Our Story
In 2017, I was working as a Product Manager at an international bedding company, focusing on research and development for new pillows. Around the same time, on a sunny Sunday right after Chinese New Year, I unexpectedly began coughing up blood. That day changed my life forever. I was rushed to the hospital, fell unconscious in the ICU for 1 month, and remained hospitalized for a total of 3 months. During that time, I vividly recall a moment when I felt certain I had died—I dreamt of being guided through places by a guardian (angel?) who offered comforting words.
In 2017, I was working as a Product Manager at an international bedding company, focusing on research and development for new pillows. Around the same time, on a sunny Sunday right after Chinese New Year, I unexpectedly began coughing up blood. That day changed my life forever. I was rushed to the hospital, fell unconscious in the ICU for 1 month, and remained hospitalized for a total of 3 months. During that time, I vividly recall a moment when I felt certain I had died—I dreamt of being guided through places by a guardian (angel?) who offered comforting words.
What hurts most is that the hospital decided to remove half of my lung due to an infection—without my consent. Although I understand it was done to save my life, deep down I felt my body had been violated. From that day on, I’ve been living with only half a lung and chose to quit my job to give myself the rest I desperately needed.
Living with half a lung comes with significant consequences: shallow breathing, reduced strength and fitness, and above all, difficulty sleeping. I can only sleep on my left side, and spending eight hours in the same position brings all the usual side-sleeper problems—frozen shoulder, misalignment between my spine and head (that dreaded “cricked neck”), and occasional trouble breathing.
What hurts most is that the hospital decided to remove half of my lung due to an infection—without my consent. Although I understand it was done to save my life, deep down I felt my body had been violated. From that day on, I’ve been living with only half a lung and chose to quit my job to give myself the rest I desperately needed.
Living with half a lung comes with significant consequences: shallow breathing, reduced strength and fitness, and above all, difficulty sleeping. I can only sleep on my left side, and spending eight hours in the same position brings all the usual side-sleeper problems—frozen shoulder, misalignment between my spine and head (that dreaded “cricked neck”), and occasional trouble breathing.
I tried countless pillows, including those from my former company—none truly helped. Desperate for relief, I dove into my own research on what an ideal side-sleeper pillow should be. With my then-boyfriend (now my husband), I experimented with every design aspect imaginable and finally arrived at a pillow that worked perfectly for me. And that’s how Pillowblox was born.
I tried countless pillows, including those from my former company—none truly helped. Desperate for relief, I dove into my own research on what an ideal side-sleeper pillow should be. With my then-boyfriend (now my husband), I experimented with every design aspect imaginable and finally arrived at a pillow that worked perfectly for me. And that’s how Pillowblox was born.
Today, Pillowblox supports thousands of side sleepers who face challenges similar to mine. My hope is that, through better sleep, we can help people become better parents, better leaders, and better children—one restful night at a time.
Welcome to the side-sleepers’ family,
Dwi Christanti
Founder & Hardcore Side Sleeper