How to Choose a Beach Headrest
You know the routine. You roll up a towel, wedge it under your neck, and twenty minutes later it's a hard lump and the sun is in your eyes. By noon your back has opinions.
A beach headrest fixes that, but not all headrests are equal. Here is what actually matters when you choose one, so you buy once and use it all summer.
What is a beach headrest?
A beach headrest is a portable support for your head and neck that sits on the sand or your towel. Some are simple pillows. Others, like the SunDoze Headrest, add an adjustable sunshade so your face stays out of direct sun while the rest of you tans.
Six things to check before you buy
1. Comfort
Look for a cushioned surface that supports both your head and your neck, not a flat pad. Ask how firm it is, and whether it holds its shape after a few hours of use.
The SunDoze headrest has a removable pillow.
2. Shade you can adjust
The sun moves. A shade that only points one way is only useful for twenty minutes. Look for a shade you can angle as the afternoon goes on.
The SunDoze sunshade adjusts, so you can keep your face covered without lifting your head or turning your towel around.
3. Weight and how it packs
If it's awkward to carry, it will stay in the boot. Check the weight and whether it folds flat.
The SunDoze Headrest weighs 1.7 kg and folds flat, so it slips into a beach bag or the back seat.
4. Materials that handle the beach
Sand, sunscreen, salt and the odd spilled drink are part of the day. Look for a water-resistant fabric that wipes clean.
SunDoze is water-resistant and wipes clean. Take a damp cloth and wipe with cold water.
5. Stability on sand
Sand shifts, so a wide, flat base matters.
SunDoze provides a wide enough support to allow for a stable base on the sand, without compromising the portability or weight.
6. How it looks
You'll leave it out on the sand all day, so it may as well look good. SunDoze comes in three colours: Olive Green, Cream Beige and Drift Teal.
Towel, beach pillow or headrest with shade?
| Rolled towel | Basic beach pillow | Headrest with sunshade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support | Lumpy, loses shape | Soft, varies | Cushioned, designed for the job |
| Face shade | None | None | Yes, adjustable |
| Packs flat | Yes | Often bulky | Yes |
| Water-resistant | No | Varies | Depends on the model |
Questions to ask before you buy
- Does the shade adjust as the sun moves?
- How much does it weigh, and how does it pack?
- Is the fabric water-resistant and easy to wipe clean?
- Does it come in a colour you'll actually like?
- What is the delivery time and the returns policy?
Where the SunDoze Headrest fits
We designed the SunDoze Headrest for one thing: keep your face in the shade and the rest of you in the sun. It's foldable, 1.7 kg, water-resistant and available in three colours, and we ship across South Africa in 2 to 3 working days. Orders over R1,000 ship free.
See the SunDoze Beach Headrest →
Questions? Our FAQ covers shipping, care and returns, or write to info@sundoze.co.za.