Trtl Travel Pillow Review: Honest Thoughts From a Frequent Flyer (Emma, 2026)

Table of Contents

Looking for an honest trtl travel pillow review from someone who actually uses travel pillows constantly? You’re in the right place. I’m Emma, and I spend 150–200 days per year traveling for work and adventure. This review covers everything you need to know about whether the Trtl is the best travel pillow for flights, trains, buses, and road trips—based on years of real-world testing.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

1. Introduction & Quick Verdict

2. What Is the Trtl Travel Pillow?

3. How the Trtl Pillow Works (Step-by-Step)

4. My Real-World Experience (Planes, Trains, Buses, Cars)

5. Design, Materials & Appearance

6. Comfort & Sleep Quality

7. Ease of Use & Packability

8. Pros & Cons of the Trtl Pillow

9. Trtl vs a Popular Alternative Travel Pillow

10. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Trtl Pillow

11. FAQ About Travel Pillows & the Trtl

12. Final Verdict & Where to Buy

Introduction: Neck Pain at 35,000 Feet (and My Quick Verdict)

Picture this: it’s 2025, and I’m somewhere over the Bay of Bengal on an overnight London–Singapore flight. I’ve been traveling for work for years at this point, and I’m still using the same cheap neck pillow I grabbed at Heathrow three years earlier. I wake up four hours into the flight with my head slumped forward, neck screaming, and that familiar dread of knowing tomorrow’s meetings will be miserable.

That was the trip that finally pushed me to try something different—a weird scarf-looking pillow I’d seen other frequent flyers using. The trtl pillow looked nothing like traditional travel pillows, and honestly, I was skeptical. But after years of disappointing pillows that never kept my head properly supported, I was desperate enough to try anything.

Here’s my quick verdict after using it on dozens of long-distance flights, overnight trains, and bus rides since then:

• The Trtl is currently my go-to travel pillow for economy long-distance flights and overnight trains

• It’s excellent for upright sleeping and side-leaners, but not ideal if you hate fabric wrapped around your neck

• Works best on planes and trains; a bit fussy for quick, short commutes where you’re barely seated

• Good mix of neck support and packability compared with bulky memory foam pillows that eat up half your carry-on

This trtl travel pillow review is based on my experience traveling 150–200 days per year since around 2019, including budget airlines, night buses across multiple continents, and more red-eye flights than I can count. If you’re searching for the best travel pillows for long flights, keep reading—I’ll tell you exactly what works and what doesn’t.

What Is the Trtl Travel Pillow (and How Is It Different?)

The trtl pillow is fundamentally different from the neck pillow you’re probably picturing. Instead of a donut-shaped cushion that wraps around the back of your neck, it’s essentially a soft fleece (or knit) wrap with a hidden plastic internal support system built in. Think of it as a structured scarf rather than a traditional pillow.

The internal support sits to one side of your neck or slightly under your chin, creating a “shelf” for your head to rest on. Unlike traditional travel pillows that let your head bob forward or sideways, the Trtl’s rigid frame holds you in a more natural position. This is the key difference that makes it work.

Here’s how it compares to classic U-shaped memory foam pillows:

As of 2026, Trtl offers several versions:

• Trtl Travel Pillow (original): Super soft fleece wrap, one-size-fits-most

• Trtl Travel Pillow Plus: Adjustable height for different neck lengths, thicker foam padding

• Trtl Travel Pillow Cool: Lighter, more breathable fabric for warm destinations

• Trtl Travel Pillow Junior: Smaller fit with fun colors for kids

This review is based primarily on my use of the original Trtl and the Trtl Pillow Cool across trips from 2024–2026, including Europe-Asia flights, US cross-country train journeys, and South American bus adventures.

How the Trtl Pillow Works (Step-by-Step)

The Trtl only works well if you position it correctly. I’ll be honest—my first attempt was a disaster because I didn’t understand how the internal support was supposed to sit. Here’s the step-by-step guide I wish someone had given me:

1. Choose your lean direction: Decide which side you want to lean toward—left, right, or slightly under your chin/forward. Most people find one side more comfortable than the other.

2. Position the plastic insert: Place the curved internal support between your shoulder and jaw/cheek on your chosen side. The bottom of the brace should rest on your collarbone/shoulder area, with the top cradling your lower jaw.

3. Wrap the fleece around your neck: Keep the support in place with one hand while wrapping the soft fabric around the back of your neck and across the front, like a short scarf. Pull it snug but not choking—you should be able to breathe easily.

4. Secure with Velcro: Lock the wrap in place so the support feels stable. Your head should now have a firm ledge to lean into. The whole pillow creates a cozy shoulder support system that keeps your head from falling forward.

5. Test the position: Lean gently into the support and relax your neck completely. Your head shouldn’t wobble or drop forward. If it does, tighten the wrap or reposition the brace slightly.

6. Fine-tune the height: Slide the support a little up or down until your neck feels neutral—not bent at an awkward angle.

Pro tip: Test the pillow at home on a chair or couch before your first flight. You don’t want to be fiddling with an unfamiliar gadget in a cramped middle seat at midnight.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Wearing it too loose, so your head still falls forward anyway

• Placing the support too far back, which pushes your head into a weird angle

• Forgetting you can wear it under a hoodie or jacket collar for extra stability

The Trtl works in fully upright economy seats and slightly reclined premium economy positions. The only travel pillow scenario where it doesn’t shine is when you’re in a lie-flat bed—but then you probably don’t need a travel pillow anyway.

The Trtl Pillow: A Game Changer for Neck Support

This section is my personal experience across hundreds of travel days—not just specs or marketing claims. If you travel a lot and want to know how travel pillows actually perform in cramped, uncomfortable, real-world conditions, here’s what I’ve found from numerous trtl pillow reviews.

On Long Haul Flights (Economy & Premium Economy)

I’ve used the Trtl on at least a dozen extended flights, including New York–Tokyo in 2024 (13+ hours) and London–Singapore in 2025 (also 13 hours), both in economy class. These are the flights where sleep quality makes or breaks your first day at the destination.

With my old U-shaped pillow, I’d typically manage 2-3 hours of broken dozing. With the Trtl, I consistently get 4-5 hours of reasonably solid sleep on overnight flights. That’s a game changer when you’re trying to reduce jet lag and hit the ground running.

The Trtl works especially well in a window seat where I can lean slightly toward the wall while the pillow supports my jaw. But here’s the thing—it’s equally effective in a middle seat, which is where most other pillows completely fail. When you can’t lean on anything, the Trtl’s rigid brace becomes your only travel pillow solution that actually keeps your head from bobbing around.

A few practical notes from trtl pillow reviews:

• The original fleece version keeps my neck warm, which feels cozy on cold planes but can get slightly stuffy after 4-5 hours on older aircraft with weak air-con

• It works fine with earbuds and most on-ear headphones; over-ear noise-cancelling headphones require a little adjusting so the wrap doesn’t press on the ear cups

• I usually loosen or remove the Trtl when eating or drinking, then put it back on for sleep stretches

On Trains and Night Trains

Trains are honestly where the Trtl shines brightest. I used it on the Paris–Rome night train in 2023 and on several sleeper trains across Japan and Thailand in 2025. The smoother ride (compared to planes and buses) means the pillow’s support stays perfectly consistent for hours.

On overnight trains, the Trtl lets me skip the dubious shared pillows and linens that some rail services provide. I simply wrap my own pillow, lean into my window position, and drift off. When the lights are dimmed, I fall asleep faster than I ever did with a U-shaped pillow.

The only minor inconvenience: if you’re in a shared compartment and need to get up frequently (bathroom, snacks, chatty neighbors), you’ll need to loosen the Trtl each time. But that takes about three seconds, so it’s hardly a dealbreaker.

Many trtl pillow reviews confirm this convenience.

On Buses and Road Trips

I’ve tested the Trtl on overnight buses in South America (2022–2024) and various European routes, plus road trips as a passenger on 5-8 hour highway drives. This is where the “no head bobbing” promise gets seriously tested.

Buses with sudden stops and bumpy roads really challenge any neck support pillow. The Trtl’s built-in frame significantly reduces head snapping forward during braking—not 100% perfect on extremely rough roads, but noticeably better than soft pillows that offer zero resistance.

In cramped bus seats, wrapping and adjusting the pillow can be slightly awkward at first. After a few trips, I got faster at it. My tip: pair the Trtl with a lightweight eye mask for substantially better sleep on buses with bright overhead lights.

This experience aligns with many positive trtl pillow reviews.

In Airports and Waiting Areas

During a 6-hour layover in Doha and several long waits in Dubai, I’ve used the Trtl to doze in upright airport chairs. It’s especially helpful when you can’t recline or lie down but want a quick 30–60 minute nap to recharge.

The Trtl looks like a scarf, which makes it slightly less conspicuous than big donut pillows. I appreciate not looking like I’m wearing a neck brace when I’m sitting in a busy terminal. It’s now a standard part of my “sleep kit” along with earplugs and an eye mask for any layover longer than two hours.

Design, Materials & Appearance

From the outside, the Trtl looks more like a soft wrap or scarf than a visible pillow. There’s no big puffy ring hanging around your neck—just a fabric wrap with a hidden curved plastic support inside.

Materials breakdown:

• Original Trtl: Hypoallergenic fabric made of super soft polyester fleece; cozy and slightly stretchy

• Trtl Pillow Cool: Lighter, more breathable knit (polyester/rayon/spandex blend with fleece lining) for warmer climates

• Internal frame: C-curved plastic brace with thin polyurethane foam padding where your head rests

• Fastening: Velcro strap for securing the wrap at your preferred tightness

Color options as of 2026 include grey, black, and navy for adult versions, with brighter tones and patterns available for Junior versions.

The plastic insert is shaped like a curved C and sits between your shoulder and chin to create that side support. It’s rigid enough to hold your head but has slight flex so it doesn’t feel like wearing an actual neck brace.

Visually, the Trtl is more discreet than traditional travel pillows. Some travelers feel self-conscious about wearing a big donut pillow in public—the Trtl’s scarf-like appearance solves that. You can wear it over t-shirts, under hoodies, or with jacket collars, and it blends in reasonably well.

The whole pillow weighs only about 4 ounces for the original version—light enough that you barely notice it in your bag or clipped to the outside with its travel bag and carabiner.

Comfort & Sleep Quality With the Trtl Pillow

Comfort is subjective, but I’ve tested this pillow over dozens of overnight journeys across multiple years. Here’s my honest assessment.

Initial feel: The internal frame feels strange at first. Your brain expects soft pillow squish, but instead you get a firm shelf supporting your jaw. It took me 1-2 trips for my neck and brain to accept this as “normal.” After that adjustment period, it felt supportive rather than weird.

Neck and head support: This is where the Trtl earns its reputation. It keeps my head in a mostly upright, ergonomic position and greatly reduces side lolling and forward bobbing compared to other travel pillows. For side sleepers in transit (which I am), it feels like having a completely support structure that lets your neck remain relaxed.

Warmth and fabric sensation:

• The fleece version feels cozy in cold airplane cabins but can get a little warm on hot flights or in tropical climates

• The Cool version breathes better and is my preference for summer trips or non-air-conditioned buses

Sleep quality outcomes: On overnight flights, the Trtl typically adds 1-3 hours of meaningful sleep compared to no pillow or cheap inflatables. I also wake up with noticeably less neck pain and stiffness—which matters enormously on multi-leg trips where you’re landing and immediately heading to meetings or adventures.

Quick comfort snapshot:

• ✅ Excellent for neck alignment and preventing head drop

• ✅ Comfortable sleep once you adapt to the firm support

• ⚠️ May feel restrictive if you dislike things around your neck

• ⚠️ Switching sides requires repositioning (not ideal for fidgety sleepers)

• ⚠️ People with very short or very long necks may prefer the adjustable Plus version

Ease of Use, Cleaning & Packability

Packability is where the trtl travel pillow beats most traditional memory foam pillows. But there are trade-offs in setup convenience.

Learning curve: The first 1-2 uses can feel fiddly while you find the right position for your body. After that, wrapping and securing the trtl travel pillow usually takes under 30 seconds. It becomes muscle memory.

Packing and size: The trtl travel pillow folds to about 7” x 7” x 3.5”—roughly the size of a thick scarf or large sandwich. It fits easily into a daypack, under-seat personal item, or clipped with the included carabiner to the outside of your backpack. The compact design takes up much space less than foam pillows, making it ideal for super lightweight and carry-on-only travelers.

Carrying vs. wearing: Unlike a U-shaped pillow that some people wear around their neck while walking through airports, the trtl travel pillow isn’t designed for that. It’s more comfortable to stash in a bag or carry case during boarding and walking, then put on once you’re seated.

Cleaning and care: The fabric cover of the trtl travel pillow is machine washable on cold—just remove the internal support frame first. The support frame wipes clean easily. Air-dry only; avoid the dryer for the cover. I wash the cover every few trips or after particularly hot climates to keep things hygienic.

Summary:

• ✅ Easy to pack, fits in same condition as a paperback book

• ✅ Low maintenance overall with machine washable super soft cover

• ⚠️ Slightly less convenient to put on in tight seating than plopping on a U-pillow

• ⚠️ Washing requires removing the internal support first

• ✅ Very suitable for carry-on only and minimalist travelers using packing pods

Pros & Cons of the Trtl Travel Pillow

After several years of regular use, here’s my honest breakdown of the trtl pillow:

Pros:

• Excellent side and upright neck support; noticeably reduces head lolling and forward drop on lengthy flight journeys with the trtl pillow

• Much more compact than standard memory foam U-shaped pillows; the trtl pillow doesn’t take as much room in your bag

• Super soft, cozy fabric that feels nice against skin (especially in cooler cabins) on the trtl pillow

• Works well in cramped economy seats where you can’t recline much, making the trtl pillow ideal

• Multiple versions of the trtl pillow available (Plus for different neck lengths, Cool for warm climates, Junior for kids)

• Machine washable cover on the trtl pillow helps keep things hygienic after longer trips

• Nothing bulky behind your head with the trtl pillow, so you can use your seat’s head rests normally

• Scientifically proven design of the trtl pillow based on ergonomic research for more natural position support

• Includes handy travel bag with carabiner for easy bag strap attachment for the trtl pillow

• Works in window seat, middle seat, and aisle seat positions with the trtl pillow

Cons:

• Wrap-around design of the trtl pillow can feel constricting for people who dislike anything close around their neck

• Small learning curve to position the internal support correctly in the trtl pillow; not completely foolproof on first try

• Can feel warm in hot climates, especially the original fleece version of the trtl pillow (Cool version helps)

• Not ideal if you constantly switch sides while sleeping in transit with the trtl pillow

• Less convenient to keep on while walking around airports compared with U-shaped pillows, unlike the trtl pillow

• Not the perfect pillow for people who want cushiony “hotel pillow” softness rather than the trtl pillow’s structured support

• Only really works for upright sleeping—not versatile as a regular pillow, which is the trade-off with the trtl pillow

Best Sleep on Long Flights:

I still occasionally use other travel pillows, and the Trtl travel pillow isn’t perfect for everyone. Here’s how it compares to a well-known neck pillow like the Travelrest Nest or similar “ultimate foam travel pillow” options.

Support:

The traditional neck pillow offers all-around cushioning that feels soft and familiar—but often pushes your head forward because there’s bulk behind your neck. Your head still tends to fall forward or sideways when you really relax.

The Trtl travel pillow gives firmer, targeted support to one side. It’s closer to a “neck brace with a scarf” feel—less cushy but much better at maintaining good support and preventing head bobbing.

Packability:

Traditional foam pillows are bulky even with compression straps. They take up noticeable space in a carry-on and often end up dangling from a bag strap anyway.

The Trtl travel pillow folds flatter and weighs less. For minimalist or one-bag travel, it’s clearly the better choice. I’ve carried the Trtl travel pillow through six-week trips where every cubic inch mattered.

Comfort:

Foam pillows feel familiar and plush for people who want a “pillow” sensation. It’s like a comfortable position cushion you might use at home.

The Trtl travel pillow feels less like a pillow and more like structured support—a plus for neck alignment, but definitely odd at first. Once you adapt, many people (including me) find the Trtl travel pillow provides a better head and comfortable sleep result.

Versatility:

U-shaped pillows can be used in more casual ways—lumbar support, hugging, propping against windows.

The Trtl travel pillow is very specialized for upright neck support only. It’s not going to double as anything else.

My conclusion: I choose the Trtl travel pillow for long-haul flights and train journeys where optimal neck support and maximum comfort are essential. For trips where I have checked baggage and prefer something softer to cuddle, I might opt for a traditional travel pillow. However, for most frequent travelers seeking the best travel pillow for long flights, the Trtl travel pillow is a clear and practical choice.

Who Is the Trtl Travel Pillow Best For?

No travel pillow is truly “one size fits everyone.” Here’s my quick guide to help you decide:

Ideal for:

• Frequent flyers who spend many hours in economy or premium economy each year and rely on the Trtl travel pillow

• Travelers who naturally lean to one side when they sleep on planes, trains, or buses and benefit from the Trtl travel pillow’s design

• Carry-on-only or backpack travelers who need a compact, lightweight travel pillow like the Trtl travel pillow

• People who value neck alignment and relief from stress on the neck more than soft, cushiony feel, which the Trtl travel pillow provides

• Those who want the best sleep possible without sacrificing much space in their travel gear by choosing the Trtl travel pillow

• Side sleepers who struggle with other pillows but find the Trtl travel pillow supportive

Probably not ideal for:

• Anyone who feels claustrophobic with fabric wrapped around their neck, as with the Trtl travel pillow

• Travelers who mostly sleep lying down in flat or near-flat seats (first class, business class, lie-flat trains) where the Trtl travel pillow’s upright support isn’t needed

• Fidgety sleepers who constantly switch sides and positions, making the Trtl travel pillow less practical

• People who run very hot and hate any extra warmth around the neck (unless choosing the Cool version of the Trtl travel pillow)

• Those seeking maximum comfort through plush softness rather than structural support like the Trtl travel pillow offers

If you’re currently using a cheap inflatable ring from the airport, the Trtl travel pillow would be a massive upgrade. It’s one of the only travel pillow options I’ve tested that delivers on its promise of keeping your head in a comfortable position for hours.

FAQ: Travel Pillows

Q: Are travel pillows worth it?

A: For flights longer than 4-5 hours, I find a good support pillow like the Trtl travel pillow absolutely worth the space. The difference between arriving with neck discomfort versus feeling reasonably rested is significant—especially when you have obligations immediately after landing. A quality option like the Trtl travel pillow helps you sleep deeper and wake up in better shape.

Q: What travel pillow is best for flights?

A: “Best” depends on your sleep style and preferences. The Trtl travel pillow is one of the best travel pillows for upright sleepers and side-leaners in economy class. If you prioritize plush comfort and don’t mind extra bulk, a memory foam neck pillow might suit you better. For most frequent economy travelers, though, I’d recommend trying the Trtl travel pillow first.

Q: Can the Trtl travel pillow really improve sleep on planes?

A: Based on my experience across dozens of overnight flights, yes. I consistently get 1-3 extra hours of usable sleep on red-eyes with the Trtl travel pillow versus no pillow or cheap inflatables. I also have significantly reduced neck stiffness the next morning, which helps reduce jet lag symptoms.

Q: How do you clean a Trtl travel pillow?

A: Remove the internal support first. Machine wash the fabric cover on cold with mild detergent. Air-dry completely before reassembling. Wipe the support frame with a damp cloth if needed. Avoid the dryer and high heat—they can damage the fabric. The cover should come out in the same condition after multiple washes.

Q: Is the Trtl travel pillow good for tall people or long necks?

A: Taller travelers or those with longer neck lengths may prefer the Trtl Travel Pillow Plus, which has adjustable height settings. The original Trtl travel pillow works for many body types but isn’t perfectly adjustable. Trtl claims the Plus has been successfully used by travelers from 5’0” to 6’8”.

Q: Can you use the Trtl travel pillow in a window seat and aisle seat?

A: Yes, it works in both. Many people (including me) find it easiest in a window seat where you can lean slightly toward the wall while the Trtl travel pillow supports your jaw. But it’s equally effective in middle seats where there’s nothing to lean against—that’s actually where the Trtl travel pillow provides the most relative advantage over other pillows.

Q: Does the Trtl travel pillow work with headphones and earbuds?

A: It’s usually fine with in-ear earbuds or smaller on-ear headphones. Over-ear noise-cancelling headphones may require adjusting so the wrap doesn’t press on the ear cups. I typically position my headphones first, then wrap the Trtl travel pillow around them. Adding an eye mask completes the setup for a good support sleep system on your next trip.

Final Verdict: Would I Recommend the Trtl Travel Pillow?

Yes, I would recommend the Trtl travel pillow to most frequent travelers who struggle to sleep upright—with the caveats I’ve mentioned throughout this review.

Summary:

• One of the best compact travel pillows for lengthy flights and overnight trains if you lean to the side, the Trtl travel pillow stands out

• Big upgrade over cheap inflatable rings and many bulky U-shaped pillows in terms of neck support, the Trtl travel pillow excels

• Not perfect for everyone—especially if you dislike fabric around your neck or run hot—but the Trtl travel pillow is excellent once you get used to the feel

• A smart investment if you travel several times a year and want fewer sore-neck mornings in new cities, the Trtl travel pillow is worth it

If you want to try the Trtl travel pillow on your next long-haul flight, you can check the latest price and models on Trtl’s official site or on major retailers like Amazon.

Here’s my final thought: after years of testing other travel pillows across dozens of countries and countless overnight journeys, the Trtl travel pillow has earned its permanent spot in my carry-on. Is it the perfect pillow? No. But the Trtl travel pillow is the one that consistently helps me arrive feeling human instead of wrecked. Consider your own travel style—window vs aisle, hot vs cold sleeper, minimalist packer vs checked-bag traveler—and decide if the Trtl travel pillow fits your needs. For most of us grinding through economy class overnight flights, the Trtl travel pillow is a genuine game changer.