Reviews > Sleep Gear > Accessories > FlexAir Travel Pillow > Bill Jeffrey > Initial Report

FlexAir Pillows - Initial Report

Tester Personal Biographical Information

Bill Jeffrey
48 year old male, 6'4" (193 cm) tall, 225 pounds (90 kg)
San Diego County, California
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com

I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips with family involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to cross country, occasionally including snow travel.

This is the first of three reports of the FlexAir Pillows describing the pillows and my initial impressions. Future reports will describe my experiences with the pillows over two and then four months.

Product Description:

FlexAir Disposable Pillows www.flexair.com Manufactured by Little Rapids Corporation www.littlerapids.com Received new April 18, 2006 Inflatable, adjustable, disposable pillow Nonwoven poly fabric with a soft finish Three models:   FlexAir 150 FlexAir 240 Plus FlexAir Dual-Chambered Size per manufacturer 14.5 x 10.5 in (36.8 x 26.7 cm) 19 x 12.5 in (48.3 x 31.8 cm) N/A Size as measured (uninflated) 14.5 x 10.5 in (36.8 x 26.7 cm) 18.9 x 12.5 in (48.0 x 31.8 cm) 18.9 x 12.5 in (48.0 x 31.8 cm) Approx. measured height (fully inflated) 5 in (12.7 cm) 7 in (17.8 cm) 4 in (10.2 cm) Weight, measured 0.6 oz (18 g) 0.8 oz (25 g) 1.1 oz (32 g) Weight limit 50 lb (23 kg) 150 lb (68 kg) N/A MSRP (USD) $26.71/case of 50 $36.17/case of 50 N/A

A large padded envelope arrived in the mail from Little Rapids Corporation. I had no idea what was inside, and certainly not expecting inflatable pillows as I understood those were "FlexAir." Fortunately, I (just) missed cutting the pillows when I opened the envelope.

Three different models of FlexAir pillows were provided for testing. Two have just one air chamber, the "150" (about the size of an airline pillow) and the larger "240 Plus" models. In addition, a newer model has two air chambers aligned lengthwise and is designed to provide more stability for back and stomach sleepers.

The pillows are made of a nonwoven poly fabric, the inside looking similar to a plastic bag but the exterior covered with softer material for comfort. The heaviest pillow weighs just over one ounce (28 g).

Attached to the pillow is an adhesive label with instructions:

1. Insert straw into valve. A straw is attached to the pillow by the adhesive instruction label.
2. Blow air into pillow to desired firmness.
   For best results inflate using only 3-4 puffs of air filling to approx. 50% of capacity.
3. Remove straw. Valve will self seal.

I was surprised (and very pleased) to find that the air valve is not the rubbery bump that is commonly found on swimming pool toys but is actually inside the pillow itself, accessed with a straw from one end of the pillow. There is no need to "close" the valve as it seals itself when the straw is removed.

A letter sent to this tester indicated the pillow could be inflated without using a straw, and that any straw could be used, but that a straw or a long, thin object such as a pencil is needed for deflation.

Initial Impressions:

Inflation using the provided straw was easy. I did hesitate just a bit, afraid I would put a hole in the pillow with the straw, but it ended up being a non-issue. Inflating without a straw, just putting my mouth to the opening, was not a problem, but not as simple as with the straw. Still, I want to get comfortable without the straw, fearing the straw could be lost on a multi-day trip.

Initially I inflated the pillow fully just because the instructions said not to. As expected, the pillow was bouncy and my head tended to slide off. Deflating the pillow about halfway, I was much more comfortable. The double-chambered pillow was a pleasant surprise. It is amazing how much more comfort is added with a simple seam down the middle. My head nestled in the low spot, while the chamber nearest me supported my neck. Very nice!

I spent a night at home using the double pillow wrapped in a fleece shirt. While it would not be mistaken for a feather pillow, it was surprisingly comfortable and I slept soundly.

Deflation was very simple as expected. I inserted the straw and gently pushed the air out, and the pillow was once again flat.

Overall, these pillows are a simple idea that is executed well. I look forward to my next night with these pillows.

Test Plan: What a dream assignment - sleeping on the job! I plan to sleep and nap as much as possible, especially if the alternative is yard work. Seriously, I will use one or more of these pillows on every overnight trip. Most trips will be in the mountains of Southern California, elevation 1,200 to 10,000 feet (300 to 3,000 meters), temperatures 15 to 85 degrees F (-10 to +29 C) with a possibility of rain. In addition, this summer I am planning at least one week-long hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California. Elevations will range to 9,000 feet (2,700 meters). Temperatures 30 to 90 degrees (-1 to +32 C) with a chance of rain.

My tests will include:

• Comfort: My sleeping style is diverse. I like to occupy as much ground as possible and toss and turn to keep my muscles in shape for the next day's hike. I usually end up sleeping on my side, but need a pillow most when sleeping on my back reading in bed. I will look at how stable these inflatables are under my head. While I'll give all the models a workout, the dual chambered pillow particularly has my interest for improved stability, which will be tested and reported. Because of some lower back problems, I will also look at how the pillows work as a body pillow once instead of my usual pile of whatever I can find in my pack.
• Fabric: The manufacturer says the pillow has a a soft finish that "is comfortable against the ... skin." I will use the pillow without wrapping it in extra clothing to look at comfort, particularly whether it results in any stickiness or clamminess. I will also look at if it absorbs water and whether or not it can be hand washed.
• Inflation: I will look at ease of inflation, especially at altitude when winded from the long climb. The valve is said to be adjusstable to maximize comfort - we'll see. I'll also look at how fast it deflates in the morning, and how easy it is to fold up for packing.
• Temperature: Since this air pillow is just filled with air, I will look at how much cold air it moves under my head. While it was suggested that the pillow be wrapped in clothing for quiet and comfort, on cold nights I'm often wearing everything I have with me that is dry. Therefore, quiet and comfort will be tested both with and without the suggested wrap.
• Noise: Some noise is to be expected using what is essentially a plastic pillow. Will it wake me up each time I move?
• Durability: While these pillows are sold as disposable, they are claimed to be reusable. Anyway, as someone who is too cheap to throw things away, and as ultralighters who count grams wouldn't be caught dead carrying a disposable pillow for every night, I'll look at durability of the fabric, seams, and valves.
  
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  Reviews > Sleep Gear > Accessories > FlexAir Travel Pillow > Bill Jeffrey > Initial Report