The NodPod Travel Sleep System

It used to be that people dressed up for air travel. A trip on a plane meant suits, dresses, shiny shoes, slick hair, and nonstop excitement with smiles and small talk throughout the entire flight. I can't speak for everyone, but at least for myself flying today means sweatpants and hoodies, shoes that support my arches walking 2 miles between terminals, and then slip off easily the second I take my seat, and a Santa Claus sack of diversions and devices to keep me entertained or asleep enough that I don't have to say anything beyond "Hello" to the dude sitting next to me. Basically a very calculated collection of steps and items to make the experience not even comfortable, but just slightly less miserable than it would be otherwise.

So far, I've got everything nailed down but the sleeping, and NodPod thinks it can take care of that. Clearly, the restraining device-looking head cradle and garbage sack blanket comprising the Nod and Pod portions of the product look ridiculous on anyone wearing them. But clearly too, I no longer give a flying 747 about what I look like when I travel. If this thing works, I'm in.

NodPod calls the quality of the sleep it gives travelers "amazing." This goes for frequent fliers, road trippers, and the Amtrak loyalists alike. Its Nod head support hooks over the back of your seat, and then underneath your chin to, they say, mimic the way you sleep on a bed, but in an upright position. It keeps your head, neck, and back perpendicular, and at a 90-degree angle. The Pod then cocoons sleepers' full bodies in a blanket of warmth that won't fall off as you snooze.

Complete NodPod features include:

• Patented "over-the-top" design prevents your head from jolting forward, left, or right. In other words, no more bobbleheading it until you jerk hard enough to scare yourself awake and knock over your neighbor's airline bottle of Jim Beam.
• A memory foam Nod interior conforms to your face and cradles your chin as you drool on it.
• Speaking of which, the pillow's exterior is made of a water-repellent, PU-coated fabric that makes it easy to clean.
• The Pod travel blanket has an open back so you can step into it all at once, even while seated in a cramped space. This also keeps it in place as you sleep.
• The Pod is also water- and windproof for warmth on drafty planes, trains, and cars.
• Blankets have a front storage pocket for books, glasses, and phones.
• Both items fold down into included carrying cases small enough to stuff in a suitcase, backpack, or your seat front pocket. Together they measures 5" x 7".

NodPod is up for pre-order on Kickstarter through September 9, 2016.