I don’t know about you, but I’m a rubbish sleeper at the best of times. I’m just generally a very light sleeper, who also has a lot of neck and back issues to boot. So when I’m staring down the barrel of an overnight, long-haul flight, I’m already resigned to the fact that the notion of me getting any sleep is, ironically, just a dream.
And before you ask, yes, I've followed whatever plane sleeping hack you can think of. I’ve also tried foam pillows, foot hammocks (don't ask), blow-up pillows, the shoulders of loved ones and the shoulders of very confused strangers. Nothing has helped me get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Travel pillows also tend to annoy me. Not only have they yet to help me fall asleep but they're a pain to pack, either taking up loads of space in my hand luggage or swinging annoyingly off the end of my backpack.
So, when I found out my recent 13-hour flight to the Caribbean was an overnighter, I was less-than-pleased (it's a tough life...). But then a colleague turned me on to Trtl and its travel pillow that looks and feels unlike any I’ve seen before. I thought – what have I got to lose? And, let’s just say, the results were the stuff of dreams (literally).
The Trtl travel pillow in a nutshell
Pros
- Flat and streamlined shape means it's actually packable.
- Super soft fleece material is comfortable against the skin.
- Clever ergonomic support brace cradles the neck to reduce strain.
- Helped me sleep six hours on a plane, when I usually get zero.
Cons
- Have to commit to sleeping on one side.
- Does squish the face slightly.
- Doesn't work for back sleepers.
The brand claims this pillow has the ability to make a middle seat feel like first class and, while I think this is a bit of an exaggeration, it is a pretty clever design. The Trtl is an alternative to the traditional U-shaped travel pillow, designed to provide better neck support while taking up far less space, both in your bag and on the plane.
Rather than relying on bulky cushioning, it uses a soft fleece wrap with a hidden ergonomic support brace inside. This structure cradles the neck and jaw, helping to keep the head in a comfortable upright position and stopping it from falling forwards or sideways during sleep.
By helping to maintain proper neck alignment, the pillow aims to reduce stiffness, aches and the disruptive ‘head bobbing’ that often occurs when sleeping upright on planes, trains or in cars. The fleece cover is also machine washable, making it a practical option for regular use.
How it works
The Trtl Pillow works differently from a standard travel pillow because it doesn’t rely on padding alone to support your head. Hidden inside the soft fleece wrap is a lightweight, curved support brace that acts like a neck splint. When wrapped around your neck, the brace sits against the side of your neck and under your jaw, creating a stable platform that supports the weight of your head. In short, unlike traditional U-shaped pillows that cushion the neck, the Trtl Pillow is designed to actively support it.
How I got on
I have to admit, having this contraption strapped to my head isn't the best look, but I suppose the whole point of travel pillows is to look a bit stupid and to get some sleep – both of which I actually managed.
I strapped in for my 13-hour flight to Turks and Caicos and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was. While the design does kind of remind me of those cones dogs wear at the vet, the pillow was very soft to the touch. Just as well, as to get it the right position, you sort of have to smush your face into it, so the softness was greatly appreciated. It does take some adjusting and getting used to but, after a while, I could definitely see the appeal.
The feeling is similar to taking a nap on someone’s shoulder; someone who never moves, is very soft and the perfect height. I managed to get an impressive six hours of rest, which for me, is un-heard of. And speaks volumes to the design.
I didn’t love the fact that my face had to be somewhat smushed up to get it in the right spot, which isn't ideal if you're wearing makeup, and you're sort of forced to pick a side – you have to take the strapping off and refasten if you want to swap sides.
But the clever space-saving design can’t be denied. I loved not having a bouncing carabiner off the back of my backpack, or having to awkwardly blow up a pillow on a plane. Instead, it slots perfectly into the front pockets of my bag, without taking up all the space. It’s also super lightweight.
The verdict
Overall, I was genuinely impressed by the Trtl Pillow. It isn’t perfect – side-switching can be fiddly and it does take a little trial and error to find the right position – but those are compromises I was more than happy to make for the amount of sleep I managed to get.
If, like me, you’ve written off sleeping on planes, this is the first travel pillow that’s made me realise it is possible. After years of trying (and failing) with countless travel pillows, this is the one I’ll be packing for every long-haul flight from now on.
As the Household Advice Writer, Ella covers all things home – from clever cleaning tips to the organisation tricks that really do make life easier. Before joining Good Housekeeping, she was a full-time freelance writer and production journalist at The Independent’s IndyBest reviews section, where she covered reviews, roundups, and product-related news articles, focusing on areas such as homeware and lifestyle products. With a keen eye for what actually works, she’s passionate about sharing practical, well-tested advice you can rely on. You can reach her at her email address: [email protected]
