No Rest for Local Design Students in a Sleep Product Contest

by KYW's Lauren Lipton

There is a contest going on right now that could help you -- or your pet -- sleep better. 

"The challenge was for the students to design a memory foam sleep product suitable for retail.  That product could fall into the category of pillow, mattress topper, mattress, or accessories."
 
That's Jennifer Frank from FXI-Foamex Innovations, headquartered in Media, Pa.  The company makes foam for mattresses, and much more.  

Students at Philadelphia University have been busy working on their projects. Textile design grad student Sara Sheber and her group are working on a travel pillow:
   
"We are incorporating buckwheat.  Buckwheat promotes air circulation.  It's very light weight.  We also wanted to improve the user experience by designing a carrying case that will be incorporated into the body of the pillow, so that when you are walking through the airport you're not holding onto a pillow." 

Another group is working on a bed for cats. 

"All of the students on the particular team have cats.  So they thought, let's fix the problem.  Let's give the cat a better place to sleep." 

The winning team gets to launch its product at the International Sleep Products Association conference in North Carolina. 

That's Positively Philadelphia!

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(Photo provided)