Recommend a travel pillow for long-flight?

mrcheez

I've got a lovely 14 hour flight coming up in a few weeks, I've used one of those u-shaped inflatable pillows before but I usually end up with a crick in the neck.

I spotted the J Pillow on amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pillow-Travel-British-Invention-Year/dp/B009416CVC/

despite the fact it looks decidedly dodgy in the illustrations it might do the trick.. anyone used one or recommend an alternative?

mrcheez

or this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001DYDAEK/

Might be more portable.

Another phallic-design but who cares

RoYoBo

I have just purchased the J Pillow and also the Trtl pillow on Amazon. I haven't tried either on a flight yet, but both seem comfortable. The J Pillow is very 'snuggly', but might be a bit big for carrying around. The Trtl pillow is unusual to say the least - looks like a scarf, but has hidden supports inside, not unlike a neck brace.
I have a long journey coming up soon, so will get to try them both at various stages. The U shaped pillows were never any use to me either.

mrcheez

RoYoBo wrote: »

Trtl pillow on Amazon

wow that looks bizarre, does it fold up to neat size? Does it have supports inside or how does it keep your head upright?

RoYoBo

mrcheez wrote: »

wow that looks bizarre, does it fold up to neat size? Does it have supports inside or how does it keep your head upright?

It has some kind of rigid plastic framework inside - think of a neck brace, in a way, surrounded by soft felt. It folds up relatively neatly and is light - as is the J Pillow too. It's surprisingly comfortable. Both of these pillows have YouTube reviews - worth a look.

mrcheez

It actually looks pretty cool because you can keep it on while wandering around (e.g. if you needed to get a drink of water or something) without losing the pillow in the dark.

Plus it's a lot less conspicuous than the J Pillow... cheers will check reviews

RoYoBo

I just got both out to try and compare and here's my review FWIW:

For sheer 'snuggliness' the J pillow wins. However, I think you still need to lean against something - back of chair, window, your partner - to get enough support not to loll to the side. Of course it's hard to replicate a cramped plane seat at home - maybe the sardine effect enhances the support? I've been using this to read in bed, though, and it's great for that.

The Trtl pillow has more actual support, especially if you're inclined to lean slightly forward when you nod off, as I am. The plastic insert is somewhat springy and you can put that part of it to the side of your neck or under your jaw. You can sit up straight without any other additional support and still feel comfortable IMO. It's neater than the J pillow too and, as you said, will stay on while you move around.

I'm glad I got both - they each have their advantages and comfort rules for me anyway :pac:

mrcheez

RoYoBo wrote: »

I just got both out to try and compare and here's my review FWIW:

For sheer 'snuggliness' the J pillow wins. However, I think you still need to lean against something - back of chair, window, your partner - to get enough support not to loll to the side. Of course it's hard to replicate a cramped plane seat at home - maybe the sardine effect enhances the support? I've been using this to read in bed, though, and it's great for that.

The Trtl pillow has more actual support, especially if you're inclined to lean slightly forward when you nod off, as I am. The plastic insert is somewhat springy and you can put that part of it to the side of your neck or under your jaw. You can sit up straight without any other additional support and still feel comfortable IMO. It's neater than the J pillow too and, as you said, will stay on while you move around.

I'm glad I got both - they each have their advantages and comfort rules for me anyway :pac:

good stuff thanks. I always sit in the aisle so I won't have anything(one) to lean on *sniff*

That's always been why the u-shaped ones worked for me when I turned them around so that the "back" was under my chin as I could just rely on my shoulder to rest on. But they weren't great and I'd usually end up with a crick in my neck.

So something that can support me as is, without relying on an opposing surface is what I need and sounds like the Trtl meets that requirement.