The Inflatable Neck and Back Lumbar Travel Pillow from AirComfy is a thoughtfully designed pillow that provides support in subtle ways. But does it do enough? Read on for my full review.
AirComfy Inflatable Travel Pillow
The Inflatable Neck and Back Lumbar Travel Pillow from AirComfy is a thoughtfully designed pillow that provides support in subtle ways
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review
Key Features
- 14 x 3.2 x 8.5 inches
- 2.4 ounces
- Provides neck or lumbar support
- Self-inflatable (can add or subtract air manually as well)
- Additional foam filling for added support
- Packsack travel cover
- Wash the cover fabric with a damp cloth
- Elastic band allows the traveler to secure pillow to headrest or desk chair
- The elastic band also secures the pillow to carry-on luggage
- Side wings designed to stop the head from tilting to the side
- Two available colors
- Pillowcase available for additional purchase
Who Makes It
This inflatable travel pillow for neck and lumbar support is made by AirComfy, a travel product company that also makes the AirComfy Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Pillow.
See how AirComfy fares in my best travel pillows comparison page.
Pros
- The unique design helps provide more lumbar support than a standard pillow
- Responsive customer service
- Compact for travel
- Easy to attach to luggage or pack in a suitcase
- Adjustable elastic band holds the pillow in place on desk chairs and car headrests nicely
- No noticeable dye transfer when cleaning the pillow
Cons
- Inflation/Deflation valve loses air quickly in between breaths
- Not machine washable or dryer friendly – must be hand cleaned
- Comfortable but not very soft cover fabric
My Experience
I think the best way to describe this Inflatable Neck and Back Lumbar pillow from AirComfy is that it is unassuming. Its shape and inflatable nature make it seem like it is just another travel pillow. However, its specific design and features bring a good amount of support in a discreet package.
The pillow comes in Black or Taupe. It arrives in its travel packsack, complete with a carabiner (called a “luggage clip”) so there are several options for ways to carry it while traveling.
Because it is inflatable, the pillow is very compact and can be deflated, rolled and put it a suitcase. It can also stay inflated and connect to luggage with the clip or by draping the elastic band over the handle of the suitcase.
The tag on the pillow says the pillow is self-inflating. In order to “obtain the cushiest support (and make the self-inflate feature fully functional), you need to let the pillow remain inflated for a day so the foam filling inside can reach its capacity.”
To be honest I got impatient and decided to let it half self-inflate and half inflate myself by blowing into the pillow’s valve. Unlike the SkyRest pillow that has a valve that doesn’t let air escape during inflation, I lost a lot of air in the pillow in between breaths with this pillow.
I was able to inflate it in just a few breaths and also found that I could deflate it in a matter of seconds. Because there is foam in the pillow’s filling – and because it is self-inflating – the pillow does try to re-inflate when squeezing the air out. I needed to twist the valve off quickly to avoid air re-entering the pillow.
The elastic band attached to the pillow is adjustable and allows it to be strapped to the headrest. I tested mine in the car but I think it could work well on a plane or train. This allows the pillow to be anchored to the headrest.
If there is an opportunity to recline, I think this pillow could be even more comfortable. It has a small inward slop in the center, which stops the head from tilting to the side. Side sleepers won’t get a ton out of this feature as it is subtle, but it works.
For those looking for any type of back and lumbar support, the pillow can be easily anchored to an office or desk chair and will stay in place to provide back support. I think this option enhances the pillow’s versatility and provides comfort in both areas.
The pillow cannot be machine washed or dried, it must wipe it down with a damp cloth, according to AirComfy.
As someone who hates germs, especially in shared spaces like a plane, train or bus, I wish I could throw it in the wash. I would want to wipe it down with some sort of antibacterial wipe rather than just a damp cloth.
When I did wipe it down I found no black dye transfer so I wouldn’t be too concerned with anything rubbing off on clothing.
AirComfy Inflatable Travel Pillow
The Inflatable Neck and Back Lumbar Travel Pillow from AirComfy is a thoughtfully designed pillow that provides support in subtle ways
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review
Things To Consider Before Buying
The pillow cannot be machine washed or dried and must be hand-washed with a damp cloth.
A reviewer had trouble fitting the elastic strap around the headrest of a plane. According to the response from AirComfy customer service, the travel pillow’s elastic band may not fit around business class seats. They do say it is designed to fit seats/headrests up to 49 inches in diameter.
Another customer said the pillow did not self-inflate after 24-hours and they needed to use the nozzle to inflate at every use.
The pillow’s fabric is not very soft or plush and some travelers may consider purchasing an alternative cover to place over the pillow for more comfort.
Price
The travel pillow can be purchased the travel pillow off Amazon for $19.99. The retailer says the original price is $29.99. I did not see the pillow for sale elsewhere online.
The unique shape of the pillow and the combination of air and foam in the filling set it apart from other neck pillows. The ability to anchor it to a headrest or a desk chair is also a plus.
For these reasons and the reasonable price, I would recommend this travel pillow as a supportive but comfortable travel pillow for anyone looking for back or neck support.