As someone who gravitates towards extremely early morning flights (we’re talking prime red-eye hours), I’ve always struggled to sleep comfortably on planes. More often than not, I find myself arriving at my destination with a stiff neck, sore shoulders and lingering discomfort, even if I’ve packed a neck pillow. That is, until I started traveling with the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow, a memory foam travel pillow designed to support the neck and limit head movement during sleep.
Since its launch in 2017, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow has gained significant popularity, generating online buzz for its distinctive, ergonomic design. I’ve tested it out for about six months now, and can confidently say it helps reduce neck and back strain during flights.
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow Features
Pros:
- Dense cushioning that holds its shape
- Asymmetrical design that supports alignment
Cons:
- Fit may feel tight for some users
Ergonomic Shape And Neck Support
The Go Pillow’s shape makes it stand out from the others. The front and back are slimmer while the sides are structured, giving it a butterfly-like design similar to some pillows for neck pain. The uneven contouring is designed to support your neck as you sit upright, keeping it upright and aligned with the natural curve of your spine. Because it fully wraps around, this stabilizes your head while you rest.
Inside, the memory foam core is evenly distributed, cradling your head for comfort. Those who like to sit in the aisle seat will especially appreciate that you won’t have to shift around to find a more stable position for your neck.
Exterior And Adjustable Velcro Closure
The outer Oeko-Tex Viscose cover has a smooth, breathable feel and the pillow fastens with Velcro at the front, allowing you to adjust the fit. While secure—I’ve never felt it loosen—the lining itself is a bit short. Combined with the pillow’s dense padding, this can make it feel tight around the neck. Some may love this close fit, while others may not. I usually leave the Velcro partially undone to relieve some pressure, which works well for me.
Packability And Care
One of the more practical features of this pillow is how easily it packs down. It comes with a compact pouch that might initially seem tricky to fit the pillow into. But once you’ve rolled it up, its volume shrinks by up to 60%, allowing you to squeeze it into the bag with surprising ease. The bag’s drawstring cord can attach to your carry-on, backpack or any suitcase.
To clean the cover, just unzip the outer lining and remove the inner foam. Toss the exterior into the washer on a delicate cycle to give it a rinse, then hang it to air dry. The inner memory foam, meanwhile, can be spot-cleaned with mild soap.
Final Thoughts
The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is the first premium neck pillow I’ve tested, and it definitely lives up to the hype: It made it much easier to rest on flights, by supporting me in upright sleeping positions and preventing neck strain. Everything about it is well-designed, from the breathable, machine-washable cover to its deep cushioning. Still, if you’re sensitive to neck pressure, you may prefer a more flexible travel pillow.
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- This story was written by lifestyle editorial assistant Whitney Bruno. A frequent flier, she’s created numerous Caribbean destination guides and previously reported on the best garment bags and travel tech organizers.
- This story was edited by senior travel editor Sunshine Flint, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience covering all things travel.
- Deputy editor Jane Sung assigned and reviewed this story. She currently oversees the beauty, fashion and travel verticals, and has organized testing for our luggage and travel gear stories.