People who frequently travel on planes are familiar with the stiffness and exhaustion that can follow an uncomfortable trip, especially if it is a long one. One way to avoid the aches and pains and get more comfortable when flying is to bring along your own travel pillow.

Although many airlines will pass out small pillows, you can purchase pillows that are much more useful and provide more comfort. And being more comfortable means you can get more rest or perhaps get more work done – either way you will be making the most of your time on the plane.

There are several types of travel pillows to choose from. For those who like to travel light, an inflatable travel pillow may be a good option. These pillows inflate with just a few quick breaths to whatever firmness you prefer. When not in use, they can be tucked inside a carry-on bag very easily. The inflatable pillows are usually well constructed with a cotton outer layer that is comfortable to lay your head on.

For those who want both comfort and support, try a memory foam travel pillow. These are like memory foam bed pillows, molding their shape to the contours of your head and neck to provide maximum support. These pillows compress a bit to fit into your luggage, but will need a little more room than an inflatable pillow.

There are also horseshoe-shaped and rectangular pillows that cradle your head in a center depressed space so that it will not wobble from side to side when you try to sleep. These pillows come in different sizes and fabrics so that you can find appropriate pillows for children as well; it is a good idea to choose a travel pillow with a removable cover for easy cleaning.

A small investment in a good travel pillow will make your plane trips a lot more comfortable and you will arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of your trip.