Does anyone have suggestions for a rectangle-shaped pillow that compresses down into a slim size for carry-on packing? I have an inflatable U-shaped neck pillow that works for the airplane but I'd like to find something small to augment sparse bed pillows. Thanks!
Campmor, campmor.com has several. Just go to the site, type in travel pillows in the search block and you shall see.
I've had good luck with the Therm-a-rest brand memory foam pillows that fold into themselves. Size small is probably the best for airline seats and is still big enough for hotel rooms. The drawstring used to compress the pillow can also be looped over the handle or strap of a carry-on and not draw too much attention from the gate dragons when you're trying to get on the plane so you aren't trying to cram it into precious baggage space.
thank you, both, for your valuable suggestions!
Why not ask your host for a second pillow?
Bought one at Gander Mountain a few years ago, took it Japan where there was no pillow offered and I slept on their mats. This pillow comes in a stuff sack and it worked great.
As for why not ask for a second pillow? Two bad pillows smushed together do not make one good one. Unless I'm sick or jet-lagged, I already have a hard enough time falling asleep on vacation as it is (too! much! excitement! to come in the morning) , and a bad pillow experience makes it even worse. A small memory foam travel pillow really does help me get some sort of decent rest while I'm gone.
One of the very best thank you presents I got from TA was a Brookstone travel pillow. I have taken it to my sisters--she has flat pillows--to my mom's--her pillows are too puffy--and of course on train and plain trips. It's wonderful.
Pam
I sleep full-time (at home and on trips) using an inflatable pillow purchased at REI
http://www.rei.com/product/830617/exped-air-pillow
I inflate it just a bit and have it in a pillow case. Deflate it for the trip and re-inflate it.
The pillows in "hotels" are too thick
Thanks for your tips, everyone. Evan, I have that particular pillow on my potential purchase list. It's a bit on the spendy side. Right now, I'm leaning toward this pillow: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KO9FX7W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3BQ9NTQKS5OMR (YOUR Pillow! by SHO - Ultimate Self Inflating Travel, Camping & Festival Pillow - Lifetime Guarantee).
Folks, as far as asking for another pillow, we often rent apartments or low budget places and there is no one to ask for another pillow. Besides, I don't want to appear like a demanding American. We save money and take what if offered.