Which neck pillow would you recommend? Recently saw something that looked like a neck brace. Which type & brand name works to allow you support & ability to sleep? And do you bring a blanket? Do airlines even have blankets these days?
Hoping for a few hours of sleep on our 10 hour red eye flights.
I use a small down filled travel pillow, not one of those neck support ones. As far as a blanket, I will either bring a pashmina to cover up with on shorter flights, or I also have a fleece sleeping bag that I sometimes take. It comes in really handy on the plane as well as in many hotel rooms. I really don't like to use those blankets on the plane. I also have a silk sleeping bag which is okay to cover with but does not keep you very warm.
For long flights I prefer Brookstones' semi-circle travel pillow. Has really helped my neck and shoulders arrive in "one piece". It's soft, and says in place, and does the job. I typically do not sleep on planes, but this pillow allows me to relax and get in a couple of cat naps. I've tried several other pillows which were worthless and left at destination. The Brookstone pillow can be attached to the strap near the handle of the carryon or stuffed into my day pack. I always bring it with for any flight longer than 4-5 hours. Sometimes's I wish that the person next to me had one of these pillows so they would quit putting their head on my shoulder as they dozed off.
Everyone has their own preferences, but I like the inflatable donut-shaped pillows that can be adjusted according to what feels comfortable; I can keep the part at the back of my neck pretty flat but have the side-to-side support I want. I have one from Magellan's and one cheap one from K-Mart or someplace like that. They actually both work fine, except the more expensive one has a nice soft fuzzy removable cover. I don't use a blanket, but have a soft fleece jacket that keeps me warm if I need it. (Blankets always seem to end up dragging on the floor - ick.) My other must-haves on long red-eye flights: slippers (inexpensive thin ballet-type from Target) so I can take my shoes off but still walk to the bathroom; ear plugs or headphones (these make a HUGE difference in being able to nap even if just to muffle the engine noise); an eyeshade or even a pair of sunglasses. I usually only nap sporadically since I'm torn between watching the movies, making my own playlist from the music selections, and reading all the books and magazines I've hoarded to read on the flight. ;-) I actually love the long overnight flights, especially on the way over anticipating a great trip. Once I'm on that plane I'm on vacation! Have fun!
I like the Eagle Creek Comfort Travel Pillow: http://www.rei.com/product/719269/eagle-creek-comfort-travel-pillow No blanket but I bring a shawl, and wear layers, for the plane.
I recently purchased from Bed, Bath and Beyond the "total Pillow". I am planning to test it out on a flight to Chicago. The advertisement on the box mentions it "twists into many different shapes", including a neck rest, lumbar support and chair cushion.
I like my Nap neck pillow. It weighs nothing and I hook it on the handle of my carry on. I forgot it on one trip to Europe and I could hardly sleep at all. I was so uncomfortable; that flight was an eternity.