One of the worst things about traveling is finding a way to get comfortable enough to fall into a decent sleep.
Being stuck on a long flight in an aircraft proves to be one of the hardest situations to sleep, especially if you're seated in economy class. That's because it's hard to turn on your side in order to rest your head, and you may feel cramped when the person in front of you puts their seat back.
Frequent flyers know how important it is to bring a travel pillow with them for long flights, but the current options available keep your head up vertically, which can still leave you with a sore neck and make it difficult to easily drift off to sleep.
However, David Scrimshaw and Roz Ruwhiu, the owners at Hairy Turtle Pty Ltd., are bringing travelers a better solution to getting some shut-eye while on an airplane, train, bus or even in the backseat of a car.
They are the minds behind FaceCradle, the travel pillow that allows passengers to comfortably sleep, especially when in mid-flight. The patent-pending pillow looks like other airplane pillows, but consists of an internal frame in each of the two sections that unfold and lock into desired positions.
The FaceCradle provides four modes for sleeping: the dozing, snoozing, table nap, deep sleep front and deep sleep side modes.
The "dozing mode" allows travelers to use FaceCradle as a typical neck pillow. However, when this becomes uncomfortable, you can switch to the "snoozing mode," which cradles the head to the side for better neck and head support.
When the passenger just wants to really knock out, they can use the "table nap" mode. On the plane's tray table, they can rest their head down into the pillow with their arms sandwiched between. The "U" shape lets the user breathe easy like when on a massage table.
The last two modes are perfect for when the user is completely exhausted. The "deep sleep modes" allow the traveler to lean forward into the pillow, using harness straps that hold their body like a hammock.
To use these modes, the traveler must attach the straps and hook it around the wings of the headrest.
This means you won't have to put your seat back to disturb the person behind you or feel like you don't have room because of the person leaning back in front of you.
The pillows are made with hypoallergenic memory foam to provide the comfort that makes the user feel like they are in their own bed. It is also lightweight and easy to carry on the plane and fold back up when the flight attendant comes around with beverages and snacks.
FaceCradle is being developed thanks to a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter, where it has received more than $866,000 of its $15,291 goal. Those who pledge about $30 can get the travel pillow that will retail for $59, with it expected to be delivered starting this November.
