About

In today's fast-paced and high-pressure world, we all expect to get enough comfortable sleep. However, research data suggest that adults are more likely to have a variety of sleep disorders (including sleeptalking, sleepwalking, teeth grinding, and insomnia). In the U.S., more than one-third of adults sleep less than seven hours per night on average. In August 2023, the Nightillow program began with the support of the Digital Media Studies Department at University of Rochester. We aim to solve the sleeping disorders of people aged 18-60+ by providing them with customized pillows. We conducted research on existing solutions and potential material choices for the pillow together with the help of River Campus Libraries and the Sleeping Center of U of R. We even successfully invited Little Design Co. and Bed Bath & Beyond for cooperation. After 4 months of investigation, Nightillow finally is ready to meet you all!

Our Story

Our Team

Team Lead

Junxiang Wang

Synthesizer

Xingyu Xu

Generator

Ning Ding

Generator

Yihan Zhou

Visual Designer

Aki Liu

Industrial Designer

Yukun Cai

Sleeping disorders caused by psychological stress or physical discomfort can be relieved by the choice of pillow core stuffing and fabric type for pillowcases. At our website, we empower customers to design their personalized pillows, offering a range of options (pillow material, pillowcase patterns, and delightful fragrances) based on the highest votes in our user questionnaire. We expect for our customers to achieve the perfect sleep experience, guaranteeing satisfaction with a 7-day free return period.

Our Goal

Q & A for Nightillow

Q: Why is the Li battery better than charger cable?

A: Nightillow, equipped with a Li-ion battery, can function independently of a power source, enhancing mobility and convenience. This design eliminates the discomfort of cables in bed, allowing users to position the pillow freely without cable length constraints. A pillow with a charging cable might present safety risks, such as overheating if the cable is accidentally covered with bedding. Moreover, there's a potential for electrical hazards if the cable gets frayed or if the connection is exposed to moisture.

Q: Are there safety concerns regarding the Li-ion battery, and are specific regulations required for compliance?

Li-ion batteries are chosen for their extended life cycle compared to other rechargeable batteries. They withstand hundreds of charge/discharge cycles with minimal capacity loss, making them ideal for daily-use products.
It's crucial to acknowledge that Li-ion batteries have limitations. They are sensitive to high temperatures and may overheat if not managed correctly. Therefore, devices with Li-ion batteries need a well-designed charging circuit to regulate the charging process and prevent overcharging.

Q: How are the scents loaded into the pillow?

A: Scents can be introduced through replaceable diffuser oil pods, similar to those used in electronic diffusers. These pods are designed to fit securely into a compartment in the pillow, which is accessible for replacements or refills. A design that enables easy access for changing these diffusion oils, while also ensuring they remain firmly secured during use, is crucial.

Q: How do you balance the idea of allergies with the idea of scents?
A: Balancing scent introduction in pillow design with allergy concerns hinges on customization and control. Users should be able to choose hypoallergenic scents or a fragrance-free option. The app should offer detailed information about each scent, including ingredients and potential allergens. Providing a variety of natural, organic scents also accommodates users with sensitivities.

Q: How to change the diffusion flavor?
A: Changing the diffusion flavor can be easily done by replacing the scent oil. The app assists in this by alerting users when an oil is running low and guiding them through the replacement process. Additionally, it offers a catalog of available scents, enabling users to select or blend different fragrances from our website according to their preferences.

Q：How to turn on and off the scent?

A：The pillow features an integrated blower system. Activating the diffuser function enables the system to emit fragrance through a gentle breeze, simultaneously providing a cooler temperature for the neck. When the diffuser function is deactivated via the mobile app, the blower ceases, trapping the fragrance inside the pillow. This design, inspired by a recommendation from the University of Rochester's sleep center, is based on the concept that low-temperature pillows can promote more restful sleep.

Solutions and Regulations for the Potential Risk of Li-ion Battery

Battery Management System (BMS): Essential for monitoring and regulating the battery's temperature, voltage, and current, a BMS helps prevent overheating and overcharging.
Quality Construction: Sourcing batteries from reputable manufacturers who adhere to stringent quality standards minimizes risks associated with inferior battery construction.
FCC Standards: These include regulations for battery-operated devices, ensuring they do not cause harmful interference with other electronic equipment.

Return Policy

Nightillow offers a 7-day no-questions-asked return policy. Customers have a 7-day free trial to assess their satisfaction with the pillow. If unsatisfied for any reason, they can return the product within 7 days of delivery for a refund. Products deliberately damaged are not eligible for return. Upon choosing to return, customers may receive a survey, which they can fill out at their discretion. Though optional, valuable feedback is greatly appreciated for future product improvements.