UC to Hong Kong with painful hip problem

Flying LHR-HKG in UC again in early April and need to sleep because of hectic few days of meetings after arrival. Unfortunately have hip problem at the moment and hard UC bed (by my standards) makes it worse. Had hoped to take travel memory foam with me, but turns out far too big/heavy. Anyone got any suggestions? Should I speak to Virgin beforhand? Not sure they can do anything much really. Impressed that members of this forum seem to know so much about Virgin flights!

[Nottingham Nick]

Welcome to the site. y)

Inflatable cushion around the affected area? There are lots of different strappings and paddings available at sports outlets to relieve pain and support all areas of the body.

The biggest thing, that almost goes without saying, is to ensure your insurance company as aware of, and are happy to cover problems with, your pre-existing condition. They seem to be getting really hot on this at the moment. I have a couple of colleagues who have fallen foul of this in Europe. I would hate to think of potential costs further afield.

Nick.

Welcome!

Wasn't there a thread a long time ago about some sort of blow up mattress than was specifically designed for use on airplanes - no pumps or gas cartridges.

Recall there were two sizes and that they folded up into a really small space but no idea on a name of the product or the manufacturer.

A brand is mentioned in this thread

If the flight isnt full an extra duvet (or even two) would be helpful. I always sleep on the duvet anyway and have managed on a number of occasions to either bag an extra duvet or a blanket from PE. And if not, take the duvet out of its cover, put it on the suite with the thin quilted "bottom sheet" on top
and use the duvet cover as a top sheet.

Regards
R3dV

Depending on the load in UC (IMHE often chocka on the LHR- HKG route) I'd suggest using a spare UC duvet to soften the mattress ( presumimng there are any spare from unoccupied seats). You would need to be quick though as spare pillows and duvets seem to be gathered up swiftly by the crew to be taken down to the crew rest area.
DL

A brand is mentioned in this thread

Yep, can recommend Thermarest products, being an ex-climber/mountain type person, before work and families came along (thats my excuse ). Have spent many a night sleeping on these, they are excellent at creating a cushion in a product thats so thin, you think It'll just not be that effective..

Best bet is head into Ellis Bingham/Nevisport/ type places, (Cotsworld may have) i.e. a decent climbing shop not just Millets/Blacks etc.. and have a look at a few.. Other leading outdoor shops may be available..

You want the Blow up type.. (a sentence I never expected to be typing on a sunday afternoon... )

NB To echo Nicks point, get specific cover for your Hip issue with Insurance.. the insurance weasels will squirm out of any loophole offering..just ensure you are covered..

NH

If the softness of the bed is important, I assume you have trochanteric bursitis. Get the bursa injected, preferably under Ultrasound control. You need 7-10 days for it to make a significant difference.

Interesting thread is this. I found the UC bed to be way too hard when I flew from London - Shanghai on it.

I didn't sleep a wink and thought that unless I was totally zonked, I wouldn't ever manage it on any UC flight.

I always fold the duvet in half length ways and sleep on that. It is always too hot in the night for me anyway so that is not a problem. It makes a big difference.