Back in 2012, two European designers, Key Kawamura and Ali Ganjavian of the Spanish design firm Studio Banana launched a bizarre yet compelling product that instantly caught the internet’s attention: the Ostrich Pillow.
Designed as a quirky cocoon for your head, it allowed people to take power naps anywhere at desks, in airports, even on park benches by plunging their heads into a pillow with openings for the nose and hands.
What began as an experiment in “micro-napping” became an icon of sleep tech. Its whimsical appearance compared by some to a squid or a head-shaped plush meteor made it an immediate internet sensation. Major media outlets covered it, memes exploded, and the product went viral.
The Rise of a Kickstarter Legend
The creators launched the Ostrich Pillow on Kickstarter in September 2012, asking for $70,000. They reached their goal quickly and eventually raised over $195,000 from nearly 2,000 backers.
People were intrigued not just by the humor of the product, but by its promise: reclaim rest in a world that’s constantly on the go.
The campaign marked the Ostrich Pillow as one of the earliest examples of a crowdfunded wellness product that achieved mainstream recognition.
Product Evolution and Brand Growth
After the viral fame, Studio Banana didn’t stop. They capitalized on the momentum and developed a family of sleep-related products, eventually spinning off the brand into Ostrichpillow®, co-founded by Pablo Carrascal. The company expanded its lineup to include:
- Ostrichpillow Light: A travel pillow with a sleeker, more portable design
- Ostrichpillow Go: A memory foam neck pillow designed for ergonomic comfort
- Ostrichpillow Mini: A hand or wrist pillow for power naps at your desk
- Ostrichpillow Loop and Hood: For sensory isolation and relaxation
- Heatbags and Eye Masks: Targeting stress relief and sleep hygiene
The company rebranded itself from quirky Kickstarter novelty to a premium self-care brand, focusing on science-backed rest and wellness tools.
Criticisms and Public Perception
While the original Ostrich Pillow was loved for its fun and boldness, not everyone took it seriously. Some critics labeled it impractical due to its bulk and odd shape, making users look, as one reviewer put it, “like a cross between an astronaut and a plush toy.”
Travelers often questioned its portability. And as the meme faded, fewer people wanted to use it in public. However, later iterations like the Ostrichpillow Go addressed those issues, offering compactness and sophistication.
Despite the critique, it never truly failed it adapted.
Is the Ostrich Pillow Still a Thing in 2025?
Yes, it absolutely is. The Ostrich Pillow brand, now operating as ostrichpillow.com, has continued to grow. It is now part of the global sleep and wellness movement, appearing in curated wellness stores, tech gift guides, and even therapy sessions.
In fact, its newer products are now praised for their ergonomic design, eco-friendly materials, and minimalist aesthetics, much removed from the wild look of the original AR-1 pillow.
On Amazon, REI, and Nordstrom, you can still find their pillows, masks, and accessories, all rebranded under a more lifestyle-oriented identity. The quirky Kickstarter brand has matured into a serious contender in the wellness and recovery space.
Meet the Founders: The Visionaries Behind Ostrichpillow
Key Portilla-Kawamura and Ali Ganjavian met while studying architecture in London during the mid-1990s. Their shared passion for innovative design led them to establish the design studio Kawamura-Ganjavian in 2000 and later co-found Studio Banana in Madrid in 2006.
Studio Banana became a hub for multidisciplinary innovation, focusing on user-centered solutions across architecture, product design, and urbanism.
One of their standout creations was the Ostrich Pillow—a cocoon-style sleep accessory that addressed modern lifestyle fatigue through playful yet practical design.
Their mission was clear: make rest accessible and comfortable, even in the busiest environments.
Pablo Carrascal, co-founder and current CEO of Ostrichpillow, later joined to scale the brand. With a background in product design, Carrascal guided the transition from viral novelty to a full-fledged wellness company.
He advocates for integrating “micro-moments of self-care” into daily life, and under his leadership, Ostrichpillow now offers a diverse range of products focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
A Legacy of Innovation and Adaptation
The Ostrich Pillow didn’t become a relic of internet culture. Instead, it evolved—learning from customer feedback, improving its image, and expanding its functionality.
It is now cited in design and branding case studies as an example of how a viral novelty can pivot into a sustainable business. Studio Banana, the parent design studio, continues to be involved in creative innovation projects globally.
FAQ
Q: What is the Ostrich Pillow?
A: A unique sleep accessory designed to help users nap comfortably anywhere, originally known for its cocoon-like shape.
Q: Who founded the Ostrich Pillow?
A: It was created by Key Portilla-Kawamura and Ali Ganjavian at Studio Banana, with Pablo Carrascal later co-founding the Ostrichpillow brand.
Q: Is the Ostrich Pillow still available in 2025?
A: Yes, it’s available through the official website and retailers like Amazon, REI, and Nordstrom.
Q: What products does Ostrichpillow offer now?
A: The brand now sells travel pillows, eye masks, heat bags, and wellness tools focused on sleep and self-care.
Q: Was the Ostrich Pillow ever criticized?
A: Yes, early versions were seen as bulky and unusual, but newer designs are more ergonomic and stylish.
TL;DR
The Ostrich Pillow went viral in 2012 for its odd design, but in 2025, it’s still going strong as a serious wellness brand with a wide product line.
