Marilyn

Underhill, there are lots of Ambien threads on here if you do a search. Several people have experienced the amnesia effect, but I never have.

For me, it doesn't really knock me out, but if I close my eyes, the next time I look at my watch it's 3 hours later. Perfect for flying, as I can then get up, visit the toilet, drink some water, and go back into a doze again.

I can tell you 2 very important bits of advice.

1. Ambien comes in 5 and 10 mg tablets. Some people are more sensitive to it than others, and it is not a function of body weight. You need to know how YOU will respond to the drug before you take it on an airplane.

2. Try it at home a few weeks before your trip. This is good advice for any drug with sedative qualities, be it Valium, Ambien, Xanax, etc. If you have any doubts, take 5 mg (or half a 10 mg). You can always take the other 5 mg if it's not working.

lcuy

I swear by the inflatable neck pillows. When using it, I keep my seat in the upright position...for some reason, it works better with my spine staying straight.

I do a lot of foot wiggling exercises, and also try to elevate them if possible (using a hard bag under the seat ahead that still allows room for my feet. Also, drink lots of water, and get up as often as possible.

On top of that, I take Ativan- an anti anxiety, anti nausea drug. Very relaxing with out making me feel drugged.

jtrandolph

Inflatable neck pillow and a pair of Arcopedicos to wear on the plane. Those shoes with rubber soles and woven stretchy uppers. They even look okay to wear off the plane if you forget to put your real shoes on, as I did once.

suze

I listen to the various musical programs offered on headphones at a low volume. It really does help drown out the drone of the plane and your fellow passengers.

If you're lucky on a long haul you'll be on a plane with those fantastic seatback individual screens. Then I watch all 3 movies on offer.

I try for an aisle seat, shift positions often, wiggle my feet, do tiny isometric exercises, walk to the restroom frequently.

slively

I've found the neck pillow that really works for me: Magellan's Komfort Kollar. It's an all-around collar that keeps your head from falling forward or too far to the side. Also, I read on this board that someone said that foot and ankle swelling could also be caused by high blood pressure. Since I've been taking hbp medication, I haven't had a problem. Something to check out.

Underhill

Thanks, Marilyn. I'll check with my doctor.

enjoylife

I try to get an emergency row seat. At the very least, I get an aisle seat, so that I can walk around on the flight. I also recommend drinking lots of water as you can get dehydrated on flights.

karens

I flew to Italy with a friend (as part of a tour group) last month. We were really concerned about comfort, b/c the computer had assigned us middle seats. B/c we booked with a tour group, Lufthansa would not let us switch our seats until we checked in.

When we checked in, we asked for an exit row seat. We knew this was a long shot - we are not frequent fliers on Lufthansa (or any other airline), and had no clout with a cheap ticket. We got an exit row BOTH coming and going. The one ticket agent barely wanted to check, and when he did, he told us we were the luckiest people that day, b/c he had 2 exit seats available. So not only did we get the seats we wanted, we also got to sit together. That flight was the most comfortable 8 hour coach flight I've ever been on.

I also second the Ambien suggestion. Ambien only works for me about 5 hours anyway, so it's perfect for an overnight flight.

Jocelyn_P

I agree that it is IMpossible to be comfortable in economy. I've tried everything.

I have taken Ambien twice with completely different results. On the way to the destination, the Ambien knocked me out for 3-4 hours (that's what DH says anyway; I don't remember). I felt fine afterwards. On the trip back home, I took the same dosage. Not only did I not sleep a wink, but for hours I was running back and forth to the bathroom, puking my guts out. Of course there may have been other factors involved, like jet lag and the airplane food (nooo, you think?). I'm reluctant to try Ambien again, though. I have had the most consistent success with some of the other suggestions here: staying active until boarding the plane, drinking lots and lots of water (keeping you hydrated AND forcing you to get up to use the bathroom often), and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

Marilyn

Jocelyn, I'd be surprised if it was the Ambien that made you ill, since you had no such reaction the other time you took it. More likely some a touch of food poisoning.

offlady

Angler973--I checked the website for Jobst socks. I might get me a pair. Do they feel any different from other socks? Is there a time limit on how long you wear them before they get uncomfortable?

Has anyone else tried these?

razzledazzle

1/4 antivan pill, ear plugs + a Bushmills OTR
keeps the R'5's arriving more dazzled
then razzled.

It's not "natural", but neither is flying Economy class !
R5

R5

GoTravel

I'm with Patrick and Marilyn; booze and drugs.

Only on flights of 3 hours or more. On less than three hours it is just booze.

Carrabella

I always use Jobst knee-high compression stockings on flights - always long from Australia. Sometimes, they are on for 36hours! They are very hard to get on (mine are the higher compression rating), and almost impossible to do this in the loos at the airports. Much easier lying down at home before you start! But once on, they are comfortable.
The do stop my feet swelling a lot, but not completely.
Last year in Thailand, I twisted an ankle badly, and found great relief and quicker healing by wearing them, even at night.
And yes, they are recommended to help prevent deep-vein thrombosois.

offlady

Are the Jobst socks thicker than regular athletic socks? Also, what are the different compression ratings?