trtl Travel Pillow Review

Healthy sleep is just as essential when you’re traveling as it is at home, especially while battling jetlag and trying to get some rest in a plane, train, car, or other moving vehicle. If you’re someone who frequently travels for business or leisure, you may want to invest in the trtl Travel Pillow.

Built with a unique plastic support system and a soft fleece cover, this sleep accessory is designed to help you maintain healthy posture when you’re on the go. If you’re curious whether or not it really works, then read on for our trtl Travel Pillow review. I’ll show you what it’s made of, how to use it, and what makes it totally different from every U-shaped pillow you’ve seen at the airport.

trtl Pillow

The TRTL travel pillow is a unique way to handle the common problem of needing neck support while trying to sleep on planes.

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trtl Travel Pillow Video Review

Brand Snapshot

It all started in 2010 when a couple of college friends went backpacking around Europe, and decided that there had to be a comfier way to sleep on the go. Four years and 80 prototypes later, they launched the original trtl Travel Pillow and it was an instant hit. It earned record-breaking sales on Amazon, and took home E-Commerce Exporter of the Year at the Scottish Export Awards.

In fact, it became so popular that it’s been mentioned at high-profile events like The Grammys, The Oscars, and the MTV European Music Awards. And while Sleepopolis HQ is slightly less glamorous than those celebrity venues, we’re ready to get up close and personal with the trtl Travel Pillow to see what all the fuss is about.

What Is the trtl Pillow Made Of?

The cover fabric is made of fleece, and it feels soft and fuzzy. It’s also a bit stretchy which makes it feel like a scarf in that you can pull the fabric over your face. A patch of velcro keeps the fabric securely wrapped around your neck, and there’s a thin piece of foam inside the cover to add a little cushiony comfort.

Because the trtl pillow is so lightweight and small, it’s very easy to pack inside a carry-on bag or suitcase. But this pillow’s main attraction is the C-shaped plastic support system that’s tucked away inside the cover fabric. It’s hard yet flexible and, according to a scientific study on trtl’s website, is proven to keep your head and neck in a safe position while you travel.

It should be noted that the trtl has hypoallergenic fleece, so it could be a big win for folks with allergies.

How to Use the trtl Travel Pillow

The primary purpose of the trtl Travel Pillow is to promote healthy posture for sleepers on the go. Of course, we’re typically (and unfortunately) sitting in an upright position when we travel, so how does this pillow keep us cozy? It all starts with how you put it on. The pillow comes with its own instructions, of course, but I’ll walk you through it here too.

First, position the plastic part of the pillow against your neck, so that the top of the curve is supporting your jaw, and the bottom is resting on top of your shoulder. Then, wrap the fleece sleeve around your neck like a scarf, and secure it with the velcro patch.

Once you’ve got the trtl Travel Pillow snugly wrapped around you, lean against the plastic curve and allow it to cradle your head and neck until you fall asleep. The main idea behind this design is that, unlike foam or polyester, the plastic is less likely to compress under the weight of your head no matter how long you snooze.

Think of the trtl Travel Pillow as a portable window seat that offers way better support for your head and neck. The internal plastic support is meant to let you rest your head to the side, but without it falling out of alignment with your neck. Meanwhile, the soft fleece fabric is wrapped around your neck, designed to not slip off mid-snooze.

What Does the trtl Travel Pillow Feel Like? 

Feel is subjective, and while we often use terms like “firmness” and “loft” to describe what’s best for back, side, or stomach sleepers, the terminology is different with the trtl. After all, it’s not your traditional pillow design and meant for sleeping upright in a plane, train, or car seat.

I’ll confess that my initial impression of this pillow was not particularly positive. In fact, when I first put it on, I thought it felt too much like a neck brace. The internal plastic support system really locks your head in place so that it never deviates out of alignment with your neck, and that definitely takes some getting used to.

However, once I sat down and allowed my head to rest against the fleece-covered curve, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I felt. The cover fabric was warm and fuzzy against my skin, and the plastic structure supported me in a way I’ve never experienced with a travel pillow. What’s especially impressive is that I couldn’t force my head out of alignment with my neck even if I tried.

By the time I was done testing the trtl Travel Pillow, I had completely changed my tune. Don’t get me wrong — this is not a pillow that you can fluff, shape, or use for lower lumbar support. But when it comes to supporting healthy posture while you’re in the upright position, the trtl Travel Pillow is unmatched.

Is the trtl Travel Pillow a Good Pillow for You?

Before we close out this review, let’s go over who should and shouldn’t buy the trtl Travel Pillow.

Who Should Try the trtl Travel Pillow

• Those wanting head and neck support: Of all the travel pillows I’ve tested, this is one of my favorites for head and neck support. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy a cushy foam travel pillow, but the plastic support system in the trtl really made sure my head never fell forward or put a strain on my neck.
• People wanting a washable pillow: The fleece cover fabric is soft, cozy, and machine washable. So when your trtl travel pillow gets dirty, simply remove the plastic insert, throw the cover in the washing machine on a cool, gentle cycle, and allow it to air-dry.
• Travelers with a full suitcase: This pillow is very lightweight, compact, and easy to travel with. Of course, you can stow it away in your carry-on, but I like to wrap it around the handle of my suitcase so that it’s easily accessible as soon as I need it.
• Budget shoppers: The trtl travel pillow is a great value (especially for how well it works). Not to mention, it comes with free shipping anywhere in the U.S. If you’re looking for a great travel pillow that won’t break the bank, this is a really good way to go.

Who Should Not Try the trtl Travel Pillow

• Traditional pillow lovers: If you’re really stuck on the fluffy and plush feel of your bedroom pillow, you won’t find that here. While it’s innovative, the trtl definitely isn’t for everyone.
• Fans of luxury: Unfortunately, the trtl Travel Pillow isn’t an especially luxurious option. It has limited special features and lacks adjustability. I recommend luxury lovers check out some of the options on our best travel pillows page.

trtl Pillow

The TRTL travel pillow is a unique way to handle the common problem of needing neck support while trying to sleep on planes.

Read Full Review

Check Price

Sarah Riccio

Former Senior Writer and Bedding Expert

About Author

Sarah is the former senior writer and bedding expert at Sleepopolis. She received her degree in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College and spends her free time doing stand-up, making pasta, and hanging with her cats.