The Travelrest takes a different approach to travel pillows. Instead of wrapping around your neck, it’s an inflatable pillow that extends down your side, letting you lean into it for full upper body support.
How It Works
The elongated shape runs from your head down past your shoulder. You inflate it to your preferred firmness, then lean into it like you’re leaning against a window seat – except it works in any seat. Straps let you attach it to headrests or wear it like a messenger bag.
Key Features
- Inflatable: Few breaths to inflate, quick deflation for compact storage
- Adjustable firmness: Control inflation level to suit your preference
- Multiple wearing options: Attach to seat, wear across body, or use as shoulder pillow
- Washable cover: Removable and machine washable
- Compact when deflated: Rolls up small for packing
Pros
- Full lateral upper body support (not just neck)
- Works in aisle seats where you can’t lean on a window
- Very compact when deflated
- Adjustable firmness
- Good for side sleepers
Cons
- Takes some experimentation to find the right position
- May slip if not secured properly
- Less comfortable with glasses or headphones
- Different from traditional pillows – requires adjustment
Travelrest vs Trtl
| Feature | Travelrest | Trtl |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Inflatable body pillow | Scarf with internal frame |
| Support type | Full lateral body | Neck only |
| Best position | Leaning sideways | Upright |
| Portability | Very compact when deflated | Compact, lightweight |
| Price | $30-40 | $48-72 |
Who Should Buy It
The Travelrest suits travellers who:
- Prefer leaning sideways rather than sleeping upright
- Often sit in aisle seats without a window to lean on
- Want adjustable firmness
- Need something that packs very small
It’s less suitable for those who prefer structured neck support or want to sleep fully upright.
Verdict
The Travelrest solves a real problem – how to sleep comfortably when you’re not in a window seat. Its inflatable design and lateral support work well for side sleepers who want to lean rather than sit upright. The compact size when deflated is a genuine advantage for packing.
It requires more setup and experimentation than simpler pillows, but for the right sleeping style, it delivers comfort that traditional neck pillows can’t match.
Specifications
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type | Inflatable lateral body pillow |
| Weight | ~230g (deflated) |
| Inflated size | Approximately 56cm x 30cm |
| Packed size | Rolls to roughly 15cm x 8cm |
| Material | Soft fleece cover, PVC bladder |
| Attachment | Adjustable strap with clip |
Tips for Getting the Best Position
The Travelrest works best when strapped to the headrest at roughly ear height, with the pillow body hanging down your side. Inflate it about 75% for a softer lean — fully inflated can feel too rigid against your ribs. In window seats, position it between yourself and the wall for an ideal leaning surface.
For aisle seats, strap it to the headrest on your inboard side so you lean towards the middle of the plane rather than into the aisle where trolleys and passengers pass.
Care and Storage
The fleece cover unzips for machine washing. Wash on cold, air dry. The inflatable bladder should be wiped down with a damp cloth. Store deflated with the valve open — storing inflated for long periods can stretch the material.
Carry a small repair patch (included) for punctures. Pinhole leaks usually happen at the seam near the valve and can be patched in minutes.
