7 travel essentials we rely on to help us sleep on long flights and red eyes

When I was researching for a story on earplugs more than 10 years ago, I found the ones by Etymotic Research to be my favorite. Since then, I've taken these earplugs with me whenever I fly long-haul, to silence the engine noise and crying kids (my fellow passengers would be wise to do the same, to cancel out my snoring). Designed for musicians or anyone situated in loud environments and recommended by many audiologists, these Etymotic earplugs are comfortable to wear (the little handles may be bothersome for side sleepers) yet let in just enough sound, like the overhead announcement. Unlike the cheap foam earplugs (those also work well in a pinch, as they're easily found in any drugstore), these are reusable.- Les Shu, Insider Picks Guides Editor

I rarely bring a travel pillow on a flight because I find them difficult to carry, but I won't step on the plane without an eye mask. The Bucky Eye Mask is my go-to for a number of reasons, but the main perk to this one is that I can open and close my eyes while it's on due to the bubble-like shape of the product. This also means that if I have mascara on my eyelashes, it won't rub off or get messed up as it would with a traditional eye mask. I appreciate that there is a tight seal on the outer rim that completely seals out light, along with the ability to adjust the mask to fit my head.- Megan Foster, Insider Picks Intern

I usually have no problem falling asleep with the lights on, but something about the harsh, artificial light on planes makes it impossible to keep my eyes closed for more than a few minutes. I love these sleep masks most for their unique shape — they're contoured into somewhat of a protective bubble over your eyes. Flat sleep mask tend to make my face feel somewhat suffocated, so I appreciate that this design lets me blink, open my eyes, and all around just feel a little more free in the eye area.- Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks Reporter

I don't take melatonin often, but when I'm sick, NyQuil always helps me sleep better, so I figured ZzzQuil (from the same brand) would be a good option for a sleep-aid. I wouldn't recommend this for a quick flight since the active ingredient is an antihistamine, which can leave you very drowsy. But, if you're going to be in the air for eight hours or more, this can really help you fall, and stay, asleep.- Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks Reporter

Bose Quietcomfort 25s (or any good noise-canceling headphones, they have newer ones) reduce the airplane noise so significantly that it's much easier to get to sleep, or to play something quiet and relaxing if that helps you doze off.- Adam Burakowski, Director of Commerce at Insider Picks

Let's get the elephant off the plane — this travel pillow totally resembles a neck brace. But when it supports my neck and head so well, and doesn't add a ton of weight or space to my already over-stuffed carry-on, who really cares? I've used this on long flights to Amsterdam and Hawaii, as well as shorter ones to Florida, and it's prevented my neck from rolling around as if I was possessed and my fiance's shoulders from getting sore supporting my head — a win-win for both us. - Jada Wong, Insider Picks Editor