I’ve never understood the ubiquity of the U-shape travel pillow.
It’s awkward, uncomfortable and hardly effective. Yet, I’ve (pointlessly) used it during my long distance travels for over 15 years simply because of its wide availability.
Until now.
The Travel Pillow Worth Switching To
Enter the J-Pillow, an invention by former Virgin Atlantic flight attendant Gemma Jensen and winner of the 2012 British Invention of the Year Award.
It’s velvety soft to the touch but firm enough to provide real cushion comfort, and includes a convenient snap loop to clip onto a purse, backpack or suitcase.
After testing the J-Pillow on a recent overseas trip, I can say unequivocally that I’m a believer. It’s made my long-haul flights more bearable and restful, even on those dreaded red-eyes.
But Why Is It Shaped Like That?
I know. Aesthetically, it’s ridiculous and I guarantee it will attract glances and stares from a handful of curious passengers. But, sometimes, comfort takes precedence over conformity, especially for the frequent and weary traveller.
The odd design is what makes the J-Pillow so comfortable and effective. It’s essentially a stuffed, 3D letter “J”. Whereas the traditional U-shape does little for the head and neck – and absolutely nothing for the chin – the J-Pillow supports all three.
While it can be positioned in multiple ways, the bottom hook of the “J” is typically tucked under the chin to prevent your head from nodding forward. The vertical bar on top of the “J” is used to cushion the back and side of the head.
Whether you lean it against a window or nothing at all, the J-Pillow helps the neck maintain its correct anatomical position.
It’s clever, if you ask me.
Size
Although it can be squeezed into a ball and stuffed into a bag, the J-Pillow is still bulky.
But that’s why Gemma also developed an inflatable version, which can be neatly folded flat into a purse or backpack.
I also love how it includes a removable, washable cover.
Other Uses
The J-Pillow is just as useful on trains, buses and cars as they are on flights.
I’ve also been using it at home – when I’m curled up on the sofa in front of the TV or in bed while reading.
The only deficit I can point out is that the stuffed J-Pillow doesn’t include the removable cover, a feature that comes with the inflatable version. Like my pillow cases at home, sometimes these things just need a good wash.
But, overall, the J-Pillow is the most comfortable travel pillow I’ve rested my head on – and I’ll never board another long-haul flight without it. It’s so functional and innovative, it’s a wonder we haven’t seen a product like this sooner.
And about that senseless U-shape pillow… I’ve already given it away.
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The J-Pillow can be purchased from Amazon.com.
For lists of my other favourite travel products, check out the Travel Essentials section of my blog here.
Disclosure: While the J-Pillows were provided to me for review purposes, all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Rest assured that I would never recommend a product unless I would use it myself.
I’m always on the hunt for a good travel pillow and as I was reading your review I was thinking ok sounds fabulous but it looks bulky and not packable – but then to paraphrase the movie line “you had me at inflatable”. Thanks for the recommendation!
Good one, Mary! 😉 Let me know what you think if you get one.
Interesting…I’ve never understood the U-shape pillow either. I tried this “bone” shaped pillow on my 3 week trip to Europe, but was tempted to throw it out because I never used it. Maybe this one will be better!
I think I know which pillow you’re talking about. There isn’t a whole lot to choose from, is there? I decided to use the inflatable J-Pillow on my travels and use the stuffed one at home.
I hate the u shaped pillow! I think I’ll need to get one of these!
Let me know what you think if you do!
Just used the j-pillow on a trip to New Zealand and fell in love. I used it on planes and trains. I used the stuffed one and if I couldn’t pack it in my luggage, I just used the snap loop to attach it to the outside of a bag or my purse. Would never fly for any distance again without it. I use it at home when I am reading and watching TV. Everyone should throw away those stupid U-shaped pillows and get one of these.
I second that!
Great to read your review Helen,
I purchased a J Pillow not so long ago and it was my first ever flight pillow. I must admit at first it took some getting used to but now I have it figured out. It is pretty comfy and serves its purpose well. I can certainly get a better sleep with it. The only thing which prevents me sleeping now are a pain in the small of my back (from the airline seat) and the lack of seat recline.
Airline seats in economy class are getting more and more uncomfortable, aren’t they?
They certainly are. More airline cutbacks with less and less seat padding. I hate the pains in my back during and after a flight because of the seat.
Great! I’ll buy one from Amazon. Thank you Helen!
Let me know what you think!