Canny Kiwis team with NASA to introduce high-tech pillow

When it comes to long-haul flying, pillows count and Air New Zealand is using NASA technology to gain a fluffy edge on competitors. The Kiwi carrier has become the world’s first airline to use an innovative new pillow equipped with technology used for astronauts to boost passenger comfort. The pillow is being deployed on the airline’s ultra-long-haul Auckland  Chicago route for passengers in its Business Premier seats. The airline says the pillow is coated with Outlast, a substance developed for use in space gloves to protect against extreme temperature fluctuations and keep hands cool. The temperature regulating product, awarded certified space technology by the Space Foundation, absorbs heat as the skin gets hot and as the skin cools the heat is released. The pillow is also hypo-allergenic and a decent size, an important factor for passengers who sleep on their side. Air New Zealand senior manager customer experience Niki Chave said NASA pillow was another example of the innovative ways the airline looked to enhance the customer experience. “We know quality sleep is important to our passengers, particularly those traveling in Business Premier on our long-haul routes,’’ she said. “This pillow allows passengers to lay on the side that regulates their temperature or sleep on the regular side, which ultimately gives them more control over their environment.” The pillow is also environmentally friendly, produced by premium German bedding company Paradies which actively uses in a CO2-neutral manufacturing process. The pillow is now available alongside the All Birds eye mask, which was introduced last year as a comfortable alternative to the airline staple. READ: Comfy mask ends light leakage. The All Birds mask also uses New Zealand merino wool and a castor oil-based foam to end the problem of light leakage. The comfortable mask, dubbed the Bird Mask because of its quirky beak, is reusable and made from “ZQ-certified” wool.  ZQ Merino wool is a high-end product that requires growers to meet standards in animal welfare, environmental care and social sustainability. ..