Umm, I think jatink said it was a major accident that caused the problem, not a botched surgery. Why is suing always the answer? A bad outcome does not mean malpractice. Could be that the surgeon's skill is the only reason (s)he can breathe through the nose at all.

Back to the topic... it sounds silly, but I've found that using a Thermacare heat wrap or other chemical "handwarmer" type product between my back and the seat (in conjunction with some of the other tricks listed above) goes a long way in letting me drift off to sleep. Focusing on the heat lulls me into a drowsy state. I do the same thing with the heated seats when I'm a passenger for a long car trip.