Press Releases

March 24, 2010
The Winners of the FXI-Sponsored Student Design Competition Showed Their Innovative New Sleep Product to the Sleep Industry

CHARLOTTE, NC – March 24, 2010 – There are always certain events and particular companies that offer more fun than the normal fare at expos and tradeshows. The unveiling and presentation of the winning product prototype emerging from an FXI sponsored student product design contest was clearly a highlight of the recent ISPA EXPO in Charlotte, NC.

FXI, the Philadelphia area-based foam innovations company, selected the winners of its Philadelphia University Student Design Competition and then featured the winning product and the student design team at the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) Conference last March 3rd. and 4th.

The semester-long competition challenged 41 students from Philadelphia University’s Schools of Engineering and Textiles, Design and Media, and Business Administration, to create a new consumer sleep product using FXI memory foam. The winning team created an innovative new product called Adaptwo, a convertible crib mattress that has the ability to grow with a child by transforming into a twin mattress. The winning team, which was comprised of all seniors, included Lauren Gatto, Nicole Meluskey, Geoff Quinter and Eric Holzer, was invited to debut their product design at the ISPA Conference. The students were clearly excited and proud to tell the story of their ideas and development combining design talent with marketing and product development strategy.

“This was a tremendous learning experience for our students,” said Janet Brady, Associate Professor of Textiles, School of Engineering and Textiles at Philadelphia University. “It took them beyond the classroom and provided them with hands-on industry experience that is invaluable. I am so proud of all the teams for their hard work and for their truly innovative ideas.”

The students were judged on three main criteria: Innovation, Features and Benefits, and Commercial Viability. While innovation was an important factor, teams also needed to focus on how to market and sell their product and cater to the consumer.

“Our job at FXI is to uncover new foam solutions every day, and by partnering with Philadelphia University we can foster that creative approach to the industry among its next generation of designers and leaders,” said Alvaro Vaselli, Senior Vice President of Foam Products Business Management for FXI. “I was incredibly impressed by the student designs and look forward to growing this partnership and competition in the future.” Three companies supported FXI’s efforts to bring the student designs to life. Both Bekaret Textiles and PolarTech supplied the fabrics for the products, and A Lava & Sons Co. sewed all the covers for the products. “With the help of these three generous partners, the student designers were able to see their ideas turn into a reality, and we’re very grateful for their support,” Vaselli said.

See full article at: bedroom-mag.com