“Going Beyond Just A Pillow”. Cabeau’s CEO David Sternlight on the Evolution X
7 minutes read
Introduction by: Peter Marshall
California-based Cabeau is already an established leader in the travel accessories and pillows market in the travel retail channel. So, what prompted a further upgrade to its successful Evolution line?
According to David Sternlight, Cabeau’s hands-on CEO, it has a lot to do with the brand’s commitment to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in travel comfort.
In his words, “it’s about creating an experience that redefines comfort on-the-go”. David speaks with TRunblocked.com’s Contributing Editor Colleen Morgan about the evolution of Evolution X and the “slightly cheeky” and rather sexy Captain Pillow Talk.
Colleen Morgan (CM): Cabeau is a market leader in travel pillows. What pushed you to a further upgrade? What inspired the creation of the Evolution X, and how does it differ from your previous models?
David Sternlight (DS): At Cabeau, we are committed to improving the travel experience for our customers and always listen to our customers’ feedback. This has been crucial in pushing us to elevate our products further.
The Evolution X was inspired by the growing demand for more personalized comfort and support during travel.
You know the feeling. Once you’re settled in your seat, out comes the travel pillow and you try to relax… while Cabeau’s products have been, and still are, market leading, we recognised that traditional neck pillows often fall short in providing full support and adaptability, especially during long flights.
That’s where the Evolution X comes in. The pillow combines advanced ergonomic design to fit almost all necks with cutting-edge ergonomics to offer customisable support for a variety of body types.
Unlike previous models, the Evolution X includes adjustable height and firmness features, ensuring travellers can tailor their comfort for the ultimate rest. Additionally, its sleek, compact design makes it easier to carry.
This upgrade is about going beyond just a pillow – it’s about creating an experience that redefines comfort on-the-go.
CM: It took six years to develop the Evolution X – what prompted the name and what were the biggest challenges during that rather lengthy process?
DS: The development process, which indeed took six years, was driven by our commitment to creating a product that truly meets the evolving needs of travellers.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was designing a pillow that could cater to the diverse body types and sleeping positions of our customers while maintaining the portability and compactness essential for travel.
It’s fair to say that we worked tirelessly to perfect the balance between ergonomic support, comfort, and convenience. It was a lengthy journey of constant testing and refinement, but the result is a product that we’re incredibly proud of – one that reflects both our passion for innovation and our dedication to providing unparalleled travel comfort.
CM: And the name? Is it X for extra?
DS: The Evolution X name was chosen to signify a major leap forward in travel comfort, with ‘X’ symbolising the next level of innovation. It’s not just about ‘extra’ but rather about creating a truly transformative product that stands apart from anything else on the market. As for future models, we’re always exploring ways to evolve and enhance our products, but for now, the Evolution X represents the pinnacle of what we’ve achieved in ergonomic design and travel support.
The name itself reflects our commitment to continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in travel comfort.
CM: Can you walk us through the specific innovations – like the three-way adjustability and airflow vents – and how they were validated during testing, without getting too technical?
DS: The Evolution X features several key innovations designed to maximize comfort, starting with the three-way adjustability, which allows travellers to customize the pillow’s height, circumference, and fit for personalized support.
Whether you prefer a more relaxed or close-fitting feel, the adjustable features let you find the perfect fit for your neck. Another standout feature is the airflow vents, which help keep the pillow breathable and cool during long flights, reducing heat buildup and ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your journey.
During testing, we gathered extensive feedback from real travellers. We focused on all quadrants of generations – from Boomers to Gen Z through extensive surveying to in-person focus groups – to refine these features, ensuring we deliver on the comfort and functionality we set out to achieve.
CM: And the colour options?
DS: We wanted the Evolution X to fit seamlessly into any travel style. So, colours are neutral yet modern, appealing to a variety of tastes, from classic blacks to more subtle shades with a pop of our signature purple.
These colour choices were selected to be both practical and stylish, allowing the Evolution X to stand out while complementing a wide range of luggage and accessories.
CM: Do you think the Evolution X colour lineup is bold enough to appeal to Gen Z travellers?
DS: While the Evolution X colour lineup is designed to be modern and versatile, with its neutral tones and pops of purple, it also strikes the right balance for Gen Z. We wanted to offer something that feels fresh and stylish, yet still adaptable to different personal styles and travel aesthetics.
The colour choices are intended to be both practical and eye-catching, so they can appeal to a wide range of consumers – including Gen Z – who value individuality but also appreciate a sleek, timeless look.
CM: Cabeau emphasises ergonomics and spinal alignment – how did you involve medical or ergonomic professionals in designing this pillow?
DS: We collaborated with ergonomic professionals throughout the design process of the Evolution X, working closely with experts to ensure that the pillow supports the natural curvature of the neck and spine.
Their insights were invaluable in helping us understand the specific needs of travellers, particularly when it comes to providing consistent support during long periods of sitting.
CM: Did they identify the most common problems associated with long haul travel?
DS: Yes. By incorporating their expertise into our design, we were able to create a pillow that not only enhances comfort but also promotes better posture and reduces the risk of neck strain.
This collaboration was critical in developing a product that truly supports both the comfort and health of our customers while they travel.
CM: How did the Captain Pillow Talk idea come about? The videos are fun, suggestive and informative but tend to target female travellers. Or am I wrong?
DS: The Captain Pillow Talk idea was born out of a Cabeau brainstorming session with our fantastic director, Maria Bertrand.
We wanted to bring a fun and engaging way to educate travellers about the importance of comfort on the go, and the team came together to develop this playful concept.
We wanted to make the process of choosing the right pillow both entertaining and informative, so we crafted video content that blends humour with valuable insight.
While the tone of the videos may resonate strongly with female travellers, the content was really designed to appeal to anyone looking to improve their travel experience. The goal was to create something relatable and entertaining that speaks to the universal need for comfort, no matter who you are or where you’re going.
The fun, slightly cheeky nature of the videos reflects our brand’s playful personality, but, importantly, they’re inclusive, targeting anyone who values comfort and style on the go.
In travel retail, we always want to share [the video] where possible and will continue to do so where it makes sense through the year.
CM: Sustainability is a growing concern in travel gear. How does the Evolution X address environmental impact?
DS: The Evolution X is designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly RPET materials in the cover that reduce its overall environmental footprint. We’ve also focused on durability, ensuring the pillow lasts longer, which helps decrease waste.
Additionally, Cabeau is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices, including our plastic neutral commitment, to further minimise the environmental impact of our products.
We are a certified B Corp company, and we are – and have been – plastic neutral with our partner, Clean Hub, since 2022. They work in heavy ocean polluted areas to divert ocean bound plastics to actual recycling centres founded by locals. We offset our plastic usage by working with CleanHub on a path to end plastic waste completely for our brand.
For us, sustainability isn’t just a marketing tactic – it’s deeply personal. Achieving B Corp certification wasn’t about a badge for us. It was about making a meaningful commitment to leave the earth in better shape than we found it and this belief is shared by every member of the team, myself included.
Similarly, our partnership with CleanHub and our monthly volunteer days where we donate our time to local charities, reflect our dedication to making a tangible difference. While our sustainability efforts do resonate with younger generations, particularly Gen Z, we take care to avoid greenwashing or grandstanding. These measures are not about messaging – they are about doing what’s right for the environment and conducting business in a way that positively impacts the world on a global scale.
CM: How do you envision the Evolution X transforming travel comfort, especially as long-haul travel rebounds? Could this pillow be regarded as more revolutionary than evolutionary?
DS: As long-haul travel rebounds, we believe this pillow will become an essential companion for travellers seeking more personalised comfort during extended flights. The Evolution X addresses common travel discomforts like neck strain, head bobble, and poor posture, making it a game-changer in the travel accessory space.
While it’s certainly an evolution of our previous models, the unique features and innovations in the Evolution X may just make it a revolutionary step forward in the way we rest on the go.
* Please click here to access a recent interview with TRunblocked.com’s Peter Marshall and Cabeau’s David Sternlight focusing on the Nap Now Hoodie.
