Palmate Pillow Review: A Memory Foam Pillow to Help You Sleep

With two front holders designed to mimic the cradle formed when you put your chin in your hands, the Palmate Pillow could be the key to getting better sleep on your next flight.

Palmate Pillow Review:

Price and Where to Buy: $25.99 at Amazon. Purchase by July 28, 2018, using the promo code SMARTER25, and you’ll save 25 percent off the cost of the pillow. It’s also available on PalmatePillow.com for $29.99.

How the Palmate Pillow Rates:

• Usefulness: 8/10. The Palmate Pillow is designed to cradle your head in all directions but, as with any travel pillow, your personal experience may vary. I found the pillow most comfortable when my head tipped down to one side or another, but less supportive in the front. (My chin passed right between the two front holders unless I squished them tightly together.) Meanwhile, a colleague was most comfortable with his head tipped forward and felt less supported on the sides. How well the Palmate Pillow works for you depends on the particular proportions of your head and neck. The pillow’s cotton cover is soft and can be removed for washing. The pillow has cut-outs on either side to fit headphones, and there’s a vent in the back to help keep you cool. A nice bonus: The pillow comes with a small lint roller and earplugs.
• Value: 10/10. The pillow is affordable, at a price point in line with most other travel pillows.
• Portability: 7/10. Made of memory foam, the Palmate is bulkier than an inflatable pillow. Though you can fold it or stuff it into the included cloth bag, it’ll take up a decent chunk of precious carry-on space unless you hook it onto the handle of your suitcase.
• Durability: 9/10. The Palmate Pillow feels sturdy and well made.
• Cool Factor: 8/10. Let’s face it—most travel pillows don’t look particularly cool. (When a colleague first saw me with the Palmate Pillow, she thought I was wearing a neck brace.) But this pillow isn’t large or obtrusive, and catching a few winks on a long flight is worth any second glances you might get from other passengers.

Final Verdict: If you haven’t yet found a travel pillow that works for you, the Palmate Pillow is worth a try.

More from SmarterTravel:

• SmarterTravel Shopping Guide
• Sleeping on Planes: Top Tips for Travelers
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at [email protected].