Foam neck brace vs. neck pillow

Over a decade ago, I saw the Caldera Releaf® Neck Rest advertised in one of the flight magazines. I ordered one and have been using it ever since for Asian and European trips when I am not assured of a flat bed seat. Amazon sells the brand and some other company's options as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Caldera-Releaf®-Neck-Rest-Regular/dp/B0027CU1PS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PV0CIV1SNGJ7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ie16ULqU4-l-Kj6w7FJbNlX935uuN9OsG-O918OeGVssMAewLMkZh9pu_1h-wgmST7xNRy6_VZKJyskyMTuNBJrgGdfe37Xnb8Br011M2fgLnVZFmzCgp_xVk1ouWMjwq1J2ZWyfiR82pZaF7omT7UxuHNKIMkRpmwLBVS5EQuqIsx0sfrcJ_d2ttleATlkQUcBEhNou4Qfh_ONPlUtr7Q.PXIbYzt1Hg7rzwtj2aY4ryfJP9IxgSAtJXWTeyWY1ho&dib_tag=se&keywords=Caldera+Releaf®+Neck+Rest&qid=1735754514&sprefix=caldera+releaf+neck+rest%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1

It makes a difference for me - the standard neck pillows don't support the head from falling forward which is what happens to me when I have to sleep sitting up or partially reclined.

Added advantage - sometimes the planes I fly to Asia get cold overnight and I feel it despite a sweater and blanket. The neck brace acts like a comfy scarf, adding warmth.

Thank you SO much! I’m going to order that today vs. the sterile looking white regular brace. It looks so comfy.

Posted by ORDtraveler

Over a decade ago, I saw the Caldera Releaf® Neck Rest advertised in
one of the flight magazines.

Is this one squishable?

I have a trtl, but you can't squish it into a bag because of the stiff insert.

Yes, it’s very squishable. I tried it and it’s bothering my chin. I tried another and same thing. I think it’s just me. I do feel it’s worth a try for others.

What is your opinion of the trtl?

I've tried several types of travel pillow. The turtle pillow didn't work for me. It felt too restrictive around my neck and I couldn't easily adjust to be more comfortable. I use this one now and really like it because it's got a spine in the middle so it's bendable, yet soft so I can put it in whatever position I need.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/mobile/mission?p=asHlb1L8qN2av1jJxBuDFzlO7Mf2ORjAkbjYfZH1xR9%2BOiBzvk7Mw1dquOiK1VfHwd2fyObK%2BhdKyhtlqbbsZ4KOnsVoRhtw7kwyMHdEwAcn0W%2BElJvU6hc205%2F6%2FGfYXwIHcDHjHorSnSupji1LAF0wifzyE8EJSd9m6pXE1HqoHju98K1VDThIc2OoatfyTRjc9BNQfr2Q9cNjuISJvuj4EHhSpYKeLOu6qEd%2FhBQIINYieSChwZZv%2Ft%2FG81j0fgvoUvnHDurJi1wJHnMj9Tml5%2F%2F923BeSgGED0wOFcQ2vWpo3cywfK7%2Bg%2BNXKESGpfci1RwGRctekQNUgL16HvdELcgiIPvTt47afScO2ffsXjdC3nK4eR0Wt%2FiVaqN6N0AZ5hpkMnzWDMh9C7hchxaMOkdgr4mVeyqBJCv1EWUv0loDXW27MCnC1dHJGD59DzVPF1WBD9M%3D&ref_=nb_sb_ss_di_ci_mcx_mi_ci-mcx-ksf-ot-nv1_0&crid=V6XK97PLO3P6

Posted by Lulu348 OP

Yes, it’s very squishable. I tried it and it’s bothering my chin. I
tried another and same thing. I think it’s just me. I do feel it’s
worth a try for others.

What is your opinion of the trtl?

I like that the trtl is higher/stiffer to keep my chin up. But I have a short neck, so I have to adjust it just-so to the side to feel comfortable if that makes sense. I usually use my shirt collar to keep it in the right position.

The cover is warm. Good if it is cold. Bad if it is hot.

I don't like that I can't just squish it into my carry-on like a regular pillow, hence my question about squishability.

And I worry that if not carefully packed, the plastic insert could crack or break.

After I purchased it, I tried it out on the couch for awhile before actually traveling with it.

I do like it better than a "donut" or "half-moon" fiberfill or inflatable pillow because it offers more support for your head leaning to the side or forward. Regular pillows don't seem to work well with the headrest for me.

KRS,

Not sure which pillow you are referring to. Your link brings up a whole page of Amazon options.