Designing a Coconut Coir–Rice Husk Pillow Prototype: Measuring its Ergonomic Qualities Compared to Standard Pillows

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Materials Engineering (MEN)

School Name

National University - MOA

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Palero, Elton John & Marticio, Jordan Austin O.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/92594857524 Meeting ID: 925 9485 7524 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

The increasing demand for ergonomic efficiency and environmental sustainability has prompted the need to reassess conventional pillow design, particularly in relation to material composition and support performance. This study investigates whether a coconut coir–rice husk pillow prototype, along with a hybrid variant, can achieve ergonomic performance comparable to standard commercial pillows. Specifically, it examines differences in compression resistance and firmness, height and shape retention, and pressure distribution among the three pillow types. A quantitative, experimental, and comparative research design was employed, utilizing standardized machine-based testing procedures conducted in a professional testing facility. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests to determine statistical differences among groups. Results revealed no significant differences among the pillow types in terms of physical parameters (p = 0.681) and functional parameters (p = 1.000), indicating comparable performance in compression resistance, firmness, and thickness retention. However, significant differences were observed in comfort-related parameters (p < .001), with the pure agricultural waste prototype showing the highest mean values, followed by the hybrid and standard pillows. Despite this, some values exceeded optimal comfort thresholds, suggesting potential limitations in practical application. In conclusion, coconut coir and rice husk demonstrate strong potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional pillow materials, offering comparable ergonomic performance in key areas. However, further refinement is necessary to optimize comfort and ensure overall usability, supporting the development of environmentally sustainable and ergonomically effective sleep products.

Keywords

coconut coir, rice husk, standard pillows, agricultural waste materials, ergonomic qualities

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Designing a Coconut Coir–Rice Husk Pillow Prototype: Measuring its Ergonomic Qualities Compared to Standard Pillows

The increasing demand for ergonomic efficiency and environmental sustainability has prompted the need to reassess conventional pillow design, particularly in relation to material composition and support performance. This study investigates whether a coconut coir–rice husk pillow prototype, along with a hybrid variant, can achieve ergonomic performance comparable to standard commercial pillows. Specifically, it examines differences in compression resistance and firmness, height and shape retention, and pressure distribution among the three pillow types. A quantitative, experimental, and comparative research design was employed, utilizing standardized machine-based testing procedures conducted in a professional testing facility. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests to determine statistical differences among groups. Results revealed no significant differences among the pillow types in terms of physical parameters (p = 0.681) and functional parameters (p = 1.000), indicating comparable performance in compression resistance, firmness, and thickness retention. However, significant differences were observed in comfort-related parameters (p < .001), with the pure agricultural waste prototype showing the highest mean values, followed by the hybrid and standard pillows. Despite this, some values exceeded optimal comfort thresholds, suggesting potential limitations in practical application. In conclusion, coconut coir and rice husk demonstrate strong potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional pillow materials, offering comparable ergonomic performance in key areas. However, further refinement is necessary to optimize comfort and ensure overall usability, supporting the development of environmentally sustainable and ergonomically effective sleep products.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_MEN/3