Sleeping on an airplane sounds simple enough. You sit down, pop on a pair of headphones, and tune into a movie or a podcast until you doze off, right? Turns out, what with the tight leg room, odd flashes of light and noise, and seemingly incessant calls over the PA system, that sleeping on planes isn’t as easy as it seems. Fortunately, there’s an entire cottage industry of products designed specifically to help you get some shut-eye after take off, with each option below servicing a different aspect of the process to get you calm, cozy, and content.
All the Gear You Need to Sleep Well on Your Next Flight
Do you struggle to sleep on the plane? Check out Matador’s rundown of everything that can make it easier for you:
- These Noise-Canceling Headphones Make In-Flight Sleeping a Breeze
- These Affordable Ear Plugs Make Sleeping On a Plane Much Easier
- On Long-Haul Flights, Get Rady To Sleep Like You Do at Home: With Facials and PJs
- My Favorite Under-$20 Hack for Making Every Flight More Comfortable
- This Travel Pillow Prevents Neck and Shoulder Pain For In-Flight Sleep
We hope you love this gear for sleeping on an airplane! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WHCH710N
The Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WHCH710N are a fantastic addition to your travel sleep setup, offering an immersive and uninterrupted listening experience. These over-ear headphones feature advanced noise-canceling technology that effectively blocks out ambient sounds, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or podcasts without distraction. The headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their plush ear cushions and adjustable headband. With a long-lasting battery life, you can enjoy your favorite music for hours on end. The WHCH710N also includes convenient touch controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and taking calls. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply seeking to enjoy your audio content in peace, these Sony headphones are a reliable and high-quality choice.
Here’s why we love them:
- Outstanding Noise Canceling: The Sony WHCH710N headphones excel at blocking out ambient noise, making them perfect for travel.
- Long Battery Life
- Comfortable Fit: Designed with comfort in mind, the WHCH710N features plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband.
- Wireless Convenience: These headphones connect wirelessly to your devices via Bluetooth, eliminating the hassle of tangled cords while on the move.
- Foldable and Portable: The headphones are foldable, making them easy to pack into your travel bag or carry-on luggage.
Price: $94.50
Check out Matador’s detailed review of the Sony Noise Canceling Headphones
Airplane foot hammock
Sitting in an airplane is beyond uncomfortable, but the airplane foot hammock makes it tolerable. The adjustable strap makes it as low or high as you’d want so you can rest one or both feet on it to take the pressure off your butt (or legs, or back, or wherever you usually feel it). You can also sit sideways, with your feet on top of one another on it. Being able to change position throughout a flight has eliminated almost all the pain I used to feel while flying. It also improves circulation and creates more of a bend in my knees (if I want), helping to reduce knee and leg stiffness.
Here’s why we love it:
- Ergonomic comfort: An airplane foot hammock is designed to provide ergonomic comfort during long flights. It allows passengers to elevate their legs and feet, reducing pressure on the lower back and promoting better circulation.
- Adjustable design: Most airplane foot hammocks come with adjustable straps that can be attached to the seat in front of you, allowing you to customize the height and angle of the hammock to your preference
- Improved sleep quality: Elevating your feet with a foot hammock can help improve your sleep quality on long flights. It enables you to find a more comfortable position for resting and dozing off.
Price: $19.97
Check out Matador’s detailed review of this airplane foot hammock
Cetaphil Face and Body Wipes for travel
Cetaphil Face and Body Wipes, Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths are a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin. They are soap-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, so they won’t irritate your skin. They are also gentle enough to use on your face and body. These wipes are pre-moistened with a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, makeup, and oil without stripping your skin of its natural oils. They also help to hydrate your skin and leave it feeling refreshed and soft.
The wipes are great for travel, the gym, or in the car. They are individually wrapped so they are easy to take with you on the go. The flip-top closure also helps to keep the wipes moist and fresh.
Price: $13.69
Check out Matador’s full rundown of facial products for flying
TravelRest All-in-One Travel Pillow
The neck brace never looked so cool. The TravelRest All-in-One Travel Pillow is a unique neck pillow that is designed to provide support and comfort while you sleep on the go. It is shaped like a scarf, but it has a hidden internal support system that helps to keep your head and neck in a comfortable position. It is made from soft, breathable fabric and it is very lightweight and compact. It is also machine washable, which is great for keeping it clean on the road. Overall, the pillow is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and supportive neck pillow for travel. It is lightweight, compact, and easily washable, making it easy to pack and keep clean. However, it is not as supportive as some traditional neck pillows and it can be a bit bulky for some people.
Here’s why we love it:
- Simple setup: The sling design makes it easy to wear and take off, even while you are sleeping.
- Inflatable: The inflatable pillow system helps to keep your head and neck in a comfortable position, even if you are jostled around.
- Comfortable: The fabric is soft and breathable, so you won’t get hot or sweaty while you are sleeping.
- Machine washable: The pillow is machine washable, so you can keep it clean on the road.
- Affordability: The pillow is affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers.
Price: $29.95
Check out Matador’s detailed review of the TravelRest All-in-One Travel Pillow
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
Loop’s built-for-travel Quiet ear buds are a worthwhile investment that will last for years to come. They are specifically designed for sleeping and do not require Bluetooth or any other type of connectivity. Simply insert them into your ears and the noise cancellation will activate a few seconds later.
The earplugs are designed for all types of sleepers, including side-sleepers. You can turn the bud to the left or right after inserting it into your ear to make it flush with the rest of your ear. This will prevent it from jabbing into your ear while you lay on your pillow, unlike traditional earbuds.
You can wear the earplugs when you sleep or when you want to block out distracting background noise while you are on the go. It may take a night or two to get used to the earplugs, so you may want to break them in before you use them on a long train trip. Your order comes with several different sized tips to ensure a comfortable fit.
The earplugs have a battery life that outlasts long-haul flights, and noise-canceling technology normally reserved for earbuds that cost five times as much.
Here’s why we love them:
- Size: Small and lightweight, making them easy to travel with.
- Comfort: Comfortable to wear, even for side-sleepers.
- Silence is golden: Effective at blocking out noise, even low-frequency noise like snoring.
- Long battery life.
Price: $24.95
Check out Matador’s detailed review of the Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
EverSnug Premium Travel Blanket and Pillow
You’ve likely never thought of a blanket as a fashion piece, but that’s about to change. The EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow is a two-in-one product that can be used as a blanket or a pillow. It is made from a soft, microplush fabric that is both warm and comfortable. The blanket is also machine washable and tumble dryable, making it easy to keep clean. The EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow is perfect for travel, as it is lightweight and compact. It can also be used as a picnic blanket or a beach blanket. The pillow is also comfortable to use on airplanes or in cars.
Here’s why we love it:
- The blanket measures 65″ x 40″, making it large enough to fit most people.
- The pillow is 16″ x 12″, making it a good size for travel.
- The blanket and pillow come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your style.
- The blanket and pillow come with a carrying case, so you can easily transport them.
Price: $37.95
OLLY Sleep Gummies
No, these aren’t infused with the same stuff you’d find at a local dispensary, but OLLY Sleep Gummies are built with melatonin to help your body relax. Take them 30 minutes before boarding and you’ll be nodding off by takeoff. OLLY Sleep Gummies are a dietary supplement that is designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. They contain a blend of melatonin, L-theanine, and botanicals, creating a natural way to doze off that, as a bonus, ends up being far cheaper — at about $12 for 25 servings — than ordering a couple of drinks.
Here’s why we love them:
- They’re delicious and can double as a light dessert
- 30 minutes after eating, you begin to feel slightly drowsy and ready to drift off to sleep
- No drowsiness after wakeup, and no lingering tiredness
Price: $11.99
Giesswein Vent Slipper
Here’s the thing – going barefoot on a plane is frowned upon, but sleeping with shoes on is uncomfortable. The solution? Giesswein’s Vent Slipper, the ultra-comfortable travel slipper that looks good enough to pass as a shoe but is as soft as a pillow (without sacrificing the support you need to actually walk). The Vent Slipper features a flexible, waterproof, mud- and dirt-resistant latex outsole and an upper made of virgin wool that’s naturally insulating and moisture-wicking. An easy-to-tighten toggle allows a secure fit, and its leather-lined footbed accommodates most custom orthotics.
Here’s why we love them:
- Made from 100% wool that is naturally insulating and moisture-wicking.
- Comfortable and stylish.
- Flexible, waterproof, mud- and dirt-resistant latex outsole.
- Machine washable
- Easy-to-tighten toggle for a secure fit.
- Leather-lined footbed accommodates most custom orthotics.
Price: From $85.95
Ostrich Pillow Eye Mask
Ostrich Pillow Eye Mask is a blackout mask that blocks out all light, even if you’re in the middle seat next to someone who refuses to close the window. It’s made from a soft, breathable fabric and has a comfortable, adjustable fit. It’s 3D ergonomic design conforms to the shape of your face, so you not only feel good and sleep well, but you don’t look like an alien to everyone walking down the aisle. The fabric is made from a soft, breathable modal that is hypoallergenic and machine washable.
The adjustable strap ensures a snug fit that won’t slip or slide. But the real perk, beyond the ergonomic eye piece, is that the nose piece is adjustable to prevent light from leaking in around your nose. The eye cups are large enough to accommodate glasses or contacts, and the mask folds up small for easy travel. You can even put it in your jacket pocket and not have to take up room in your bag — so there’s no reason not to try this out before your next flight.
Price: $45
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask is a popular lip mask that is known for its ability to hydrate and plump lips overnight – and given that a long-haul flight is generally enough time to count as “overnight,” this product makes for both a productive use of the time and can help you feel like you’re sleeping at home.
Here’s why we love it:
- Available in two flavors: Berry and Gummy Bear.
- The mask is recommended for use 2-3 times per week.
- It is best to apply the mask before bed so that it can work its magic overnight.
- The mask can be removed with a warm washcloth or a gentle lip scrub.
Price: $24