Bizarre invention goes viral

So when I heard about the Ostrich Pillow - a new, bizarre invention that allows users to comfortably sleep anywhere- I just had to find out more. The creation, which resembles a padded balaclava, is designed to help you to catch a few zzz's whether it be at work, on the plane, or waiting for a train. With space for your mouth and nose, the Ostrich Pillow has two holes at the top - enabling you to rest your face on your desk and keep your hands warm at the same time. Pretty cool huh?

Ali Ganjavian dreamt up The Ostrich Pillow, a cross between a luxury pillow and a balaclava which wearers can rest their head and hands inside. Mr Ganjavian, 33, hopes his quirky idea will revolutionise the powernap and prove to be a worldwide hit.

The inventor, who was born in Romsey,Hampshire, said: 'We spend many hours working all day and sleep is an essential part of our day. 'So I thought why not create a product that can help us unwind at work.'

The name is inspired by the way ostriches bury their heads in the sand.

Mr Ganjavian, who now lives in Madrid, Spain, said: 'I think it's a useful product that makes you smile whenever you see it.'

The Ostrich Pillow is made from washable fabric and comes in different colours. It has a hole for the wearer's mouthand two 'shelters' above the ears for their hands - ideal if they wantto rest their head for a quick snooze.

Even though it costs about R500 the Ostrich Pillow is proving popular - clocking up 500 sales in its first week - but Mr Ganjavian says he needs 70,000 to keep going. He's appealing for backing to cover manufacturing and design costs for the product, which he came up with after feeling tired at work.

The pillow is produced by Kawamura Ganjavian Studios, the firm Mr Ganjavian set up with a friend from university in 2000.

They now have offices in America, France, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Previous inventions include the Deskshell, which offers privacy to computer users in open-plan offices.