Side-Sleep: A Bionics Pillow for Comfortable Side Sleeping

Improving Sleep Quality and Promoting Breathing

The Side-Sleep pillow by designer Yao Lu is a revolutionary design that aims to enhance the side-sleeping experience. Inspired by the side-sleeping habits of contemporary individuals, this pillow provides a sense of security and comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep.

The Side-Sleep pillow addresses the common discomfort experienced by side sleepers, particularly those who place their hands under their heads for extended periods. This can lead to soreness, numbness, and reduced sleep quality. By offering a unique solution, this pillow aims to alleviate these issues and promote better breathing during sleep.

What sets the Side-Sleep pillow apart is its bionics-inspired design, imitating the structure of a butterfly wing. The upper layer of the pillow softly wraps around the head, while the lower layer provides support. This dual-layer design ensures optimal comfort and proper alignment of the neck and spine.

One of the key features of the Side-Sleep pillow is the space between the two layers. This allows users to place their hand between the layers, preventing numbness caused by nerve compression. By providing a comfortable resting place for the hand, the pillow ensures a more relaxed and restful sleep.

The Side-Sleep pillow is versatile and can be used in various scenarios. Users have the option to use the upper layer alone or both layers together, depending on their preferences and needs. This adaptability makes it suitable for different sleeping positions and ensures personalized comfort.

The pillow's construction utilizes high-quality materials for optimal comfort and hygiene. The outer material is made of 100S cotton satin, incorporating antibacterial technology from Switzerland. The inner layer consists of 40S cotton downproofs, preventing penetration and foreign body sensations. The filling is 95% Polish white goose down, providing a soft and luxurious feel.

With dimensions of 460mm*670mm, the Side-Sleep pillow is designed to accommodate a variety of users. The upper pillowcase measures 410mm*690mm, while the lower pillowcase measures 450mm*720mm. These specifications ensure a comfortable fit for different body types and sleeping preferences.

The Side-Sleep pillow project began in Japan and Hangzhou, China in March 2019 and was completed in March 2020. It was officially launched in Hangzhou, China in June 2020. Extensive research on contemporary sleep habits, body shapes, and user feedback informed the design process, resulting in a product that meets the diverse needs of individuals.

Yao Lu, the designer behind the Side-Sleep pillow, faced several challenges during the design process. The original integrated design only catered to side sleepers in specific scenarios. To enhance practicality and environmental sustainability, the concept of two layers was introduced. This led to the development of a split pillowcase, allowing users to use the upper layer separately or combine both layers. This innovative solution not only increases versatility but also promotes the reuse of existing pillowcases.

The Side-Sleep pillow has been recognized for its exceptional design and functionality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the pillow's well-designed, practical, and innovative features, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The Side-Sleep pillow contributes to a better world by integrating industry best practices and providing fulfillment and positive experiences for users.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Philip Lu
Image Credits: Philip Lu
Project Team Members: Yao Lu
Project Name: Side-Sleep
Project Client: Philip Lu


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