Jun 27, 2025
How to Choose the Right Travel Pillow for You: Trtl's Complete Guide
By
Sophie Blanchflower
Share this article
When you’re travelling — whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul flight — comfort can sometimes be hard to come by. And let’s face it, a good night’s sleep (or even a decent nap) can feel impossible when you’re trying to catch some Z’s in a cramped seat. That’s where the right travel pillow comes in.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about our travel pillows and which one is best for you.
What is a travel pillow?
A travel pillow is a specially designed cushion, intended to support your head, neck and sometimes even your shoulders during travel.
When you’re on the move, whether in a cramped economy seat, on a long road trip, or a bumpy train ride, our travel pillows help keep your neck properly aligned, so you can sleep without straining your muscles or waking up with neck pain.
Traditional U-shaped pillows are supposed to help support your head, but they often fall short. They’re bulky, uncomfortable and don’t offer the right kind of support for your neck. Our pillows are compact, ergonomic, and designed to provide you with precise neck support right where you need it most.
What makes the Trtl Trave Pillow different from others?
You might be wondering, “What makes Trtl pillows better than U-shaped ones?” Well, here’s why they’re a game changer:
1. Ergonomic support system
Our Trtl Travel pillows are unlike traditional neck pillows. We use an innovative internal support structure that cradles the neck in a way that’s completely different to that of U-shaped designs.
Instead of your head resting against the pillow, our ergonomic design keeps your neck and head in a natural position, which reduces strain and prevents ‘head-bobbing’ that makes it harder to sleep on long journeys.
2. Soft covering
Comfort is key when you’re spending hours resting. That’s why we’ve chosen soft, hypoallergenic fleece for our pillows — it’s gentle on your skin, so you can relax without feeling uncomfortable.
3. Compact and lightweight design
Travel is all about convenience, and traditional U-shaped pillows tend to take up a lot of space in your bag.
Our travel pillows are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to slip into your carry-on, backpack, or even clip onto your luggage. With the included carry bag, it’s easy to keep your pillow clean and packed away when you’re not using it.
4. Machine washable
Keeping things clean is essential when you’re on the go. Unlike other pillows that can’t be washed, our Trtl Travel pillows are machine washable. After a long journey, just toss your pillow in the wash, and it’ll be ready for your next adventure.
What are the benefits of the right travel pillow?
Choosing the right travel pillow goes beyond just comfort. It can shape your whole travel experience, making your journey one to remember (not one you want to quickly forget!)
1. Proper neck support that actually works
Trt Travel pillows are designed to provide real, ergonomic neck support. Unlike U-shaped pillows that simply prop up your head, our unique support structure means your neck stays in proper alignment with your seated position. This can help prevent neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort — especially when you’re stuck in one position for a long time, like on an international flight.
2. More compact and hygienic than airline-provided pillows
Airline pillows can be uncomfortable, unsanitary, and most of the time, too large to pack easily.
With Trtl, you get a pillow that’s small, compact, and easy to carry. Plus, it’s machine washable too, so you don’t need to worry about having a pillow that’s been used by countless other passengers.
3. Minimises head bobbing
One of the most annoying things about trying to sleep while seated is the constant head bobbing. Trtl Travel pillows minimise this by keeping your head and neck in a stable position.
You won’t have to keep waking up as your head drops forward or sideways!
Best for everyday travellers - Trtl Travel Pillow Original
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, whether it's a quick business trip or a spontaneous city break getaway, the Trtl Travel Pillow Original is the perfect travel companion. Designed for comfort and neck support, this pillow is great for short flights, long drives, or even quick naps on the go. It’s super easy to pack, and the soft fleece material means that you stay cosy even 30,000 feet in the air.
Key benefits:
- Ergonomic design that supports your neck in a comfortable, natural position
- Soft, hypoallergenic fleece material, so it’s kind to the skin
- Lightweight and easy to pack, it fits in any bag
- Available in multiple colours to match your style
Best for hot sleepers - Trtl Pillow Cool
If you’re the type of person who tends to overheat during long trips, the Trtl Pillow Cool is your perfect match. It’s made with breathable, cooling fabric that keeps you feeling fresh and comfortable, even on the warmest flights or road trips.
With the same ergonomic neck support as the Original Pillow, the Pillow Cool offers a great balance of comfort and temperature control.
Key benefits:
- Cooling fabric to help regulate your temperature
- Same ergonomic support as the Trtl Original
- Ideal for hot climates or those who run warm
- Compact and easy to pack for any trip
Best for custom support - Trtl Pillow Plus
Need a bit more customisation when it comes to support? The Trtl Pillow Plus is perfect for you. With an adjustable toggle that lets you control the height and, in turn, the amount of support you get, you can make sure that your pillow fits just right.
Crafted with breathable mesh fabric and high-density foam padding, our height-adjustable pillow gives optimal temperature regulation, superior cushioning and adjustable comfort throughout your travels. The Trtl Pillow Plus also has firmer support compared to the Original and Cool models.
Key benefits:
- Adjustable toggle for a custom fit
- Made from breathable mesh fabric with a soft fleece overlay
- Great for those who need extra neck support
- Easy to carry and store, no fuss
Best for kids - Trtl Pillow Junior
Travelling with little ones? The Trtl Pillow Junior is designed with kids in mind, offering the same neck support as our adult pillows but in a smaller, child-friendly size.
Also suitable for petite adults, it’s made from the same soft fleece materials as the adult versions, meaning you or your little one stays comfy on the go. It’s also compact enough to fit in a kid's carry-on!
Key benefits
- Tailored for children’s necks
- Also suitable for petite adults
- Soft fleece materials for comfort
- Small and compact for easy packing
Still not sure? Here's a quick comparison
Not sure which pillow is best for you? Check out our handy comparison table to find the best Trtl Pillow for you:
Do any of the Trtl Pillows come with a carry bag?
All of our Trtl Travel Pillows, except for the Trtl Pillow Junior, come with a handy carry bag.
Can Trtl Travel Pillows be washed?
Yes, all of our Trtl Travel Pillows are machine washable. Just take out the internal support and toss in the washing machine on a cold setting (30 degrees).
For more information on how to care for your Trtl Pillow, head to our aftercare page.
Does the Trtl Pillow help with neck pain?
Absolutely. The Trtl Travel Pillow provides ergonomic support, helping to reduce neck pain and stiffness. It's designed to ensure your neck stays properly aligned, which can make all the difference when you’re sitting in one position for an extended period of time.
Are Trtl Pillows better than U-shaped pillows?
Traditional U-shaped pillows are bulky and don’t provide the right kind of support. Trtl Travel Pillows are far more compact, provide targeted neck support, and are much more comfortable, giving you the best travel experience.
Find you perfect travel pillow with Trtl Travel
The right travel pillow is an essential part of your journey, and with Trtl Travel Pillows, comfort, support, and portability come together to make your trip as smooth as possible. Whether you're travelling solo, with kids, or going on a long-haul flight, there’s a Trtl Pillow for everyone.
Explore more with our blog page.
