A Game-Changer for Travelers
As a travel journalist, I’ve grown accustomed to long and uncomfortable flights. I once accepted that sleepless plane journeys were part of my life. A red-eye flight meant an endless night shifting in my seat while others around me slept soundly. By the time I reached my destination, I was left with brain fog, exhaustion, and severe back pain from slumping in awkward positions all night.
Over the years, I’ve tried many traditional U-shaped travel pillows, but none ever worked for me. Despite trying various brands and versions, they always required resting my head at an uncomfortable angle. If I did manage to fall asleep, I’d often wake up with a jolt when my head fell forward. Plus, they were generally too big to pack properly, so I had to dangle them from the outside of my cabin bag, which got in the way.
I’ve also tried numerous other “hacks” over the years. I’ve attempted to cut down on sleep a few days before traveling and even taken sleeping tablets before flying, but nothing worked. Most times, I ended up feeling worse by the time I landed.
Keen to try anything that might help, I spotted a strange-looking pillow online. On the verge of taking a long flight to Belize, I decided in desperation to give it a go and, to my surprise, I slept like a baby on the journey. I arrived feeling startlingly well-rested, convinced it must have been a one-off, yet I managed to sleep for several hours on the return flight as well.
It’s no exaggeration to say the Trtl pillow has revolutionized traveling for me, and I haven’t stopped raving about it ever since. If you travel regularly or have a long-haul flight or lengthy journey of any kind ahead, read on to find out why this simple pillow is your new hand-luggage essential.
Why the Trtl Pillow Stands Out
The Trtl pillow is a must-have for anyone facing a long-haul flight or even a long train or bus journey. It means you can comfortably sleep on the go without stressing about where you’re sitting or being woken every time your head falls forward. Plus, it packs easily and can be washed after use. I would never travel without it again.
Key Features of the Trtl Pillow
- Compact and lightweight: Weighing just 148g, the Trtl pillow takes up minimal space in your luggage.
- Flexible positioning: The design allows you to position the support wherever suits you best.
- Multiple versions available: From cooling versions to height-adjustable models, there’s something for everyone.
How the Trtl Pillow Works
Forget the bulky travel pillows you’ve seen before. Instead, the Trtl looks like a folded fleece scarf with a flexible internal support frame inside. Though it doesn’t go completely flat for packing, it takes up so little room, it’s never a problem to squeeze it inside even the smallest hand-luggage bag. The support can also be removed, so the soft fleece exterior can be machine washed, ensuring it’s freshly cleaned each time you use it.
Worn like a scarf, you extend the material, position the support wherever suits you to sleep – under your chin, to the right or – in my case – to the left, then simply wrap the fleece around your neck and fasten it with the Velcro. It really couldn’t be simpler, although it comes with stickers to show you where to put your neck, chin, and jaw when you first buy it. Available in four colors, the design fits any shape and size and holds the head and neck in a neutral, ergonomic position, so you won’t arrive with aches and pains.
Testing the Trtl Pillow
I tested this pillow on a return long-haul journey and was impressed with its comfort and ability to help me sleep. Since then, I have used it on many more flights, factoring in three main qualities:
- Support: I rested my head and neck on the travel pillow for an extended period and paid attention to whether it kept my spine properly aligned and prevented any stiffness or discomfort during my journey.
- Comfort: I pressed into the pillow with both my hands and my head, making sure the firmness felt just right – not too soft that I sank in too much, and not too stiff that it felt uncomfortable over time.
- Packability: I folded, compressed, and tried to stow the pillow in my bag to see how easy it was to pack, carry, and fit alongside my other travel essentials without taking up too much space.
How to Use a Travel Pillow
Using a travel pillow is pretty simple; just place it around your neck or wherever it feels most supportive and lean back to rest. All brands and designs are a bit different, so you’ll find different shapes, firmness, and sizes, and it can take a little experimenting to figure out which one works best for you.
Final Thoughts
The Trtl pillow has made an enormous difference to the effects of jet lag on long-haul trips and means I’m ready to head out exploring as soon as I arrive. Plus, I don’t need to panic about where I’m sitting and I no longer get off a plane with a stiff neck and back.
Buy now
£39.99, Trtltravel.com
