Passenger Seat Ergonomics: Sleeping Comfortably on Road Trips

Safety comes first

• Keep the seat back reasonably upright. A deeply reclined seat can let your body slide under the lap belt in a crash — vehicle manuals generally advise against riding fully reclined.
• Lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and collarbone — never behind your back or under your arm.
• Don't put your feet on the dashboard: an airbag deploying can cause serious injury.
• Keep pillows off the seatbelt path.

Setting up the seat

1. Slide the seat back far enough for legroom, keeping your feet flat on the floor.
2. Recline slightly — enough that your head rests against the headrest when relaxed.
3. Raise the headrest so its center is roughly level with your ears or the top of your ears.
4. Add a small cushion at the lower back if the seat has no lumbar adjustment.

Which neck support works in a car

Car seats are usually more reclined than economy airplane seats, so heads tend to roll sideways more than forward. A U-pillow or side-supporting collar works well; leaning against the window with a small wedge is another option, provided the belt stays in place.

Rear-seat passengers on very upright seats may need chin support. The travel neck pillows guide compares all the styles, and the ergonomics guide explains why.

Make the cabin restful

• An eye mask blocks oncoming headlights and sun glare.
• Ask the driver to keep music low or use earplugs.
• Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch and walk.

Want a quick recommendation? Try the pillow finder and choose 'car'.