How To Pack a Pillow for Travel: 10 Easiest Way

Pillows that are difficult to put into luggage for a journey can be a source of unhappiness. Standard bed pillows simply cannot be compressed to a size that allows for the inclusion of additional items in a packing list. Pillows can be downsized for portability on the road or during air travel, thanks to some resourceful techniques and appropriate equipment. This article will discuss ten effective packing strategies for travel pillows in order to enhance the comfort and minimise the tension of your upcoming vacation. You will also discover advice on how to maintain clean and fresh pillows post-transport, allowing you to sleep soundly regardless of your travel destination.

How To Pack a Pillow for Travel

Evaluate Pillow Type and Size

Before deciding on a packing method, assess the pillow you want to bring. The filling, cover material, and dimensions will determine what compression style works best.

Pillow Fill Material

The softer and more moldable the fill inside your pillow, the easier it will squash down. Materials like down, memory foam or poly-fill compress best. More resilient fills like latex keep their shape.

Pillow Cover Fabric

Pillowcases or covers made of thin fabrics like cotton compress down smaller than thicker, heavier materials. Remove covers if possible when packing.

Pillow Dimensions

Standard bed pillows over 20 inches long are difficult to fit in bags. Smaller backpacking or travel pillows have more versatile shapes.

Evaluate Your Pillow

Before you start packing, take a good look at the pillow you want to bring. The size, shape, and filling will make a difference in how easily it can be transported.

How do you pack a full size pillow?

Standard rectangular bed pillows are the most difficult to pack because they take up a lot of suitcase real estate. However, with some special packing methods and compression tools, you can squash them down considerably.

Travel/Camp Pillows

Pillows specifically designed for travel are smaller and more portable. They are usually made from compressible materials like memory foam or inflatable air chambers, making them easier to squeeze into a bag.

How do you compress pillows for packing?

Once you know what type of pillow you’re working with, it’s time to choose a strategy to compress it into a smaller shape. Here are some of the most effective compression methods:

Vacuum Storage Bags

Vacuum storage bags are a traveler’s best friend when it comes to fitting bulky items into luggage. Simply place the pillow into the bag, seal it shut, and use a vacuum to suck all the air out of the bag. This shrinks the pillow down to a fraction of its normal size so it won’t take up much room when packed.

Compression Straps

Luggage compression straps wrap around the outside of your bag and cinch tightly to flatten everything inside. When using compression straps to shrink your pillow, make sure to place it near the straps so it gets pressed as flat as possible. You can purchase compression straps specifically sized for carry-ons or check-in luggage.

Pillow Insert Compression

For pillows with removable covers, take out the insert filling and compress it before packing. Foam or feather inserts can usually be rolled up tightly and secured with bands or cords. Combine a tightly compressed insert with a vacuum storage bag for maximum space savings.

Consider Protective Covers

Once the pillow is compressed for packing, encase it in a protective cover to ensure it stays clean and damage-free during transit. Pillow protectors are inexpensive, lightweight and come in sizes to accommodate your squished pillow. Other options like a garment bag, drawstring bag or even a clean pillowcase will also work.

Pack Strategically

Where you place your compressed pillow inside your luggage plays an important role in keeping it compact during your trip.

Carry-On Luggage

The best spot is along the spine of an upright rolling carry-on bag. Use compression straps to hold the pillow in place so it doesn’t slide around and re-expand. For non-rolling carry-ons like duffels or backpacks, put the pillow at the bottom or against a flat supportive side.

How to pack a pillow in a suitcase

Pack your pillow in the center of your checked luggage, surrounded by clothing and other items that will keep it stabilized. Avoid the edges and corners where shifting during handling is more likely.

Alternative Travel Pillow Options

If even the best packing methods can’t shrink your pillow sufficiently for travel, consider getting a special travel pillow instead. Here are some handy options that easily tuck into luggage:

Inflatable Pillows

Inflatable travel pillows allow you to carry just the small deflate pillow shell, then blow it up to full size when you reach your destination. Most inflate simply by blowing into a valve. They come in compressible fabrics or more luxurious padded versions.

Travel Pillow Cases

For those who can’t sleep without their favorite pillow, a travel pillow case could be the perfect solution. These oversized pillow covers have straps and closures to compress your pillow tightly then carry it aboard like a shoulder bag or backpack. Once at your destination unzip the case and pull out your pillow ready to use.

10 Easiest Way To Pack a Pillow for Travel

Once you know your pillow properties, try these packing hacks to make it travel ready:

Vacuum Storage Bags: These air-tight bags use vacuum suction to shrink pillows by up to 80%. Just place your pillow in the bag, seal the opening, attach the vacuum and suck out the air. Flatten the bag to conserve space.

Compression Straps For pillows staying inside luggage, tighten bag compression straps over the pillow area to press it as flat as possible. Use straps found on suitcases or purchase separate sets sized for carry-ons or checked bags.
Rolling/Folding Less moldable pillows can be folded tightly, then rolled up and secured with elastic cords, bands or twine to prevent unrolling.
Insert Compression For pillows with removable covers, take out the inner filling and tightly roll or fold it up before packing back into the cover.
Specialty Travel Pillow Cases These oversized pillow cases have built-in compression straps and closures to flatten pillows. Carry them on your back like a backpack.
Inflatable Travel Pillows Inflatables pack totally flat. Blow them up when you reach your destination. Some self-inflate while others require lung power.
Compressible Foam Pillows Solid memory foam or other compressible foam pillows squash down to just a few inches. They quickly spring back to normal size after unpacking.
Drawstring Bag/Sack For lightweight compressible pillows, a simple drawstring bag protects the pillow from dirt while allowing it to partially decompress for a little more comfort.
Garment Bag Use a full-length zippered garment bag to encase awkwardly shaped pillows then fold and pack as usual. The soft sides conform to the pillow shape.
Inside Another Duffel Bag Pack your compressed pillow inside a second duffel or tote bag, surrounding it with clothes or blankets that will keep it from expanding during transport.

Tips for Keeping Pillows Fluffy and Fresh

After arriving, let tightly packed pillows air out and regain their loft before using. Here are some more tips for reviving their comfort and freshness:

Fluff and massage pillows to restore filling distribution
Allow foam pillows 30-60 minutes to fully expand
Air out in sunlight to dry and dissipate odors
Spritz pillows lightly with water and essential oils
Use a pillow refresher spray
Place a scented sachet or dryer sheet between pillow and case

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring pillows in checked luggage?

Yes, pillows are allowed in checked baggage but may count toward your weight limit. Use compression methods and protective covers to prevent damage.

What’s the best way to pack a memory foam pillow?

Memory foam compresses easily on its own. For maximum compression roll tightly, wrap with cords, and use a vac-pack carry case.

How do I keep my pillow clean while traveling?

Use pillow protectors or slip it inside a clean pillowcase while packing. Add dryer sheets for freshness. If it still collects odors let it air out before reusing.

Can I bring my own pillow on a plane?

You cannot bring full-size bed pillows as carry-on items. Use special travel cases with shoulder straps to transport smaller compressed pillows.

Conclusion

Avoid being deprived of a restful sleep while travelling due to cumbersome pillows. By utilising effective compression equipment and employing efficient packing strategies, it is possible to reduce the size of pillows so that they may easily fit into luggage of various dimensions. Pillow protectors also ensure cleanliness by preventing the accumulation of dirt during transportation. Conduct trials using several techniques to determine the most effective strategy for your specific sort of pillow. The minimal exertion of compressing and safeguarding your comfort cushion is very worthwhile in order to experience a restful slumber regardless of your trip destination.