Apart from the handy Velcro mechanism, two other features make the OstrichPillow stand out from competitors. First (and foremost) is the memory foam interior, which feels like I’m bringing a luxury pillow with me everywhere I go. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support—a win, in Zettergren’s book. “A pillow that’s too firm may not contour to your neck, while a soft one may not support your head properly,” he says. “Ideally, choose a pillow made from memory foam or a material that molds to the shape of your neck, ensuring proper alignment and comfort.” The OstrichPillowcontours around my neck, creating a supportive little cocoon.
It also yields to the plane seat, which is critical, given that other travel pillows push me forward in my seat (creating an uncomfortable crick in my neck). “Pillows that are too high can elevate your neck unnaturally, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Maintaining a neutral spine position is essential for avoiding pain that can arise after a long [journey],” Zettergren says. The OstrichPillow isn’t too tall, and it squishes flush against the seat back so I never wake up with a stiff neck.
As a slight germaphobe, one of my other favorite features is the cover, which you can remove and throw in the washing machine at the end of your trip. Given that planes are…not the cleanest, being able to toss the cover in the laundry right when I get home never ceases to delight me. And once it’s been washed, I simply zip it back on and stash the pillow away until my next trip.
The rest (pun intended)
No travel pillow can offer you the same night of sleep you’d have in a luxury hotel or your own bed (ahhh). On a plane, I always hope for two to three hours of uninterrupted rest without the drink cart rolling over my foot or turbulence jarring me awake. That’s exactly what the OstrichPillow offers.
Once I’ve found the optimal pillow position and I’m settled in, I can nap for at least an hour without my neck hurting. (I’m always trying to best my OstrichPillow personal record, which currently stands at three hours and fifteen minutes of blessed sleep.) And while this may seem like a minor metric, that ounce of extra rest gives me the energy I need to hit the ground running when I arrive at my destination.
The competitors
Compared to the competition, the OstrichPillow costs a pretty penny. At $90, this model is much more of an investment than the options you’ll find at the airport. However, I think the OstrichPillow far outpaces competitors because of its ultrasoft feel, removable cover, and adjustable fit. As someone who’s long struggled to log a good night’s sleep while I’m on the go, I’m willing to spend more on products that help me get some rest—especially when napping is the fastest way to pass time on a long flight.
Bottom line
Although the OstrichPillow Go Travel Pillow costs a little more, it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Thanks to its carrying bag, it also shrinks down way smaller when you’re not using it (out of sight, out of mind). I now consider it as essential to my packing list as my passport, phone, headphones, wallet, and keys. I’m simply not air-ready without it.
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