minitravelmates

What is a Squidgy?

A squidgy is a pillow; in fact it is a special kind of travel pillow. Many travel pillows are inflatable so that they can fold up and take next to no space in your purse or tote bag when travelling. A squidgy travel pillow is small and light, but it cannot be folded down in the same way that an inflatable can.

A squidgy pillow is made from stretch fabric such as Lycra or spandex and contains tiny polystyrene beads similar to those found in bean bags, only much smaller. Everyone knows how comfortable a bean bag is. It conforms to your shape and supports the body while allowing you to move and stretch with freedom.

A squidgy pillow does the same thing. It will support your head and neck while moulding to the shape of your neck to provide the correct kind of support and give ease and comfort. And all those little beans allow the air to get through to prevent excess perspiration making you uncomfortable. They also inhibit the formation of mould and other bacteria.

An average pillow may give support, but will sometimes also cause pain at pressure points, especially when travelling. With a squidgy cushion you will not be troubled with pain from pressure points. Squidgy cushions are often advised by doctors for their patients after surgery or for anyone who must remain in the one position for any length of time.

Squidgy cushions can be spot cleaned if necessary, after which they should be set down flat to dry. If the cover gets really soiled, you can carefully undo the end and tip the beans into a bag, then wash the cover. Once it is dry the beans can go back in and the end will then need to be stitched securely shut to prevent them escaping. Some squidgy cushions may have an inner sack for ease of cleaning.

Why it Makes Sense to Use a Travel Pillow

When you travel you are sitting for long periods of time in one position. The weight of your head on your neck makes it extremely tired, especially if the journey is over rough roads or in a bus or train where there is quite a bit of vibration even on a good road. Using a travel pillow means you can vary the position of your head to give your neck and back a rest.

When you are sitting in a car or other transport vehicle, the seats are not always comfortable especially for the neck and head area. All the seats must be the same size and shape, but people are not, so the seats are not going to be a good fit for many, especially those who are much taller or shorter. Having a travel pillow to prop behind your head and give your neck the support that is missing from the seat back will mean that your journey is made with a great deal more comfort than would otherwise be the case.

A travel pillow will absorb a great deal of the jolting that would otherwise transfer to your neck and head. Such discomfort will mean that you will arrive at your destination feeling tired and jaded and unable to enjoy yourself until you have had time to rest. But by using a travel pillow you can arrive refreshed and ready for action, and not have to miss out on any part of that trip or holiday due to weariness.

Using a travel pillow can make a seat that is uncomfortable into the most comfortable lounger. While many seats seem to have a reasonable backrest, it ends at the top of the shoulders. There is then a gap before the headrest begins; a gap that means your neck has no place to lean against. That is where the travel pillow comes into its own. It curls cosily around your neck and provides the necessary support for a comfortable journey.