SIJO: Five Years of Transforming Sleep and Healthier Indoor Spaces

This year, SIJO celebrates five years of redefining sleep with a vision that combines innovation, sustainability, wellbeing and style. Founded by Anni Stromfeld and Jacob Xi, the company’s name is inspired by “sijo,” a form of Korean poetry that represents purposeful and artful creation. This ethos is at the heart of SIJO’s mission: to engineer comfort and provide superior, sustainable sleep solutions that enhance well-being.

Through meticulous material research and a commitment to ethical manufacturing, SIJO has established itself as a leader in the bedding industry, offering products that meet the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility. Their flagship AiryWeight Eucalyptus Bedding Collection exemplifies these values, offering breathable comfort that has been rigorously tested and Certified by the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program to promote healthier indoor environments.

The Power of Certification

Since earning the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification in 2022, SIJO has gained significant recognition and consumer trust. This certification, awarded after extensive scientific testing, validates that SIJO’s bedding products meet strict criteria for supporting healthier homes, particularly for people with asthma and allergies, making it a great choice for wellbeing for all.

Key features of the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Bedding Collection, which includes sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, comforters, and mattress protectors, include:

• Allergen Protection: The fabric effectively blocks allergens like dust mite allergen from passing through.
• Breathability for Comfort: Designed to promote airflow and maintain a comfortable sleep environment.
• Ease of Cleaning: Durable enough to withstand frequent cleaning, ensuring allergens can be effectively removed by regular washing.
• Chemicals: Bedding has been assessed for chemicals known to trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

These qualities not only set SIJO apart but also align with their commitment to delivering products that improve sleep and indoor air quality.

Retail Success and Growth

The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification has been a transformative milestone for SIJO, driving retail expansion and consumer interest. In a recent interview with Leah McInerney, Client Success Manager for the Certification Program, SIJO’s Chief of Staff Elise Sabak shared how the certification has impacted the brand.

“The certification has really helped us meet our strategic goals. Our Certified AiryWeight collection is by far our best performing and continues to be even with the addition of new ranges, it’s the customer’s go to”, said Elise.

Elise also described the certification as a “seal of trust” that provides consumers with a compelling reason to choose SIJO products. It has become a key differentiator in the competitive bedding market, acting as an “objection buster” for retailers.

The certification’s influence is evident in SIJO’s partnership with major retailers like Nordstrom. Initially, SIJO’s products were featured in five Nordstrom stores. However, the popularity of the AiryWeight Collection— also known for its lightweight feel and cooling properties—quickly propelled the brand to 20 stores, and then to 40 flagship locations.

Meeting in New York

SIJO recently met with members of the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program at Enterprise Ireland’s New York office for an insightful ideation session. The discussion covered SIJO’s journey, emerging trends in the bedding industry, and opportunities for future growth.

A key takeaway from the session was the increasing consumer demand for health-focused products backed by science. With more people prioritizing wellness, third-party certifications like Asthma & Allergy Friendly® have become crucial for building trust and setting brands apart in the competitive market.

In fact, to celebrate their five-year milestone, SIJO has introduced five new colors to their Certified AiryWeight Collection, further catering to the demand for stylish and health-conscious bedding.

Reflecting on this growth, Elise Sabak shared, “The continued expansion of the AiryWeight Certified line and being in a position where we have new ranges that we’re looking to certify is so exciting because it means, one, we are growing as a brand, and two, it helps us continue to provide a healthier sleep environment and ideally a better sleep for people.”

Recognition and Awards

SIJO’s dedication to improving sleep health has not gone unnoticed. During her interview with Leah, Elise was presented with the Healthier Sleep Experience Award on behalf of the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program. This accolade recognizes SIJO’s exceptional contributions to creating healthier indoor environments and advancing sleep solutions.

“Sleep is one of the most vulnerable times of our day, fueling SIJO’s mission to create bedding with innovative materials to promote healthier rest. Our collaboration with Allergy Standards and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has allowed us to achieve and build on this mission through the certification of our AiryWeight Eucalyptus Bedding Line, and we could not be more proud to participate in the program, which provides peace of mind to our customers and community. We look forward to both continuing this collaboration and working to promote each other’s missions for healthier home environments, ” said Anni Stromfeld, Co-Founder of SJIO.

SIJO’s reputation for quality and innovation has earned them numerous accolades and consistent placements on industry “best of” lists. Their products are regularly featured by leading publications for their superior performance and value.

For example, Apartment Therapy recently praised the Sijo Eucalyptus Mattress Protector, writing, “Rarely in life is there a ‘total package’ product that checks all the boxes, but the Sijo Eucalyptus Mattress Protector actually does…It’s really the best!”

Forbes also lauded the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheets, noting, “These sheets meet that challenge while remaining affordable, something that helped Sijo’s AiryWeight Eucalyptus sheets earn a top spot on my list of the best cooling sheets.”

Additionally, CNN recognized the AiryWeight Comforter, awarding it their Editor’s Favorite for 2023, further solidifying SIJO’s standing as a leader in the bedding sector.

Looking Ahead

As SIJO celebrates five years of success, their journey serves as an inspiring example of how innovation, sustainability, and certification can come together to transform an industry. Their commitment to purposeful design and healthier indoor environments has earned them a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence.

Five years on, SIJO continues to redefine sleep—bringing science, style, and wellbeing to bedrooms everywhere.