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01/26/2004 Archived Entry: "Great Gadgets and Gizmos, Part 4 -- Getting Your Rest"

Okay, this may not fit your idea of a great gadget, but it's an important aid for some drivers -- a good pillow. There's no question that a good night's sleep is critical before any trip, but sometimes even that isn't quite enough on a long day. What other job allows -- no, even encourages -- sleeping on the job? Not while you're driving, obviously, but taking an afternoon nap on a long day is not only permitted, it's a good idea. Getting comfortable on a coach, however, especially if you're as tall as I am (6'5"), can be a challenge.

For some months I looked for a pillow that would be easy to carry and comfortable. I finally found it just before Christmas at a Brookstone store (one of those stores we gadget lovers can't walk past without going in!). It's called a MOGU pillow, and it's a stretchy mostly nylon cover filled with lightweight polystyrene powder beads. It molds itself to your head in almost any sitting or lying position in the coach. You can see one of the ways I use it in the photo above right -- since I'm too tall for the headrest on a coach seat to be comfortable, the Mogu pillow fills in very nicely. The Mogu comes in several colors and includes a plastic bag with pull ties that keeps the pillow clean and makes it very easy to carry. It easily fits in the overhead storage compartments without taking up much room. It's not cheap -- around $40 -- but I couldn't find anything less expensive that worked as well for me.

In a related story, in November 2003 New Jersey became the first state in the US to adopt a driving-while-tired law. Read about it here. Then, if you have any trouble getting your rest between legs of your trips, get yourself a good pillow, and take a nap! Just be sure to set your Palm or your cell phone alarm clock to wake you up in plenty of time to pick up your group for your return trip. Drive happy and well rested!

Replies: 2 Comments

Bob, I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your web site, it is great. I particularly enjoy your photography.
I am with Bluegrass Tours from Lexington , Ky. and we met at Gettysburg,Pa. in early October '03. We were returning from my first trip to the Big Apple With my Grandson's senior trip.
On the 17th of October my left shoulder locked up and I could not reach the turn signal lever and was a hundred miles from home, But as always the Good Lord got us all home safe and sound. Thank you Jesus.
On 17 November I had the joint replaced and am doing great now and am "On the Road Again" as Willie would say.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the info about the pillow, I will try one soon. Keep em rollin,Ted

Posted by Ted Wiseman @ 02/04/2004 05:52 PM EST

Thanks, Ted, for your comments! I love my digital camera ... and I just upgraded to PhotoshopCS, which includes the panaorama tools used to make the 5-shot panorama on the next entry (2-9-04) ... makes digital photography even more fun! BTW, there are at least two more parts to the Great Gadgets series coming soon, so check back regularly.

Posted by Bob Bergey @ 02/09/2004 12:53 PM EST