Self-Inflating Back Rest/Compressible Suitcase-Friendly Lumbar Support Pillow (Slate)

Pretty good quality back rest that compresses to a small size for travel, either flat in a laptop bag or outside suitcase pocket or rolled up inside a bag. Did not come with the carrying case pictured, but I wouldn't have used it anyway because I store it flat.I would ignore any suggestion that this is self-inflating. What they mean is that the inside structure is semi-rigid, so that you need to roll/squeeze all the air out and close the valve for it to stay flat for packing. When you open the valve, the structure tries to return to it's natural position and sucks some AIR in through the valve. The amount of air sucked in depends on how long it was compressed. When brand new, it expanded to maybe 1.5" on its own. After being flat in my laptop bag for a week it self-expanded to maybe 1". Either way, you'll need to blow into it to get to the 2.5" advertised width. I was preparing to give this two stars until it occurred to me to blow into this "self-inflating" pad.

This is the third RTB pillow that I have owned over the last decade or so (I accidentally left my last one in a rental car in Europe). They are sturdy, comfortable, and handle being deflated, packed and reinflated numerous times very well. They do self-inflate well to a moderate thickness and you can manually blow into the valve to increase support. As with any inflatable foam-core pad it is best to keep it inflated while not in use (unless it is packed for traveling) as this prolongs its life and its ability to self-inflate.

Those who deal with low back pain know that the important time to care for our backs is when they feel good, not when there's pain. This pillow makes air travel an entirely different experience. I no longer feel soreness midway through a flight. Also, if you find yourself in a car without lumbar support in the seats, this pillow saves you. It would be just as helpful in a desk chair. Warning: It's easy to leave these pillows behind on a plane. They're so comfortable that you forget you were using them, and they can blend into the seat. After forgetting mine a couple of times and eventually losing one, I solved this by purchasing a bright blue-colored pillow that I cannot miss as I am standing up from my seat and preparing to deplane.

Update. I should have called Relax the Back company before I posted my review below. I called, they replaced it, very simple process. It's totally worth $40!When it worked it was great. However, I purchased this on May 1st 2018 and upon arrival had a difficult time getting it to work. Once working - it was great. But now on March 17 2019 it no long stays inflated because the seam on the side has come apart and it no longer holds any air at all.T his is not worth $40.00.

It's one of those products in my house and office that I always rave about lol. Only thing I do to make it better, is to modify the right-angle edges that tend to sometimes poke you by simply cutting them into a rounded edge. Any regular sharp scissors will do the trick, and it looks like a much more finished product too!

This little inflatable lumbar support pillow worked great for me on a plane trip & subsequent car trip through he keys while I was suffering with nerve pain down my leg due to a herniated disk. I was so worried about my ability to get through this trip and the pillow was incredibly helpful. I love how you can easily deflate, roll up & stick it in a bag to transport from place to place. A life saver !

Great for on a long plane ride or during a theater show for back support when the seats are firm/uncomfortable or lean too far backward. Has helped relieve tailbone and low back pain. Nice subtle slim black design with limited labeling, rolls up easy, light, and small enough to fit in my purse.

Plan to use during February plane trip. Seems comfortable. Will update. Only 4 stars since it doesn't come with carrying case for rolling up.