The Purefly is an inflatable travel pillow with a built-in pump – no blowing required. It has a soft velvet cover and inflates in under a minute.
Key Features
Built-in pump: Press the integrated pump to inflate. No mouth contact needed, and much faster than traditional inflatable pillows. Deflates via a valve button.
Velvet cover: Dark grey velvet fabric that’s soft against skin. Removable and washable.
Ergonomic shape: U-shaped with raised neck sections for head and neck support.
Compact storage: Comes with a carry bag for deflated storage.
How to Use
- Open the valve cover
- Press the pump (built into the pillow) repeatedly
- About 20 seconds for full inflation
- Adjust firmness by adding or releasing air
- To deflate: hold the valve button and press out the air
Pros
- No blowing required (built-in pump)
- Quick inflation (~20 seconds)
- Soft velvet cover
- Adjustable firmness
- Compact when deflated
- Affordable price
Cons
- May feel warm in hot weather
- Basic U-shape design (no chin support)
- Velvet cover can attract lint
Who It’s For
The Purefly suits travellers who want:
- An inflatable pillow without the awkwardness of blowing it up
- Adjustable firmness
- Something compact for packing
- Budget-friendly option
For more advanced features like chin support, consider the J-Pillow. For structured support, see the Trtl.
Specifications
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type | Inflatable with built-in pump |
| Cover | Soft velvet (removable, washable) |
| Inflation time | ~20 seconds |
| Weight | ~200g |
| Packed size | Fits in included carry bag |
| Colour | Dark grey |
Purefly vs Other Inflatable Pillows
Most inflatable travel pillows require you to blow them up yourself, which is unhygienic and embarrassing in a crowded cabin. The Purefly’s pump mechanism avoids this entirely. Compared to memory foam alternatives like the BCOZZY or SNUGL, the Purefly packs smaller but offers less structured support. The trade-off is clear: foam pillows are more comfortable but take up more bag space.
The adjustable firmness is a genuine advantage. Partially inflated gives a softer feel that some find more comfortable for sleeping, while fully inflated provides firmer neck support for sitting upright. Most foam pillows only come in one firmness.
Care and Maintenance
The velvet cover detaches for machine washing. Wash on a gentle cycle and air dry — do not tumble dry as this can damage the fabric. The pillow itself should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Store deflated with the valve open to prevent moisture buildup inside.
Long-Haul Flight Test
On a nine-hour flight to New York, the Purefly held its shape and air pressure for the entire journey without needing re-inflation. The valve seal is reliable. At about 60% inflation, the pillow moulds slightly around the neck, which I found more comfortable for sleeping than fully inflated. The velvet cover stayed cool for the first few hours, though it did warm up eventually — if you overheat easily, the fabric may feel clammy after extended use.
Verdict
The built-in pump is the Purefly’s main selling point – it removes the main inconvenience of inflatable pillows. The velvet cover is comfortable and the price is reasonable. It’s a solid choice if you want something compact that doesn’t require you to blow it up in front of other passengers.
