A head restraint system for use with a vehicle seat and configured to cushion the head of a seat occupant in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle seat is disclosed. The head restraint system generally includes a head restraint cushion configured to be supported at a lateral side of the vehicle seat and at a position that is perpendicularly fixed relative to the vehicle seat. The head restraint system also includes a support member having a first end for supporting the head restraint cushion and a second end for coupling the head restraint cushion to the vehicle seat. The head restraint cushion includes at least one missing portion for allowing improved peripheral communication by the seat occupant.
