Comfort Solutions offers customized bedding with Sleep iD

System matches consumers' answers to a database to create a personalized bed

David Perry -- Furniture Today, September 13, 2010

Owen Shoemaker, left, and Dave Roberts, both of Comfort Solutions, stand with Sleep iD retail kiosk.

Sleep iD system displays pressure maps showing how beds will support consumers.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill. —- Comfort Solutions officials say they are offering a new generation of personalized sleeping comfort products with their new Sleep iD program.

The program, introduced earlier this year and fine-tuned at the most recent Las Vegas Market, is based on extensive consumer research that is packed into a computerized kiosk system that is affordable and works at "retail speed," company officials say.

The system prescribes two support options (primary and best alternative) among four body types/sizes. Each of those Sleep iD-brand beds can be built with dual comfort options so that couples can find the sleep system that best fits each partner.

Interest in dual comfort sleep systems is on the upswing in the bedding market, and the Comfort Solutions system could accelerate the trend.

Owen Shoemaker, senior vice president of product and marketing development at Comfort Solutions, who played a key role in bringing the Sleep iD program to market, says the system benefits consumers and retailers alike.

"Our strategic approach with Sleep iD is threefold," he said. "We want to provide personalized sleeping comfort that's affordable; to enable in-store shoppers to easily match their body to a specific model, using our Sleep iD BodyMatch technology; and to offer retailers yet another way to improve and facilitate the sales process for their customers."

The touch-screen kiosk system has an in-store application and an online version that consumers can use in their homes before they begin shopping.

The database was incorporated from hundreds of data files detailing height, weight, sleeping position preferences, gender and other size-specific elements that are used to identify the best fitting mattresses for those consumers. Consumers can type in their own data, or it can be entered by the retail sales associate.

The system presents pressure mapping data of how various sleep systems fit different body types, but it doesn't require the consumer to lie down on a pressure mapping system. An extensive statistical analysis of information entered on the touch screen by the consumer enables the system to quickly zero in on the Sleep iD sleep systems that will best meet consumers' support needs.

Members of the International Chiropractic Assn. consulted with Comfort Solutions on the design of the Sleep iD program, focusing on sleep systems that support the spine in a neutral position, thereby reducing stress, Shoemaker said.

The kiosk system is more affordable than other diagnostic systems, which will appeal to a broader range of retailers, officials said.

The system offers comfort and support options in three core levels. Each of those lines features encased coil innerspring models, cushioned with high-performance foams, latex or memory foams. The top-of-the-line Delta series offers zippered access to the top three inches of layers for customization and extended life of the comfort layers, the company said.

Retails range from $1,299 to $2,499.

Shoemaker said the line is another way that Comfort Solutions is setting itself apart from its competitors.

"Never before has a bedding company provided the fit analysis, price options and comfort choices for a variety of comfort and support materials in one place at one time in a single sleeping system for individualized comfort and support needs," he said.