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Forking out for a good-quality neck pillow is a must for any seasoned traveller, especially if you’re frequently taking long-haul flights.
But it turns out most of us are using them wrong – making a key mistake that means we’re not getting the neck support we need.
Travel health expert @Uprighthealth shared a clip on YouTube, highlighting what many passengers are doing wrong.
In the video, he demonstrates – showing how he grabs a neck pillow with a clasp, fastens it, and then swivels it around so the clasp is at the back, not by his chin.
He wrote in the caption: ‘This is the RIGHT WAY to use a neck pillow when you travel.
‘Travel neck pillows should be worn with the opening to the back for better head and neck support.’
He explains: ‘Everyone is using their travel pillow wrong. Most people use it with the opening to the front, and then you lean back and put yourself in weird neck posture and end up with a crick in your neck.
‘You’re still able to slide around all funny, and this thing just does nothing at all.’
He adds: ‘Instead, you need to get a travel cushion that has a snapping mechanism so that you can secure this around your neck and then turn it around the other way.
‘You’ll notice that your head and neck are super supported and you can sleep.’
He explains this way you will have better head and neck alignment, and your face and head will be supported.
Plus, he says, ‘you’re going to look like a genius.’
Viewers were quick to take to the comments to share their thoughts, with many praising the tactic.
One wrote: ‘Doh! You know how much money I’ve spent on travel pillows that ended up in the trash? Only to learn that they would’ve all probably worked great if I’d just turned them around.
‘Genius! But yeah, now I feel as stupid as I probably looked.’
Another added: ‘Game changer!! I never understood why people used neck pillows as they forced my head and neck forward. Now I know everyone is doing it wrong, ha ha! Thank you.’
A third chimed in: ‘I was someone who didn’t look like a genius, now I do thanks to you! I had a feeling the thick part pressing against the back of my neck didn’t make sense.’
If you’re keen to jump on the bandwagon, the Daily Mail has rounded up some of the best travel pillows you can buy.
Our travel editor dedicated herself to finding the best travel pillows currently on the market.
She’s rounded up the best options so you can slumber en route to the Seychelles, or doze all the way Down Under, without a bother.
And here are some great, budget-friendly options to buy too…
This extremely budget-friendly option is great if you’re looking for a cheap pillow to take abroad.
It is both lightweight and easy to pack.
This pillow with memory foam gently moulds to your shape for maximum comfort while travelling.
The securing closure allows for a customised fit to keep your head comfortable and help you sleep on long journeys.