Airplane Seat Solutions
A Stretchsit cushion helps fill the unhealthy
C shape found in many airplane seats, or
even better, facilitates gently
stretching the spine.
The summer is upon us and many of us will be traveling in buses, boats, cars, and planes. I have spent a lot of time on planes and have observed people in discomfort all around me. The shape of airplane seats varies from airline to airline, but all of them have a curvature that forces the spine into an uncomfortable C-shape. In this season of airline travel, I’d like to share some simple tips to protect the spine and reduce muscle tension during an airplane flight.
1) Fill the C
The concave shape of airline seats puts pressure on the spinal discs and is the starting point for muscle tension. Fill the lower part of your seat with pillows, blankets, sweaters, or ideally a Stretchsit® Cushion to create a flat plane along which you can lengthen your spine.
A seated hip hinge helps bypass the poor
design of some airplane seats.
2) Hiphinge Forward
You can avoid the C-shape altogether by hiphinging forward. Use your hands to support your head with your elbows resting on the open tray. You can adjust the placement and height of your hands to provide a gentle stretch in the neck.
Another possible variation for keeping
your spine healthy during a flight.
3) Support Your Head
One of the best ways to rest or sleep on a flight is to lengthen your spine and support your head against the seat in front of you. If you are lucky enough to be in a window seat, you can find even more support in the corner between the seat in front of you and the wall of the airplane. This technique works especially well for taller individuals, who can adjust the placement of their heads to allow the spine to stretch and relax even in cramped spaces. Be sure to use a Stretchsit cushion, blanket, pillow, or sweater to cushion your head.
Here’s wishing you safe and comfortable travels.
Getting Back to Esther's
Getting Back to Esther's original post. I just returned to Australia from Hawaii, a 10 1/2 hour flight. I was fortunate to have an isle seat. This works well for me as it allows me to get up easily to stretch often without disturbing the people sitting next to me. I had my stretch-sit cushion placed on my seat back to support and give my back a nice stretch for the long hall.
I was sitting in the middle section of a full flight. There were two young girls sitting next to me and a young couple in front of me. They were all wiggling about during the flight trying to find a way to get some rest and feel comfortable. They would go from slumping to contorting their bodies sideways, pulling their legs up and sort of getting into a fetal position. I was happy to sit up right and relaxed for most of the trip as the cushion made it comfortable. When I did want to rest, I remembered this post. I put the tray down, hinged forward, placed my elbows on the tray with my hands on either side of my head allowing my chin to rest in the palms. I then rested my head against the seat in front of me using my sweater against the seat to add a bit more comfort. I was relaxed and very much at ease...However, the girl in front of me kept moving and jiggling the seat that I was leaning on. She was so desperate to get comfortable, she couldn't sit still. I was relaxed enough to go with this movement. But I felt bad for her. I dosed off and upon waking from my little rest noticed her partner was mimicking me using his neck pillow against the seat in front of him. He looked very comfortable. I was happy to be able to influence at least one person. I wanted to get up and share this information with everyone on the plane! Maybe next time. I felt great after the flight no stiffness or pain. :-)
For those who have to fly
For those who have to fly long distances, it's really uncomfortable. One of the best ways to rest or sleep on a flight is to straighten your spine Quick Draw and rest your head against the seat in front of you.