CRI听力:Sleep Support Popular among Consumers

When a vast population is on the move, the discomfort is beyond imagining. Sitting in a train for 20 hours is not uncommon for those who can't afford the much faster and pricier bullet train.

But now we have this. With two adjustable cushions supporting the user's head and chest, the sleep support is said to provide a comfortable way to sleep for train travelers on long journeys.

However, many consumers doubt that it works.

"The pillow, especially the neck pillow, may work. But as sleep support, I don't think it can be used, as there won't be enough space for you to sit it in the train."

The product's ad is quite appealing and claims the design is ideal for supporting the human frame. It's priced between 100 and 200 yuan and has sold well according to Taobao sellers. Here is one Taobao seller.

"The sleep supports sold very well recently. Every day I receive at least 10 to 20 orders from online consumers. Most buyers are students and people who failed to buy sleeper train tickets and want to try this invention during their long trip home."

Apart from the "sleep support", there are also portable paper diapers and urine collectors sold online. They are designed to solve the difficulty of finding a toilet on long journeys, whether you're traveling by train or stuck in a traffic jam.

Some are convinced by the novelty.

"It usually takes such a long time to get home. I don't think about the safety or reliability of these products, as I simply want to be more comfortable during the long journey."

However, other consumers say they won't use these inventions, as they are worried about potential risks.

"I don't think I will use them, I'd rather bear the discomfort, as they seem unsafe. If the train gets bumpy, I am afraid this stuff will break and hurt me."

Experts advise people not to rely solely on the sleep support, as bending the head and chest forward for a prolonged period is not natural for the body.

Professor Hong Tao from the Beijing Technology and Business University reminds consumers to be cautious when selecting these inventions.

"Some product sellers simply want to increase their sales; that's why they sometimes exaggerate the function of the products. Consumers should be aware of the function and negative effects it may bring."

The Spring Festival travel rush in China has been dubbed the world's largest annual migration of people as hundreds of millions set off on their journey home. This year's Festival will fall on February 10th and the travel peak began on January 26th.

China's railways are expecting 225 million passenger trips during the 40 days rush - a number that's been rising steadily every year.

For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.