Detailed Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn't the support board padded? Wouldn't that make it more comfortable?
A: When the head loop is properly adjusted to fit the size of your head, you'll find that the forces are so low that you'll hardly even notice the support board touching the back of your head. Additionally, for seatbacks with minimal recline, your head will tend to pitch forward from the force of gravity so much that you can set the loop size loose enough that the board isn't even touching your head.
Q: Is SleepStik easy to use?
A: There will likely be a small learning curve to adjusting SleepStik to your personal comfort. You can also expect to shift around in your seat for a minute or two as you learn to trust SleepStik’s ability to hold your head up. Once you’ve adjusted the Head Loop for the size of your head, and your height setting, you will likely never need to adjust them until you need to wash it.
Please note that sitting for long periods of time will always be an uncomfortable experience. SleepStik will not relieve all discomfort issues. However, you will likely find that it will substantially reduce neck, shoulder and upper back pain.
Q: Can I use SleepStik while driving a motor vehicle?
A: No! Under no circumstances should you use this product while driving.
Q: Can I use my SleepStik for head support in places other than travel seats?
A: Yes. Although an exhaustive list of possible uses has not been compiled, it is anticipated that this device will be used in airport terminal seating, as well as for use in any location where a seat back or wall is available. It even works standing up while wearing a full back pack! Other possible uses are for reading at home, watching TV, and while working at your desk. Note that relaxed neck muscles seem to result in the triggering of a sleep cycle, so working or studying with it on may not be a good idea.
Q: Are there any issues with using SleepStik while I’m injured, and/or with other chronic ailments?
A: Please read our product disclaimer about such possible complications. It is advised that you do not use this product without your physician’s supervision if there is any question in your mind about your health relating to posture and/or spinal abnormalities.
Q: Can I use my sleep mask with SleepStik?
A: Yes. Additionally, SleepStik is compatible for use in conjunction with headphones, ear buds, ear plugs, baseball caps, face masks, and other similar items.
Q: Is there a limit for how heavy a traveler can be and still be able to use this device effectively?
A: No. SleepStik’s Support structure is made from high quality polycarbonate plastic. The part is quite rigid, and will not significantly deform or buckle under normal use.
Q: Will I be able to take my SleepStik on flights that require TSA passenger screening security check points?
A: There are currently no rules prohibiting such devices on commercial flights. To date, there have been no issues reported with TSA screenings. Additionally, there have been no issues to date with commercial airlines and with use under FAA guidelines.
Q: Where can I buy SleepStik?
A: SleepStik is currently only offered at retail quantities via our online shop at sleepstik.net Please write to us at comments@sleepstik.net for information about purchasing wholesale quantities for resale.
Q: Is this product washable? What will I need to do to keep my SleepStik in good working order?
A: The Head Loop is machine washable. The Support Structure is hand-washable with soap and water using a sponge or washcloth. Do not allow the part to come into contact with plastic solvents, paint thinners and/or abrasive scrub pads, as these items will mar the surface of the part.
Q: Are the materials recyclable?
A: No. However it is anticipated that you will never feel the need to recycle this product. Please feel free to gift your SleepStik to a traveler friend if you have no need to keep it.
Ergonomic Info
Check out this short video for a more technical explanation of why SleepStik works so well. (NOTE: This video has sound.)
There's an adjustment feature in the design that sets the height of the strap on the board to accommodate your height. In general, people around 5'-0" tall should place the strap at the bottom. People around 6'-6" tall should place the strap at the top.
Feel free to play around with this setting for various effects depending on the recline angle of your seatback and other factors. You may find that a lower setting will help prevent the head loop from inadvertently slipping off the top of your head.
Once you've got the two strap adjustments dialed in, the support board will automatically position the head strap at the perfect location as you shift in your seat over time.
You'll find that when the recline angle of your seatback is mostly forward, your head will tend to pitch forward significantly. In such cases, set the head loop loose enough so that there's a small gap between your head and the support board. When sitting in seats that are more reclined, it's likely that your head will lightly touch the support board. Even if you set your seatback recline angle fully back, you'll find that the head loop will prevent your head from rolling off to the side.
Pillow Comparison
This segment offers a deep dive into the comparative value of competing head support products.
Sooo...
"Which kind of head support works best for you when traveling?"
Click on images for more info...
Head-to-head comparisons
Below are a series of popular head support products being put to the test in an un-reclined coach aircraft seat. Note the degree of head slump that the test subjects display when using each device.
Large man:
Average size woman:
Small woman:
Other head support products
There are many other head support gadgets competing for your travel dollars as well; all claiming to be the true answer to this universal problem. Inflatable box-like structures that you lean forward onto, chin rests, and giant padded scarfs and head bags. We at SleepStik have tried many of these. In our opinion, they all fail for various reasons. However, there is one type of head support product that can provide good head support, provided that specific seatbacks are used.
Comparison to seatback-attached head strap products
Given that the seat-attached head loops are similar in concept to SleepStik, it seems necessary to spend some time explaining in detail about the issues associated with them. We have found that for certain configurations, seatback-attached devices indeed can provide good head support.
Head-to-head comparisons with seatback-attached head straps
As this video shows, these products can provide good head support. However, there are many outside factors that can prevent these products from functioning adequately. If you're thinking about buying a seatback attached head support instead of SleepStik, please consider the following:
Common issues with
seatback-attached head strap products
The most obvious limitation with seatback-attached head-strap products is that they must be used with seating that provides a physical feature to which they can be attached. They can't be used with most commuter transit, as the seatbacks are too low. Additionally, they can't be used with airport terminal seating, and other seating with low seatbacks such as rear car seats that have no head-rests.
Additionally, these types of systems sometimes require significantly more strap length in order to attach to the seatback. The more length needed, the less precise the support will be. For situations where longer strap lengths are needed, you'll find that your head will tend to shift around inside the strap unless it is tightened significantly.
Furthermore, the act of drawing one's head forcibly into a poorly contoured seatback may cause the upper part of your spine to deform, causing pain nearly instantaneously.
Another factor is that some aircraft seatbacks have no head-rest pillows, which requires the user to loop the strap all the way around the seatback, which may interfere with in-seat video monitors.
Another issue is that the attach point for any given seatback is a fixed location. Thus the user must maintain a body position that accommodates this ONE location. Depending on the seat, and your size, it may be too high, or too low to work for you. If you do succeed in making the device work for you, you would then need to hold that body position for your entire session, as shifting in your seat over time will likely cause the strap to slip off of your head, or pull on your neck at an uncomfortable angle.
With SleepStik, none of these factors are of concern. Just slip it out of your carry-on, and put it on your head. There's no fiddling with the seatback to find a way to attach the strap. There's no concern about annoying the person sitting behind you with your weird strap thingy. There's no messing with the strap length to get it feeling comfortable.
Most importantly, since SleepStik's strap-attach-point moves with you, you'll have greater freedom to shift in your seat from time to time to avoid muscle cramps. No matter how you choose to sit, the head loop will move with you, providing perfectly positioned head support. The value of this key feature can't be overstated!
Summary of product comparisons
Based on the product evaluations presented in this section, this chart shows the value of each type of head support product for a series of more challenging applications.
SleepStik History
SleepStik was invented by Rick Riday, an American inventor, free-lance product engineer and national award-winning product designer living in Seattle, Washington. He first got the idea while suffering from neck pain on a long flight in the year 2015. As an experienced prototype fabricator, he built and tested many iterations of various concepts, and suffered through many sleepless and painful nights of testing the prototypes he built. Many of his initial attempts were very, very bad in that they caused severe pain, sometimes within minutes after the start of testing. After many attempts and failures, the idea for the current form factor came to him while traveling in November of 2018. The next prototype he built after returning home yielded a nearly perfect result!
SleepStik is a product of the USA. The Support Structure parts are molded in Everett, Washington, and the Head Loop assemblies are fabricated in Shenzhen, China. Product assembly and retail shipping originate in Washington State.
Warranty Info
PRODUCT GUARANTEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may keep your SLEEPSTIK HEAD SUPPORT and still receive a full product refund for up to one year from your purchase date! Simply write to comments@sleepstik.net and request a refund and Sleepstik will will refund your money with-in one week. This refund applies only to orders with approved credit being delivered to all valid physical mailing addresses within the United States.
ONE (1) YEAR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY INFORMATION:
The SLEEPSTIK HEAD SUPPORT is covered for a full ONE (1) year under normal use. SLEEPSTIK, LLC will provide the necessary parts to repair or replace the SLEEPSTIK HEAD SUPPORT during this time period. After the expiration of the warranty, the cost to repair or replace the SLEEPSTIK HEAD SUPPORT will be the responsibility of the owner.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service Department at comments@sleepstik.net
PRODUCT DISCLAIMER:
USE THIS DEVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK. SLEEPSTIK, LLC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM THE MISUSE OF ANY SLEEPSTIK MATERIALS AND/OR INFORMATION. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USE IF YOU SUFFER FROM, OR HAVE EVER SUFFERED FROM SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY NECK AND/OR SPINAL INJURY.
CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USE IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A NECK OR SPINAL DEFORMITY. DISCONTINUE USE IF PAIN PERSISTS. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE RESUMING USE.
DO NOT USE WHILE DRIVING ANY MOTOR VEHICLE.
USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. DO NOT USE FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN FOR HEAD SUPPORT WHILE SEATED. THIS DEVICE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE HEAD SUPPORT FOR TRAVELERS AS AN AID FOR ACHIEVING SHORT-TERM REST AND SLEEP WHILE SEATED. THIS DEVICE IS NOT INTENDED TO CURE ANY TYPE OF PHYSICAL AILMENT, NOR IS IT INTENDED TO ALLEVIATE ANY TYPE OF CHRONIC PAIN OR IMPROVE ANY TYPE OF LONG-TERM PHYSICAL CONDITION. GIVEN THAT THIS DEVICE IS BRAND NEW, AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF “POSSIBLE HAZARDS” HAS NOT BEEN COMPILED. THEREFORE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING THIS DEVICE UNDER QUESTIONABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.
DUE TO THE INHERENT DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, USE OF THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO ELIMINATE ALL TRAVEL SEAT DISCOMFORT. HOWEVER, WE SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF THIS DEVICE WILL LIKELY IMPROVE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.
SLEEPSTIK LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY LONG-TERM WEAR AND TEAR AND/OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO SEAT BACK FABRIC AND CUSHIONING.
SLEEPSTIK LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY THIRD PARTY INFORMATION WRITTEN ABOUT SLEEPSTIK MATERIALS AND USE CASES FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN “HEAD SUPPORT FOR TRAVELERS.”
SLEEPSTIK LLC WILL NOT SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH ANYONE OUTSIDE OF THIS COMPANY. SLEEPSTIK LLC WILL NEVER SELL YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANY THIRD PARTY ENTITY. DUE TO THE NATURE OF ONLINE MARKETING ALGORHYTHMS, YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION MAY BE ACCESSED TO OFFER YOU RELATED SLEEPSTIK ITEMS, AND/OR PRODUCTS.
WHILE SLEEPSTIK LLC STRIVES TO MAKE THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE, WE MAKE NO CLAIMS, PROMISES, OR GUARANTEES ABOUT THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR ADEQUACY OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS SITE, AND ALSO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS IN THE CONTENTS OF THIS SITE.