'Optimized for the nap experience': B.C. students dream up dog bed for humans
A pair of students at a B.C. university are combining their shared passion for entrepreneurship and napping by developing a dog bed that is designed specifically for humans.
Noah Silverman and Yuki Kinoshita, both studying international economics at the University of British Columbia, told CTV News Vancouver that as "avid nappers," their search for the perfect place to catch some Z's is what inspired them to found Plufl.
"It's supposed to be one of the world's first comfort products optimized for the nap experience," said Silverman. "We're super busy with school and work and we really struggled to find a really comfy and cozy spot to nap in, so the idea was really born from that love of napping and to use it as a tool to get energized and refreshed … and dog beds are so comfortable."
A Kickstarter for Plufl has already raised more than $125,000 as of Thursday afternoon, just one week after the co-founders launched the campaign.
"It's over four times our original goal, which is amazing to hit that within a week," said Silverman. "It's kind of funny seeing this product start from a goofy idea to something that people legitimately have a stake in and are invested in receiving it."
Kinoshita said word about the product really got out after they posted a TikTok video about it a little over a month ago.
"I think it got around nine million views and we got a lot of followers. The most crazy part was that a lot of these people actually wanted the product and they signed up to be notified when it's released," he said.
"So that really solidified the fact that there was a demand for something like this and just opened up a lot more doors."
At first, the pair thought that students would be the most interested in the product, but they quickly realized everyone could benefit from a nap.
"This product can be applied to virtually anyone that needs a nap. We've had moms reach out to us, working professionals, older people," said Silverman. "So it really does extend far beyond just, you know, students looking to take naps."
"People with severe stress and anxiety issues have said this will be really good for them," added Kinoshita.
According to the Kickstarter campaign, the beds are made by using an orthopedic memory foam for support with faux fur that is "calming to the touch."
"The border is made out of a loose pillow stuffing that lets you tuck your hands and feet inside, which is one of our favourite features," said Kinoshita. "It really maximizes the snuggle factor."
"It really is an anti-stress and anti-anxiety relaxation product. So we're trying to choose pillows and fabric to kind of just make you at ease when you use it," said Silverman.
Kinoshita said the bed was designed to fit someone up to 6'5" tall and it could sleep two people (or a person and their dog) comfortably.
"If you're on the taller side, you'll have to curl up a bit. But that's sort of what we envisioned as well. The fetal position is actually a very common way for people to sleep," he said.
The Kickstarter ends on May 12, and backers of Plufl will have their bed shipped by November.
"Now we're just gearing up for that mass production," said Kinoshita.
But the duo has even bigger plans for the future of Plufl, and hope that they can expand on it by creating other products to aid with sleep, including blankets, pillows and possibly even diffusers.
"This is just the first step of a really long journey and we're excited that we're off to a great start," said Kinoshita.
"Our end goal is to be the first sleep company that's fully nap-centered," added Silverman.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.