Repose Pillow — Moldable. Memory foam.

Can Objects Relearn the Architecture of Human Comfort?

Sensory • Soft Goods • Lifestyle

BRIEF

While sharpening my softgoods skills, I wanted to challenge myself to create a never-before-experienced pillow. I got the idea for a moldable throw pillow, which could be an ever-changing, customizable display or furniture accent, that doubles as a cushion.

Later, as I laid in bed, I wondered why moldable body pillows didn’t exist — something that can conform to anyone’s body, and hold its shape despite movement, providing a secure & grounding hug, for those with wandering, ever-active minds.

multi-functional

customizable

aesthetic

RESEARCH

Research has shown that weighted pillows can reduce insomnia, and provide an enhanced experience for users with ADHD, autism, and young individuals.

Pregnant women also report difficulty finding comfort and support with the limited positions they may find comfort sleeping in.

COMPETITORS

Wiggle Pillow

Limp — not stiff, supportive, or bendy
8×82 inches

Filling: poly fill fiber + polyurethane memory foam

Designed for Pregnancy - wide range of uses and positions intended for extra support

Sensory Friendly - Calms restless sleepers, can use for cocooning, and soft to the touch

According to Product Reviews:
The Wiggle Pillow lacks structure and support. Many claim it is under-stuffed, and hard to redistribute the filling, resulting in flattened gaps in the middle, and defeating the purpose of the product. Additionally, many are unsatisfied with the covers offered for the pillow, saying they are itchy and too rough for a comfortable experience.

Yana 360º Body Pillow

Fixed U-shape
55×18 inches

Filling: (1) latex fill or (2) latex-free natural cooling gel

Designed to hug the user’s body 360º and help them sleep better, relieving pressure from neck and back

According to Product Reviews:
The cooling gel helps users from overheating, and U-shape supports side-sleepers with a range of positions for both sleeping and sitting. Some claim that the filling does not keep its plumpness with time and use.

pregnancy

neurology

competitors

PROTOTYPE +
EXPLORATION

Ideation Sketches • to visualize options for execution

Scaled Prototype • to validate production method

Redirection • around the time of building the scaled prototype, I was donated some second-hand mattress toppers and roll of carpet pad. This launched the creation of a second, more accurately sized prototype, where the “guts” of the pillow housed the moldable wire in a way that didn’t let it move around freely, and also prevented the stuffing from becoming flat and limp, therefore maximizing support and comfort, a feature which competitor products lacked.

*Findings: Stuffing is too fluid in this format to house the wire without it poking out at awkward angles and interrupting a seamless cushioned experience. No convenient way to secure ends of the wire to the pillow stuffing or housing.

*Findings: 2 layers of wire is not stable enough to hold shape with the added weight/resistance of the thick memory foam layer; final should use more wire for more stability. Layering materials to sandwich the wire into the center works well to prevent the user from ever feeling the rigidity of the wire.

Pillow Cover and Casing Ideation • to plan the softgoods portion of the product