Do you dread long journeys, knowing that nodding off usually ends in a jolt awake and a painful neck? The struggle to sleep comfortably while traveling is real. Like many, I’ve tried countless travel pillows – from the traditional U-shaped ones to the flimsy airline offerings. However, none of them truly prevented my head from awkwardly bobbing around, leaving me with neck pain and disrupted sleep on planes, trains, and buses. I needed a solution that could genuinely support my neck and allow for comfortable rest in a seated position, even if it couldn’t quite sing me lullabies.
That’s when I spotted the Trtl travel pillow. Its unique design intrigued me, and I was eager to discover if it could be the answer to my travel sleep woes. I decided to put the Trtl Pillow Cool to the test, as I tend to overheat easily. In this honest Trtl Travel Pillow Review, I’ll share my detailed experience and help you decide if it’s the right travel companion for you.
The Good
- Compact and lightweight for easy packing
- Supportive internal frame design for comfortable sleep
- Soft and cozy material around the neck
- Includes a convenient carry case
- Available in a breathable ‘Cool’ version
The Not-So-Good
- Higher price point compared to standard travel pillows
- Slightly less intuitive to carry when not in use
Get your Trtl pillow here
What Exactly is the Trtl Travel Pillow?
Trtl is a company specializing in travel accessories, most notably their innovative travel pillows. Unlike traditional U-shaped pillows, Trtl pillows feature a wraparound scarf design with a hidden internal support system. This unique frame cradles your neck and head, allowing you to lean comfortably to the side without the typical head wobble associated with travel sleep.
Trtl offers several versions of their signature pillow to cater to different needs:
- Original Trtl Pillow: The classic design offering excellent support.
- Trtl Pillow Plus: Features adjustable height for personalized comfort.
- Trtl Pillow Cool: Made with breathable, cooling fabric for warmer climates or those who tend to overheat.
- Trtl Pillow Junior: Designed specifically for younger travelers.
Beyond pillows, Trtl also provides other travel essentials like sleep masks, compression socks, and packing cubes.
How Does the Trtl Pillow Actually Work?
The Trtl Pillow’s operation differs significantly from traditional travel pillows. It requires a specific wrapping technique to ensure optimal support. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively:
- Position the Support: Locate the flexible support frame inside the Trtl Pillow. Place this frame against the side of your neck and shoulder where you naturally lean when you want to sleep. You can position it on the left, right, or even slightly forward depending on your preference.
- Wrap and Secure: Once the support frame is in the correct position, wrap the soft scarf fabric snugly around your neck. Use the Velcro fastener to secure it. The adjustable Velcro closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit, keeping the pillow in place.
- Lean and Rest: Gently lean your head against the support frame. The frame is designed to keep your neck aligned and prevent your head from drooping or bobbing uncomfortably. It allows for a natural slight tilt of the head for comfortable rest.
- Pack Away Easily: When you’re finished resting, simply unwrap the Trtl Pillow. Its compact design allows for easy folding and storage in your bag. Alternatively, use the included carry bag to attach it to your luggage for convenient transport.
Get your Trtl pillow here
My Personal Experience: A Deep Dive Trtl Pillow Review
I’ve been using the Trtl Pillow Cool on various trips recently, including long journeys by train, car, and airplane. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience, evaluating its appearance, usability, support, sleep quality, comfort, and portability. I’ve also incorporated insights from other customer reviews online to provide a comprehensive perspective.
Unfolded Trtl travel pillow showcasing the support frame and wraparound scarf
Appearance: Sleek and Unassuming
The Trtl Pillow immediately stands out from traditional U-shaped travel pillows with its scarf-like aesthetic. It resembles a cozy fleece scarf with a discreetly concealed curved plastic rib. This internal support system is positioned between your shoulder and chin, while the scarf wraps comfortably around your neck. When worn, it simply looks like a stylish scarf rather than a bulky travel pillow.
The Trtl Pillow Cool comes in a subtle grey color, making it a versatile and non-intrusive travel accessory. For children, the Trtl Pillow Junior offers more playful patterns and color options.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Ease of Use: A Slight Learning Curve
While not as instantly intuitive as slipping on a U-shaped pillow, the Trtl Pillow is still relatively easy to use. The wrap-around design with Velcro fastening is straightforward. The key is correctly positioning the internal plastic frame. You need to tuck the curved frame between your shoulder and chin so that it sits flush against your neck. Then, simply wrap the fleece fabric and secure it with the Velcro. (Detailed instructions are available above).
Finding the optimal placement for the support frame is crucial for comfort. It might take a few tries to discover the position that works best for you. I recommend practicing at home before using it during travel. Experiment with placing the support frame on the side, under the chin, or even at the front of your neck to find your personal sweet spot. Once you find it, using the pillow becomes second nature.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Person using Trtl Pillow with support frame positioned in front for forward leaning sleep
Support: Effective and Stable
Initially, the firmness of the internal support frame felt a bit unusual. However, this rigidity is precisely what makes the Trtl Pillow so effective. It provides robust support, preventing my head from rolling around during travel. It kept my head stable, allowing me to fall asleep without the sudden awakenings caused by head bobbing.
This support was particularly valuable on bumpy bus and car rides where sudden movements are common. The frame maintained my head’s position even on winding roads and uneven surfaces.
As someone who tends to move in their sleep, I sometimes switch sides. To adjust the support, I need to reposition the pillow so the frame is on the opposite side. This requires briefly taking it off and putting it back on. While you can sometimes twist it around, it’s best to readjust for optimal support. The improved sleep quality outweighs this minor adjustment.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Quality of Sleep: A Noticeable Improvement
Sleep quality is subjective and influenced by numerous factors. Therefore, my experience might differ from yours. However, I can share how the Trtl Pillow impacted my sleep compared to using standard travel pillows.
Typically, I struggle to sleep while traveling, even with earplugs and an eye mask. Comfort is elusive, and regardless of the pillow, my head tends to slump forward, resulting in neck pain and restless, light sleep.
With the Trtl Pillow, I’ve found it significantly easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer with fewer interruptions. While I still don’t sleep through entire journeys (which might be unrealistic for any travel pillow), I can now achieve a few hours of solid rest when using it.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Close-up view of the Trtl Pillow's internal support structure
Comfort: Soft and Breathable
The firmness of the internal frame may require a short adjustment period. Initially, it felt a bit strange, though not uncomfortable. After a few uses, it felt much more natural against my neck.
The fabric itself is exceptionally soft and feels much nicer against my skin than other travel pillows I’ve used. The Trtl Pillow Cool version is also very lightweight and breathable. Unlike the original version, I didn’t experience overheating around my neck, as mentioned in some other Trtl Pillow reviews.
If you have long hair like me, position it comfortably before wrapping the pillow. If my hair is caught between the pillow and bare skin on my neck or chin, it can become itchy. Tucking my hair behind my head before wrapping the pillow solves this issue.
I also found the pillow comfortable to wear with earphones. However, over-ear headphones might be less comfortable as they would press against the side of the pillow.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Packing: Compact and Portable
Unlike bulky U-shaped pillows, the Trtl Pillow isn’t designed to be worn around your neck when you’re not sleeping. It would restrict head movement and feel awkward. Instead, it needs to be folded and carried or placed in your bag.
Thankfully, it is lightweight. However, it does occupy some space in your bag and its shape can be a bit unwieldy to carry directly.
Trtl offers practical solutions for portability. If your bag is full, you can wrap the pillow around your arm. Alternatively, use the included travel bag to store the pillow and clip it to your backpack or luggage.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Trtl Pillow in its travel case, clipped onto a bag
Final Verdict: Is the Trtl Travel Pillow Worth It?
Since using the Trtl Pillow, I’ve been able to sleep comfortably in challenging travel situations, like middle seats on planes and aisle seats on bumpy buses.
The rigid internal support frame might feel slightly unusual initially, but once wrapped around your neck and you lean into it, the support feels remarkably similar to your bed pillow at home.
Traditional travel pillows I’ve tried offer minimal neck support, often allowing for head bobbing, leading to frequent awakenings and stiff necks – the last thing you want when arriving at your destination.
While the Trtl Pillow is more expensive (around £50) than average travel pillows (around £15), the significant improvement in sleep quality makes it a worthwhile investment.
Furthermore, it packs down smaller than most travel pillows, making it less of a burden to carry. I wholeheartedly recommend the Trtl Pillow to digital nomads and frequent travelers seeking comfortable and restful sleep on the go.
Get your Trtl pillow here
Read more about:
Travel Tips
Reviews
Reader supported 🙏 To keep this website ad-free, this post may contain affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
