The Power Nap Stul

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Power Nap Chair offers individuals a means to rejuvenate in any environment. Its design strikes a balance between functionality, environmental impact, and aesthetics, embodying several key principles.
Firstly, ergonomics ensures the body is positioned optimally for relaxation. Secondly, privacy is maintained through the incorporation of a hood that shields from light and noise. Thirdly, simplicity reigns as the chair is devoid of technology, facilitating complete disconnection. Moreover, it is suitable for both large open spaces and smaller office settings. Finally, sustainability is prioritised by utilising carefully selected materials which are fully recyclable.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width 950mm x Depth 2000mm x Height 1170mm

Tags

Nap, Power Nap, Sleep, Chair, Productivity, Rest, Energy, Ergonomic, Office, Health

Production Technology

The chair has three key elements, a metal structure, an upholstered wooden body, and a foldable hood.

The metal structure is made of carbon steel profiles which are machine-bent and powder-coated and follow the triangle concept of the product, providing a stable base. The wooden body is made of 104 individual CNC milled birch plywood triangles connected to each other on each side of a carbon steel profile. The birch plywood is hand-sanded and finished with non-toxic linseed oil. Each triangle is then covered by biodegradable and flame-resistant memory foam and upholstered in woolen fabric. The hood is made from the same fabric and is specifically shaped to be foldable and provide the required privacy to the user.

Design Challenge

Our main challenge is reversing societal stigma around resting in the workplace by creating a product fit for modern lifestyle where relaxation and productivity intersect. From a technical perspective, the most challenging aspect of this design was ensuring the stability and durability of the cocoon-shaped structure. Marrying the inherently amorphous form of the hood with the precise geometry of the chair while prioritizing comfort and ergonomics required us to add additional support elements.

Research

Interviewing over 600 people across Sofia, Barcelona, and London revealed 67 percent had sleep-related issues. 90 percent of the interviewed people confirmed that they would use The Power Nap Chair to take short breaks or power naps during their workday should their employer allow them to do that. The final design is a result of multiple iterations based on user feedback.

Inspiration

An estimated 62 percent of adults around the world suffer from sleep deprivation which has a detrimental effect on health and causes low productivity. Milen, one of the co-founders, was part of the statistics for years until he discovered that power napping is a quick and effective solution to remain productive throughout the day. A power nap of 15 to 30 minutes is scientifically proven to increase cognitive performance, boost memory, and benefit one’s health by decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Milen looked for a product for power napping suitable for his
workplace, but available solutions were largely inaccessible due to their size and cost. Therefore, he got inspired to create a piece of furniture which is aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and
purposefully designed for optimal power napping. Milen teamed up with Martin, a talented interior designer who embraced the idea. The Power Nap Chair’s design is inspired by a cocoon, which embraces the body and makes the user feel protected, providing the ultimate space for relaxation.

Our product aims to de-stigmatise power napping at the workplace and revolutionise the way companies take care of their employees' wellbeing.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2022 in Sofia, Bulgaria, and finished in December 2023. The project was competitively selected by Innovation Norway for the Norway Grants, in the frame of the Business Development, Innovation, and SME Programme Bulgaria. The final prototype was exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in February 2024.

Operation Flow

There are very few furniture products on the market targeted at power napping. The two main competitors in the field are Metro Naps and Smarin. The product of Metro Naps is fixed to the ground, while the product of Smarin does not provide privacy so it is not optimal for shared spaces. Neither competitor uses sustainable materials. The Power Nap Chair improves upon all the disadvantages of those products.

Patents

https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/designs/015010440-0001

Image Credits

Martin Tsankov