The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights
My biggest gripe with the Trtl Pillow is that I can’t wear my over-ear noise-cancelling headphones while using it. Understandable, considering that my ear is pressed against the plastic ledge and couldn’t possibly accommodate a padded earcup, but annoying nonetheless. To block out plane noises while I nap, I use my Loop earplugs instead, which nestle in my ear and don’t interfere with the pillow when I nod off.
Since I’m almost always cold on planes, I love cozying up to the Trtl Pillow’s warm fleece scarf—but if you run hot, this pillow is probably not for you. It also doesn’t work well for people who nod forward or move their head from side to side while they sleep.
The Trtl Pillow is the priciest travel pillow we recommend. Our top pick, a more traditional travel pillow, costs $40. The price of the Trtl Pillow has risen significantly since I made my purchase last summer; it was originally $40 (before my Prime Day deal, which cut the price in half), whereas now the price sits around $60. I’ve had such success with the Trtl Pillow that I’d willingly pay full price for it even now, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential deals.
And, of course, the Trtl Pillow makes you look extremely silly—so silly that you, like me, may be hesitant to use it in public. But now that I’ve actually used it consistently for the past year and a half, I can say that it’s worth any side-eye you may catch from a seatmate. Before I tried the Trtl Pillow, I used to dread early-morning flights because I knew that I wouldn’t sleep a wink and that I’d inevitably arrive at my destination irritated and cranky. I’m a much happier traveler now that I know I’ll be able to drift off and rest my weary eyes after take-off, and that is worth looking a little ridiculous.
This article was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.
