Pluto Pillow is a company that sells uniquely designed customizable pillows. The personalized sleep pillow company manufactures pillows based on your sleeping and physical habits. Its patent-pending method offers the ideal balance of softness, cushioning, and stability for a restful night’s sleep
These pillows are comprised of permeable, temperature-regulating fabrics that keep you comfortable all night. These hybrid-design pillows include an inner foam core and a soft outer layer that are both suited to your specific needs. All you have to do is answer a series of questions about the position in which you sleep, your weight, and your height while placing your order.
They currently have almost 25 different types of pillows, which vary in their inner core foam height/density or have thick/thin outer covers. The company was founded by Kevin Li and Susana Saeliu when the latter looked for a pillow for her neck pain but couldn’t find one. That’s when the two decided to interview as many physical therapists and sleep experts as possible to figure out what would make an ergonomic pillow.
They decided that they wanted an algorithm that could design a pillow based on a customer’s personal preference. The pillows are quite expensive at almost $100 but they have a return policy. The two entrepreneurs came to Shark Tank looking to grow their business.
Are They Still an Active Company?
Yes, the company is active and still in business.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Susana and Kevin came to Shark Tank seeking an investment of $40,000 for a 5% stake in the company. They started the pitch by explaining what had led them to start the company and even handed out customized pillows for each Shark. They shared that they’d done their research on the investors and that’s how they’d come up with a pillow that would meet their expectations. They revealed that the secret behind this was their algorithm.
Then they got to the numbers. Their return rate was quite low since they’d managed to make $197,000 in 2018 followed by $473,000 in the next year. By 2020, they were at $490,000, which wasn’t much of an increase. The Sharks also didn’t like the margins since the pillows were costly to make too and shipping cost extra.
Lori was the first Shark to step out because she thought the market for pillows like these was already oversaturated. This was followed by Mark, who thought it might’ve been better to have pre-built pillows sold instead of customizing each with an order. After that Daniel and Kevin stepped out too because they either didn’t like the valuation or didn’t think the product was original enough.
Robert was the last Shark standing and luckily for the two entrepreneurs, he was interested in investing. He made an offer of $400,000 for a 20% stake in the company. They countered the offer with 9% but since they couldn’t come to an agreement. Pluto Pillow left Shark Tank without a deal.
Our Review of Pluto Pillow
We decided to try out Pluto Pillow for ourselves to see how it would fare in practice.
The good news is that placing the order for a pillow takes very little time and the final product is tailored to your individual needs. The cover is machine washable and the pillow supports your neck and head alignment while you sleep. The inner foam technology that the company uses makes the pillows more springy and comfortable. Plus the option to return or exchange the product is always there because of the company’s excellent customer service. The covers are also made of silk and have a premium feel.
The bad news is that the pillows are quite expensive as compared to other ergonomic pillows on the market. You’ll probably end up returning your order since you won’t know how the final product will turn out till it’s delivered and the covers are slippery, which might bother some people.
Pros and Cons of Pluto Pillow
Pros of Pluto Pillow
- Durable
- Customizable
- Easy to order
- Luxurious covers
- Trial period with return/exchange option
- Machine-washable
- Good customer service
Cons of Pluto Pillow
- Expensive
- Unexpected outcome
- Slippery pillow covers
Who Is Pluto Pillow for?
Pluto Pillow is mainly for people who don’t like the standard size and shape of pillows and find that it causes them back or neck pain. Or they feel too hot while they’re sleeping.
Are There Any Alternatives?
There are many types of pillows on the market, designed for different purposes. These pillows are classified as premium pillows, hence they cost more than regular pillows. With typical usage and adequate care, we should expect them to survive for years given the current technology and materials utilized.
However, even in the luxury category, you may discover cheaper alternatives.
One good alternative to Pluto Pillow is the Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, made of polyester and designed ergonomically. The design is meant to reduce stress in the spine and help address back and neck pain. The contours of the pillow also help you sleep and breathe better. It comes in two different heights, depending on whether you’re sleeping on your back or on your side.
The pillowcase is also made of breathable material but can be removed if that’s what you prefer. The neck contour keeps your neck in a neutral position while the shape supports your back. There’s also a cavity in the center to reduce pressure on your head and an armrest. They offer different types of pillows, depending on the kind of neck or back pain you’re experiencing.
Our Final Thoughts
Pluto Pillow is a good investment for people who feel too hot while they’re sleeping on normal pillows or have back/neck pain. The pillows are uniquely designed according to a person’s height and weight, which makes them a much better option as compared to standardized measurements. These premium pillows are machine-washable and provide good neck and head support while you’re sleeping.
They also have unique inner foam technology, which makes them soft and springy. However, the pillows are quite expensive (even for premium pillows) and there are cheaper ergonomic alternatives on the market. Plus there are a lot of unknown factors involved when customers are personalizing their pillows that may end up backfiring on the company.
