Debatable inflatables: cushions for your flying comfort

By Jane Engle and Rosemary McClure | Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

March 9, 2008

Squeezed, sore and sleepless? You must be flying coach. And to snag a more comfortable seat in business or first class, you may need to dole out hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Enter the inflatables. For less than $50, these blow-up cushions and pillows promise relief from hard seats, cramped legs and less-than-restful sleeping positions. We tested three inflatables. One definite downside: All take up some valuable carry-on space.o

FANNY SUPPORTER

First look: Magellan's Inflatable Seat Cushion goes on top of your seat to make it softer. It's covered with sturdy suede-like fabric and measures 12 by 16 inches.

Likes and yikes: It self-inflates, and it's pretty comfortable. A U-shaped cutout takes pressure off your tailbone, but it's a little squishy. The cushion raises you up, so tall people may gain legroom; others may find their feet dangling. It's difficult to get all the air out, but once you do, the cushion becomes a 12-by-3-inch roll.

The 411: $49.85 from Magellan's; (800) 962-4943, www.magellans.com.

FOOT RAISER

First look: The Inflatable Leg Rest is designed to raise your feet and relieve pressure on your calves. It measures 13-by-16-by-10 inches in use and weighs about a half-pound. It's made of vinyl and covered with gray fabric.

Likes and yikes: It's bulky but does raise your feet, which may boost comfort, especially if you're short. It was easy to inflate. Deflated, it fit into its 12-by-4-inch bag. But the leg rest pressed against my calves and, overall, felt unsteady.

411: $24.85 from Magellan's; (800) 962-4943, www.magellans.com.

SPACE HOGGER

First look: Instead of putting the SkyRest pillow behind your head, you put it on your lap or tray table and lean forward.

Likes and yikes: SkyRest is as big as a stuffed gym bag. When the passenger in front reclined his seat, there really wasn't room for it. When the passenger next to me wanted access to the aisle, I had to balance it on my head. Could I sleep on this nerdy inflatable? No. And SkyRest's plastic odor was nearly overwhelming.

411: $29.95 at www.skyrest.com and SkyMall; (800) 759-6255, www.skymall.com.

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