have you thought about making the narrow longer travel pillows? the ones that kinda wrap around your neck? I find those work much better for me. I sew a carry loop on one end and a big button on the other end. I can loop it around my neck that way to hold it in place; or around my wrist or the strap of my carry on so I don't lose it. I make the loop about 12" and double it so it's 6" long. That way it doesn't choke me when I button it and it stays in position. If the loop doesn't stay on the button, you can stitch across the end of the loop to make a small loop that fits tighter over the button. These are great and sell well for $8-10 depending on your location;half that for child size.
I often buy like new flannel, cotton or fleece pajama pants with cute patterned material from thrift stores and use the legs to make these. The hemmed edge or cuff makes a perfect loop. You can get at least 2 adult and 2 child sized pillows from each pair of adult size PJ pants.