It has 4 stars on Amazon but this inflatable nap pillow doesn't live up to the hype — here's why
In a cramped space with an achy neck and restless legs, sleeping on the go is somewhat of a skill. However, there are now a bunch of accessories available to help you snooze wherever you are (or claim to do that). And the travel pillow market is getting particularly experimental.
While you'll never get the same quality sleep as you would resting on one of this year's best pillows, there are innovative pillow designs to help you fit in ZZZs at your desk, on a train or mid flight. With a few trips planned for the summer, I decided to give an Amazon's Choice inflatable travel pillow a go. With an average rating of 4/5 stars and over 400 verified reviews, I was keen to try it out. My verdict? I won't be parting ways with my trusty neck pillow anytime soon. Even though this one is inflatable and packs down neatly, I find a standard travel pillow a more practical and comfortable option.
I've been using the Maliton inflatable pillow, which is designed to support your head in various positions while sleeping on planes, trains, in cars or at the office. It's available at Amazon.com for $16.49 now after a 21% discount (was $20.99), or you can find it at retail price of £15.99 at Amazon.co.uk.
The inflatable pillow is designed with holes for your face and arms and a 45° tilt at the top for optimal neck support. Plus there's extra cushioning around where you place your face for more comfort.
Maliton Inflatable Travel Pillow: was $20.99 now $16.49/£15.99 at AmazonThe Maliton inflatable comes in four color options including black, navy, dark grey and light grey. You can get it for $16.49/£15.99 now and it'll be delivered for free the following day with Amazon Prime.
Yes the nap pillow should, in theory, provide a comfortable means of napping no matter where you are. But, in all honesty, I don't recommend it and won't be packing it when I travel this summer. Here's why...
The Maliton pillow claims to inflate in 5 to 10 breaths. Even after getting myself out of puff countless times, it's still not fully inflated, which means it's not very supportive and deflates quickly.
The premise behind the pillow is strong. I like the idea of keeping the neck and upper back in correct posture to help you find comfort and avoid aches and pains in compromised sleeping situations. However, the Maliton pillow needs a sturdier build to be effective.
Even though it can be folded up into a pouch, at 4'x6"x9" when packaged it's still a fairly bulky addition to your hand luggage. Though, I will say it is more smaller than an always-inflated pillow.
Pulling out and blowing up this pillow, which stands at 13'x13'x20' when inflated, is likely to draw a few stares in a space-limited cabin. For this reason and safety precautions, some airlines forbid pillows onboard.
Plus, with the effort it took to blow up to a half-inflated state, I'd rather slip on a neck pillow and eye mask without drawing attention to myself or disrupting others on public transport.
But what neck pillow do I recommend? The memory foam Napfun travel pillow (now $15.86 at Amazon).
For peaceful sleep on board, I'd recommend shopping other sleep products. A reliable sleep mask or sleep headphones, which could be more useful for sleeping while travelling to block out light and noise pollution that's sure to disrupt your rest.
I particularly like the SOMO Sleep Fitness Mask, a luxury soft sleep mask that uses acupressure to help you relax. It comes with a premium price tag ($59). But it can help you sleep while travelling, bag an afternoon nap at home, or sleep better night after night thanks to its durable design.
Additionally, a pair of sleep headphones or earbuds can help you drown out a noisy cabin, which is key to getting shut-eye when travelling. These will also come in handy (much handier than a obnoxious inflatable pillow) if you're struggling to sleep next to a snoring partner.
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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
It has 4 stars on Amazon but this inflatable nap pillow doesn't live up to the hype — here's why
In a cramped space with an achy neck and restless legs, sleeping on the go is somewhat of a skill. However, there are now a bunch of accessories available to help you snooze wherever you are (or claim to do that). And the travel pillow market is getting particularly experimental. While you'll never get the same quality sleep as you would resting on one of this year's best pillows, there are innovative pillow designs to help you fit in ZZZs at your desk, on a train or mid flight. With a few trips planned for the summer, I decided to give an Amazon's Choice inflatable travel pillow a go. With an average rating of 4/5 stars and over 400 verified reviews, I was keen to try it out. My verdict? I won't be parting ways with my trusty neck pillow anytime soon. Even though this one is inflatable and packs down neatly, I find a standard travel pillow a more practical and comfortable option. I've been using the Maliton inflatable pillow, which is designed to support your head in various positions while sleeping on planes, trains, in cars or at the office. It's available at for $16.49 now after a 21% discount (was $20.99), or you can find it at retail price of £15.99 at The inflatable pillow is designed with holes for your face and arms and a 45° tilt at the top for optimal neck support. Plus there's extra cushioning around where you place your face for more comfort. Maliton Inflatable Travel Pillow: was $20.99 now $16.49/£15.99 at AmazonThe Maliton inflatable comes in four color options including black, navy, dark grey and light grey. You can get it for $16.49/£15.99 now and it'll be delivered for free the following day with Amazon Prime. Yes the nap pillow should, in theory, provide a comfortable means of napping no matter where you are. But, in all honesty, I don't recommend it and won't be packing it when I travel this summer. Here's why... The Maliton pillow claims to inflate in 5 to 10 breaths. Even after getting myself out of puff countless times, it's still not fully inflated, which means it's not very supportive and deflates quickly. The premise behind the pillow is strong. I like the idea of keeping the neck and upper back in correct posture to help you find comfort and avoid aches and pains in compromised sleeping situations. However, the Maliton pillow needs a sturdier build to be effective. Even though it can be folded up into a pouch, at 4'x6"x9" when packaged it's still a fairly bulky addition to your hand luggage. Though, I will say it is more smaller than an always-inflated pillow. Pulling out and blowing up this pillow, which stands at 13'x13'x20' when inflated, is likely to draw a few stares in a space-limited cabin. For this reason and safety precautions, some airlines forbid pillows onboard. Plus, with the effort it took to blow up to a half-inflated state, I'd rather slip on a neck pillow and eye mask without drawing attention to myself or disrupting others on public transport. But what neck pillow do I recommend? The memory foam Napfun travel pillow (now $15.86 at Amazon). For peaceful sleep on board, I'd recommend shopping other sleep products. A reliable sleep mask or sleep headphones, which could be more useful for sleeping while travelling to block out light and noise pollution that's sure to disrupt your rest. I particularly like the SOMO Sleep Fitness Mask, a luxury soft sleep mask that uses acupressure to help you relax. It comes with a premium price tag ($59). But it can help you sleep while travelling, bag an afternoon nap at home, or sleep better night after night thanks to its durable design. Additionally, a pair of sleep headphones or earbuds can help you drown out a noisy cabin, which is key to getting shut-eye when travelling. These will also come in handy (much handier than a obnoxious inflatable pillow) if you're struggling to sleep next to a snoring partner.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
19 Ways To Upgrade Your Budget Flight Experience
An airplane window tray to hold your drinks and phone when you want to keep your tray table up or free to hold your laptop. Time to play Stardew Valley for 13 hours! :) An in-flight foot hammock that hangs on the arms of your tray table so you can kick your feet up and pretend you have the ability to stretch out. Many reviewers (especially the vertically challenged) say it helps with soreness and swelling on long flights. Or an inflatable footrest you can adjust to three different heights to create a more comfortable seating arrangement. It can be compressed and fits into a drawstring bag so you don't have to worry about it taking up all the space in your backpack. Speaking on things you don't have room for, reviewers say it's easy to blow up and deflate without a pump! Snack containers with four compartments so you can set yourself up with one of those "cheese boards" they offer in first class. Fill 'em up with cheese cubes, salami slices, veggies, hummus, candy, or whatever you'd like! It's your adult Lunchable to customize however you see fit. A tray table cover so all your snacks, books, devices, and other essentials are within easy reach. Not everyone can afford a fancy seat with extra storage room in the armrest, but anyone can get creative. A seat extender that'll let your little one stretch out and even take a nap. The hammock-like device unfolds from a travel bag and buckles onto the chair and tray table arms. Oh, to be tiny enough to lie down in a single airplane seat. Tower 28's daily facial spray designed to balance skin pH and help minimize irritation, redness, and flare-ups. It's perfect for giving your skin a reset after many hours locked into a stale-aired metal box with 300 or so people. It's the next best thing to the hot washcloths you've seen get passed around at the front of the plane. A cooling memory foam contoured sleep mask to shroud your face in darkness when it's nap time, but your neighbor's reading light or open window is getting in the way. It surrounds your eyes without putting pressure on them — that means it can completely block out light while still allowing you to freely blink. Who needs a private mini cabin when you have this? OK, still me, but this softens the blow of not getting one. A Vesta Loop travel pillow for anyone who wishes they had a little pet snake that could gently strangle them to sleep. The firm pillow twists and sits securely on your shoulders, keeping your head upright while you sneak in a nap and dream of what's going on behind that snobby lil' curtain. Or an inflatable wedge pillow if you find neck rests simply don't offer the support you crave. You can faceplant on its padded top and loop your arms around the bottom. Now, you can catch some ZZZs and send a strong "do not disturb" message to your chatty seat neighbor. Comfortable wax earplugs to help block out unwanted noises, from crying babies to arguing couples. They comfortably mold to the shape of your inner ear, ensuring a perfect, personalized fit. That means more time to nap and less time playing mediator in a lover's quarrel. A wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on the flight so you can get access to the free entertainment without having to use those tinny-sounding earbuds they offer during flights. Or a hands-free rotating phone mount you can install onto your tray table or chair arm so you can watch your own entertainment — because sometimes the in-flight options are reminiscent of a DVD bargain barrel. This can mount onto almost any surface, so it'll also come in handy pre-boarding when they delay your flight yet again. This wouldn't happen if you had a private jet, but alas. A hoodie made with a built-in eye mask so you can pull the hood up and get right to sleep before your seat mate starts showing you pictures of their time at Coachella. Or a weighted hoodie to gently smoosh you to sleep if plane naps are normally out of the question. Like a weighted blanket, it can help reduce flight anxiety and soothe restless limbs, so you can sleep like a baby (not the one currently crying in 32A, of course). A cocktail tin with everything you need (syrup, bitters, mixing tools, etc.) to make an amazing drink — just add an airplane bottle, and you're basically an in-flight bartender. Who needs the gross sparkling wine in first class anyway? A luggage-mounted cup caddy so you can keep your smoothie or coffee secured while you run to your gate. We can't all afford an assistant to hold our things, and the last thing you need is to be sticky for a 10-hour flight. A bunch of Sriracha packets to help make the bland airplane food taste sliiiiightly more edible. A digital luggage scale so there are no surprises when it's time to check your bag. Drop off your perfectly weighted luggage with zero extra fees and finally not wonder if it's worth splurging on an elite airline credit card just to avoid future checked bag troubles. Desperately waiting for Nathan Fielder to perform another Miracle Over the Mojave, but for comfortable airplane seats... Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Selecting the right luggage to stow all your essentials is crucial for a smooth travel experience, whether you're packing light for a solo tourist adventure or organizing essentials for the whole family. With a plethora of options available – from compact carry-ons to spacious suitcases – it's essential to choose luggage that suits your specific travel needs. Here are 10 luggage items to help you find the perfect match for your journey ahead. This Amazon Basics suitcase offers a durable hard shell, double spinner wheels, a scratch-resistant surface and an expandable design for extra packing space. Its compact size fits most airline overhead compartments, making it perfect for weekend trips or business travel. If you like it and want to complete the set, Amazon offers coordinating medium and large-sized bags. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $169.99 Weighing just 5.4 pounds, the Maxlite 5 is designed for ease of use and maneuverability. Its softside construction allows for flexible packing and the expandable feature provides additional space when needed. The four-spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling through airports or wherever your journey may take you. Don't forget the matching underseat bag, which can also be used for a shorter trip when you're packing light. 16 Travel Essentials You Need For Your First Cruise Read On The Fox News App This Briggs & Riley fabric carry-on features compression-expansion technology, allowing for increased packing capacity without compromising size restrictions. The durable ballistic nylon fabric resists wear, while the lifetime guarantee offers shoppers peace of mind. You can also get it monogrammed. The brand's packing cube set makes travel even easier, helping to save even more space and keep items ultra-organized. Original price: $169.95 For travelers seeking a compact yet spacious carry-on, the PackSafe Metrosafe backpack is designed to comply with strict airline baggage policies, and fits easily under airplane seats. Despite its compact size, it offers a generous 20-liter capacity, making it ideal for short trips. The backpack features a dedicated laptop compartment, an anti-theft pocket and a luggage slip, all wrapped in waterproof nylon fabric. If you're looking to spend a little less, this Sinaliy style is another great option. Original price: $559.99 This lightweight yet spacious suitcase from trusted brand Samsonite, available at Macy's, features a durable polycarbonate shell and a 360-degree spinner wheel system for effortless mobility. The expandable design provides additional packing space, while the built-in TSA-approved lock ensures security for your valuables. Luggage tags like this patriotic set from Samsonite are essential, but you can take it a step further and grab this set of Bluetooth-enabled trackers to ensure your luggage never gets lost. Pack For Your Holidays With These Amazon Travel Essentials Designed for extended trips, this Briggs & Riley medium-sized suitcase features the brand's signature technology for on-demand expansion. The flat interior surface minimizes wrinkling and the durable construction withstands the rigors of travel. The lifetime guarantee covers repairs, including damage caused by airlines. The same bag is also available at Amazon in basic black. This lightweight Foldie Foldable tote on Amazon folds down for easy storage, as its name implies. It expands to a generous 40-liter capacity, making it ideal for beach outings, weekend trips or as an extra bag for souvenirs. Be A Cool Tourist With These 7 Travel Essentials Original price: $160 Designed with children in mind, this American Tourister suitcase at Macy's features fun, colorful Disney designs and a durable hard shell. The easy-to-use pull handle and smooth-rolling wheels make it manageable for young travelers, encouraging independence during family trips. You might also consider the JetKids suitcase at Nordstrom, which allows kids to ride on it, saving your arms from carrying tired, cranky kids through the airport. When traveling with kids, it's always best to be prepared and purchase an airplane pillow set, which helps ensure their comfort the entire time. For more deals, visit This compact Rockland Jr. spinner is lightweight and features 360-degree wheels for effortless maneuvering for your tot. The playful patterns, including frogs, monkeys, ladybugs and more, and sturdy construction make it both fun and functional for little travelers. If a backpack bag is easier for them to carry, this Popatu airplane version also features a handle that pulls out and converts it to a roller article source: Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip
