Headrest problem

[ta240]

yikes, i can't understand how people drive like this, sitting on top of the wheel....

6'3" and 5'1" and no problems with headrests here on either of our cx-5's

There are those that sit back from the wheel but still like the seat in a more upright position.

But in reality it does come down to preferred seating position, I prefer to sit with my back mostly upright and fully against the seat. With the headrests the way they are I have to sit with my shoulders out away from the seat and the seat back tilted back more so the headrest doesn't push forward.

Is it going to bother everyone? Nope. Is it unusual in modern cars? Nope. Would it be cool to have active head restraints? Yep.

I'd be willing to bet that they put the seat at a very straight up and down angle to emphasize their point in the picture. But going off the picture the headrest is at about a 30 degree angle and pushing her head forward 20 degrees. Sure, her hair is up but it isn't that thick there and some people actually do wear their hair up.

I know that isn't a common seating position anymore as everyone likes to do the gangster lean while they drive with the seat back reclined behind the B pillar

And if you tilt the seat back so that the headrest isn't so far forward how is that different for whiplash protection than having the headrest not be so far forward to begin with?

 

[STE92VE]

I know that isn't a common seating position anymore as everyone likes to do the gangster lean while they drive with the seat back reclined behind the B pillar

Please don't generalize.

 

[CX-SV]

The "gangsta lean" comment is as funny as the picture above. Regardless both of those driving positions do not contribute to safe operation of subject vehicle (CX-5).

 

[mixmasterlove]

I believe the OP refers to this situation.

http://www.chicagonow.com/drive-she-said/files/2012/07/CX5_headrest.jpg

This chick is so close her nipples probably touch the steering wheel.... On the bright side she can definitely see the front of her bumper

 

[HandA]

it is just a common shape of seats anymore.
Ford fusion:

Honda Accord:

just search for "head rest too far forward" and there are a lot of results from just about every make and model.

Without the active setup mentioned above you end up with head rests that are leaned forward all the time. And since the majority of people don't notice them then that would indicate that they are in the correct position for the majority of drivers. Because if they were tilted back more then for all those people that currently like them they wouldn't provide the proper level of whiplash prevention.

 

[HandA]

I guess those with pony tails need the Verano Head rests
http://content.usatoday.com/communi...uick-verano-made-for-ponytails/1#.UUNM6RzrzTg

although there is one interesting line in that story "The government mandates how far a driver's or passenger's scalp must be from the headrest. "

 

[popeyecahn]

This chick is so close her nipples probably touch the steering wheel.... On the bright side she can definitely see the front of her bumper

lololol, I heard a story once about David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Stiv Bators driving around LA in a Caddy (mid 70's) and Stiv took to driving the car with his erect male part. Greg Shaw told me this and he's dead (as is Stiv) so only Bowie or Iggy can verify this tale...


Anyway... back to topic, I found the headrest to be initially very annoying, but after several days and some adjustment I hardly know they're back there. I'm 5-7 if that matters (only in basketball).

 

[CDub125]

I believe the OP refers to this situation.

http://www.chicagonow.com/drive-she-said/files/2012/07/CX5_headrest.jpg

The bun isn't helping her sitch.... who sits at a 90 angle?... My seat is tilted back 5-10 passed 90 and I never make contact with the headrest.

 

[stromdriver]

i dont like crazy recline, i sit just hair back from 'upright' and i dont do the hellafied gansta lean, nor do i get funky on the mic like an ol patch o collard greens

but that chick is beyond upright, and she has to have that wheel rubbing in her lap as high up and forward as that seat is

maybe she has really short legs cause tojo took her shins

 

[popeyecahn]

maybe she has really short legs cause tojo took her shins

Watch out cuz she mighta killed fitty men!

 

[nickdeck]

Until I read this thread, I didn't realize my car had headrests. Then, I removed them from the back seats and I could see better in the rear view mirror. Nobody ever sits back there, so **** 'em.

 

[CX-SV]

^ Just fold down rear seats, then no need to remove headrests.

 

[paris1]

^ Just fold down rear seats, then no need to remove headrests.

Post deleted.

 

[kzeliff]

I too am very uncomfortable with my CX-9 headrest. I am 5'4". I have had a broken tailbone for a long time, and now know that I have neck and low back problems as well. My chiropractor agrees that I'm in a bad position. Either the headrest has to be changed, or I need back and seat supports to bring me into correct posture. I'm not safe now, nor am I comfortable. Reversing the headrest and bringing seat angle up feels weird, so I'm not sure if it's right or not.

It looks like I'm going to have to troll junkyards for old headrests, eh? Or ebay. WOnder if that will work for me.

 

[paris1]

I too am very uncomfortable with my CX-9 headrest. I am 5'4". I have had a broken tailbone for a long time, and now know that I have neck and low back problems as well. My chiropractor agrees that I'm in a bad position. Either the headrest has to be changed, or I need back and seat supports to bring me into correct posture. I'm not safe now, nor am I comfortable. Reversing the headrest and bringing seat angle up feels weird, so I'm not sure if it's right or not.

It looks like I'm going to have to troll junkyards for old headrests, eh? Or ebay. WOnder if that will work for me.

If I were in your shoes and that desperate, I think I would find a good upholstery shop and see if they can modify one or both headrests for you.

 

[MikeM.]

I am 5'4". I have had a broken tailbone for a long time, and now know that I have neck and low back problems as well. My chiropractor agrees that I'm in a bad position. Either the headrest has to be changed, or I need back and seat supports to bring me into correct posture. I'm not safe now, nor am I comfortable.

You might see if your medical insurance has coverage for custom orthopedic seating for those with special needs. No manufacturer is able to provide a seat that is ideal for persons of every conceivable height and chiropractic/orthopedic need. A specialist might prescribe a custom seating solution.

 

[Oblithian]

That pic is over dramatic. Not only is she 4 foot 9 the seat is at a straight 90* angle. No one drives like that. Tilt the seat back some, and if your that short get a booster seat cuz obviously the headrest is the least of your problems, seeing out the window over the dash is.

Lots of people sit at 90 it is as if you were sitting at a chair with good posture, but the head restraint gets in the way and makes it uncomfortable. I took the head rest out just to see, and man does that seat feel wayyyyy more comfortable. I am 6'2" with the 2014 Mazda 6 I have the same issue only worse, to reduce it I tilt the seat back and leave the headrest as low as it can go. However, 3 problems arise, 1 it doesn't fix the problem if I sit with my back against the seat, 2 I hunch more (which is bad for extended durations), and 3 (edit) what invader zim said

if you tilt the seat back so that the headrest isn't so far forward how is that different for whiplash protection than having the headrest not be so far forward to begin with?

People on this forum are complaining about ooh safety, but other manufacturers have tilt headrests that are perfectly safe. All it needs to do is press on your head a touch unlike the older cars like cavaliers, my 1989 Oldsmobile etc. where your head isn't even touching the headrest.

I mean there are people returning and selling their vehicles over this, Mazda should just put tilt in future vehicles.

 

[paris1]

People on this forum are complaining about ooh safety, but other manufacturers have tilt headrests that are perfectly safe. All it needs to do is press on your head a touch unlike the older cars like cavaliers, my 1989 Oldsmobile etc. where your head isn't even touching the headrest. Mazda should just put tilt in.

You can't compare a vehicle designed to meet 2014 government-mandated specs with vehicles built a quarter century ago. You want to blame someone, blame your government! BTW: check out the headrests of other current vehicles. They're pretty much all the same.

 

[CX-SV]

I will gladly take the safety, including headrest safety, (not to mention efficiency, handling, braking, quality, reliability and style) of my 2013 Mazda versus a 1989 Oldsmobile.

I've seen what happens (long term) to somebody with neck injury from bad rear-ender car crash, I'm glad the regs regarding headrests have been upgraded. I want the improved protection from that kind of injury.

 

[fdew]

If it doesn't work for YOU, fix it. Being comfortable is a safety issue
Find a seat you like and put it in or have it put in.
Here is a thread where a guy put in a racing seat.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123839091-Here-s-what-an-unemployed-engineer-does-to-his-CX-5-sport!!!&highlight=light%3DEngineer

If you are uncomfortable doing it your self, look around your area and find a place that modifies vehicles for the handicaped they know how to make changes and keep things safe.