How to Prevent Picking Up Bed Bugs During Travel

Unfortunately, the United States has seen a huge influx of bed bugs in the past few years. Those who have been unlucky enough to experience them know just how itchy and invaded one can feel even after a single night of bites. And that's only the beginning of hardships that can come from brining home these unwanted house guests. Rather than having to get rid of bed bugs later on, however, it's best to avoid them in the first place.

When traveling, follow these easy tips to keep yourself and your belongings critter safe.

First, check the online registry. Head to BedBugRegistry.com for reports on hotels, apartment complexes, and more that have been hit with an infestation. Previous guests and tenants help report, so there's a good chance that if bed bugs have been present, it will be listed.

Next, know what to look for. When you first walk into a hotel room, take note of the smell. A musty scent is an indication of a large bed bug population. Then check the mattresses. Pull up sheets and look deep at mattress folds and into nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for discoloration (yellow, brown, or red), as well as the bugs themselves, which will look similar to apple seeds in both size and color. 

Finally, keep your belongings in the car. You might love sleeping with a particular pillow or blanket, but the more items you take into a hotel room, the better chance you have at bringing bugs back home. Live without your favorite item for a single night, and you can be well on your way to keeping the bugs away, no matter where you prefer to travel. 

By following these steps combined, you can work to keep yourself and your home bite and bug free.

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How to Sleep Better on a Plane

Catching rest while traveling isn't exactly the easiest task. Sometimes it's even an impossible task – depending on your schedule and how many children are in close proximity. But when the timing is right, which is to say you have a long flight and courteous co-travelers – naps are a welcome occurrence. In order to gain rest even with distractions in place, we look to the help of industry pros. Flight attendants who offer their best advice at achieving sleep while traveling on a plane.

They suggest:

Boarding the plane without expectations of sleep. Sure it'd be great, but assuming it'll be a quiet, smooth ride is the easiest way for that to not occur. Instead, go in knowing that you'd like to sleep, but there's a good possibility it won't happen. Those who feel entitled to sleep, the flight attendants said, become the most irritable. Adding that reminding yourself how much you need rest is the best way to not be able to sleep – no matter where you're trying to doze. 

Window seats are also ideal for sleeping, as there's slightly more space to rest. (Rather than being wedged between two strangers.) They also point out seats that line up with interior lines so you can keep yourself alongside windows, rather than offset or near an uneven surface. 

Comfortable clothes are also key, such as pants with excess room and shoes that don't fasten too tight. Flying causes the human body to bloat and temporarily grow, meaning clothes can become even tighter in-air. 

Finally, plan for success. Pack a neck pillow, eye shades, back supports – whatever will help bring you comfort. You can also ask flight attendants for a blanket to help keep warm. Compiling all of the above, they say, can provide one of the most perfect recipes for in-air sleep. Keep them in mind the next time you travel. [Yahoo]

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Travel with the Inflatable BackMax

Traveling is generally something we love – it’s a chance to see new things or visit with old friends. To get out of the house and have a break from work, or life, or whatever else might be wearing you down. 

But that doesn’t mean that getting to your destination is always a picnic. More often than not, travel calls for rides in multiple vehicles and lots and lots of sitting. And just when you think it’s almost over, yes there’s even more sitting. However, for those suffering from medical problems, traveling logistics are even more unpleasant. 

But thanks to the inflatable BackMax, those of all ailments can gain relief on the go. Because air can be added (and then removed) as needed, patients have easy access to comfort, support, and extreme pain relief. Without having to transfer a bulky or heavy pillow on their trip. 

How it Works

The inflatable BackMax comes with the same setup as the original. Multiple wedges that can be moved and rearranged as needed to account for some of the worst pains or conditions. Including acid reflux, surgery recovery, chronic back pains, aches, and more. And because most of these ailments are put on high alert when traveling (whether from sleeping in a different bed or eating foods your body isn’t accustomed to), it’s also the time when you need relief the most. Especially for those who might be on the road for a big surgery – extra recovery time, and plenty of resting afterwards. Even when in the car.

To make the most out of your traveling logistics, the inflatable BackMax can help make the trip. Cutting out pains and lowering symptoms along every step of the way. Consider ordering yours today – and in plenty of time for your next big trip. 

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Survive your Next Road Trip with These 5 Items

Summer months are prime time for traveling. The weather is cooperating, seasonal events are taking place in your area, and it’s also likely that you’ve caught the bug. The one that makes you want to get out and see things and experience all types of culture … or your same old favorites, just at new venues. No matter your summer plans, however, chances are you have to travel to get to them. Even if it’s just slightly. 

No matter how far your next trip, these items will make sure you get there with plenty of comfort and support to spare.

5. The Twist Neck Pillow

Adjustable and the perfect size to keep your head upright – especially for sleeping in the car – try the Twist Neck Pillow for all your car sleeping needs. Bend as needed to create the exact shape and style you prefer.

4. Comfort Travel Cushion

Sitting for hours on end can be rough on the rear. But with the Comfort Travel Cushion, you can add plush layers right where they’re needed the most. Roll it up for extra neck leverage, or place behind the back for an added lumbar prop.

3. Inflatable Neck Cushion

This device is the ultimate travel companion. Not only does the Inflatable Neck Cushion provide some much needed neck reinforcements, it can be deflated for easy suitcase storage. Just inflate when needed, and press out the air when it’s not! 

2. Headache Ice Pillow

Driving (or riding) is known to make even the strongest headache-prone. Rather than fighting them off, relax with this made-for-pain pillow. Pack in an ice pouch and relax the aches away with the convenient Headache Ice Pillow. 

1. CPAP Pillow

Traveling with a CPAP machine can be a pain, but with this pillow, complete with strategic cutouts, life just got easier. Pack along this CPAP accessory for easy travel and even better sleep. 

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Airline Precautions with Comfort Travel Items

There’s no doubt that airline security is on the rise. It’s a good but necessary change, in order to keep everyone safe. On that quest, however, we also put ourselves through some serious scrutiny, like body scans, metal detectors, and more. Again, a necessary part of this safety process, even if it isn’t particularly fun. 

In order to make security checkpoints faster and easier for all involved, it’s first important to know flight regulations. How they change and what’s specific to your next destination. (Overseas is most difficult as this is hardest to get information for, and it can be more difficult to communicate when dealing with various native languages.)

This also might mean bringing on paperwork for all of your travel products, including pillows and seat cushions. This was brought to our attention when a long-term user of Contour items said she uses this trick, after having difficulties in a French airport with a support piece that sat in a pillow’s interior. Especially for items that can’t be opened or dissected for inspection. With its description, travelers can express the pillows’ make up to get on their plane in a far quicker fashion. 

Next, look up to ensure that you can bring on various travel items as a carry-on. You don’t want to be charged extra just because an airline’s rules were difficult to understand. (Almost all airlines offer unpaid carry-ons, but might count a purse or diaper bag as a separate item.)

Finally, determine which items you most need to make for an easy, comfortable flight. Based on the size of plane or length of flight, you might be more in need of neck support, seat cushion, or even a combo model that offers all of the above in a single combinable device.  

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