Sleep comfortably on longhaul flights

It’s lighter, smaller, and more ergonomic than foam models, and unlike inflatable options that feel (and sound) like leaning on a beach ball, Trtl’s fleece-wrapped design is soft, breathable, and silent. It doesn’t squeeze your neck or force you into one sleeping position, but rather gently props you up.

Where the Trtl really shines is with portability. Most pillows either hog space or look ridiculous clipped to your backpack like some kind of travel teeball trophy. The Trtl folds flat and looks more like a scarf than a sleep aid, so it blends in — no side-eyes in Terminal 4. Competitors may offer more plush aesthetics or gimmicky add-ons, but Trtl’s minimalist, science-backed design is the one that consistently delivers real sleep without real neck pain.

Who it’s best for

The Trtl Travel Pillow’s design works best for frequent flyers, light sleepers, and anyone stuck in economy dreaming of business class posture. It’s ideal for travelers who need real neck support — not just something soft to lean on — and who value compact, discreet gear that doesn’t get in the way or run your entire travel aesthetic into the ground.”

If you’ve ever tried to sleep sitting up without sliding onto your seatmate’s shoulder or jerking awake every two minutes, this is your fix. It’s also great for minimalists and carry-on-only types who want the most lightweight and efficient option.

If I had to crown it with a superlative, I’d call it the best for long-haul flights. Because, while other pillows coddle your neck like a well-meaning but awkward hug from a stranger, the Trtl actually does the job you’re hiring for. It supports your head where it needs it most, it stays in place, and it fits into your life (and your bag) without making a scene. No, it’s not the squishiest, nor is it the fanciest, but it’s the one that works.

Our review

As I settled into my middle seat (because of course), I braced myself for the usual discomfort. You know the travel drill — cramped legroom, armrest battles, and the inevitable game of “whose elbow is this anyway?” But this time, I had my secret weapon. I wrapped the Trtl around my neck, feeling like a fashionable turtle preparing for hibernation.

The guy next to me shot me a curious glance, probably wondering if I was wearing some sort of high-tech neck brace. I gave him a nod that said, “Yes, I look ridiculous, but I’ll be the one laughing when we arrive.” As the bus took off, I waited for the familiar sensation of my head slowly tipping forward like a dandelion in a strong breeze. But something strange happened — or rather, didn’t happen. My head didn’t loll forward like a bobblehead doll in an earthquake. Instead, it stayed put, cradled by this (admittedly odd) contraption.

At first, I thought it might be a fluke. Maybe the driver was just really good at keeping the bus ride smooth. But as we hit some bumps, I realized the Trtl was actually doing its job. My neck felt supported, my head wasn’t making its best impression of a ping pong ball, and for once, I wasn’t waking up every five minutes in a panic, convinced I was about to face-plant into my tray table.

The real test came when I decided to watch a little TV on the trip. Usually, this involves a complex system of pillow-propping and chin-tucking that would make a contortionist proud. But with the Trtl, I could actually look at my screen without feeling like my neck was auditioning for a role in “The Exorcist.” As we made our way down the final miles, I realized something miraculous had happened. I had actually slept. Not the fitful, half-awake dozing that usually passes for sleep on a plane, but honest-to-goodness, drool-inducing slumber. And the best part? I woke up without feeling like I’d just gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxer.

The woman across the aisle, who had been eyeing my Trtl skeptically at the beginning of the flight, now looked at me with a mix of envy and awe. “Where did you get that?” she whispered, gesturing to my neck. I smiled mysteriously, feeling like I’d just been initiated into a secret society of well-rested travelers.

As we disembarked, I caught my reflection in a window. Sure, I looked a bit like I was wearing a chic neck brace, but the lack of sleep creases on my face and the spring in my step told a different story. The Trtl Travel Pillow had passed the travel test with flying colors.

The verdict

After weighing the pros and cons, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Trtl Travel Pillow is like that weird-looking superfood your health-nut friend keeps raving about. It might not look appetizing (though much more so than traditional travel pillows), but it gets the job done better than expected. And let’s be honest, in the grand scheme of travel fashion faux pas, the Trtl barely registers on the embarrassment scale.

So, don’t be surprised if your seatmate gives you some side-eye as you wrap yourself up like a chic mummy, but also don’t be surprised if they express some envy by the end of the trip. Because, hey, who’s going to have the last laugh when you arrive at your destination without a neck that feels like it’s been through a WWE match? That’s right, you and your weird little neck scarf.

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