We recently connected with Gabriel Durand and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

How the Neck Sofa® Pillow Was Born: A Mission to Help Relieve Pain

Hi, I’m Gabriel, the co-inventor of the Neck Sofa® Pillow, and this is the story of how a devastating car accident led to the creation of a product that has helped so many find relief from pain.

It all started when my wife, AJ, was in a head-on car accident that left her with severe whiplash. The pain was constant and debilitating, more than just neck discomfort. She suffered from ringing in her ears, dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion. Watching her struggle through each day was heartbreaking, especially as doctor after doctor provided no guarantees that surgery could help. Some even warned it might make her condition worse.

AJ explored every possible treatment, acupuncture, spinal injections, specialized exercise programs, but nothing worked long-term. She didn’t want to rely on pain medication and was determined to find a holistic way to help relieve her neck pain. As her husband, I felt powerless to help, and that was a pain of its own. I knew there had to be a better way.

A Search for Relief

After years of searching for solutions, AJ began looking for a neck support pillow that might provide comfort. She tested them all: inflatable pillows, bead-filled designs, and rigid memory foam options. None provided the alignment and support her injured neck needed. They were either too low, too stiff, or simply uncomfortable.

It was during one of these moments of frustration that an idea struck me: if we couldn’t find the right pillow, why not create one ourselves? I couldn’t bear to see AJ suffer any longer. I became determined to design a pillow that would finally provide the relief she deserved, and that’s how the journey of the Neck Sofa® Pillow began.

Creating the Perfect Solution

I set out to identify what was missing in existing neck pillows. They lacked proper support, they were either too low, too stiff, or just plain uncomfortable, and didn’t address the need for head and neck alignment. I envisioned a pillow that was both supportive and soft, one that could adapt to AJ’s needs and provide lasting comfort.

Together, AJ and I began designing and testing prototypes. We developed the idea of an Inner Support Structure (I.S.S.), a flexible frame that would provide stability while being wrapped in soft, lightweight memory foam for comfort. Over the course of two years, AJ became the test subject for every iteration of the pillow. She was my inspiration and guiding force.

When we finally perfected the design, we invested everything we had, our life savings, to bring the Neck Sofa® Pillow to life. It was a risk, but we believed in the product and its potential to help others.

How the Neck Sofa® Pillow Changed Everything

The day AJ tried the final version of the Neck Sofa® Pillow was unforgettable. For the first time in years, she felt supported, comfortable, and pain-free. It was the beginning of her recovery journey, and I knew we had created something special.

The Neck Sofa® Pillow features:

• A patented Inner Support Structure (I.S.S.) to ensure stability and proper neck and spine alignment.
• Soft, adaptable memory foam for unparalleled comfort and support.
• A patented design with 12 adjustable positions, catering to a wide range of needs like relaxation, recovery, and lumbar support.
• A removable and washable cover for easy maintenance and long-lasting freshness.
• A lightweight, portable design, complete with a clear, stadium-approved carry bag for travel convenience.
• Chiropractor and spinal surgeon endorsements, highlighting its ergonomic benefits for posture improvement and tension relief.
• A versatile design perfect for daily activities, travel, meditation, massage, and recovery.

The Neck Sofa® Pillow is a premium choice for anyone seeking comfort, support, and wellness in one innovative product.

The best part? It didn’t just transform AJ’s life; it has the potential to help others dealing with neck pain, poor posture, or recovering from injuries. But its benefits extend beyond that. This innovative pillow has also become a premium travel companion and an essential tool for everyday comfort, proving to be far more versatile than we initially envisioned. It’s not just a pillow; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for relief, support, and a touch of luxury in their daily life.

A Mission to Help Others

Seeing AJ reclaim her life inspired me to share the Neck Sofa® Pillow with the world. Since its launch, it has been recommended by a Spinal Surgeon, chiropractors, loved by travelers, and trusted by people recovering from injuries.

Every time I hear a customer say the Neck Sofa® Pillow has changed their life, I’m reminded of why we started this journey. What began as a mission to help my wife has grown into something so much bigger, a way to bring relief, comfort, and support to anyone who needs it.

For Those Searching for Relief

If you’re dealing with neck pain, tension, or discomfort, know that you’re not alone. The Neck Sofa® Pillow was created with you in mind, inspired by a story of love, perseverance, and the belief that no one should have to live in pain.

Ready to experience the difference? Visit necksofa.com to learn more and find your path to comfort and relief today.

From my family to yours,
Gabriel Durand
Co-Inventor of the Neck Sofa® Pillow

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Gabriel Paris LLC is committed to enhancing wellness, comfort, and quality of life through innovative solutions like the Neck Sofa® Pillow. Based in Southwest Florida, I, Gabriel Durand, am French-American, and my wife, who co-founded this journey with me, was born and raised in the United States to an American father and a Japanese mother. Together, we bring a blend of diverse cultural values and a shared passion for improving lives.

What We Provide

At Gabriel Paris LLC, our primary goal is to create high-quality wellness solutions that serve a variety of needs. With the Neck Sofa® Pillow, we address common challenges like neck tension, posture issues, and discomfort from extended periods of sitting or travel. It’s ideal for:

• Office professionals looking for support during long workdays, improved productivity, and comfortable power naps.
• Frequent travelers needing a supportive and comfortable neck pillow for better relaxation on the go.
• Individuals recovering from surgery or injuries who require enhanced neck and spine alignment for improved comfort.
• Those seeking relaxation during meditation, massage sessions, or simply unwinding after a long day.

What Sets Us Apart

What makes Gabriel Paris LLC stand out is our attention to detail and commitment to creating products that are both functional and versatile.

Our flagship product, the Neck Sofa® Pillow, is engineered to provide exceptional support for the head and neck, blending functionality with versatility. Its unique patented Inner Support Structure (I.S.S.) distinguishes it from typical neck pillows, delivering ergonomic advantages while being both lightweight and portable. This item goes beyond mere pain relief; it’s a comprehensive wellness solution ideal for travel, relaxation, and daily use.

Our Vision

At Gabriel Paris LLC, we believe that comfort and wellness go hand in hand. Our focus is on creating solutions that make life easier and healthier for our customers. Whether it’s supporting recovery, improving posture, or enhancing relaxation, we’re dedicated to helping people live more comfortably and confidently.

What We’re Proud Of

We are honored by the life-changing impact the Neck Sofa® Pillow has had on people across the globe. Hearing from our customers about how the Neck Sofa® has improved their quality of life fuels our passion and dedication.

One customer shared, “I have degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia, and I’m in pain constantly. This is the only pillow that provides relief!”
Another expressed, “The first night I used it, I got the best sleep I’ve had in years. I woke up with no neck pain and have been using it every day since.”

These testimonials remind us why we started this journey, to create a product that truly helps people live better.

We’re equally proud of how the Neck Sofa® Pillow has gained recognition from professionals across various industries. From a spinal surgeon and chiropractors endorsing it as a supportive tool for their patients to corporate wellness programs incorporating it as a thoughtful gift for employees, the Neck Sofa® has proven to be versatile and effective. It’s even become a go-to travel companion for frequent flyers and anyone seeking comfort on the move.

We’ve expanded our mission to reach those in specialized fields like healthcare, travel, and corporate wellness. We aim to ensure that the Neck Sofa® Pillow is accessible to those who need it most, whether it’s helping a patient recover comfortably, giving office professionals the support they need during long workdays, or providing travelers with a relaxing experience on the road or in the air.

Here’s what some of our customers had to say:

“Excellent Neck Pillow! – Review by Nancy A. ⁃ 5.0 star rating – I have 4 fused vertebra in my neck and this really helps to take pressure off my neck muscles. Very comfortable I love it!”

“Awesome Product. – Review by Cynthia C – 5.0 star rating – I purchased my Neck Sofa early in 2020 and I sleep with it on every night! I think it helps to keep my neck in place. 1 have less neck pain since I have been doing this. It is very comfortable.”

“Best neck/head support pillow. – Review by KC. C. – 5.0 star rating – I have purchased two of these neck sofa pillows for my disabled grandson, he’s wheel chair bound and immobile. We have one for bed support and One for his wheelchair while riding in vehicle so he can look out the window. Serendipity that I found this while on a hospital visit in Denver. Love it and will purchase more in future.”

” Luxury AND Comfort – Skip the rest and get this one! – Review by Inquisitive M 5.0 star rating – I’m one of those not so lucky people with GERD, sleep apnea and cervical disc herniation. Each of these conditions calls for a different sleep style/profile. So do you sleep flat with a cervical pillow and have reflux and apneas? Or do you elevate and worsen your neck with lack of support? As a nice bonus, the pillow comes stashed a nice quality clear vinyl sling back that can be used at public outings where transparent bags are required I’ve been down many roads trying to find a sleep solution that would work for me, and finally I think I have found my holy grail! The Neck Sofa is simply amazing. lam extremely impressed by the quality of the materials and construction. The removable, washable cover is velvety soft and plush, but not hot. The pillow is constructed of super deluxe squishy memory foam supported with an internal frame for stability. The pillow has a strap that lets you snap it closed around your neck to stay put, but you can also snap it back on the other side if you prefer keeping it out of the way.

So let’s talk about utility. This thing is perfect for my sleeping needs!! What I did was stack my pile of pillows up on the bed to create elevation, then once I am in place, I put the Neck Sofa around my neck and voila total, beautiful, blissful comfort! The memory foam stays cool, which is important as I live in a warmer climate and tend to sleep hot. This has to be one of my most memorable purchases in a long time and I am completed enamored.

As a nice bonus, the pillow comes stashed a nice quality clear vinyl sling back that can be used at public outings where transparent bags are required. Awesome! In closing. if you are on the fence due to the price or vast availability of other types of pillows, I would highly recommend you give this product a try. 1 am thrilled with mine as well as the prospect of better, restorative sleep.”

These stories of transformation motivate us to continue innovating and reaching more people with a product designed to make life better.
We’re proud of the journey so far and are committed to spreading comfort and support to even more lives. The Neck Sofa® Pillow isn’t just a product; it’s a promise to care for your well-being and provide relief where it’s needed most.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

We took an unconventional path. Neither of us had any formal training in business or engineering. My dad was an engineer, and my mom a scientist, so I grew up in that world, but I had no direct experience with business or product development. Despite this, we chose to follow our dreams. We believed in our idea so deeply that we decided to leap into the unknown, with no clear map or direction.

Looking back, I honestly don’t know how we managed to pull it off. We were so consumed by our vision, driven by an unstoppable force, that nothing could stand in our way. The fire inside us burned bright, and we couldn’t, wouldn’t let it go out.

There’s one moment that will always stay with me, a random conversation with a guy I met at the gym. He looked me in the eye and said, “Just do it. Don’t worry about the money. It’ll come when you need it. Go to China and find your manufacturers.” It was one of those moments where everything suddenly clicks, and I felt like the universe was giving us a nudge in the right direction.

So, we did it. We set out for China, the heart of manufacturing, and began the journey. We flew to Hong Kong, did endless research, and reached out to factories. It sounds simple when I say it, but in reality, it was anything but. Every step was filled with challenges. Communication was a nightmare, and I lost count of how many times I was scammed or nearly scammed. It felt like the walls were closing in on us.

But then, after countless setbacks, we found someone who made all the pieces fall into place. A manager at a factory who spoke good English and was genuinely eager to work with us. He became more than a business partner, he became a close friend, my right arm in China.

Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from this journey is that problems and delays are constant. They happen every week, sometimes every day. The challenges taught me so much more than I ever anticipated: from sourcing materials, creating prototypes, perfecting the product, navigating complex logistics, and figuring out the overwhelming world of export/import. It was all so much to handle, but we had no choice but to push through if we wanted to reach our goal.

This journey has taken me to places I never expected, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There have been tears, frustration, anger, and moments where I thought about giving up. Days when I felt hopeless, days when I thought I couldn’t continue. But there have also been moments of immense pride, deep personal achievement, and, above all, happiness.

One thing I’ve realized along the way is that consumers only see the end product. They don’t understand the immense amount of work that goes into creating it. Even something that might seem simple, like our product, has layers of complexity behind it. The countless hours spent sourcing materials, refining the design, overcoming obstacles, they’re all invisible to the outside world. But it’s part of the journey that brings that product into their hands.

In the end, though, our story is simple: we were too stubborn to quit. And it was that stubbornness that carried us through the hardest times.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The second phase of our journey challenged us in ways we could never have anticipated. When we successfully manufactured our first batch of 2,500 Neck Sofa® Pillows, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Holding the finished product, I thought the hardest part was behind us. We had created something we believed could genuinely help people, surely, that would be enough to sell itself.

But as we quickly learned, creating a product and selling it are entirely different challenges. Manufacturing, while complex, felt manageable with clear steps like sourcing materials, designing prototypes, and overseeing production. Selling, however, was far more unpredictable and required a new set of skills we didn’t yet possess.

At the time, we were living in Tokyo, an ideal base for overseeing production in China, but breaking into the U.S. market from across the globe was a monumental task. We poured our energy into outreach, contacting potential partners, distributors, and anyone who might help us market the Neck Sofa® Pillow. Our optimism carried us at first, but reality soon set in.

Despite countless calls, emails, and meetings, progress was painfully slow. We had shipped our entire inventory to a U.S. warehouse, confident the demand would come, but without a clear sales strategy, the boxes remained untouched. The financial strain was immense, and doubts crept in. Long nights were spent brainstorming marketing strategies, analyzing where we went wrong, and trying to find a path forward.

This period was one of the most challenging times of our journey, but it also became the turning point. We realized that belief in a product’s potential is just the beginning. Success demands a deep understanding of your market, strong relationships, and a well-executed strategy. Those tough lessons shaped the way we approached business, marketing, and growth.

Every challenge we faced made us stronger, and every lesson learned brought us closer to the thriving business we have today. The Neck Sofa® Pillow has earned its place as a product endorsed by a spinal surgeon and chiropractors all across America. It is loved by countless customers for its ability to help relieve pain, improve posture, and provide unparalleled comfort. It’s rewarding to see how the Neck Sofa® Pillow has provided comfort and support to so many. Creating a product that could genuinely help people has always been our goal.

Reflecting on our journey, those early struggles laid the groundwork for our success. They taught us resilience, adaptability, and the value of perseverance. What once felt like failure turned out to be one of the most pivotal chapters, reminding us that true growth often comes from our toughest challenges. Today, the Neck Sofa® Pillow is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and those difficult moments were instrumental in shaping what we’ve achieved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.necksofa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatesupportpillow/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-d-20192baa/

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