Is the Trtl Pillow Really the Best Travel Pillow? My Take

How the Trtl actually works (and why that weird wrap matters)

If you haven’t seen it in the wild, picture a soft scarf with a hidden plastic support that nestles under your jaw. You wrap the fabric around your neck, fasten it, and the frame holds your head up so you don’t bobble forward. You can set the support on either side, so left-leaners and right-leaners are covered. The trtl travel pillow isn’t about cushioning your entire head; it’s about vertical support where you need it most.

Believe it or not, that targeted support is why people suddenly fall asleep in middle seats. It’s not magic—it’s geometry. Your chin stays lifted, your neck stays neutral, and your seatmate gets fewer accidental shoulder naps from you. Win-win.

What I loved on real flights

First, it’s crazy light. Around a few ounces, tossable in any backpack side pocket, and it doesn’t hog space like a bulky donut. The trtl travel pillow also stays put. I didn’t wake up to adjust it every 10 minutes, which is half the battle with standard U-shapes.

The wrap fabric is soft—cozy scarf vibes—and the support gently catches your jaw instead of poking it. If you’re the person who nods forward then snaps awake with a neck twinge, this design just makes more sense.

What gave me pause

It runs warm. Not sauna-hot, but the wrap adds noticeable heat, especially on stuffy planes. If you run hot or you’re flying through the tropics, take that into account. Also, the velcro can catch on sweaters or long hair if you’re not careful. Small thing, mildly annoying. The trtl travel pillow also doesn’t cushion your ear, so if you like pressing your head into a window, you’ll still feel the window.

Fit-wise, most folks are fine, but very short or very long necks might want the adjustable model. Glasses wearers: it works, but adjust your frames so the wrap doesn’t push them into your face. Gentle tweaks make a big difference.

Who it’s perfect for (and who should pass)

If you sleep upright and tend to nod forward, this is your pillow. It shines in aisle and middle seats where you can’t lean on a wall. Minimalists and carry-on diehards will love that it’s tiny but firm where it counts. The trtl travel pillow is also great for buses and trains—I actually liked it best on a commuter rail where seats are rigid and upright.

Skip it if you crave plush, all-around cushioning or you mainly sleep sideways into a window. You’ll want something with ear padding instead. And if you get claustrophobic with fabric near your face, the wrap style might feel fussy.

Trtl vs. U-shaped pillows: real-world differences

U-shaped pillows are basically soft donuts. Comfortable at first, but they rarely stop your head from nodding. The Trtl’s internal support actually resists gravity. That’s the key. I slept longer spurts with the trtl travel pillow because my chin wasn’t drifting forward every time I relaxed.

On the flip side, U-shapes can feel cooler and more familiar, and if you’re a window-leaner, that plush ring helps with ear pressure. Different tools, different jobs. I’d bring Trtl for upright sleeping and a compact memory-foam option for window naps.

Price, care, and small tips that help

Expect the trtl travel pillow to sit in the mid-range—often around the cost of a decent airport meal or two, with higher-priced adjustable versions. The cover is machine washable; remove the internal support first and let the fabric air-dry to keep it soft. Pack it on top of your bag so you can put it on before the cabin lights go down. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tiny pro move: set the support slightly under the jawline, not dead-center on your throat. More comfortable, better airflow, less fidgeting.

Bottom line: is this the best travel pillow?

For upright sleepers, yes—it’s the most effective balance of support, size, and simplicity I’ve used. Not perfect for window cuddlers or heat-sensitive travelers, but if your main issue is head-bobbing, the trtl travel pillow solves the exact problem that keeps you awake. If you want my detailed picks, comparisons, and a couple of smart alternatives, I put everything in my full review on Consumer’s Best. Give it a look before you hit checkout.