The Evolution Pillow is touted as a notable travel pillow for people who want a high level of support and stabilization.
Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Who Makes It
The Evolution Pillow is made by Cabeau, a company whose products are designed to help make travel more comfortable. One of their goals is “transforming Coach-Class woes into a First-Class experience.” The Evolution Pillow, created by CEO David Sternlight, debuted in 2009 and was their first product. According to the website, Sternlight, a former professional basketball player who stands at 6’8”, was inspired to create the Evolution Pillow when he could not get comfortable while traveling. In addition to travel pillows, Cabeau also sells items like socks, backpacks, travel adapters and umbrellas.![pink Cabeau Evolution travel pillow in packaging](https://mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/EvolutionPillowPackaging.jpg)
Key Features of the Evolution Pillow
- One size with a dimension of 9.5″ x 10″ x 5″
- Cabeau Evolution is about 11.6 ounces in weight
- The core is 100% Polyurethane (Memory Foam) filling
- The travel pillow cover is made up of 80% cotton and 20% polyester
- The travel pillow features 360° neck and head support
- The fabric cover is removable and machine washable; cover is offered in a variety of colors and patterns
- Features a pocket for media player
- Comes with a travel case and a pair of foam earplugs
My Experience
The Evolution Pillow’s unique design piqued my interest immediately, as it comes in clear packaging and its label touts many features, from contouring memory foam filling to its ergonomic design and a built-in holder for a media player. When I placed it around my neck, I immediately felt engulfed by the solid memory foam core, the raised side supports on the pillow touched the bottom of my earlobes and traced my cheekbones. The Evolution pillow looked bigger on my neck in comparison to the people in the photos on the packaging, even though I’m 5’7” – not that petite!![woman using a pink Cabeau Evolution Classic travel pillow](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabeau-evolution-katie.jpg)
![Cabeau Evolution Classic travel pillow in bag](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabeau-package.jpg)
What To Consider Before Buying
The size of the pillow and the stability provided by the foam was too much for me, but those who value firmness and use memory foam mattresses or pillows at home may enjoy the firm and contouring nature of this travel pillow. I wasn’t able to wear my headphones (or earbuds) comfortably and still have the ability to rest my head to the side using the Evolution. While it’s possible this is just a personal problem, a few other reviewers also noted a similar experience.![woman asleep with pink Cabeau Evolution travel pillow in car](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabeau-katie-car.jpg)
Price
Based on my experience testing the Evolution Pillow, I think $40 for the pillow is a fair price for the quality of the materials and extra design features associated with it, including the media player and connecting toggles. The flat-back design, which prevents the back of the head from being pushed forward when seated upright, is a lovely detail and made the pillow inherently more comfortable for me. The adjustable toggles that allow the traveler to customize the tightness of the pillow around his or her neck was also a favorable feature and definitely enhanced the overall concept of the Evolution pillow. For me, the size of the pillow and the firmness made it not my favorite. See my list of the best travel pillows here.
The Evolution Pillow is touted as a notable travel pillow for people who want a high level of support and stabilization.
Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Katie Golde
Katie previously managed the day to day operations of the Mattress Clarity news site and reviews sleep products in addition to writing and editing sleep news.
She hails from Austin, where she lives with her growing family. She is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and has a background in health and science content. Her work can be found in print and online publications like Discover Magazine, USA Today and The Huffington Post.