It has long been considered that a lie-flat bed is the only way to get a good night's sleep on a plane. But Boeing has issued a patent for a bizarre 'upright' sleeping support system that could mean economy passengers can sleep on long-haul flights too. Nicknamed the 'cuddle chair,' the somewhat comical idea could revolutionise the plane sleeping experience by eliminating the need for reclining seats at all. Boeing has just filed a patent for a 'transport vehicle upright sleep support system' known as a 'cuddle chair' It looks like a backpack and fastens to the back of the headrest to allow passengers to lean forward and rest their face and chest on the contraption. According to the patent for the 'Transport Vehicle Upright Sleep Support System,' and illustrative animated video from website PatentYogi, the head cushion will have a 'face relief aperture,' which is essentially a face-front pillow with a hole for breathing. The chest cushion supports the passenger's chest in a natural, forward-leaning motion, which will helpfully aid the traveller in a few precious minutes of shut-eye. Sleeping on a plane can be quite a feat - especially for those who don't have the money to splurge on business or first class seats. While some rely on a personal neck pillow, which is readily available to purchase in airports, Boeing's patent insists that the 'cuddle chair' is a far superior option. For those sitting in economy aircraft seats, the 'cuddle chair' offers a more natural way to get some sleep . The backpack will be located under the seat and straps will attach to the passenger's head rest . A 'face relief aperture,' or a face pillow with a hole for breathing, and chest cushion provide added support . The patent insists that this system is far superior to neck pillows due to sleep's 'natural horizontal tendency' Although a patent was filed, Boeing tells MailOnline Travel that no further information is currently available . According to the patent, the inflatable pillow is 'not a highly successful option due to the natural tendency of a sleeper to relax their muscles and fall to a more horizontal point.' If you're using a neck pillow, this may be the moment that it slips and you wake up. However, it may be a while until we see the 'cuddle chair' installed on Boeing aircraft, as the aviation company tells MailOnline Travel that it 'files many patents every year, but that doesn't necessarily mean we end up pursuing them.' A spokesperson for Boeing adds: 'We aren't providing any further information or comment beyond what was detailed in the patent filing.'
Recent patent filing shows plans for an 'upright' sleeping support system . Encased in a backpack, the cushions allow the passenger to lean forward . A breathing hole in the face pillow ensures extra customer comfort . Boeing says: 'We aren't providing any further information or comment'