently or prefer leaning against the window, the rigid support becomes uncomfortable.
Learning curve
moderateIt doesn't look like a pillow and isn't intuitive to use. First-time users often feel awkward until they figure out the right positioning.
Fleece can be warm
moderateThe cozy fleece material retains heat. If you run hot, this pillow may make you uncomfortable on warm flights.
Still challenging for petite users
minorThe original Trtl was too large for travelers under 5'3". The Plus helps with height adjustment, but may still be awkward for very petite frames.
Premium price at ~$60
minorCosts 2-3x more than traditional pillows. Only worth it if the unique design matches your sleep style.
Slept 8 hours in one position without neck pain. The rigid support actually works. Woke up refreshed.
Trying to change positions while wearing the Trtl is uncomfortable. The rigid rib only works one way.
Folded to scarf size while the Cabeau filled half my personal item. The packability difference is dramatic.
Got uncomfortably warm after 3+ hours in a heated cabin. The fleece doesn't breathe well.
Took 2-3 flights to figure out optimal positioning. Initial impression was 'this is weird.' Now can't fly without it.
The most packable serious travel pillow. Folds flat to scarf size.
The rigid support enables 6+ hour sleep sessions for the right sleeper.
If you naturally sleep in one position without moving, this is perfect.
A completely different approach to the travel pillow problem.
The rigid support only works one way. Moving around defeats the purpose.
Designed for head-tilted sleeping, not leaning against surfaces.
The fleece material retains heat and doesn't breathe well.
It's a rigid support wrapped in fleece—not soft and squishy.
At ~$60, it's expensive for a travel pillow. But if the design works for your sleep style, the packability and effectiveness justify the price.
2-year warranty
The internal plastic rib is the durability concern—reports of cracking after 2+ years of heavy use. The fleece holds up well.
Cabeau is more comfortable and traditional; Trtl is dramatically more packable. Cabeau for comfort-first, Trtl for pack-light travelers.
Travelrest has 360° support; Trtl has one-position support but packs flat. Choose based on sleep style vs packability priority.
The Trtl's rigid support actually prevents head-bob; generic pillows just compress. Different product category entirely.
If you prefer traditional pillow feel and don't mind the bulk.
If you want 360° support and shift positions during sleep.
Updated December 2024
Travel pillows are tested for what actually matters: can you sleep on a plane? We focus on neck support, packability, and materials that hold up to real travel conditions.
Neck Support
Used during flights and rated ability to keep head stable while dozing
Comfort
Assessed fabric softness, breathability, and heat retention during use
Packability
Measured packed dimensions and tested fit in various bag types
Durability
Compressed repeatedly and checked shape retention; reviewed long-term user feedback
Washability
Checked care instructions and tested removable cover washing where applicable
Senior Travel Editor
Margot spent a decade as a flight attendant before transitioning to travel journalism. She's logged over 2 million air miles and has an obsessive attention to detail when it comes to travel gear—if a neck pillow doesn't survive a red-eye to Singapore, it doesn't make her list. When she's not testing luggage durability, you'll find her hunting for the perfect croissant in whatever city she's landed in.
Credentials
For long flights, memory foam pillows like the Cabeau Evolution S3 or Travelrest Nest provide the best support. They maintain their shape throughout the flight and offer superior neck support compared to inflatable options. The Cabeau also has a strap that attaches to your seat, preventing your head from falling forward while you sleep.
U-shaped pillows work best for people who sleep upright or leaning slightly to the side. Wrap-around pillows like the Trtl or BCOZZY are better for side sleepers or those who want chin support. The best choice depends on your sleep position—side sleepers typically prefer wrap designs, while back sleepers do better with traditional U-shapes.
Memory foam provides better support and comfort but takes up more space. Inflatable pillows pack smaller and weigh less but offer less support and can feel unstable. For long-haul flights where comfort is priority, choose memory foam. For ultralight packing or short trips, inflatable works well.
Most travel pillows have removable, machine-washable covers. Remove the cover and wash on gentle cycle with cold water. For memory foam cores, spot clean only—never put memory foam in the washing machine or dryer as it will break down. Some inflatable and microbead pillows are fully machine washable; check your specific product's care instructions.
Yes, but you need the right design. Traditional U-shaped pillows often fail side sleepers because they don't provide lateral support. Look for pillows with raised sides like the Cabeau Evolution S3, wrap-around designs like the Trtl or BCOZZY, or the J-Pillow which specifically supports side sleeping. These prevent your head from falling too far to the side.
Absolutely. Travel pillows are designed specifically for the cramped conditions of economy seating. Look for pillows that don't add bulk behind your head (like the Travelrest Nest) or compact designs like the Trtl. Pillows with seat straps help maintain position when you can't recline fully.
Quality travel pillows range from $20-60. Budget options like the Napfun ($20) work well for occasional travelers. Premium pillows like the Cabeau Evolution S3 ($40) or Ostrichpillow Go ($60) are worth the investment for frequent flyers. The most expensive option isn't always best—focus on your sleep position and packing needs.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore more options directly on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases
Check out our other in-depth reviews.
View All ReviewsAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases