Effects of pillows on sleep ergonomics

Abstract: Pillows are an important part of sleeping comfort. The goal of the master thesis was to get a better understanding of pillows for IKEA. To reach that goal, a customer study of 20 customers was performed. Information about and measurements of each customer were collected in order to find a pattern between data and opinions of pillows. Each customer laid on a mattress and tried five different pillows and answered questions about each pillow. A multiple regression analysis was created to find if there was a pattern. The analysis suggested that there is an indication that the ergonomic pillows are more likely to have a pattern. A customer survey with 199 responses was created to act as a complement to the study. The survey emphasized how unpredictable people’s habits are. Simulations were created to get a better understanding specifically about the side lying position. The simulations were performed both with a dummy with average BMI as well as with high BMI to find the similarities or differences between them for the ergonomic pillows. In the case with dummy with high BMI, a misalignment between the mattress and the spine was observed which indicates discomfort. The average BMI had a straighter spine, indicating in comfort. A measurement of the distance between neck and shoulder and the angle, indicates that shape does have an affect on giving a better spine alignment. Specific ergonomic values could not be determined, like anthropometry. The main outcome of this thesis is that customers personal opinions are important and they may not always choose a pillow based solely on great ergonomics.