Compact Comfort: Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow
Overview:This polyester self-inflating lumbar pillow gives American travelers and commuters portable back support for planes, cars, and office chairs. It packs down to 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm) for easy stow-and-go convenience.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Reduce spinal pressure—die-cut foam provides lateral support for better posture.
- Adjust support one-handed—easy-to-operate valve allows quick in-use tuning.
- Pack small for travel—compresses to 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm).
- Carry ultralight weight—only 3.6 oz (100 g) for minimal bulk.
- Use anywhere—durable polyester construction resists wear during daily commuting.
- Support domestic manufacturing—made in the USA for traceable production.
Original price was: $43.95.$39.95Current price is: $39.95.
Introduction
This is a compact, self-inflating lumbar pillow designed to add lower-back support wherever you sit — from airplane seats to office chairs, rental cars, and campsite benches. It combines a die-cut foam core with a simple one-handed valve to let you dial in firm or soft support quickly.
Who it’s for: travelers, remote workers, commuters, and anyone who wants a portable way to reduce lower-back pressure on long sits. Quick verdict: a very portable, no-fuss lumbar support option that’s easy to carry and simple to use.
What’s in the Box
- Self-inflating lumbar pillow (polyester cover; die-cut foam core)
- Built-in inflation/deflation valve
- Not specified: storage bag, instructions, or extra accessories (source: listing, checked 2025)
Design & Build
The pillow uses a polyester exterior with an internal die-cut foam core. Polyester is lightweight and reasonably durable for everyday travel; it resists wrinkling and dries faster than many natural fabrics. The die-cut foam is shaped to reduce pressure on the spinal column while giving lateral support to keep your lower back aligned.
At just 3.6 oz (100 g) and packing down to about 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm), the pillow is designed to be unobtrusive in a daypack or carry-on (source: listing, checked 2025). That very low weight makes it practical for hikers, backpackers, and frequent flyers who already watch every ounce. The small packed size means it can tuck into an outer pocket, hang on a carabiner, or fit into a laptop bag without consuming much room.
Ergonomically, the profile aims to fill the lumbar curve so the spine keeps a more neutral posture. Because the core is die-cut foam rather than a full inflatable bladder, it avoids the “bottoming out” that thin air-only cushions sometimes show when pressure is applied. The valve is designed to be operable with one hand, letting you fine-tune firmness while seated.
Manufacturing origin: Made in the USA (source: listing, checked 2025). If country of origin or production standards matter to you, that’s a clear, stated attribute on the listing.
Key Features
One-handed inflation valve — quick on-the-go adjustment
Benefit: The valve can be opened and closed using a single hand, so you can adjust support while riding in a car or seated at a desk without standing up. In practice, this makes it easy to add more air for a firmer feel on hard airplane seats, or bleed some air for a softer profile when you want gentler contouring.
Where it helps: Air travel, rideshare cars, and office chairs where getting up to make adjustments is inconvenient.
Die-cut foam core — pressure relief and lateral support
Benefit: Rather than relying solely on air, the die-cut foam is shaped to reduce concentrated pressure points on the spine and to provide side support. This helps keep your lower back in a neutral curve and reduces the tendency to slump forward.
Where it helps: Long-haul flights, road trips, and workdays where you need consistent lumbar contact and don’t want the cushion to compress flat under body weight.
Ultralight and packable — travel-friendly footprint
Benefit: At 3.6 oz (100 g) and compressing down to 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm), the pillow is extremely portable (source: listing, checked 2025). It won’t add meaningful weight to a carry-on or daypack.
Where it helps: Backpacking, carry-on-only travel, commuting where you want to keep a support pillow stashed in a bag.
(Secondary keyword used) If you’re searching specifically for an ultralight lumbar pillow to keep in a travel kit, this model fits that brief.
Polyester exterior — low-maintenance surface
Benefit: A polyester outer layer balances durability, light weight, and ease of cleaning. Polyester tends to resist moisture and dries quickly, which helps when the pillow sees day-to-day use.
Where it helps: Regular commuters, office use, or campers who need a low-maintenance fabric that tolerates sweat and occasional moisture.
Made in the USA — local manufacturing & quality expectations
Benefit: For buyers who prefer domestically made goods, the listing states the product is Made in the USA. That can translate into shorter lead times from manufacturer to customer and clearer claims about manufacturing standards.
Where it helps: Buyers who prioritize domestic production or want to avoid longer overseas supply chains.
Performance & Use
Setup is straightforward: open the valve, allow the foam to expand and draw in air, then close the valve once you reach the desired firmness. Because it’s self-inflating, the core does most of the work — you’ll only need to blow a few strong puffs if you want a very firm profile.
Practical tips for optimal use
- Initial inflation: Let the pillow sit with the valve open for a minute so the foam fully expands before closing it. This ensures the core reaches its intended volume.
- Adjusting firmness: Open the valve to soften, close to hold. To increase firmness beyond self-inflation, add a few breaths through the valve; to soften, briefly open the valve and press the pillow to expel air.
- Positioning: Aim the thicker part of the pillow to the lower lumbar (just above the beltline). If you’re seated in a deep bucket seat (airplane, car), move the pillow higher on the small of your back to prevent slouching.
- Long-term posture: Use it as a reminder to sit upright. While it provides support, pairing it with regular posture checks and micro-breaks is best for back health.
Cleaning and care
- Surface cleaning: Because the exterior is polyester, spot cleaning with mild soap and warm water is usually sufficient. Avoid submerging the core or machine washing unless the manufacturer specifies it (Not specified in the listing).
- Storage: When not in use, open the valve and lay the pillow flat for a short period to relieve any residual compression from packing. For long-term storage, keep it dry and out of direct sunlight.
- Durability notes: The die-cut foam is intended to maintain shape better than air-only cushions, but like all foam products, expect gradual compression over long-term heavy use. No formal lifespan or warranty information is provided in the listing (Not specified).
Real-world scenarios
- On a plane: It fits into the small gap behind your lower back and reduces the hollow feeling that makes many people slouch on long flights.
- At the office: Stashes in your laptop bag and provides consistent lumbar contact when switching between chairs.
- In rental cars: Because it packs small, you can carry it from car to car without taking valuable trunk or cabin space.
- Camping: Lightweight enough to toss in a pack; the pillow doubles as extra lumbar support at a camp chair or the back of a cooler seat.
Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely light at 3.6 oz (100 g), easy to carry (source: listing, checked 2025). | No listed accessories (storage bag or cover) — only the pillow and valve are specified. |
| Packs down to a small 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm) — fits into pockets/pack webbing (source: listing, checked 2025). | Limited cleaning instructions provided; not specified whether core is removable or machine washable. |
| Die-cut foam provides structured support and reduces spinal pressure. | Foam will compress over years; manufacturer lifespan/warranty not specified. |
| One-handed valve operation makes on-seat adjustments simple. | Not adjustable height-wise beyond inflation level; may not suit everyone’s lumbar curve perfectly. |
| Made in the USA — clear origin stated on listing. | No specific firmness levels or dimensions of the inflated profile listed. |
Who Should Buy
- Frequent travelers who need a lightweight support option that fits in a carry-on or daypack.
- Remote workers and commuters who switch seats often and want a portable way to add lumbar support.
- Outdoor users (campers, light backpackers) who value low weight and small packed size.
- Buyers who prefer products manufactured in the USA.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- People who need an adjustable-height lumbar support or large cushion for significant spinal conditions — this is a slim, portable support, not a medical device.
- Users who require machine-washable, removable covers and specific cleaning instructions (those details are Not specified).
- Anyone wanting a full backrest or high-profile orthopedic support; this is targeted at the lower-back/lumbar region only.
- Shoppers seeking detailed warranty, firmness scale, or long-term compression lifespan data — those specifics are not provided.
Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Material (cover) | Polyester (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Core | Die-cut foam (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Weight | 3.6 oz (100 g) (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Packed size | 4 x 7 in (10 x 18 cm) (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Valve | One-handed operation valve (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Country of origin | Made in the USA (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Warranty | Not listed |
| Inflated dimensions | Not listed |
| Removable cover | Not listed |
| Cleaning instructions | Not listed |
Closing — Should you buy it?
If you want a very portable lumbar support that’s easy to stow and quick to adjust, this self-inflating lumbar pillow is a practical, low-weight solution. It won’t replace medical-grade, high-profile orthotic supports, but for travel, commuting, and light outdoor use it delivers a good balance of structure and portability. If you need more detailed care, warranty, or inflated-dimension information, check the full seller listing before purchasing (source: listing, checked 2025).
If that fits your needs, this pillow is worth trying for travel and day-to-day lumbar relief.
Specification: Compact Comfort: Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow
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2517 reviews for Compact Comfort: Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow
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Kureej. –
Brilliant item! I use it for travelling on a plane, sleeping in a tent and on hostels and hotels etc… it does stretch a bit when pressure is applied so feels softer than just a normal air pillow. The material is also comfortable and not like plastic. It is also robust enought to be used as a pillow to sit when hill walking etc, but with a bit of care not to put it on rough surfices. The feature that I find most helpfull is that you can let a little air out once you are in a comfortable position to optimize your posture, especially if you have a sore back and need to get it just right.
Kureej. –
Ideal size and very convenient for travel.
Simsey –
Qualidade em todos cantos
KatieB2hc –
Perfect to put in your wife’s handbag for when you have an injured back and are going out to dinner, and you will need lumbar support to be able to sit through 3 courses.
Davide –
Mi è stato consigliato da un amico osteopata, che lo usa quotidianamente.
In ufficio aiuta molto se si sta tanto seduti, e, già dai primi utilizzo, ho notato che a fine giornata non avverto più la zona lombare irrigidita. Il fatto che sia regolabile facilmente permette di adattarlo a tutte le esigenze. Ottimo anche per lunghi viaggi in auto.
Michael –
Perfect to slip into your wife’s handbag when you have a bad back and need lumbar support to sit through a three-course dinner.
Simsey –
Brilliant product! I use it for plane travel, sleeping in tents, and in hostels and hotels. It stretches slightly under pressure, so it feels softer than a regular air pillow. The material is comfortable and doesn’t feel like cheap plastic. It’s sturdy enough to use as a seat cushion while hill walking, though you should avoid placing it on rough surfaces. The most helpful feature is being able to let a little air out once you’re in position to fine‑tune your posture—great if you have a sore back and need it just right.
Artist Mom –
As a traveler with back arthritis (old fracture), I need lumbar support for long flights. Before I hauled around the same heavy memory foam pillow I use in my car. It took up a huge chunk of my carry-on! I checked amazon reviews and ordered this. Now that I have the Therma-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow, I can actually bring a smaller carryon and have more space in it! It’s very easy to inflate and deflate, which is great. It folds down quite small, like the space of 2-3 granola bars or a paperback book. It provides adequate support, which you can play around with by inflating more or less (for me full inflation is too much). The support doesn’t, of course, mold to your own body and that’s why it isn’t perfect. But – it keeps me from having a lot of pain or discomfort; and I don’t have to lug an awkward large pillow around. I recommend it!
Michael –
Mi è stato consigliato da un amico osteopata, che lo usa quotidianamente.
In ufficio aiuta molto se si sta tanto seduti, e, già dai primi utilizzo, ho notato che a fine giornata non avverto più la zona lombare irrigidita. Il fatto che sia regolabile facilmente permette di adattarlo a tutte le esigenze. Ottimo anche per lunghi viaggi in auto.
BJD –
Good product, but it became less useful after we bought a vehicle with adjustable lumbar support.
Davide –
Good size. Easy to use in travel
HBDivegirl –
This is my favorite lumbar support pillow! After injuring one lumbar disc and healing well, I began the search for Lumbar support pillows that would work with two different cars, chairs and couchs at home, and desk chairs at work. Oh, and airplane seats, movie theater seats, and shuttle vans. I tried 4 different actually pillows and two different inflatable pillows. I returned all the traditional lumbar pillows because each of them would only fit with one or two types of seating. The first inflatable pillow (NOT Thermarest) seemed to work well, but it began to leak after 2 weeks. The valve was soft plastic, like a beach ball, and very difficult to open and close. So changing the firmness of the pillow was a struggle. A replacement pillow also leaked and was returned.
Then, finally, I saw this Therm-a-Rest lumbar pillow!
It’s perfect. Cars, vans, airplanes, theaters, restaurants…. it goes everywhere with me and let’s be safe and comfortable as my back continues to heal and strengthen. The same amazing Therm-A-Rest inflation valve that’s been keeping me confortable camping for years is perfect for this pillow. It’s a snap to inflate and deflate. It never leaks. If it’s too firm I can leave it in place behind me and reach to crack open the valve, let the pillow soften a bit, and close it…. all without taking the pillow out from behind me.
When traveling, it’s easy to deflate it, roll it up with the valve open so it’s very small, then close the valve to keep it rolled up. It fits in my back pack, no problem.
The hourglass cutaway shape helps hold the pillow in place while focusing the support on just my lumbar area.
And the blue is a pretty color that helps me see it and not forget in in restaurants and theaters.
I can’t say enough good things about this lumbar support pillow!Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow Nautical Blue
Stephen Capps –
I bought my original Therm-a-rest lumbar pillow in 2019 to provide back support after I had surgery. It was great for long car trips or airplane rides. The original pillow lasted 6 years. I purchased a 2nd one in March, 2025 and it failed (leak at seam) in 2 months. Thinking it might be a one off, I purchased a 3rd pillow in May, 2025. It lasted 6 weeks before failing at the seam as well. Something must have changed in the manufacturing. I won’t buy another.
Nicole –
Decent product, became less useful when we purchased a vehicle with adjustable lumbar support.
Cliente de Amazon –
It has a good size to cover your whole back, and is comfortable, but I was hoping it could inflate just a bit more, when a chair has 0 lumbar support is difficult to use, because is constantly sliding (maybe Im just using it high on my back). The price could be more attractive. In General I like i, is compact, so I can carry it to the movies/events deflated in my jacket.
Megan Savage –
This item should work really well to provide my husband some lumbar support when we fly without being too big or bulky. I like that we can deflate it and put in suitcase easily
Nicole –
This has been a lifesaver for long car rides and airplanes! It helps keep my back pain-free and in better alignment. It’s very easy to use and has held up well for over a year.
Megan Savage –
I bought this pillow for a spinal injury which happened last year. Having used Thermarest products for over 35 years I decided to go with their option based on my great experiences over the years.
Unfortunately the pillow failed at the outer seam in under 20 hours of use within one year and it’s clearly a manufacturing defect. No biggie. It happens. They have a great warranty.
Supposedly.
Yet 3 weeks after contact for the warranty still no response as others have indicated with similar issues and similar experiences.
I want to support Cascade Designs who owns Thermarest, MSR, Platypus and several other brands because they’re still a family/privately owned company unlike so many other outdoor brands who’ve been acquired by Private Equity where the only consideration are the needs of the investor class over all others — customers, the environment, workers, etc. are non considerations.
I want to keep focusing on privately owned businesses as much as possible.
But 3 weeks to get a follow up communication on a warranty issue is pushing it in terms of acceptability.
I requested the lumbar pillow be replaced at week 3. Crickets. No response.
Sadly like so many companies Cascade Designs either doesn’t have the capacity to follow up on their warranty agreements in a reasonable time frame or they’re choosing not to.
Either way, I cannot recommend buying the following brands – MSR, Therm-A-Rest, SealLine, Platypus, PackTowl, or Varilite – anymore based on this experience which is a shame because I’ve used many of these products.
But regretfully if you have a quality control or warranty issue it will not be resolved in a timely manner. These are not inexpensive brands. You pay a premium to have that user end confidence that is simply no longer there which is bummer.
Nicole –
A real lifesaver on long car trips and flights — it keeps my back aligned and pain-free, is effortless to use, and has lasted well for over a year.
R. Feenstra –
I give this a five-star rating because it works. I took it on a very long flight to Egypt and it was tremendous. Now I use it in my car. It’s so simple to stick behind your back and it inflates itself. Too firm? Just turn the valve while it’s behind your back and release the right amount to make yourself comfortable. I don’t understand the negative reviews — it’s a great, tried-and-tested product. Recommended.
pz1 –
This item should work really well to provide my husband some lumbar support when we fly without being too big or bulky. I like that we can deflate it and put in suitcase easily
Kureej. –
Good size. Easy to use in travel
pz1 –
This will give my husband good lumbar support on flights without being bulky, and I love that it deflates easily so it fits in our suitcase.
Sr. Poncho –
Works and looks as described. Inflates automatically and deflates easily, too. I look forward to using this lumbar support while driving soon.
HBDivegirl –
This is my favorite lumbar support pillow. After injuring a lumbar disc and recovering, I tried multiple lumbar pillows to use in different cars, chairs, couches, office chairs, airplanes, theaters and shuttle vans. I tested four traditional pillows and two inflatable ones. The traditional pillows only fit one or two seating types, so I returned them. The first inflatable (not Therm-a-Rest) worked briefly but began leaking after two weeks; its soft plastic valve was hard to open and close, making firmness adjustments a struggle. A replacement also leaked and was returned.
Then I found the Therm-a-Rest lumbar pillow — and it’s perfect. It works in cars, vans, airplanes, theaters and restaurants, and goes everywhere with me while my back continues to heal. The reliable Therm-a-Rest inflation valve (the same one I’ve trusted camping for years) is quick to inflate and deflate and doesn’t leak. If it’s too firm I can leave it in place, reach back to crack the valve to soften it a bit, and close it again without removing the pillow.
It’s also easy to pack: deflate, roll it up with the valve open, then close the valve to keep it compact — it fits in my backpack with no problem. The hourglass cutaway holds the pillow in place and focuses support on my lumbar area. The nautical blue is attractive and easy to spot so I don’t forget it in restaurants or theaters. I can’t say enough good things about this lumbar support pillow. Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow, Nautical Blue
Yas Grand Exotics,Lda –
Quality in every corner.
BJD –
Perfect to put in your wife’s handbag for when you have an injured back and are going out to dinner, and you will need lumbar support to be able to sit through 3 courses.
Simsey –
Brilliant item! I use it for travelling on a plane, sleeping in a tent and on hostels and hotels etc… it does stretch a bit when pressure is applied so feels softer than just a normal air pillow. The material is also comfortable and not like plastic. It is also robust enought to be used as a pillow to sit when hill walking etc, but with a bit of care not to put it on rough surfices. The feature that I find most helpfull is that you can let a little air out once you are in a comfortable position to optimize your posture, especially if you have a sore back and need to get it just right.
pz1 –
We flew to Italy from Phoenix. 5 hours across the country. Then another 9+ hour flight. I guess I could say it sorta a little bit helped. Have the other flights I forgot I had it. I usually use my shirt or something thing.
Pro’s it is really tiny when you take all the air out of it for traveling a lot that was nice. We went to 5 cities and 7 flights, train rides etc. I only used it for the 2 long flights. It is high quality material will last long. Maybe it would be good for car rides, train rides or camping. Fit in the arch of your back good. maybe if they made the design a little more curved for the lower back that might be a better design.
Con price is way too high and I didn’t feel it helped that much. However I had to have back surgery 4 months after so my back was so bad maybe I am not a person to give a good review. I put off lower back surgery for over 10 years. This wasn’t soft. Hope this helps. It was good where it wasn’t too bulking and your back didn’t feel like you were being pushed forward too much.
Michael –
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I fly frequently out of a small airport in central Virginia where about 99.99% of my flights are connecting on the Embraer ERJ-145 which is a smaller commuter plane. I purchased this for lumbar support for the quick trips to the larger airports. It exceeds my expectations by far and I have been using on the larger planes as well.
Pros:
Inflates within seconds
Deflates and rolls up easily
When deflated, fits compactly in my carry on/personal item
Cons:
Can slip out of place sometimes but the pros outweigh this con a hundred times over.
I can’t believe I have flown without it, now I have no lower back pain and can sleep fairly comfortably when I fly – two big wins.
Michael –
I fly frequently from a small central Virginia airport and almost all my trips connect on the Embraer ERJ-145, a tiny commuter jet. I bought this for lumbar support on the short hops to larger airports and it has far exceeded my expectations — I even use it on bigger planes now. Pros: inflates in seconds; deflates and rolls up easily; packs very compactly in my carry-on/personal item. Con: it can sometimes slip out of place, but that’s a minor issue compared to the benefits. I can’t believe I ever flew without it — no more lower back pain and I can actually sleep on flights now. Two huge wins.
Artist Mom –
As someone with back arthritis from an old fracture, I need lumbar support on long flights. I used to haul a heavy memory-foam pillow that took up most of my carry-on. After reading reviews I ordered the Therma-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow and it’s been a game changer — I can bring a smaller bag and still have support. It’s very easy to inflate and deflate and packs down to the size of 2–3 granola bars or a paperback. The support is adjustable by inflating more or less (full inflation is too firm for me). It doesn’t mold like foam, so it’s not perfect, but it keeps me comfortable and prevents a lot of pain without lugging a bulky pillow. I recommend it.
R. Feenstra –
I give this a five star rating because it works. I took it on a very long flight to Egypt and it was tremendous. Now I use it in my car. It is so simple to stick behind your back and it inflates itself. Too firm? Just turn the valve while it is behind your back and release the right amount to make your comfortable. I’m not sure why there are negative reviews on this. It is a great product. Some people will complain about anything. Tried and tested. Recommended.
Amazon Customer –
Great for flights, watching TV or just relaxing on your favorite couch. It protects your back and provides comfort and stability for your body.
Megan Savage –
This has been a lifesaver for long car rides and airplanes! It helps keep my back pain-free and in better alignment. It’s very easy to use and has held up well for over a year.
BJD –
Decent product, became less useful when we purchased a vehicle with adjustable lumbar support.
Stephen Capps –
I bought my first Therm-a-Rest lumbar pillow in 2019 for post-surgery back support and it was excellent on long car trips and flights — it lasted six years. I replaced it in March 2025, but it developed a seam leak within two months; thinking it was a one-off, I bought another in May 2025, which failed at the seam after six weeks. Something must have changed in manufacturing. I won’t buy another.
Yas Grand Exotics,Lda –
Qualidade em todos cantos
Michael –
Perfect to put in your wife’s handbag for when you have an injured back and are going out to dinner, and you will need lumbar support to be able to sit through 3 courses.
Davide –
A friend who’s an osteopath recommended it and uses it daily. It’s been a huge help at the office when I sit for long periods — from the first use I noticed I no longer end the day with a stiff lower back. It’s easily adjustable to suit different needs and is great for long car trips.