Why does a "side sleeper" label not solve the fit problem?
The label narrows the choice, but it does not fit the person. Sleeping position is only one input. Shoulders, neck, head and mattress firmness decide which pillow works. A standard pillow fits nobody exactly, and side sleepers are no exception. We would not ask your customers to pick a height and hope. The fit has to be determined.
This page is for retailers, e-commerce brands and bedding companies. Healthcare shops and professionals are supplied with our Pillowise brand only.
Which fitting method suits your channel?
The principle is the same everywhere. The method differs per channel, and so do the trade-offs.
| Concept | Channel | How it fits | What it asks of you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional fitting | Specialty retail, sleep specialists | A trained person takes three body measurements and determines the size on the spot | Staff time and training |
| Mobile scan (PillowScan™) | E-commerce, apps, omnichannel | A smartphone scan of shoulders, neck and head in about 30 seconds, no app required; the algorithm combines it with sleeping position and mattress firmness | An online flow that your customers complete themselves |
| Adjustable at home | Online and mass retail | One adjustable pillow; a short online test tells the customer how much filling to remove | The customer does the adjusting |
The concepts can be combined. You can read how each one works on our custom fit pillow page.
What if you need a product on the shelf first?
Our existing ergonomic and memory foam pillows are available as private label in your packaging. That is a fast way to add a proven product while a custom fit concept is developed. It is not custom fit, and we will not pretend otherwise. If you want to compete on fit, this is a starting point, not the destination.
How do we handle it?
Custom fit began with us in 2013. Pillowise was the first pillow sized on three body measurements, developed together with a physiotherapist. Our team of physiotherapists, product designers and engineers still develops the concepts and technology in-house, and we produce in our own 4,000 m² facility in Zevenbergen, with materials such as Symbio® memory foam and washable, OEKO-TEX® certified covers.
The private label process has five steps:
- Concept. Positioning, channel, price point and fitting method, with a cost indication.
- Design. Shapes, sizes and covers, with visuals and material samples.
- Development. Prototypes and samples for you to review.
- Production. Cut, sewn and packed in Zevenbergen, with quality control.
- Delivery and beyond. Worldwide shipping and continued improvement after launch.
The minimum order quantity for private label is 2,500 pillows. If you are still comparing options, the pillow finder helps you narrow them down.
So, is a side sleeper pillow the right move for your brand?
If you want a quick seasonal filler, a labelled standard pillow will do, but it will not set you apart. If you want a range that answers the fit question properly, a custom fit concept is the better move. It asks more of you at the start, in channel choice and in fitting flow. If you cannot commit to a fitting method, wait until you can.
Discuss your concept with us. A factory tour in Zevenbergen is possible by appointment.
Thijs van der Hilst, physiotherapist, co-founder of UCI