Audio Video News

AcousticSheep of Erie, PA has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new version of its popular SleepPhones — flat speakers embedded in a soft headband you can wear to bed to help overcome insomnia.

The company is hoping to raise $5,000 to underwrite the initial manufacturing costs of its new SleepPhones: ASMR Edition, which includes a module containing eight hours of original “ASMR” content designed to encourage relaxation and sleep. ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response — a “deeply relaxing experience in which certain sounds trigger a tingly feeling” that has been described as blissful or euphoric.

“These tingles can be brought on by something as simple as listening to someone brush their hair, whisper, or crinkle paper,” AcousticSheep explains, noting that its tranquil content was created by 16 “ASMR artists.” Tracks include everything from tapping to light scratching to peaceful Italian whisperings for a “relaxation experience like no other.”

The thin, flexible ASMR module, which is embedded in the SleepPhones’ plush headband, has buttons to control volume and play/pause/skip tracks so there’s no external device or cords to futz with. The module is designed to keep those soothing sounds going for 20 hours on a three-hour charge so you can drift off to sleep without distraction. The headband is washable and comes in a variety of colors and fabrics.

The campaign, which ends June 27th, has reached more than half its goal with pledges of $2,573 after only two days.

AcousticSheep is offering four support tiers: A $1 pledge gets you a shout-out on sleepphones.com and a link to an original 30-minute ASMR recording. Pledge $75, and you get a $25 discount off the SleepPhones: ASMR Edition. For $90 or more, you get a $10 discount, a shout-out, and the ASMR recording. For $1,000 or more, AcousticSheep will create a personalized ASMR track based on your instructions in addition to the shout-out and 30-minute ASMR recording.

Initial deliveries of the SleepPhones: ASMR Edition are slated to begin in August with a retail price of $100. The company offers a one-year limited warranty and 30-day return policy.

For more information, visit kickstarter.com.

Read our 2011 review of SleepPhones here