Trtl Pillow Review: Is the Viral Neck Pillow Actually Comfortable?

I finally took the quirky scarf-looking neck thing you’ve probably scrolled past on someone’s red-eye and put it through a brutal overnight test. Here’s the thing: I wanted to love it, but I also promised myself I’d be honest. The Trtl flips the usual U-shaped idea on its head, and different can be brilliant or gimmicky depending on your neck, your seat, and how you actually sleep in transit.

How it works—why it doesn’t feel floppy

Instead of a donut around your neck, you get a slim internal support that sits on one side of your jaw and neck. You wrap the soft fleece around and secure it, so your head leans into that little “shelf.” It’s more like a gentle brace than a pillow, which is why your head doesn’t bob forward on turbulence. Rotate it left or right, set the angle you like, and you’re cradled without needing the window. The Trtl basically gives your neck a post to rest on, then hides it under cozy fabric.

Real‑world comfort: aisle, window, middle seat

On an overnight from JFK to Lisbon, I tested it in a dreaded middle seat. Believe it or not, I got actual, repeatable dozing without smacking the stranger next to me. Window seats are still the dream—pair it with the wall and you’re golden—but aisle was fine too because the structure does the heavy lifting. If you usually wake up with that neck pinch from classic travel pillows, this is a different vibe: more supported, less squishy. The Trtl won’t turn economy into a bed, but it made my catnaps longer and my wake-ups less creaky.

The quirks nobody tells you

Two things popped up fast. First, warmth. The fleece wrap is cozy, but if you run hot, you’ll feel it, especially on stuffy aircraft. Crack the wrap a little looser and it helps. Second, fit. If you cinch it too tight, you’ll feel a pressure point under the jaw; too loose and you’ll wobble. There’s a sweet spot—and once I found it, I stopped fussing. Also, a tiny PSA: keep hair away from the hook-and-loop closure. It’s not a dealbreaker, just a “why is my ponytail stuck” moment with the Trtl on a 3 a.m. cabin walk.

Care, sizing, and packability

It packs surprisingly flat—think slim scarf, not bulky donut—so it slides into a backpack sleeve or hangs off a roller without hogging space. For cleaning, remove the internal support and machine wash the wrap on a gentle cycle, then air-dry. If you’ve got a long neck or broad shoulders, consider the taller adjustable version; the original sits best when the support plate lands right under the jawline. The brand’s sizing guidance is solid, but if you’re between, I’d lean toward a model that lets you tweak height, especially if you plan marathon flights with the Trtl.

Who it’s perfect for—and who should skip

If you nod off by leaning slightly to one side and you hate carrying bulky pillows, this design is a win. Commuters on buses and trains will like it too because you don’t need a headrest to make it work. Hot sleepers, or folks who only sleep leaning straight back into the seat, might not vibe with it as much. And if you love hugging a plush U-shape, the structured feel of the Trtl may read “supportive” to some and “too firm” to others. That’s the trade.

Bottom line (and where to read my full breakdown)

The hype is mostly earned—if you’re the right sleeper. I’d take it over a classic U-shape for economy flights, hands down, because I get steadier support with less bulk. Not perfect, not magic, but genuinely useful. If you want the nitty‑gritty—side-by-side photos, model differences, and my long-haul notes—search for the full review on Consumer’s Best. I break down exactly which version of the Trtl to get and when to save your money.