Sleepypod Air Carrier

More and more people are traveling and going on vacations with their pets. One might be surprised at the number of people who are now taking their cats on trips. There has always been the traditional carriers for cat, but these carriers weren't necessarily conducive for airline travel, safety in the car, or comfort for your feline. When you are traveling, you need to determine the needs and requirements of airline rules for pet travel and the comfort and convenience for your cat and you.

Brulee inside the First Blush Sleepypod Air Carrier

Sleepypod® has a unique carrier specifically designed for airline travel that is also comfortable for your cat and easy to use. The Sleepypod Air is a revolutionary carrier that redefines in-cabin pet travel with it's innovative design that enables cabin air travel and safer car travel. The sides of the Sleepypod Air contract in size to accommodate various airline size restrictions while adhering to Sleepypod's high car safety standards.

Truffle and Brulee with the Glacial Silver Sleepypod Air (color no longer available)

Safe and Comfortable Travel

The Sleepypod Air is certified by the Center for Pet Safety and is appropriate for pets less than 18 pounds. The Sleepypod Air is unique from other soft sided carriers because the carrier reduces in size to fit under the seat during takeoff and landing. The Sleepypod Air features a zippered side pouch for important papers and items on one side and there is a trolley pocket on the other side of the carrier where you can place the carrier safely on a handle of your luggage for easy transport. The Sleepypod Air features a plush bedding that can be removed to cleaning (machine washable) and is comfortable for your cat to settle in for the trip or at home. There are mesh panels on three sides of the carrier that helps provide ample airflow and visibility for your pet. There are buckles on the front and back that help secure the carrier using the seatbelts in the backseat of a vehicle which transforms the Sleepypod Air into a crash tested car seat. The exterior of the carrier is made of luggage grade ballistic nylon to keep it in great condition. The metal zippers have rubber pulls for easy of use and durability.

Truffle demonstrates how the Sleepypod Air slides over the handle of luggage.

The mesh of the Sleepypod Air is made of durable rip-stop material that resists clawing and chewing. The interior liner is water repellent and there is a removable panel that helps provide shade, privacy, and protection from air vents or weather. There is a safety tether inside the carrier that helps to eliminate quick pet escape in public transit (do not use during vehicle travel). The Sleepypod Air has an adjustable shoulder strap with comfortable padding if you need to carry the carrier on your shoulder. The dimensions of the Sleepypod Air are:

• Exterior (in inches): 22"L x 10.5"W x 10"H (reduces to 16"L x 10.5"Wx10"H

• Interior (in inches): 21"L x 10"W x 9.5"H

The Sleepypod Air weighs 4.3 pounds.

The Sleepypod Air is suitable for in-cabin use on most airlines. It's important to contact the airline prior to travel to make sure all pet restrictions and requirements are met.

The Sleepypod Air comes in a variety of colors. Not all colors may be available at all retailers.

Using the Sleepypod Air At Home

The Sleepypod Air can also be used as a comfortable napping cave or a cozy pet bed while at home or once you get into the hotel. There are Velcro closures that secure the lid opening so your cat feels comfortable resting inside. If you live in a cold climate, there is an optional Warmer Kit that can be purchased and placed inside the Sleepypod Air to help your pet stay warm. If needed, the Assisi Loop Lounge™ therapy pad can be used in the Sleepypod Air.

Cat behaviorists recommend you leave the carriers out in your home so cats can be comfortable with the carrier, which makes it easier when you need to transport your pet.

Using the Velcro closure to hold open the entrance allows Truffle to to in for a nice nap.
First Blush Sleepypod Air shown.

The Sleepypod Air can also be completely unzipped at the veterinary hospital for ease of access for the veterinarian and vet techs. Some cat behaviorists recommend covering the cat carrier with a light towel because cats like privacy and don't tend to be as afraid when they can't see outside. The Sleepypod Air meets this need because the mesh is small and dark.  

Our Review

I was excited to receive the Sleepypod Air to review. I usually use the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed to transport my cats, but realize I may need a carrier that is rectangular in shape should space be an issue or if I ever needed to travel with them on a plane. The Sleepypod Air was all in one piece and all I needed to do was unfold it and zip it up.

As soon as I pulled it out of the plastic bag it came in, Truffle immediately climbed inside. Both of my cats are accustomed to the plush bedding because of their Mobile Pet Bed. When I zipped up the Sleepypod Air and attached one end flap inside with the Velcro, both Truffle and Brulee climbed inside and took a nap. I did zip up the carrier and took the girls for a ride in the car. Brulee was happy inside the carrier and took a nap, but Truffle didn't like it because she couldn't see me through the dark mesh. She really likes the openness of the Mobile Pet Bed and likes to look around when she's inside the carrier.

The Sleepypod Air is much warmer inside than the Mobile Pet Bed because the mesh in only on the top and ends. My girls do like to sleep inside of the carriers when they are left out with the flap open.

I wasn't aware how the sides folded up to make the carrier smaller when placing the carrier under an airline seat. They need to be manipulated prior to using this carrier because the material is a little stiff. The don't stay up when not pressed against the sides under the seat. 

The Sleepypod Air is a perfect size for my two cats. Truffle and Brulee are approximately 8 pounds, so there is no problem with them stretching out in the carrier when traveling or taking a nap in the living room.

I love the new color - First Blush! If I were to choose a second color, I would go with the Robin Egg Blue. I like the pastel colors to go with the softness of my two Persian Cats. There is also an option to purchase a white plush pad that can replace the black pad that comes with the Sleepypod Air. 

Brulee relaxes in her First Blush Sleepypod Air

I don't believe you can go wrong with any of the Sleepypod Products. You need to research each type of carrier to see which best meets the needs of your pet and the type of travel you will be doing. I will definitely keep the Sleepypod Air out in my home where Truffle and Brulee can rest inside them and be comfortable with the carrier should I need to grab it in case of emergency. This carrier would definitely take up less space in my car should I ever need to evacuate. 

The Sleepypod Air retails for $179.00 and can be found on the Sleepypod website or other pet retailers. 

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Giveaway

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Sleepypod®, one lucky reader will win a Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier (color dependent upon availability). The giveaway is open to U.S. residents, 18+ years of age, except where prohibited by law. The winners will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter and contacted via email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and a new winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Please note that to qualify for the prize, a comment must be left on this post. The giveaway closes on Monday, April 12 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time.

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