This TikTok-Famous Travel Pillow Just Got Even Better

In true QVC-seller-fashion, I’ve convinced almost every one of my jet-setting friends to get their hands on the Trtl travel pillow. The innovative travel accessory took TikTok by storm a few years ago, and while I’d normally consider that a reason to stay away from a product, this pillow is actually worth the hype. It’s essentially a neck brace that you place on one shoulder, then secure with a scarf-like attachment. It’s been a game changer for my last few long-haul flights—instead of disembarking with zero hours of sleep, I now get at least two.

But there have been a lot of travel-related technological advancements since the original Trtl first took over my feed, from airport assistants and packing apps to Chat-GPT-generated itineraries. And along with this influx of things you didn’t know you needed comes Trtl’s latest product: The Trtl Travel Pillow Plus. And I, of course, had to see if this ultra modern-looking contraption was any better.

It turns out the Trtl pillow 2.0 makes the original feel like a prototype. Although the standard Trtl is far more adjustable than most C-shaped travel pillows, it doesn’t always meld perfectly to fit the space between your head and neck. The Pillow Plus comes equipped with knobs that you can turn to make the pillow taller or shorter. They seemed complicated to maneuver at first, but I found them to be quite intuitive. The extra length actually did make a noticeable difference in preventing my head from bobbing. Think of it as a bespoke pillow for every trapezius (that is, the triangle that connects the shoulder, neck, and upper back).

The new model boasts “high-density foam padding,” which really works to withstand the weight of your head. A few friends who have been influenced (by me) to purchase the original have reported back to say that it’s nearly perfect, save for the fleece scarf, which makes their neck sweat. This one’s made with a more breathable, mesh fabric—kind of like that of athletic gear—that keeps your face nice and cool as you snooze.

The Pillow Plus is just as compact as the first, and it even comes with a handy little carry bag. The original Trtl retails for the steep price of $60, while the Pillow Plus will set you back $90. But because the Pillow Plus really feels ten times more durable, I think it’s worth shelling out the extra $30, especially if you’re looking to gift a frequent-flier friend. In other words, Trtl has done it again.