Product Review: The Ritz Paris by Airweave Travel Mattress Topper
When I first started carrying the Ritz Paris Collection by Airweave Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad with me, I'd joke about "accidentally forgetting it." To be honest, I was skeptical about the worth of carrying a mattress pad — regardless of its quality — around the world.
I've lived on the road full time since July 2017. As someone who travels a lot and has chronic back pain, I'm a great candidate to use and benefit from a travel-friendly mattress pad. Here's my take after trying out the Ritz Paris Collection by Airweave Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad for about two months.
The Specs
Airweave offers two Ritz Paris Collection products for travelers: the Traveler DUAL MODE and the Portable DUAL MODE. The Portable DUAL MODE is a one-size mattress topper for home or hotel use while the Traveler DUAL MODE is a specially designed mattress pad for airline seats. Both come with blue carrying cases. For this review, I tested out the Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad that's specifically designed for use with airline seats.
According to Airweave's website, the Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad is 19.7 inches by 66.9 inches by 1.18 inches when flat and 10.6 inches by 20.9 inches when rolled. However, I noticed no width difference between when it was rolled and flat — perhaps they're accounting for the carrying bag when rolled.
Together with the carrying bag, the Traveler weights 5.5 pounds. The cushion is 100% polyethylene and the quilt mesh is 55% polyester and 45% cotton. The batting and lining are both 100% polyester.
The Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad features firmer airfiber density at the lower back for added support when seated. The DUAL MODE terminology means that users can choose between a soft and firm surface by deciding which side to face upwards. Additionally, since this product is designed to be used onboard aircraft, the bag and product meet TSA standards for carry-on luggage.
The Story
Before we go any further, I should mention that this mattress pad is constructed differently than most mattress pads. If you unzip the quilt mesh, you'll find looped and intertwined fibers. This is an integral part of the Airweave brand and story.
Airweave was founded in 2004 when Motokuni Takaoka took over his uncle’s fishing line company. After experimenting with different applications of the resin fiber that’s used to create fishing line, Mr. Takaoka discovered that this material could "reinvent the mattress industry and revolutionize the way we sleep." The first line of Airweave top mattresses became a hit in Japan in late 2007.
Since then, Airweave has produced additional products. These products are used by numerous well-respected organizations and brands including:
- The Ritz Paris: guests can request an Airweave top mattress for their room
- Andaz 5th Avenue in New York: Airweave top mattresses are outfitted within select suites and available upon request in other rooms
- The Kitano Hotel New York: Select suites are outfitted with Airweave mattresses and top mattresses while guests in any room may request an Airweave top mattress
- British Olympic runners: British runners are supplied an Airweave Portable top mattress
- Japan Airlines: Custom-designed Airweave top mattresses, pillows and blankets are available in business class and first class on select Japan Airlines international flights
Airweave also supported the US Ski and Snowboard team at the 2018 Winter Olympics as the team's Official Bedding Supplier. In total, 120 Airweave DUAL MODE Portables (not currently for sale, but similar to the Portable or the Ritz Paris Portable DUAL MODE), 40 mattresses and 100 pillows made their way with the team to the winter Olympics in South Korea.
The Look
The Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad is light gray on both sides with a small blue tag on each side indicating whether the surface is soft or firm.
If you unzip the mattress pad, you can see the Airfiber technology and material that makes up the core of the mattress pad.
The mattress pad easily rolls up and can be secured using two straps before stowing it away in its carry bag. I was initially worried that it would be difficult to repack the mattress pad, but it was never problematic.
The carry bag is blue with white lettering. There's a handle and a shoulder strap to make carrying easy.
The Road Test
I carried the Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad while traveling for about two months. The mattress pad is designed for use on airplane seats. The pad provides extra comfort when in lie-flat mode, but not significantly more than the mattress topper I've been provided in business class on American Airlines between Dallas (DFW) and Hong Kong (HKG). Granted, passengers often aren't provided mattress pads in business class.
When sitting up, the mattress pad is comfortable enough until you shift or get up. Then, it has a tendency to fall out of place. Adding something to keep it in place against the seat back would be a big improvement. At a width of 19.7 inches, the Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad is too wide to use in all economy and some premium economy cabins since it'll overflow into the aisle and/or a neighbor's seat.
Admittedly, my main use of the mattress pad wasn't on airplanes: since I was already carrying it, I decided to start using it as a mattress pad on hotel beds. Using it in this manner was reminiscent of camping — the mattress pad is about the same width and length as a camping sleeping pad — but I found that I did sleep better and my back was less painful. Indeed, the mattress pad turned a very soft torturous-to-my-back bed into a bed I could sleep in and not be in pain the next day.
However, using the Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad on hotel beds isn't ideal. It's too narrow and if you aren't perfectly still all night it doesn't remain flat. Additionally, the zipper can be uncomfortable. But even with these complaints, I continued to prefer using the hard surface on the mattress pad instead of sleeping directly on the hotel beds because my sleep and back pain were both improved.
At the end of two months, the exterior quilt certainly isn't as crisp. But the inner fibers held up well and seemingly provided the same support the first night as the last. The carry bag performed excellently, showing no noticeable wear in the two months.
The Details
Airweave products are made in Japan but US customers can buy products at airweave.com. The Ritz Paris Collection by Airweave Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad sells for $590. Although this price tag hurt my budget-friendly heart, the Traveler DUAL MODE is easy to carry and does make uncomfortable and soft beds bearable. When planning to stay at a hotel, AirBnB or friend's house, it can be difficult to gauge the softness and quality of the bed before arrival. After ending up in urgent care after sleeping in a particularly soft bed at a friend's house, the Traveler allowed me to sleep in this bed pain-free on my next visit.
Shipping is free to the 48 contiguous states for this product and you can expect it to arrive within 7 business days after placing an order. Each Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad comes with a free 100-night trial and a three-year warranty. If you decide to purchase an Airweave, make sure to use a credit card that has extended warranty purchase protection to get a warranty extension.
The Takeaway
The Airweave Traveler DUAL MODE mattress pad is one more thing to carry while traveling. I mainly didn't use it as intended, but I did use it almost daily for two months. I would've continued carrying and using it if I didn't now have my hands full carrying my pet around Europe.
If use on the aircraft and carry-on size aren't important to you, the $570 Portable or $1,060 Portable DUAL MODE might be better. Either of the Portable models would likely be more comfortable than the Traveler for sleeping during trips and at home. This being said, those who don't have back pain and aren't picky sleepers may not see the value in purchasing and taking either product with them.
Except as noted, all images courtesy of Airweave.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.