Any advice on airline travel pillows?

I recently bought a travel pillow that has a memory foam insert plus inflation. It’s a Go Travel 496 Hybrid Universal Pillow ((available on Amazon). Uninflated it’s perfect for lumbar support and with a few breaths it becomes a great pillow.

I have used it on several long car/bus trips and it’s been very comfortable. The big test (27 hour flight from Australia to Europe) will be in April.

There aseem to be several varieties: the one that goes around the back of your neck like a horseshoe (inflated or foam), the one that wraps around your neck like a scarf (made of some structural material that keeps your neck up), and the one that goes around the side of your head and under your chin to keep your head from flopping side-to-side or forward. I think the reviews (in my research) can't agree on which is 'best'. So Id say part of what matters is what you know about your own preferences for how you tend to sleep while sitting. I used the horseshoe type for a few years and that was fine. But I did notice that my head flopped forward. So then I tried the this one (variation of #3):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6MJ3QI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will say that the first trip I used it I slept for four straight hours, which had never happened, and my family started asking to borrow it and calling it the magic pillow
Since then, while I still favor it, Ive discovered a flaw that I intend to modify but haven't yet. I do find that I would like some pillow in the center-back of my neck. If there were a small roll right behind my neck, in addition to the rest, it would be perfect. I have an idea for a small pad I can sew onto the fabric that goes around the back of the head on this pillow, that I think will be easy to do. But I can't report on whether that creates the best pillow ever ;)

Weight and bulk are both problems for me, so I only consider inflatable pillows. In the last few years I've switched from the standard horseshoe shape to the J-pillow. It helps keep my head from flopping forward. For me it is not a panacea; I am still miserable on overnight flights. However, I did manage to doze for a few hours last year. Whether that can be credited to the pillow or to the dose of Dramamine I took, I will not speculate.

I realize this is not a ringing endorsement, but I do think the J-pillow helps. I tend to have sleep issues at home, so I'm an atypical airplane-pillow customer.

You might get some ideas from this post from about a year ago.

I've tried several different types of pillows, and finally settled on an inflatable (almost no luggage space) that has 2 humps in the back which keep your head from flopping sideways.

Here's one from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/UROPHYLLA-Inflatable-Airplanes-Packsack-Comfortable/dp/B078X4MQMN/ref=sr_1_52

I researched it excessively myself and found there was no need.

I bought a soft posture-pedic like neck pillow at TJ Maxx. Inexpensive (under $10) & very comfortable. When commuting with luggage, I wrapped it around my upright bag. The snap closure keeps it secure.

I have one similar to this https://www.amazon.ca/Travelon-Wrap-Around-Travel-Pillow/dp/B00X1BV6VM purchased at Winner's (Marshalls in the US). I like it because it gives my chin something to rest on, or, if I'm in a window seat, I can fold it in half and lean against it. I can also wear it wrapped around my neck or hook it onto my carryon in airports.

Like acraven, I don't want a pillow that is bulky during my entire trip. I only use inflatables. I much prefer something with a softer cover that can be removed and laundered (terry cloth in microfiber is my choice).

Some hacks I use with the pillow:

Don't inflate it, especially fully, on the ground. In the air it will expand and you may create a leak.

When you inflate it, remember it doesn't have to be fully inflated. It's adjustable from barely inflated to fully inflated. I inflate mine about two-thirds. Find the level that's most comfortable for you.

You don't need a special pillow to keep your head from bobbing. You can keep your head from drooping uncomfortably by rotating the pillow. I probably rotate mine a little under 90 degrees to put something under my chin.

If you're in lodging with inadequate pillows, remember you have an auxiliary pillow with you. It's not just for the plane.

I use a down filled travel pillow. Because it is down, it simply squishes down in my bag, so I feel takes up very little room. I use it as well in hotels with large pillows as I like a very flat pillow usually. It would not stop your head from bobbing, but is very comfortable.

Thank you all for your advice on travel pillows. It has been very helpful and I appreciate it. I found one made by Brookstone that is comfortable but does not pack down. I can return it so I am still in the hunt.

Buy box of wine.... drink wine. Pull out and rinse inner bag. inflate when needed on airplane. :)

Best one yet! Except box wine...let someone else drink it while you chug the bottle. Thanks. I needed a chuckle today.

Make sure it fits. From what I gather they are nonrefundable.