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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
It has 4 stars on Amazon but this inflatable nap pillow doesn't live up to the hype — here's why
In a cramped space with an achy neck and restless legs, sleeping on the go is somewhat of a skill. However, there are now a bunch of accessories available to help you snooze wherever you are (or claim to do that). And the travel pillow market is getting particularly experimental. While you'll never get the same quality sleep as you would resting on one of this year's best pillows, there are innovative pillow designs to help you fit in ZZZs at your desk, on a train or mid flight. With a few trips planned for the summer, I decided to give an Amazon's Choice inflatable travel pillow a go. With an average rating of 4/5 stars and over 400 verified reviews, I was keen to try it out. My verdict? I won't be parting ways with my trusty neck pillow anytime soon. Even though this one is inflatable and packs down neatly, I find a standard travel pillow a more practical and comfortable option. I've been using the Maliton inflatable pillow, which is designed to support your head in various positions while sleeping on planes, trains, in cars or at the office. It's available at for $16.49 now after a 21% discount (was $20.99), or you can find it at retail price of £15.99 at The inflatable pillow is designed with holes for your face and arms and a 45° tilt at the top for optimal neck support. Plus there's extra cushioning around where you place your face for more comfort. Maliton Inflatable Travel Pillow: was $20.99 now $16.49/£15.99 at AmazonThe Maliton inflatable comes in four color options including black, navy, dark grey and light grey. You can get it for $16.49/£15.99 now and it'll be delivered for free the following day with Amazon Prime. Yes the nap pillow should, in theory, provide a comfortable means of napping no matter where you are. But, in all honesty, I don't recommend it and won't be packing it when I travel this summer. Here's why... The Maliton pillow claims to inflate in 5 to 10 breaths. Even after getting myself out of puff countless times, it's still not fully inflated, which means it's not very supportive and deflates quickly. The premise behind the pillow is strong. I like the idea of keeping the neck and upper back in correct posture to help you find comfort and avoid aches and pains in compromised sleeping situations. However, the Maliton pillow needs a sturdier build to be effective. Even though it can be folded up into a pouch, at 4'x6"x9" when packaged it's still a fairly bulky addition to your hand luggage. Though, I will say it is more smaller than an always-inflated pillow. Pulling out and blowing up this pillow, which stands at 13'x13'x20' when inflated, is likely to draw a few stares in a space-limited cabin. For this reason and safety precautions, some airlines forbid pillows onboard. Plus, with the effort it took to blow up to a half-inflated state, I'd rather slip on a neck pillow and eye mask without drawing attention to myself or disrupting others on public transport. But what neck pillow do I recommend? The memory foam Napfun travel pillow (now $15.86 at Amazon). For peaceful sleep on board, I'd recommend shopping other sleep products. A reliable sleep mask or sleep headphones, which could be more useful for sleeping while travelling to block out light and noise pollution that's sure to disrupt your rest. I particularly like the SOMO Sleep Fitness Mask, a luxury soft sleep mask that uses acupressure to help you relax. It comes with a premium price tag ($59). But it can help you sleep while travelling, bag an afternoon nap at home, or sleep better night after night thanks to its durable design. Additionally, a pair of sleep headphones or earbuds can help you drown out a noisy cabin, which is key to getting shut-eye when travelling. These will also come in handy (much handier than a obnoxious inflatable pillow) if you're struggling to sleep next to a snoring partner.
Irish Examiner
29-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
X-Sense Wi-Fi smoke alarm review: Smarter, safer home protection without the fuss
Many smart home devices offer added convenience and features, but few deliver the security, peace of mind, and safety of an interlinked wireless smoke alarm system. It's surprising how many households still rely on old-fashioned smoke alarms. The X-Sense Wi-Fi smoke alarm combo kit, featuring the SBS50 base station, offers a smarter, more connected way to protect your home. I've had the opportunity to test the 3-alarm kit, and after a few weeks of use, I'm convinced that this is the future of home fire safety. Design and setup The kit includes three XS01-M photoelectric smoke alarms and the SBS50 Wi-Fi base station. Setup is simple: plug in the base station (a USB-C cable and power adapter are included in the box), connect it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network via the X-Sense app, and pair the alarms. It only takes a few minutes to get everything synced, and you're instantly able to monitor your home from your phone. You'll need to create an X-Sense account, but it's free and only requires your email address. You don't need to test each unit either manually. You can perform system tests and even silence false alarms directly from the app or via a button on the base station, so no need to reach up and press the alarm buttons. Key features The biggest advantage of this system over traditional alarms is the real-time notification feature. If smoke is detected, not only do the alarms and base station all sound loudly (100 dB and 85 dB, respectively), but your phone will also receive an instant alert, even if you're away. Once the threat clears, the app notifies you again, ensuring full awareness at all times. You can link up to 50 X-Sense devices, including carbon monoxide detectors, heat alarms, and even water leak sensors. I love that the system is expandable; you can add more devices over time, so there's no pressure to buy everything all at once. With a 500-metre open-air range, it's ideal for large homes or outbuildings. The Family Sharing feature allows up to 12 users to receive notifications and control the system, so everyone in your household stays informed. Why Wi-Fi beats traditional alarms Unlike standalone smoke detectors, Wi-Fi-enabled systems like X-Sense offer remote monitoring, app-based control, and multi-device integration. You'll never miss a low battery warning, fault, or actual alarm. It's an upgrade in both convenience and safety. Verdict The X-Sense Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm System is an impressive, well-thought-out solution for modern home safety. It combines smart tech with essential reliability, and the lack of subscription fees makes it even more appealing. If you're looking to future-proof your fire safety setup, this is a strong contender. €69
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The ultimate 4-week plan to lose weight before the summer holidays WITHOUT resorting to fat jabs
THE sun is shining and the evenings are getting lighter, but if you still feel your mind and body need some TLC, a few lifestyle changes over the next four weeks could make all the difference. The real secret to boosting your health lies in small tweaks which are easier to stick to long-term and don't require a huge life overhaul. By focusing on gradual adjustments, you're more likely to stay motivated as you see the benefits. So, from quitting coffee to a 20p-a-day supplement, these expert tips can help you transform yourself from head to toe in just one month. WEEK ONE Walk 10 more minutes a day WALKING is a great way to get started. 'It does wonders for your bone density and muscle health, and walking for half an hour is estimated to burn about 150 calories,' says Liam Grimley, personal trainer and co-founder of 432 Fitness. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can boost mood, while a two to five-minute stroll after a meal can lower blood sugar, helping prevent energy crashes and snacking. Long-term, stabilising blood sugar levels help prevent type 2 diabetes and weight gain. To increase your steps, take the stairs, incorporate walking into your commute or the school run, or use a walking pad, like the HomeFitnessCode Walking Pad, £159.99, while watching TV. IF you rely on multiple espressos and lattes to get through the day, try replacing at least one cup with green tea. 40 Day Health Challenge couple reveal exercise routine 'It contains lower levels of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness,' says nutritional therapist Lucia Stansbie. 'This helps improve focus, while reducing anxiety, making it a gentler stimulant. 'Consider drinking green tea regularly and saving coffee for when you need a real boost.' 6 Some studies suggest green tea also boosts weight loss thanks to compounds including catechins, which may improve the body's ability to burn calories. WEEK TWO Do resistance training TO get stronger, boost metabolism and improve your self-esteem, try resistance training. 'Everyone can do it, no matter your experience,' says Liam. Aim for at least two sessions a week and you can progress by adding repetitions or sets. Not sure where to start? Try this beginners' workout – all you need is a resistance band. Bicycle crunch (for your abs): Lie on your back and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle. Put a small resistance band around your feet. Lift your head and shoulders so you are in a crunch. Twist your torso, bringing your elbow to the opposite knee while alternating leg extensions against the band's resistance. Banded hip thrust (for your lower body): Lie on your back with feet close to your bottom, slightly wider than hip-width. Place the resistance band on top of your hips and hold the ends down with straight arms. Lift hips up to form a straight line through the shoulders, hips, and knees, then lower slowly to the floor, and repeat. Standing or kneeling row (for your upper body): Stand on a long band horizontally on the floor, with feet hip-width apart. Take each end in your hands. Bend slightly forward, pull the band towards your waist, driving elbows back and squeezing shoulder blades, then slowly return to start. Power up on protein PROTEIN goes hand-in-hand with resistance training to support muscle growth. 'It slows the natural loss of muscle mass as we age and plays vital roles in liver detox, tissue repair, brain function – including mood and focus – muscle recovery and skin health,' says Lucia. Animal-based proteins, such as meat, dairy, fish and eggs, are usually complete proteins, which means they contain the nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that the body cannot produce on its own. Veggie or vegan? Tofu is a complete protein, while nuts, beans, lentils and Greek yoghurt are also rich in the stuff. WEEK THREE DUBBED "nature's Ozempic', fibre helps control appetite by making you feel full, and also supports gut health. The NHS recommends 30g daily but, according to the Food Standards Agency, the average Brit gets just 18g. 6 Fibre is known for aiding digestion and bowel health, but it also feeds good gut bacteria. 'A nourished and balanced gut microbiome – the collection of trillions of bacteria – is associated with lower levels of stress and a happier mood,' says Lucia. Include beans, nuts, lentils, grains, veg, potatoes (with their skins), and fruits in every meal. Sprinkle seeds on salads or add ground flaxseeds for extra hits of fibre. Talk to yourself YOUR inner dialogue shapes your mood, so negative self-talk such as: 'I can't do it,' or 'I'll never change,' reinforces self-doubt. 6 'Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can shift your perspective and help develop resilience,' says Nicci Roscoe, a holistic health and wellbeing practitioner and author of Micro Meditation. 'Repeat phrases like: 'I can handle this,' and: 'It's going to be OK.' "Over time, affirmations will reinforce a positive mindset and help you approach challenges with confidence.' WEEK FOUR Opt for magnesium THE magic of magnesium is that it helps boost energy while also calming the nervous system. 'It helps balance the body's stress response by regulating cortisol levels, easing symptoms of stress and fatigue,' says Lucia. It has long been linked to better sleep quality, too. Leafy greens like spinach, whole grains, nuts and soy-based foods such as tofu are good sources. A supplement can also help, too – Lucia recommends magnesium glycinate for sleep and anxiety, and magnesium citrate for digestion. Try R.Y.M. Nutrition Magnesium Bisglycinate (Glycinate), £24.99 for a two-month supply. Stretch every day WHEN you wake up, instead of checking your phone, stretch for five minutes to loosen up your body. 'Morning stretching will get you moving well for the day ahead and helps identify any tight spots to focus on,' says Liam. Try holding each of these stretches for 20 seconds each side. Banana asana (for your spine): Lie flat, arms overhead, and curve the body to one side, keeping both buttocks on the ground. Straddle stretch (for your hamstrings) Sit with legs straight and wide apart. Lean forward and hold. Figure-four glute stretch (for your hips): Lie on your back, knees bent. Place your left foot on your right knee at a 90-degree angle. Interlock hands behind your right thigh and pull towards your chest. Pectoral stretch (for your shoulders): Stand facing a doorway. Raise arms so your shoulders and elbows are at 90 degrees. Put your hands on the door frame and step forward into the doorway to feel a stretch in your shoulder and chest.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Olaplex's new shampoo and conditioner gave my hair 'instant volume'
If you're a haircare fanatic, you'll know that Olaplex makes some of the best products on the market. Whether it's the pre-shampoo No.3 treatment (£19.50, or the cult No.7 bonding oil (£22.40, everything I've tested from the brand has transformative results – it's no surprise Kim Kardashian and Margot Robbie are fans. Now, less than three months since the launch of Olaplex's No.0.5 scalp longevity treatment (£41, the brand has treated us to two more 2025 releases designed for fine hair. The new drops are variations on the existing No. 4 and 5 shampoo and conditioner (£56 for both, swapping heavier conditioning ingredients like amodimethicone (a type of silicone) for lighter alternatives such as behentrimonium chloride (derived from rapeseed). I wanted to see how this change, alongside more than 50 other ingredient modifications, impacted the feel and appearance of fine hair. As one of the first people to get my hands on the new fine bond maintenance formulas (£30 each, I did just that. Scroll on for my first impressions after several weeks of hair washing. How I tested After receiving Olaplex's new formulas, I immediately got to work using the fine hair-specific shampoo and conditioner. I solely used these products on wash days for several weeks and made sure to rinse and repeat at the shampoo stage. As I do in my usual conditioning routine, I then left the No. 5 fine bond maintenance conditioner on my hair for two to three minutes to do its thing while combing through any tangles in the shower. I then rinsed and blow-dried as normal. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews In addition to heading up The Independent 's guide to the very best shampoo and conditioners, I've reviewed dozens of hair wash formulas, including those by Monday and The Ordinary. I've also covered Olaplex's blow-dry mist and the top deals on the brand's bestselling No. 3 hair perfector. I have plenty of know-how when it comes to key ingredients and have interviewed a variety of trichologists and expert hair stylists in my years as a beauty journalist.
The Independent
08-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
A fat loss expert recommends swapping strict diets for these five simple habits to see long-term results
'Diets don't work' is a strong claim; one that might raise a few eyebrows. But the more I talk to author and fat loss expert Ben Carpenter, the more I understand where he's coming from. 'I'm not arguing that diets don't work while you're on them,' he explains. 'But people are not on them for a long period of time, so diets don't work for the thing most people want i.e. managing weight and improving health in the long run.' A systematic review published in the Obesity Reviews journal reports that 'excess weight can be lost but is likely regained over time'. To combat this, Carpenter recommends replacing restrictive diets with sustainable health-promoting behaviours – hence the name for his new book, Fat Loss Habits (£9, This approach is designed to deliver lasting benefits, rather than a stopgap drop in weight. 'People are embarking on temporary behaviours and hoping they will address long-term problems,' he says. 'But if what you're doing is healthy, you're not supposed to stop. If you want to improve your health and manage your weight, it makes sense to pick things that you can do for the rest of your life.' But what sort of things exactly? Rather than overhauling your life and diet, Carpenter suggests developing a few simple habits that can help you stay in shape for decades to come. You can find his top five below. Exercise snacking The more you move, the more energy you use, and this can contribute to a negative energy balance – AKA, a calorie deficit. This is the foundational principle behind weight loss, and simply means burning more calories than you consume. 'If I could get everyone who reads my book and follows me on social media just to do some aerobic exercise and some resistance training, I know I could significantly improve the health of the population, even if they did nothing else,' Carpenter says. But there are a couple of common misconceptions you need to understand before you lace up your gym trainers. One: the benefits of exercise extend far beyond boosting your fat loss efforts. Both building muscle and improving heart and lung health are linked to living longer, as well as lowering your risk of many chronic diseases. Two: exercise doesn't have to mean a 60-minute trip to the gym or lengthy run. This is why, if you're looking to introduce more movement into your routine, Carpenter prescribes something called ' exercise snacking '. 'You can improve your health with very small bursts of exercise. Doing an exercise for one to five minutes, two or three times per day, can help people who struggle for time,' he explains. 'It's like trying to get people to dip their toes into a metaphorical swimming pool of exercise, rather than thinking they need to jump in the deep end or it's not worth it.' 'Exercise snacking is also very good for behaviour change – building a habit,' Carpenter adds. 'You enjoy exercise more because you do it in small enough doses that you can complete it, rather than doing an hour-long workout and thinking, 'That was hard, I won't be doing that again'.' 'Appetite is finite', so focus on eating nutritious foods A lot of diets tell you what you can't eat. Carpenter says he would rather see people focus on what they can eat, and prioritise consuming nutritious foods – building a new habit rather than breaking an old one. 'I like focusing on adding in nutritious foods because they have a habit of displacing other foods out of your diet,' he explains. 'For example, there is research showing that if you tell children to eat more fruit, weirdly, they often lose a little bit of body weight. 'A nutritious food like fruit is usually added at the expense of something else because appetite is finite. So if you tell people to eat more fruit, they will often slightly reduce their calorie intake without even trying because it tends to displace other things in their diet.' Carpenter argues that most people have a good idea what nutritious foods are, but provides a whistle-stop tour below for anyone in need of some extra guidance. 'When I say focus on more nutritious foods, these are often foods which tend to be slightly less processed,' he says. 'For example, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins [white fish, white meat, soy, tofu], beans, lentils and wholegrains. Even things like rice and oats as opposed to donuts, pancakes and waffles.' Don't go from zero to 100 – lay solid foundations instead Following the average diet requires major changes to your eating habits; having to adjust what you eat, when you eat, how you shop and more. This disruptive approach is unlikely to last. 'Being consistently good for 12 months will be a lot better for your health than being perfect for one month, then stopping because you can't maintain that level of perfection,' says Carpenter. 'Rather than going from zero to 100, I'm trying to find ways to help people go from zero to 10, then 10 to 20. It's often a gradual process.' Instead of counting calories or sticking to hard and fast rules, he recommends picking one or two 'solid nutritional foundations' to focus on. 'Rather than saying, 'here is your diet plan', can you find ways to eat more fruits and vegetables, protein or fibre? Can you find ways to bring in more nutritious foods into your diet so they displace things that are very high in added sugar or fat, like deep fried foods? 'If people are aware of those fundamentals, hopefully they can come up with ways to implement them sustainably over a long period of time.' Make tweaks to improve your sleep A good night's sleep is rarer than a blue moon for most of us. But a quality kip does more for your health than elevating energy levels. 'I like recommending sleep because it's a health-promoting habit; people know that sleep is good for your health,' Carpenter says. 'It's also something that can help with weight management. For example, just a single night of sleep deprivation can skew appetite hormones to the point that people will eat more the next day.' 'Sleep can significantly impact your hunger hormones, and your desire to eat food. It can also impede the amount of body fat you lose in response to dieting,' he adds. 'Say if two identical twins go on a diet, and they both eat the same number of calories but one of them sleeps better than the other, the twin who sleeps better will lose more body fat and hold onto more muscle tissue.' This is backed up by the results of a randomised control trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. At this point, Carpenter could dole out the age-old eight hours per night prescription. But he doesn't think that's particularly helpful. Instead, he prefers to share science-backed tips that have been shown to improve slumber. 'Things like avoiding caffeine six hours before bedtime, or not watching TV, looking at bright lights or playing on your phone within a couple of hours of bedtime; people might see these tips and think, 'I do that, but I should think about changing it'. 'I like giving tips more than just saying, 'get better sleep', which is obviously a bit vague,' Carpenter says. Move more outside of exercise You might be familiar with the acronym NEAT, short for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. This clunky term encompasses any activity you do outside of formal exercise, whether that's cleaning the house or popping to the shops. Upping your NEAT levels is particularly useful for weight loss because, when you drill into the figures, even ardent gym-goers don't spent all that much time exercising – five hourly gym sessions still only represents less than three per cent of your week. 'Someone who has an active lifestyle but doesn't go to the gym is likely to burn more energy than someone who has a sedentary lifestyle but does go to the gym,' says Carpenter. 'Lifestyle activity is also often easier to implement because you're looking for small changes that can accumulate rather than trying to find an hour to go to the gym.' These small changes come in the form of conscious decisions that increase your activity levels. For example, taking breaks from your desk at work, opting for the stairs rather than a lift or escalator, or picking a parking spot slightly further away from the supermarket. In isolation, these changes might seem negligible, but it all adds up. 'These are incremental ways that you can increase your physical activity without having to try and find an elusive hour to go to the gym,' Carpenter says.
