Shivangi Sinha
College experiences are often remembered fondly, but one common complaint shared by students across campuses is discomfort in their beds. Dorm mattresses are typically small, firm, and far from ideal for quality sleep, which can affect both comfort and overall well-being. Finding ways to improve rest without replacing the bed itself has long been a challenge. That issue took center stage on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, episode 11, when Somnia+ introduced its product. Designed with an innovative approach, it not only makes dorm beds feel larger but also significantly more comfortable. It offers students a practical upgrade to their everyday living experience.
Somnia+: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Brennan Hellmers brings a strong financial and analytical foundation to SOMNIA+. A graduate of SMU Cox School of Business with a degree in Finance, he built his career in commercial real estate and asset management. At Bank OZK in Dallas, he progressed from Analyst to Senior Analyst and now Associate within RESG Loan Originations. Earlier internships at places like Tom Ferry and ESL Power Systems equipped him with skills in asset management, venture analysis, and sales. His background shows his ability for data-driven decision-making and an understanding of how to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
Sloane Barry complements this with expertise in strategy, marketing, and operations. An alumna of Northwestern University with a degree in Learning and Organizational Change & Business Institutions, she has built a career at the intersection of analytics, storytelling, and enterprise systems. At i3 Verticals, she has held roles spanning enterprise analytics, content management, marketing, and RFP proposal leadership within public administration and ERP verticals. Her earlier experiences in Heitman, Mid-America Real Estate and Culver Academics strengthened her ability to bring structure to fast-growing concepts.
Driven by their own college experiences, Brennan and Sloane founded SOMNIA+ in 2023 after growing tired of cramped Twin XL dorm beds that hadn’t evolved with student life. Their solution is a modular Dorm Bed Expander Kit designed specifically for dorms. Using heavy-duty Velcro straps, the system securely attaches to standard dorm bed frames, adds an expander platform to increase width, and is finished with a mattress topper that evens everything out for comfort. Tool-free and easy to install, the kit creates more usable space for studying, lounging, and sleeping. It is an upgrade built by former students who knew dorm life deserved better.
Related
Somnia+: Where Are They Now?
Somnia+ says its dorm solutions are already “loved by students at over 100 colleges,” with users across campuses such as USC, the University of Alabama, NYU, UT Austin, and Yale. Appearing on the episode, the founders weren’t just looking for publicity. They wanted to put their product in front of a much larger audience of students dealing with the same tight, outdated dorm setups year after year. The exposure generated through the show helped reinforce their mission of reaching students nationwide who want more space and comfort without permanently altering school-issued furniture. At the center of the brand is the Standard Bed Expander Kit, which increases dorm bed width by 25% and is priced at $699.
The kit is designed as a complete, all-in-one upgrade and includes a bed expander platform, a memory foam mattress topper with securing straps, a fitted waterproof mattress protector, custom-sized 100 percent cotton fitted and top sheets, two adjustable-height foam mattress blocks, ten heavy-duty Velcro straps, and three storage bags. Everything installs without tools, making it dorm-approved and easy to set up or remove. Beyond the core kit, Somnia+ offers several add-ons to complete the dorm setup. Their 100% cotton sheet sets are available in navy and white for $65, while a custom-made 50-inch headboard that pairs with the expander kit is priced at $235.
Navy and white duvets retail for $135, and oversized pillow pairs come in four color options for $115. For a turnkey solution, Somnia+ also sells full dorm bundles that include everything needed, which are priced at $899 for the boys dorm bundle and $1,084 for the girls dorm bundle. It is all available for purchase through their website. All products are machine washable, require no external tools, and ship free. Orders can also be sent directly to a student’s college address, making move-in easier. Somnia+ maintains an active social media presence filled with real student testimonials, which reinforces its growing reputation as a practical dorm-life upgrade.
