Flew from Denver to Chicago in a United Boeing 777, Economy class. I was sooo tired - just wanted to sleep. Could have throttled the engineers who designed those seats - seats not conducive for sleeping! The big puffy headrest is probably great for a giant but for me it just pushed my head forward. Limited leg room. I had a window seat but the seat was too far from the side of the plane for me to lean against it (even tried using 2 pillows and a plastic wrapped blanket). Good thing my hubby was beside me because I tried every position except upside down. I looked like a contortionist. I was so desperate, I even leaned my seat back a tidbit (refuse to put it back all the way and make the people behind me miserable also). Pure exhaustion took over about 15 minutes before the plane was to land and I fell asleep with my head on my chest - any longer and I would have to have worn a neck brace for a week after.

Was I just in a grouchy mood or do other find these seats impossible for sleep?

(Don't tell me to take later flights so I am not so sleepy. This was our second plane on a journey of 4 planes that day. Hubby will only start our treks on the 6am flights. Got to get where we are going ASAP!)

Not just you.
I suspect that's why people recline their seats all the way back.

LvSun, have you ever tried a neck pillow, either inflatable or the ones that are filled? They help me alot w/the "where to put my head" problem and the sore neck thing. I still can't sleep on planes (it is some deep seated genetic problem w/me I think) but it does help me stay more comfortable while I close my eyes and try desperately to sleep.

Emd, will have to try one. Thanks.

I once had a middle row to my self
on a 747 in the early 70's on a 7 hr flight.
with the all the armrest up and 2 pillows and a blanket I sleep like a baby untill we started our decent to JFK , $79 RT

LvSun, I'm totally with you about the big, puffy yet hard headrests. They're designed so stupidly. And if they actually work for you, you've gotta be at least 6' because I'm 5'7" and they just block my head from comfort. Grrrrr.

At 5'2" those headrests push my head forward, like yours LvSun. AND my feet don't reach the floor either because the seat cushion is too deep. I'd rather try to sleep in the aisle than in a seat.

Yep, you guessed it! They are not designed for comfort and do not in any way fit an 'average' person. I do not know who designs these seats but I think they must be a sadist. !! I am 5'4" and I wobble,dangle, and squirm all the way. We upgrade when possible and on transatlantic flights, almost always go business. Coming home from Europe is not so bad in coach as you can get up and walk around when you need to, but when you need to sleep so that you can great the day in Europe (a very short night) comfy is best.

Well, I bought the "1st Class Sleeper" that was mentioned on one of these forums--I think Australia--and while not perfect, it does help. When I tire of sitting upright, I fold it and place on my tray. This allows me to lean forward with my head on the folded cushion. My husband refuses to use him but I have been very glad to have mine on several trips that we did not upgrade.