Pluto POD Pillow Review – The Most Versatile Travel Pillow?

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It can be challenging to get quality sleep while you’re traveling. And it’s even harder when you can’t get your own personal space. Luckily there’s a travel pillow that can help you achieve better sleep on the go. In my unbiased Pluto POD pillow review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this new travel pillow and why it could be one of the most versatile travel pillows out there. Let’s dive in!

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

The Pluto Pod is a travel pillow that can help block out light and keep your neck supported. Just pull the hood over for privacy and sleep in comfort while on the go.

 

Pluto POD Travel Pillow Overview

Pluto is known for appearing on Shark Tank, where the brand makers displayed their innovative custom-built pillow, the original Pluto pillow. The company also makes a full body pillow called the Pluto Puff, but now offers a travel pillow: the Pluto POD. This is a unique travel pillow that can be used in a few different ways to help you get the best sleep whether you’re on the road or in the air. Here’s a quick overview on who should get the Pluto POD, and who may need to stick to other travel pillows: Who Might Like the Pluto POD?
  • Travelers looking for total neck and chin support
  • Anyone looking for a travel pillow with a hood
  • Anyone needing a travel pillow that can be tightly packed away
Who Might Not Like the Pluto POD?
  • Shoppers on a budget
  • People who prefer a soft, felt feel to their travel pillows
  • People who prefer more traditionally shaped travel pillows

Sleeping with and Using the Pluto POD Travel Pillow

Right out of the box, the Pluto POD comes to you buttoned up, which is actually one way you can use this pillow. If you’re in the car or have a window seat on the plane, you can use it as a more traditional pillow in this form. Or if you have lower back problems, you can use it as a cushion between you and the seat! A man uses the Pluto Pod pillow with the eye cover. But once you open it up, it turns into the neck-hugging style of travel pillow we’re all more accustomed to. I have a thicker neck, but I’m glad to say that this pillow fit really comfortably around my neck and it offered some pretty good support. This is because the pillow completely wraps around your neck, and you attach it with velcro, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off. And if you’re sensitive to light while you sleep, the hood has a built in eye mask that you can pull out and use to block out the light. Pluto also mentions that this is a good pillow to help you carve out some personal space and privacy thanks to the pull down eye cover. RELATED: Best Travel Pillows

What Does the Pluto POD Pillow Feel Like?

The main pillow portion of the Pluto POD is made of a dense memory foam core. There’s not going to be much contouring here, but it does provide ample support for your chin, neck, and head to rest on while you’re using it. RELATED: Best Memory Foam Pillows The outer cover feels like a thick, jacket-like material but has an inner, softer fabric which feels very comfortable.

Pluto POD Pillow Construction

Let’s take a look at the materials that make up the Pluto POD.

Cover

The Pluto POD has an outer cover that features a few different materials. On the outer part of this cover, you’ll find a material called Alcantara. This is a thick microfiber material that feels similarly to material you find in thick, waterproof jackets. On the inner part of the cover, you’ll find a softer, mesh-like fabric that feels very soft to the touch.

Core

The main pillow is at the bottom of the hood, and wraps around your neck in a collar that you can connect with velcro. The actual pillow is made from firm, dense memory foam. A hand squishes the inside memory foam core of the Pluto POD pillow.

Pluto POD Price

Pluto sells the Pluto POD in one size, as a one-size-fits-all travel pillow. It retails for $145.

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

The Pluto Pod is a travel pillow that can help block out light and keep your neck supported. Just pull the hood over for privacy and sleep in comfort while on the go.

 

Pluto POD Pillow Performance

So, how did the Pluto POD perform in some key categories? Let’s find out.

Storage

When it comes to traveling, how well you can store your travel pillow is a big consideration. With the POD, you have the ability to fold the foam collar up, attach it with velcro, and then roll the pillow up into the hood. There are buttons that you can snap the hood to the pillow to make sure it doesn’t come unraveled. Storage is one of this pillow’s strong points. An image of the Pluto Pod pillow in its compact form

Sleeping Hot or Cold

The Pluto POD doesn’t feature anything specific in terms of cooling or breathability. If you’re rushing to your next destination, or are in the car with sunlight beaming through the windows, you may feel a little stuffy. But using it on a plane or during the night, you shouldn’t have to worry about overheating.

Off-Gassing

The Pluto POD comes to you in a box, though it won’t be compressed. You won’t have to worry about any off-gassing odors right out of the box.If you do notice any smell, I would recommend washing the removable cover before first use to help.

Care Instructions

The Pluto POD pillow was designed to be hygienic. After each trip, it would be a good idea to clean the outer cover. To do so, simply remove the memory foam core from the collar, and the cover is machine-washable for easy care!

Allergies

The Pluto POD pillow isn’t listed as a hypoallergenic product. However, you do have the ability to wash the outer cover, which means you can ensure that the pillow doesn’t trap allergens or other germs while you travel.

Company Policies

Here’s what you can expect when you make a purchase with Pluto.

Warranty Info

Pluto offers a 1-year warranty on the POD.

Sleep Trial

You will have 110 days to test out the Pluto POD pillow to see if it’s the perfect travel pillow for you! A man puts on the Pluto Pod pillow, attaching the velcro to itself.

Return Policy

If, during that 110-day period, you decide the POD is not for you, you can return it for a full refund.

How Does the Pluto Pod Pillow Compare To Other Pillows?

This travel pillow certainly has a lot going for it, but it’s always best to keep your options open. Let’s compare the POD to two other popular travel pillows on the market.

Pluto vs trtl

Sleeping upright is a challenge when it comes to traveling. One of the best travel pillows for neck support is the trtl (pronounced “turtle”) travel pillow. What makes it so great for neck support is that the pillow has a plastic insert designed to contour to your neck and shoulder, making it rather comfortable to rest your head on. Both of these pillows should work well for avoiding neck pain during your travels. A woman sleeps in the car with the trtl pillow. The trtl has a comfortable polyester outer cover that has been textured to look and feel like felt, and it has easy care: you can machine-wash it. However, unlike the POD, it is only designed to go around your neck, and doesn’t come with a light blocking hood. Finally, in terms of price, the trtl pillow is much more affordable. Who Should Get the Pluto POD Pillow?
  • Travelers who want to block out the light
  • Anyone who prefers a foam travel pillow
Who Should Get the trtl Travel Pillow?
  • Travelers who need substantial neck support
  • Shoppers on a budget
Read our full trtl Travel Pillow review.

Pluto Vs. BCozzy

Support is the name of the game with travel pillows. One pillow that offers a good amount of chin support is the BCozzy travel pillow. This pillow has a wrap-around design that can connect in the front to keep your chin and head upright while you sleep. It has a 100% polyester construction, from the outer cover to the inner fill. The cover can be machine-washed for easy care. But if you prefer a more supportive, dense foam travel pillow, opt for the POD. But because it only wraps around your neck, and doesn’t come with a hood, it can’t block out light. Best Travel Pillows 2020 - BCOZZY Unlike the Pluto POD, the BCozzy has multiple sizes to accommodate children and adults alike, and it has multiple color options. The POD has been designed to be a one-size-fits-all type pillow and doesn’t offer much color variation. Finally, if you’re shopping on a budget, the BCozzy is much more budget-friendly, and you can also find it on Amazon. Who Should Get the Pluto POD Pillow?
  • Travelers who want to block out the light
  • Anyone who needs a multi-use travel pillow
Who Should Get the BCozzy Travel Pillow?
  • Shoppers on a budget
  • Anyone looking for multiple sizes and colors
Read our full BCozzy travel pillow review.

Our Pluto POD Pillow Review Ratings

Take a look at our Mattress Clarity score for the Pluto POD pillow. [rwp-review id=”0″]

FAQs

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Pluto and its pillows.

What are Pluto pillows made out of?

Pluto makes a custom pillow designed for you by providing a questionnaire to collect sleeping information and body stats.

Though they may have different designs, most Pluto pillows will feature the same materials: a core of high-quality memory foam and an outer layer of soft down alternative. Be sure to check out our Pluto pillow review!

The Pluto POD features a memory foam core collar and an outer cover and hood made out of a material called Alcantara.

Where is Pluto pillow manufactured?

Pluto manufactures all its pillows out of a factory in Los Angeles.

How much does a Pluto pillow cost?

When you purchase a standard pillow from Pluto, it will cost around $85. The Pluto POD will cost $145

Tony Klespis

Tony is a staff writer at Mattress Clarity where he analyzes sleep products and appears in review videos. He earned a B.A in English from Sam Houston State University and a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University. When he isn’t writing about sleep products, Tony loves to unwind with a good book or can be found playing Pokemon Go outside with his friends, or cuddling with his cat, Penguin. He’s always down to try a new, local restaurant and try new foods.