Unconventional Testing Method Reveals Top Travel Pillows
Finding the perfect travel pillow typically involves sleepy train journeys and cramped bus rides, but one journalist took product testing to exciting new heights – or rather, to the motion simulators of an amusement arcade. When conventional transport testing proved insufficient for evaluating how pillows perform during unexpected bumps and jolts, Arcade Club in Leeds provided the ideal controlled environment for rigorous assessment.
The Arcade Experiment: Putting Comfort to the Test
Armed with an assortment of travel pillows and accompanied by photographer Christian Hopewell, the testing team descended upon the arcade looking like winners of multiple claw-machine competitions. The mission was simple yet unconventional: wear each travel pillow while playing motion-based arcade games that simulated the unpredictable movements of bumpy transport.
The selection included carefully chosen games that provided plenty of movement simulation – from rocking seats to rumbling vibrations and sudden tilts. This unique approach revealed distinct differences between popular travel pillow models that might not have been apparent during standard testing.
Performance Under Pressure: Which Pillows Scored Highest?
The Trtl travel pillow emerged as a standout performer, with its side-bracing support creating a surprisingly serene experience even during high-octane gaming sessions. Meanwhile, a reasonably priced memory foam option from Boots proved excellent as a shock absorber during intense rounds of Mach Storm, cushioning the wearer from sudden jolts and movements.
Lifeventure's inflatable travel pillow offered ample cushioning for hard-seated games like After Burner, though it demonstrated a tendency to slide about on smooth headrests. Each pillow revealed its strengths and weaknesses under the dynamic conditions, providing valuable insights beyond what standard transport testing could offer.
Back to Basics: Traditional Testing Still Matters
Before the arcade adventures, the pillows underwent conventional assessment on various forms of public transport throughout the UK, including multiple train journeys and buses with suitable seating. One particularly memorable testing session occurred during a busy train journey from Leeds to Chester, where the repeated appearance of different travel pillows from a large rucksack likely puzzled fellow passengers.
The combination of traditional transport testing and unconventional arcade assessment provided a comprehensive evaluation of each pillow's performance across different scenarios. While the arcade testing pushed the pillows to their limits, real-world conditions remained an essential part of the review process.
It's worth noting that attempting to replicate this unusual testing method comes with risks – wearing travel pillows during arcade gameplay isn't recommended for safety reasons. However, the innovative approach successfully highlighted how different pillows perform when faced with unexpected movements and vibrations similar to those encountered during less-than-smooth journeys.
