Note: The Travelrest pillow which I’ve reviewed has the add on cover with memory foam inserts, which costs an extra $15.
The Travelrest travel pillow is kind of weird – almost as weird as the Ostrich pillow mini – but it works. This uniquely “banana” shaped pillow is meant to be worn like a guitar, with the thickest part supporting your head. It gives your head something to lean on, no matter where you’re sitting or standing. It’s like having a shoulder to lean on – 24/7.
Watch my video above to see a more visual representation of how the Travelrest pillow works.
Pros:
- Supports the head
- Easy to inflate/deflate
- Comfortable
- Compact when deflated
- Even more comfortable with the add on cover
The Travelrest travel pillow is remarkably supportive and should stay in place as long as you’ve set it up properly and are placing your hand on the base of the pillow (this acts a bit like a counterweight). Since it is an inflatable pillow, it isn’t quite as plush as the Comfort Master pillow, but the add on cover does a good job at making up for that as I’ll mention later.
I was really impressed by the ease at which I could inflate the Travelrest pillow. With just around 3 to 4 breaths, I could get the Travelrest fully inflated.
The Travelrest pillow is the most compact of all the travel pillow’s I’ve reviewed (and I’ve reviewed a ton) thanks to it being inflatable.
Once the pillow is deflated by pressing the black valve, you can roll the pillow up into a cylindrical shape which can easily fit in your hand. The same strap which is used to attach the pillow to the bottom of a seat belt acts as a compression strap and can be used to attach the pillow to a suitcase handle.
Read more: Cabeau Evolution Pillow Review
Travelrest Cover:
The Travelrest add on velour cover makes the travel pillow feel less like an inflatable pillow, and more like the Tempur-Pedic Travel Neck Pillow, minus the bulk. The cover is made of a soft and somewhat fuzzy velour and has two memory foam pads on the areas your head leans against.
I really dig the soft exterior of the pillow and how the memory foam inserts give an illusion that the whole pillow is made of memory foam.
While the cover doesn’t add much extra bulk or weight to the Travelrest pillow, it does costs an extra $15, which is more than half of what the Travelrest itself costs.
The velour cover gives the Travelrest a luxe feel, but honestly, I feel like the cover should be a part of the pillow and not an add on.
Get the cover here.
Watch this video from Travelrest on how to assemble the cover:
Cons:
- Can be complicated for first time users
- Not too versatile
- Not nearly as soft or comfortable without the cover
When I opened the package of the Travelrest pillow I had some difficulty figuring out how to use it, but thankfully Travelrest has several resources showing you how to use the pillow, which you can find here on their website, as well as on the product packaging.
One other aspect which I’m concerned about is whether I’d want to take the effort to set up the pillow while in a cramped plane. It can be a hassle to attach the straps and inflate the pillow without elbowing the person next to you.
I also will add that it would be nice if Travelrest could make the add on cover built into the normal Travelrest pillow. Instead of making it an add on, it would probably be easier for the user if it was pre-built-in, or simply sold together.
Read reviews of some of the other best travel pillows.
The Verdict:
Overall, the Travelrest pillow is a compact yet comfortable travel pillow best suited for flights and road trips. The pillow is a winner in terms of portability and head support. I highly recommend purchasing the velour cover along with the Travelrest, as it makes it even more comfortable.
Compare the Travelrest pillow with the other best travel pillows.
Travelrest Pillow Review Ratings
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8/10
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10/10
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8/10
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7/10
Where to Get It:
- You can find the Travelrest pillow here on Amazon.com
- Get the add on memory insert velour foam cover here.
What do you use travel pillows during flights? Leave your comment below.
The Travelrest pillow and cover were provided for this review. As always, this Travelrest pillow review contains only my honest views and opinions. Some links found in this review are affiliate links, meaning that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This helps to fund the site. 🙂
Renee N says
Wow! Have to say this is an incredibly detailed review Jonathan.
Bee be says
I’ve not traveled with a travel pillow, but on my most recent trip wished I had one.