The Trtl Travel Pillow has been the darling of the travel press in 2024. But is it the best travel pillow? For me, yes. For you? Maybe. Read on to learn all about it in this 2024 Trtl Travel Pillow review, including the features, pros and cons, and my personal tips on how to make it work for you.
Traveling can be exhausting, especially when it comes to getting some sleep on those long international flights.
If you're like me and struggle with traditional travel pillows—or given them up entirely—the Trtl Travel Pillow might be the game changer you've been looking for. It’s scientifically proven to hold your head in a better ergonomic position, making it an excellent neck support solution for travelers.
What Is the Trtl Travel Pillow?
The Trtl Travel Pillow is a unique take on traditional travel pillows. Instead of the usual U-shape, it features an internal plastic support covered in soft fleece or Tencel cloth, which wraps around your neck like a scarf.
This innovative design provides sturdy neck support to ensure your head stays in a comfortable position throughout your flight.
And if you're a side sleeper, like me, it's way more comfortable than traditional travel pillows.
Here's how it works.
Key Features of the Trtl Travel Pillow
- Lightweight design: It weighs less than 5 ounces, so it doesn't detract much from your carry-on weight limit.
- Machine washable: Trtl Pillows are covered with hypoallergenic fabrics to minimize allergic reactions. And it's easy to clean. Just toss it in the washing machine between trips, and it will be nice and fresh for your next one.
- Variety of colors: You can choose from multiple colors to match your travel vibe.
- Free travel bag: The Trtl Travel Neck Pillow now has the added bonus of a waterproof bag to keep it clean when you're not using it. (You may read some reviews that people were unhappy about it getting dirty while traveling. No more!)
- Multiple sizes and fabrics: You can find the perfect fit and warmth for your neck.
- The Trtl Pillow Original and the Trtl Pillow Cool are 7 x 7 x 3.5 inches. (The Cool uses a cooler Tencel fabric than the fleece original.) The Trtl Pillow Junior, for kids 8+ and small adults, measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches.
- The Trtl Pillow Plus is adjustable. At its lowest setting, it measures 8.3 x 6.7 x 3.1 inches and extends to 8.3 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches, making its initial height less than that of the original pillow. At 11.2 ounces, it does weigh about twice as much as the original, though, so keep that in mind.
- Global availability: Standard shipping is free in the US, and worldwide options are available. Check the FAQs for the details.
- 100-day money-back guarantee: You can try it risk-free. Yay for that!
My Personal Experience
I have usually have a hard time sleeping on planes. Whether in a coach airline seat with my own inflatable pillow or with a nice soft pillow provided during an upgrade, getting comfortable has always been a challenge. I don't want to drag a traditional U-shaped pillow around, and inflatable ones just don't provide a comfortable sleep for me.
After reading numerous glowing reviews, including endorsements from The New York Times Wirecutter, the Washington Post, and Afar, I decided to try the Trtl Travel Pillow for the first time on a recent trip—a long-haul flight from New Zealand to Costa Rica.
And it did not disappoint!
After a bit of practice to get it to fit just right, I was able to snooze comfortably on this 10-hour flight without any neck pain or annoying head bobbing. Getting even a little bit of good sleep always helps me reduce jet lag.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Warm and snuggly: The soft fabric is cozy against your skin.
- Perfect support: Ideal for side sleepers or those who want to avoid waking up when their head falls forward.
- Compact: Less bulky than traditional travel pillows and easier to pack.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to your luggage.
- Clean and convenient: Comes with a pouch to keep it clean. A strap lets you attach it to your backpack or suitcase if you don't want to pack it inside.
- Ergonomic design: Scientifically proven to hold your head and neck in the proper position so you don't wake up with a sore neck.
- Versatile fabric: Soft enough to cover your ear and nose to keep your face warm, or you can just wrap it around your neck.
- Machine washable: Your Trtl will be fresh and ready for your next trip.
Cons:
Packing shape: Some users find it hard to pack due to its shape. Although not very thick, it does have a slight curve, so I just lay something inside it to use the space created by the curve. It fits nicely in my backpack along with my laptop, my iPad, a change of clothes, my 3-1-1 bag, my makeup bag, my tech bag, my sunglasses, a first-aid kit, a few snacks, and my water bottle. That's everything I take on the plane with me anyway.- Warmth: The original fleece model might be too warm for some hot sleepers. In that case, the Trtl Pillow Cool offers an antibacterial Tencel cooling fabric and an air-mesh venting panel.
- Earbuds/ear plugs issue: If you place the internal support system on the side of your neck, you can’t comfortably wear earbuds or ear plugs. I found it worked pretty well to put one ear plug in the ear that wasn't wrapped with the Trtl. Snuggling up in the Trtl helped muffle the sound on that side.
- Snug fit: It needs to be fairly snug for good support, which may not work for people with claustrophobia.
- Appearance: It looks a bit unusual, but comfort outweighs appearances in my book. I'll never see these people again so they can think I'm weird if they like.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than other options like Snugl or Cabeau.
My Tips on How to Use the Trtl to Get the Best Sleep
- Practice makes perfect: It takes a little time to figure out how to wrap it into the best position for a comfortable fit, so play around with it before you travel.
- Keep it clean: Use the provided bag to protect the Velcro and keep the pillow clean.
- Be careful with the Velcro: The Velcro is really strong, so be sure you wrap the hook side onto the loop side, not onto the fleece. I learned the hard way and just about strangled myself trying to get the Velcro off the fleece.
- Side-sleepers: For optimal support, nestle the pillow on the side of your head between your neck and shoulder. Switch the pillow to the other side of your neck as needed.
- Back-sleepers: If you like sleeping on your back with your head centered, place the brace closer to your chest than the side of your neck to prevent your head from bobbing forward.
- Travel essentials: For an even better sleep, don’t forget your earplugs and eye mask.
- Other places to take your Trtl: In addition to using your pillow for a long-haul flight, there are other travel situations when it can be helpful. Take it along for a train trip, a long car ride, and anyplace else you need to snooze in an upright position.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of dealing with neck pain and restless sleep on long flights, the Trtl Travel Pillow could be your new best travel companion, especially on long-haul or overnight flights.
Its unique design, lightweight feel, and supportive structure make it stand out from traditional travel pillows. With the added benefits of being machine washable and compact, I think it's a must-have for any frequent traveler.
Give a try. You can always return it within 100 day if you aren't satisfied.
Happy snoozing! 💤
👉 Here are some other posts you might find helpful for your travels:
How to Sleep Better and More Comfortably on a Plane
Top Travel Tech Gadgets: Gear Up for Your Next Trip
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I bought one when I was still traveling long hauls and liked it for fit and support. I am one of the people who have found it difficult to pack so I’m pleased to hear about the bag that now is available. The TRTL is 100% better than any other sleep pillow I’ve tried and I’ve tried many. (I finally gave up pillows all together and book Business Class 🤣🤣🤣) Another super helpful post!!
Thanks for the vote for the Trtl, Monica! Biz class is great, too, especially when you can get a pod instead of just a wider seat that reclines a little bit more.