Appuitête

Appuitête is a term used in ergonomics and seating design to describe a head-support mechanism integrated into a chair, seat, or vehicle seat, intended to stabilize the head and neck and reduce fatigue.

The term comes from French appui (support) and tête (head); the standard French form is appui-tête. In English-language contexts, appuitête may appear as an anglicized variant or in product names, but the preferred spelling remains appui-tête.

Design and function: A typical appuitête comprises an adjustable pad or cradle positioned behind the head, connected to the backrest by rails or a frame. Adjustable height and tilt help align the head with the spine, and the headrest is often designed to maintain neutral head posture. Some models include dynamic or multi-axis support that follows movement, improving comfort during long periods of use. Materials commonly include high-density foam, memory foam, and fabric or leather coverings. In automotive and aviation settings, careful alignment with seat geometry is emphasized to support whiplash prevention and comfort.

Applications: Appuitêtes are common in automobiles and airplanes, as well as office chairs and other seating. Properly adjusted head-support reduces neck strain during long sessions and, in vehicles, can contribute to whiplash mitigation and crash performance.

History: Head-support devices appeared with early automotive seating and were later adopted across other seating types, with ongoing improvements in adjustability, materials, and safety considerations through the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

See also: headrest; neck support; ergonomic design.