Wiggy,
I think renrut's suggestion of the "cups" may have merit. I'm going to try it anyway, and TBH I couldn't care less about the other pax. Let them laugh!! I'll probably be in knots myself anyway!
We have little conical cups at our water cooler at work, and I'll pinch some for the next flight. They're not as big as the usual ones. Will report back.
All the best.