I’ve made the six hour flight from the US Mainland to Hawaii many times, and I usually try to sleep through as much of it as possible. I have never slept so well on an airplane as this time, or been so comfortable on a layover. By empirical evidence, I have created the world’s best travel pillow.
All it took was a stroke of inspiration and some children’s “water wings”. I took the inflatable pool toys to Rachel’s craft-hacking group, and created some sheaths for them in under 30 minutes with a scrapped t-shirt and Rachel’s primo sewing machine. Then, to my long flight home, for testing.
I am massively pleased with the results. It’s amazing how much more wonderful life when you wake up feeling actually rested! Also, they’re super-light and they pack up tiny.
One unexpected added benefit was discovering that these keep my hands were really warm — much nicer than finding various limbs asleep, or joints crimped into awkwardness and discomfort — which is how I think of all prior airplane and travel sleep.
I am absolutely packing these first on all future travels.
28 Comments
August 2, 2009 at 9:34 am
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Flying | Digg this! Posted by Gareth Branwyn at 5:01 am. Filed under Uncategorized [link] [...]
August 2, 2009 at 10:11 am
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [...]
August 2, 2009 at 11:29 am
patent these things and retire early!!! That is a great idea, with the proper marketing, you may have just invented the next “white out” type thing!!
December 19, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Thanks for the encouragement! PlushCuffs are now live — http://plushcuffs.com
August 2, 2009 at 5:49 pm
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [...]
August 2, 2009 at 7:27 pm
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [...]
August 2, 2009 at 10:44 pm
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [...]
August 3, 2009 at 3:20 am
[...] Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [...]
August 4, 2009 at 8:03 am
[...] in the cramped confines airline, bus, or car travel, let’s hear about it in the comments. Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [via [...]
August 4, 2009 at 9:44 am
[...] car travel, let’s hear about it in the comments. Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [via [...]
August 4, 2009 at 11:07 am
Sounds like a great idea – better than bringing a special sweatshirt to the airport :-P
August 4, 2009 at 11:20 am
[...] in the cramped confines airline, bus, or car travel, let’s hear about it in the comments. Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [via [...]
August 4, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Great idea. You’re awesome!
December 19, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Thanks for the encouragement! PlushCuffs are now available — http://plushcuffs.com
August 5, 2009 at 1:11 am
Cool stuff! I’ll have to ‘borrow’ some from my little brothers… enjoy maker africa, (and start using that .st domain!)
August 5, 2009 at 4:29 am
will do — starbur.st should be back live just as soon as I’m back in Can-ta-bridge
December 19, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hey, thanks for the encouragement! PlushCuffs are now available — http://plushcuffs.com
August 5, 2009 at 3:35 am
These are awesome. I’m going to make some for my hour long morning commute. :D
August 5, 2009 at 4:28 am
awesome!! If you make them, post pictures!
August 5, 2009 at 7:12 am
great idea. It reminds me of my brace that I sleep in for carpal tunnel.
August 5, 2009 at 7:37 am
That looks pretty neat! I use one of those little neck pillows they sell at the airport even though I don’t find them all that comfy.
August 5, 2009 at 7:40 am
yeah, the neck pillows are an exercise in major suckitude, by comparison. They’ve never done much for helping me sleep.
I didn’t write about, but would like to note that I had a series of incredible dreams sleeping on these, on a five hour flight last week.
December 19, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hey ubck! Thanks for the encouragement! PlushCuffs are now live — http://plushcuffs.com
August 5, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Star you have a blockbuster here. Before you go any further you need to copywrite this idea get a patent and watch your idea take off. There have been so many stupid ideas that have made millions for people such as….. pet rock and chia pet. The list can go on and on. You can be a millionaire too!!!!!!!!!!!!! But this is the secret……YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE. Believe it or not!!!!! I believe it. Now YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!! Good luck..P.S. I wish I could sew. Could you make me one? I’ll be your first customer. I am serious.
December 19, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hey deliveryqueen — Thanks for the encouragement! PlushCuffs are now live — http://plushcuffs.com
August 12, 2009 at 5:37 am
[...] in the cramped confines of airline, bus, or car travel, let’s hear about it in the comments. Sound Sleep on a Long Flight [via [...]
August 19, 2009 at 5:57 am
[...] la fuente :almohada 1 comment for this [...]
September 11, 2009 at 11:49 pm
[...] on a layover. By empirical evidence, I have created the world’s best travel pillow. more> Posted by michael Filed in Travel Tips on Whatever No Comments [...]