I am writing this from the middle seat of an easyJet flight. The plane has been delayed by two hours so far, my bag was too large for the downsized cabin allowance and there is a screaming baby to my left and a stag do on the row behind. One of the loquacious members of the party is playing TikToks at full volume, no headphones. But I am calm.
Even though the elements above could test the patience of a Buddhist monk, I have an ace up my sleeve.You see, I have brought Trtl’s travel saviour on my trip – or so it is pegged. I am ready to experience a first-class seat while squeeze into 25B.
Trtl Travel was founded back in 2013 to turn the stress-inducing globe-trotting experience on its head. Its signature Trtl Pillow has been scientifically designed to support the neck and bring blissful comfort on tiresome trains and low-cost airlines, whether you are a business traveller or adventure seeker. Since its inception, the brand has extended its accessories to multiple pillow options and space-saving packing solutions, all created through intense research, development and considering the feedback of its customers.
The travel pillow market is awash with u-shaped designs - but Trtl breaks away from the trend with an ergonomic, yet compact structure complete with an internal frame and swathed in premium fabrics.
How does it work?
The compact structure has a wrap-over design, much like a scarf. Inside, a supportive rib structure provides an ergonomic position to rest your head. It’s Velcro fastened so remains adaptable. You can move it around too whether you’re a side, front or back sleeper. It keeps your head in place without bobbing around. There is tactical cushioning and a fleece exterior.
But is it actually comfortable? On a short-haul flight to Spain, I put it to the test.
Find out more below
TRTL Travel Pillow Plus
Price-conscious travellers will know all too well that to keep costs down, springing for select seats is out of the question.
So when you are (inevitably) placed in the middle, there’s no choice but to grin and bear it - but it takes the sting out when you have the Travel Pillow Plus on hand. Now, I won’t set unrealistic expectations: what low-cost airline is genuinely comfortable? That said, this pillow does improve the situation.
If you’re hoping to nap and arrive at your destination relaxed, refreshed and restored, the Plus’ internal structure gives your head a place to rest so you don’t end up on the shoulder of the stranger beside you.
The internal mechanism within the TRTL pillow is adjustable. Hold the toggles down and twist to extend the height of the design so you can control the angle that your head is tilted, reducing strain and pressure on your neck. It feels secure thanks to the velcro fastening and scarf-like wrapped design. There are also many different options of positions so you can find one that provides the most amount of comfort for you, whether you place the structured part at the side, front or back. The brand also suggests using it like a traditional pillow without wrapping it around your neck. Like a neck brace, it feels more comfortable than other travel pillows but any extended period spent in the same position still causes aches, I found myself shifting it from side to side every so often.
My gripe? The structure is set alongside foam padding, and I feel there should have been more of this padding to avoid feeling the frame inside. Sure, this would add weight but it would have elevated the comfort levels - and that’s what counts.
Honourable mention goes to the fleece lining and breathable exterior fabric that doesn’t feel suffocating yet provides a layer of warmth in freezing aircraft cabins (why are they always SO cold?). The material is also machine washable.
TRTL offer a 100-day money-back guarantee so you really have nothing to lose. Give it a go.
Buy now £79.99, TRTL Travel
TRTL Travel Pillow
This is the original TRTL Travel pillow that was created after 80 prototypes. It differs from the Plus as it doesn’t have the adjustable toggles and has a fleece exterior that will keep you cosy and warm during those intensely air-conditioned flights - but may cause you to overheat in extended or overnight bus journeys in hot countries. The TRTL Travel Pillow has a folding design that is more compact than its contemporaries, so it works hard for the real estate in your hand luggage.
Buy now £49.99, TRTL Travel
