Tested: RTS Tactical Bulletproof Memory Foam Pillow

Body armor, ballistic shields and plate carriers give consumers the opportunity to take advantage of the same ballistic protection usually afforded to law-enforcement and military professionals. However, because of the professional applications in which body armor is usually deployed, there are few options that fit well within a domestic environment while still offering critical ballistic protection in case of attack. RTS Tactical is changing the game with its Bulletproof Memory Foam Pillow.

Available in Level IIIA and IIIA+ configurations, the pillow features a zippered opening that allows two memory-foam halves to open up like a book, revealing the soft armor plate inside. Due to the flexibility of the plate, as well as the generous memory-foam padding located on either side of it, the Bulletproof Pillow is comfortable and easy to use, making it a legitimate option for your bed. While somewhat firmer than run-of-the-mill pillows, it's flexible and provides enough cushion for a comfortable rest.

Despite the assurances of RTS Tactical, the concept of a bulletproof pillow was oxymoronic enough to warrant some real-world testing. American Rifleman received a Level IIIA+ Bulletproof Memory Foam Pillow from the company and set about testing, and you can see the full test in the video above. While Level IIIA is a common ballistic rating that easily handles most handgun cartridges, including .357 Mag. and .44 Mag., the less-seen IIIA+ is also rated to stop buckshot and shotgun slugs. Considering that such a defensive tool would likely be employed within the tight confines of a house, the test was set up to shoot handgun and shotgun rounds into the pillow, which was arranged in a defensive posture at 7 yards. As the video above shows, the results speak for themselves.

The RTS Tactical Bulletproof Memory Foam Pillow retails at a base price of $399.99 for the Level IIIA option, while the Level IIIA+ version retails for $499.99. An extra bamboo cotton pillow case can be had for an additional $29.99. For more information, visit rtstactical.com.