Dr. Hugh Smythe, former director of Canada’s largest Rheumatic Disease Unit at the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto, had a research interest in unusual pain syndromes and in mechanical problems of the neck in particular.
He collected and studied headrests which had evolved throughout the world over the course of human history. Ancient civilisations had discovered the need for neck support but their materials are too hard for modern comfort. Meanwhile, modern pillows are soft and though they appear to give support, they fail to do so.
Dr. Smythe challenged his patients to assist him to develop a better neck support pillow. In 1979 Robert Clark, a successful business executive, director of the Arthritis Society of Canada, and a long-time friend, accepted that challenge and helped produce the first conceptual design of what is now the Shape of Sleep.
