I’ve tried dozens of travel pillows over the years, from inflatable disasters to overpriced gimmicks. The SNUGL sits firmly in the “actually works” category. After testing it on several long-haul flights and a 12-hour train journey, here’s what I found.
First Impressions
The SNUGL arrives vacuum-packed, which is slightly alarming until the memory foam expands to full size over a few hours. It’s a classic U-shape design—nothing revolutionary—but the build quality impressed me. The velour cover feels premium, and the foam has a satisfying density that suggests it won’t flatten after a few uses.
At around £25-30 on Amazon (prices fluctuate), it sits in the mid-range bracket. Cheaper than the Trtl at £45, but more expensive than the basic polystyrene bead pillows you’ll find in airport shops.
How It Performs
The memory foam is the star here. SNUGL uses what they call “70D VISCO-Elastic” foam, which translates to: it moulds to your neck shape without feeling like you’re pressing into a brick. On my 11-hour flight to Singapore, it provided consistent support whether I leaned left, right, or attempted that awkward semi-upright sleeping position we all know too well.
The adjustable toggle strap deserves mention. Most travel pillows rely on the U-shape alone to stay put, which means they shift every time you move. The SNUGL’s strap keeps it anchored around your neck. Small detail, big difference when you’re trying to sleep.
One thing I appreciated: headphones work fine with this pillow. The BCozzy wraps around your neck which blocks earbuds, and the Trtl’s rigid internal frame can interfere with over-ear headphones. The SNUGL’s soft foam accommodates both.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 28 x 25 x 17cm |
| Weight | 440g |
| Colours | Black, Red, Blue, Grey, Mustard |
| Material | Memory foam with velour cover |
What I Liked
Genuine comfort. The memory foam actually works. It softens with body heat and returns to shape when you remove it. After 20+ flights, mine still performs like new.
Washable cover. The velour cover unzips and machine washes without issues. Essential for something that touches your face and absorbs sweat on long journeys.
Practical carry system. The included bag compresses the pillow to about 70% of its size, and the carabiner clips to your backpack. Not as compact as inflatable options, but reasonable for the comfort trade-off.
Price to quality ratio. You’re getting memory foam performance without the premium price tag of brands like Cabeau or Tempur.
What Could Be Better
Size limitations. If you have a slim neck, there’s a gap between your shoulders and the pillow’s curve. I’m average build and it fits well, but my partner found it too bulky.
Not the most packable. At 440g and compressing to roughly the size of a small cantaloupe, it takes up noticeable bag space. The Trtl folds flat; the SNUGL doesn’t.
Traditional design only. If U-shaped pillows haven’t worked for you before, this one won’t change your mind. It’s a refined version of the classic shape, not a reinvention.
How It Compares
SNUGL vs Trtl: Different philosophies. The Trtl uses a hidden plastic frame wrapped in fleece to prop your head at an angle—better for preventing forward head-bob. The SNUGL cushions your neck in a traditional cradle. I prefer the SNUGL for long flights where I want to shift positions; the Trtl works better for shorter naps where you pick one angle and commit.
SNUGL vs BCozzy: The BCozzy’s wrap-around design offers chin support the SNUGL lacks, but I found it restrictive. The SNUGL feels less like wearing a neck brace.
Who Should Buy This
The SNUGL works best for:
- Travellers who already like U-shaped pillows but want better quality foam
- Anyone who sleeps with headphones or earbuds
- Budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to spend £45+ on a Cabeau
- People with average to larger neck sizes
Skip it if you have a slim neck, need ultra-compact packing, or have never found U-shaped pillows comfortable.
Where to Buy
Available on Amazon UK and US, plus the SNUGL website directly. Amazon tends to have the best prices, especially during sales. The brand occasionally offers bundle deals with eye masks.
Verdict
The SNUGL won’t transform economy class into business class. No pillow will. But it does exactly what a travel pillow should: provide comfortable neck support without costing a fortune or taking up half your carry-on.
It’s the sensible choice. Not the most innovative, not the most compact, but reliably comfortable flight after flight. For the price, that’s enough.
SNUGL offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and 12-month warranty, with UK-based customer support.
