Rental Mattress Service Started By College Students

EVANSTON, IL — College students who want an improved bed but don't want to make a permanent purchase have a new option ahead of the start of fall classes at Northwestern University next month. A pair of student siblings are offering mattresses for rent through a new business called Wildcat Naps. Launched last month ahead of the first year sophomore undergraduates are required to live on the Evanston campus, the company describes itself as Northwestern's "only student-run dorm furnishing rental service."

Junior Marisa Hattler and brother Troy, a sophomore, from Los Angeles are both studying economics and involved with the Institute for Student Business Education, according to the company's website. Their business model has been demonstrated to be successful by a family member attending another college. Their brother is a vice president at a company providing a similar service at Duke University. Marisa told the Daily Northwestern her twin brother Cole has worked at the company for the past two years.

“He gives us tips and tells us what’s worked or hasn’t worked at Duke,” Marisa told the Daily. “It’s definitely a family thing. We talk about it all the time.”

The service, offered through the company Roomie Rentals, offers a way to expand the standard bed frame used in dorm rooms to a full XL-sized frame, as well as a memory foam queen-sized bed for those interested in renting a mattress off-campus.

The Wildcat Naps service costs about $350 a year and promises an easier, more comfortable and sustainable experience. Most college students throw away their used mattresses, according to the company, which can lead to hazardous chemicals from synthetic materials being released into the environment.

All beds are new this year, but Marisa told the Daily that the company's beds will be thoroughly cleaned before they are rented out again next year.

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