Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Pillow Talk: The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

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I’ve never been a great sleeper. My mom says as a child that I wouldn’t zonk out for more than a couple hours at a time—I didn’t want to miss out on any action.

My Happy Place: Cocoon by Sealy

As a 33-year-old, sadly, not a lot has changed. I still don’t want to miss out on anything—I mean, what if something major happens on social media as soon as I doze off? what if Taylor Swift drops a surprise single while I was snoozing?—and I still have trouble sleeping.

I’ve tried melatonin and prescribed meditation. I have blackout blinds and ear plugs. For the most part, I eat healthy and work out regularly and that hasn’t made much of a difference. I’ve tried essential oils. I’ve tried an app that dims my computer screen at a certain point of night. I’ve even tried—Heaven forbid—no alcoholic beverages for awhile. But what could possibly be missing in this whole equation is that I’ve never had the right mattress.

So I’ve long been on such a quest—particularly after the last one we invested in became so indented after six months that neither SVV nor I could roll out of the trough we’d each inadvertently created—and when Sealy reached out about its new Cocoon by Sealy, a mattress in a box sold exclusively online, I needed no convincing. Anything to help me sleep through the night; I’ll try anything—especially given that the worst part of mattress shopping in my mind is going from store to store trying to decipher which of the 73 models you tested out was your favorite, all the while your stress mounting.

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Other than my downstairs office, my bedroom is where I spend the most time. Even though I don’t log nearly as much sleep as I should, I still spend a whole lot of additional hours in bed, scrolling through my Instagram and Facebook feeds, entertaining myself on Snapchat. It’s important to me that my bedroom be a sanctuary, a place I choose to inhabit, not simply out of necessity. As we remodel our old Victorian, I’m slowly working on creating spaces I love. The bedroom is the next room to tackle.

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

 

My Cocoon by Sealy arrived over the weekend, just as SVV and I were wrapping up a full day of mulching and prepping our lawns for landscaping and gardening. In other words, I was spent, physically and mentally. I didn’t even want to pause to take any photos of the mattress; I just wanted to unload it and take a nap.

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Still, I did my due diligence, hauled my bounty upstairs, unpacked it and read up on the new centerpiece for my lair. Cocoon by Sealy offers free shipping, a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. Don’t like it? Send it back. They’ll even do the hard work for you, arranging to pick up the mattress and donate it to a local agency. You don’t even have to pack it up. As someone who stresses over every last purchase, making mental pros and cons lists before pulling the trigger, this component is clutch—especially since you’re ordering it online without trying it out first.

The dogs, in particular, were curious about their my new mattress. After all, let’s be honest, they spend far more time sleeping on it than I do (Ella would stay in bed until well after noon if we let her).

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
If the wagging tails were any indicator, I’d say they’re pretty pumped.

There are two different Cocoon by Sealy options from which to choose—softer (a cozy, more enveloping feel; the right choice if you like sleeping in your bed) or firmer (a sturdy, more substantial feel; the right choice if you like sleeping on your bed)—and that come in all classic mattress sizes, ranging in price from $549 for a twin to $999 for a California King, which seems like a steal to me given that I’ve spent as much as $2,500 for past products from competitor brands that were nowhere near as comfortable as this one.

But the coolest thing about the new Cocoon by Sealy is that it comes rolled up in a box, all compact like (the box on our front porch is a California king for reference). As you unpack it, it unfurls and starts to expand. Voila! It’s pretty much magic, I think. I’m going to call this my Harry Potter bed.

It took less than five minutes for it to fully unroll and expand—Knox and I could hardly wait to try it out.

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box
Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

Cocoon by Sealy: a mattress in a box

I’ll give you an update in the near future on how my sleeping habits improve, but in the meantime Cocoon by Sealy wants you to get a good night sleep, as well. As such, they’re giving away not one but TWO Cocoon by Sealy mattresses to lucky C&C readers who also understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. All you have to do is enter in the widget below. And who doesn’t want a free bedroom upgrade, am I right?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED.

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COMMENTS
  • March 28, 2016

    I can fall asleep when reading a book. A cup of tea helps as well.

  • March 28, 2016
    T_Bun

    Exercise works for me!

  • March 28, 2016

    Digging in the dirt works for me, but pretty much anything does. Ha! I wonder if Sealy’s Cocoon will help with snoring.

  • March 28, 2016
    Whitleigh

    Getting to bed at a decent time and putting down my phone!

    • April 4, 2016

      Well, I hope this helps you sleep better as you’re one of the winners! I’m passing your email along to Sealy who will contact you soon =)

      • April 4, 2016
        Whitleigh

        I just cannot even tell you how EXCITED I am. Thank you SO much! You have made my week!! I am getting married in November and we desperately needed a new mattress. Thank you!!!!!

  • March 28, 2016
    Chris

    No caffeine after noon. No bourbon after midnight.

  • March 28, 2016

    Oh god am I keeping my fingers crossed on this!!! My sleep is just awful now that I am a mother. My secret is Zquil haha!

  • March 28, 2016
    Liz

    I usually don’t have any problem falling asleep as long as the room is dark and quiet but I find, if I am struggling to sleep, its best to get up and read for a half hour and then try again.

  • March 28, 2016
    Jere

    I feel you! I don’t sleep at all either. 🙁

  • March 28, 2016
    Dayla

    Same with the sleeping. I love sleep, but can’t seem to get there!

  • March 28, 2016
    Michelle

    I am a horrible sleeper and would try just about anything to improve the quality of sleep I am getting. I am going to have to check this out!

  • March 28, 2016

    I wish I had a secret to sleeping! I used to fall asleep fast and sleep like a rock through everything for 8 hours. Now, not so much. Maybe it’s my mattress too 😉

  • March 28, 2016

    I try to limit my caffeine after lunch, some days are better than others. Our current mattress is horrible – we are in need of better sleep at my house!

  • March 28, 2016
    Katie K

    No coffee after 11am! Tough, but worth it for the sleep.

  • March 28, 2016

    I wish I had a secret, I’m becoming quite the insomniac these days 🙁 Like you, subconsciously don’t want to miss anything.

  • March 28, 2016
    Emily

    I wish I knew a better secret! Once I fall asleep I’m fine but getting there is a struggle. After 3 straight years of not sleeping through the night (thanks, kids) I am ready for some magic.

  • March 28, 2016
    Sarah

    I read for at least half an hour, preferably an hour before going to bed. It seems to downshift my overactive brain and I really struggle to fall asleep otherwise. Going to bed early is key for me as I’m a morning person and tend to wake up early regardless of what time I went to bed.

  • March 28, 2016
    Teresa

    The best sleep I get is after wine and laying on the couch…only to wake up at 1am and try to sleep in the bedroom. Do they make couch mattresses?
    Also your dress is so gorgeous, I won’t be able to sleep tonight ?

  • March 28, 2016

    I wish I had a secret, I NEED a secret to help me get some sleep. Currently dealing with a toddler who just had his tonsils removed, so yeah, not sleeping a lot!

  • March 28, 2016
    Caroline

    I LOVE night shift! It has changed my sleep life.

  • March 28, 2016
    Ashlee

    This sounds crazy, but I honestly think my secret it just to be tired. Ha! The earlier I get up (I’m a total early person–I LOVE my mornings!!!) the more tired I am at bedtime and the better/more sound I sleep!!

  • March 28, 2016
    Aimee Floyd

    A good nights sleep? It’s possible to sleep comfortably the whole night through? No tossing and turning? It’s past time for me to replace, I can’t wait to read your results/review!

  • March 28, 2016
    Liz Parker

    I’m really curious what you’ll think. Marc and I have been sleeping on a Full sized mattress for 6 years and recently slept on a queen size Tempurpedic that made me realize how much I need those few inches of extra space!

  • March 28, 2016
    Ashley

    Mattresses are so important! I love that the dogs take as much ownership:)

  • March 28, 2016

    I’m a high maintenance sleeper. I need it super dark with some sort of white noise. I need it to be cold so I can snuggle under lots of blankets. And I am desperately in need of a new mattress so crossing my fingers!! 🙂

  • March 28, 2016
    Sutton

    I’m not a great sleeper either but I do better with a pile of pillows to mush around.

  • March 28, 2016
    Andrea

    Reading for the last 15-30 minutes of the day helps me unwind and makes drifting off to sleep that much easier for me (as long as it’s not a page turner, of course!)

  • March 28, 2016
    Megan

    Sleep is key. Sadly, a Benadryl is my best option for getting a good night’s rest.

  • March 28, 2016

    Could you be any cuter in those photos by the door? Who knew fetching the mail could be so adorable!

  • March 28, 2016

    My secret is actually putting on a TV show in the background — I’m one of those people who can’t sleep (or get work done) without noise! If it’s quiet I find myself thinking too much and that’s not what you want at 2 am 😉

  • March 28, 2016
    Susan H.

    Earplugs work wonders for me, especially with a husband with sleep apnea.

  • March 28, 2016
    zin

    i use a noise machine at night to block out noise

  • March 28, 2016
    Alicia

    A good book or Vogue and some lavender oil will knock me out!

  • March 28, 2016
    Ali

    I don’t seem to have any trouble falling asleep – my issue is that I sleep too hard and can’t wake up! 🙂

  • March 28, 2016
    Jessica L.

    The only way I get a really good nights sleep, is by being exhausted. I’m tired all the time, but just have never been that great at sleeping. I do find I sleep better if I read a book and spend some time “unplugged” before bed, but that depends on what I choose to read as well!

  • March 28, 2016

    I’m definitely a bed snob when it comes to my home bed. I can make other beds work temporarily when traveling but when I come home I want my bed as cozy and luxurious as possible! haha

    We spend like 1/3 of our lives sleeping so might as well do it right! This mattress looks amazing!!!

    Along the same lines, I also find using the right pillow helps me a lot. I’m a side sleeper so I found one that is designed just for that and is the perfect combo of soft/fluffy/supportive.

    Hope your new Cocoon by Sealy helps you get some extra zzz’s ??☁️?

  • March 28, 2016
    Lauren

    I love my silk sleep mask that I bought at Victoria’s Secret. I can wind up sleeping WAY in when I use it to block out the morning sun!

  • March 28, 2016
    Katherine

    A good night’s sleep is always easier after a day of hard work, a glass of wine, and a bit of reading.

  • March 28, 2016
    Brittani

    I’m always tired due to all my health issues. I bought a 3 inch topper 3 years ago because we can’t afford a new mattress ..it helps but getting a new one would be amazing! I spend a good amount of time in bed. This is a great give away!

  • March 28, 2016
    Henna

    The key is to put the electronics/phone down before bed! Always helps 🙂

  • March 28, 2016
    Erica B

    I usually just read until I fall asleep. If I’m having trouble staying asleep then regular meditation usually works.

  • March 28, 2016
    J crump

    I just can’t seem to turn off my brain some nights, but i find repeating a calming word or mantra and reading before bed (instead of screen time) can be helpful!

  • March 28, 2016
    Shawna

    I pass out for 2-3 hours each night and then am wide awake, so I can’t wait to see if this mattress helps your sleep habits. Plus, how cool is it that it comes in a box like that?

  • March 28, 2016
    Anne

    I read until I can’t hold my eyes open anymore, and I don’t have an alarm set in the morning, I wake up at the same time every day, but the alarm noise stresses me out if I have to use it.

  • March 28, 2016
    Jennifer

    No caffeinated tea after 7pm.A cup of herbal tea and a bath, as hot as possible, before bed.

  • March 28, 2016
    katie

    music!

  • March 28, 2016
    Cammy K.

    Very little helps me sleep. I can exercise for hours, not ingest caffeine for days, read a paper book before bed rather than look at my phone. But I have found an electric blanket to do wonders in helping me drift off. Bad sleepers unite! What an awesome giveaway!

  • March 28, 2016
    Sarah

    Trying (often in vain) to limit screen time before bed. Besides my Kindle, of course!

  • March 28, 2016

    Sound machine all the way baby! I haven’t slept without one in 13 years. The one time I did, I didn’t actually sleep. I now have portable ones, ones that stay at home, apps on my phone and on all of my tablets. No way am I sleeping without one ever again. And I need that cocoon for my parents when they come to our house! Maybe they will watch the boys more often so we can sneak away for the weekend if we have a cozy bed in our guest room 😉

  • March 28, 2016
    Jillian

    No caffeine after lunch time. Reading a book. But I still struggle to sleep all night.

  • March 28, 2016
    Kim

    A comfy mattress is the most important thing – and I don’t currently have one! I’d love to give this a try..,

  • March 28, 2016
    Payal

    I can relate completely about spending $$ on a mattress only to have that “indentation” and “trough”. We’ve always been good about rotating/flipping the mattress for even wear but the current one we’ve had for 8 years has a pillow top so we’re limited to rotating. Still searching for a mattress that suits both of our needs. Interested in hearing about your experience with this one!

  • March 28, 2016
    Amy

    white noise helps me tremendously

  • March 29, 2016

    I have to read for at least a half hour but going for a great walk/hike around sunset helps me settle down. And of course cuddles from Kitty2000 and Roy 🙂
    But I’m a lifetime insomniac so every lil bit helps!
    Sweet Dreams Y’All!

  • March 29, 2016
    Michelle

    I can’t believe it comes in a tiny box. I would love that delivered to my doorstep!

  • March 29, 2016
    Alanna

    I, like you, have always had trouble sleeping despite trying everything in the book! I’ve noticed I’m most sensitive to light so I try to keep things as dark as possible

  • March 29, 2016
    Chelsea Schmidt

    Once I’m asleep I can sleep through anything. I fall asleep best when my to-do list is finished. I’d rather stay up an extra hour and finish work then lay in bed running over in my mind all the things I didn’t get done.

  • March 29, 2016
    Carey

    Sleeping with two furry friends helps me fall asleep 🙂

  • March 29, 2016
    Ali S

    I also have a hard time sleeping many nights.

  • March 29, 2016

    Putting my phone away early really helps me get a goodnight’s sleep!

  • March 29, 2016
    Lexa

    Limiting caffeine & screen time helps me.

  • March 29, 2016
    Dianne Darlington

    I can usually fall asleep ok but then I wake up several times and can’t get back to sleep quickly so end up reading a few minutes and then tend to nod back off. Now if I could just not wake up…

  • March 29, 2016
    Crist

    A good book!

  • March 29, 2016
    Tori

    Chasing 4 kids all days means I always sleep hard. Cute dress btw!!

  • March 29, 2016
    Susan B

    A hot shower and cold/quiet room.

  • March 29, 2016
    Anne S

    Not sure I have a secret for great sleep, I have the worst sleep schedule and I have trouble falling asleep constantly, so winning this giveaway would be awesome!! ?

  • March 29, 2016

    Looks super comfy!! The contest is perfect timing for my move back Stateside & all the new things I need to buy ??? And, it would eliminate awkward in store laying on beds lol ?

  • March 29, 2016
    Anne

    I wish I had the secret to a good night of sleep… But I’m as lost as you are! I’ll be watching for your review (and hopefully a new cozy mattress on my front step!).

  • March 29, 2016
    Sara

    I also have trouble falling asleep. Sleepy time/calming tea really helps me to relax and prepare my body for sleep.

  • March 29, 2016
    Misty Bradley

    Clean, fragrant sheets and hair still slightly damp from a shower or hot bath, and a ceiling fan on full blast.

  • March 29, 2016
    Katie Mundy

    Honestly, I don’t have any tips for a great night’s sleep since we have the world’s oldest mattress 🙂 I quite often just fall asleep on the couch in our den until 2 AM. I’m trying to get better about at least not staring at a screen other than the TV for about an hour before I plan to go to bed, but honestly need to probably cut out even reruns of Parks and Rec to get the best sleep!

  • March 29, 2016
    Laura

    I love a dark room! Hotel curtains are the best & I travel with a clothes pin to make sure there’s no “leakage.”

  • March 29, 2016
    sandra m

    I read every night, def helps me to go to sleep.

  • March 29, 2016
    Marjorie

    I like routine at night. Even when it’s warm I like some hot chocolate and a good book. Those are my keys to a good sleep.

  • March 29, 2016
    Briel K.

    Luckily I have never had problems sleeping. *knock on wood* If I find that my mind won’t stop going I do this weird thing where I draw a certain shape in my mind (usually a flower shape), tracing the lines over and over. That seems to work!

    I hope the mattress helps you get more sleep!

  • March 30, 2016
    Lisa

    I read before going to bed. Melatonin helps too.

  • March 30, 2016
    Rebecca

    My husband has this deep breathing technique he does and he’s asleep within one minute. I just can’t. I toss and turn and watch tv and read books. Lots of layers of blankets helps and laying on my back. We try to remember to rotate our mattress but a new one is on our list of things to buy!

  • March 30, 2016
    Kelly Vollmer

    I wish I knew the secret. I need to stop eating after dinner. Any snacks and I’m up.

  • March 30, 2016
    Daniel Wahlig

    I do my best to plug in my phone as soon as I get in my bedroom and not touch it again until morning. Also – I’ve started to use the Headspace app before bed to help clear my mind – it’s been surprisingly effective!

  • March 30, 2016
    Heather Kime

    An early bedtime. Our mattress is horrid so I really hope I win!

  • March 30, 2016

    Wearing out the kid and the dog. To the point of utter exhaustion and I just KNOW they’ll both sleep. Then, a glass (or 2 …or) of red wine. And a lot of luck.

  • March 30, 2016
    Rebekah

    Reading a good book before bed always helps! And dimming my electronics…

  • March 30, 2016
    Tierney

    We are dealing with the same thing. Not me so much as my boyfriend, who cannot sleep AT ALL the last few weeks. He’s tried just about everything except a new mattress, because, expensive! So fingers crossed!

  • March 30, 2016
    Teresa

    Establish a routine for bedtime!

  • March 30, 2016
    Susan E

    No alcohol, silencing my snoring husband (never happens), getting ready for bed before falling asleep on couch.

  • March 30, 2016
    Sarah

    Reading!

  • March 30, 2016
    Charise

    A cool, dark room with a fan for white noise!

  • March 30, 2016

    Bob and I are the worst sleepers. He is naturally so hot (as is Augustine, thanks genes) and I’m usually cold. That makes for a not so fun sleep condition. we need a new mattress (California King, please) and a new bed frame. I’m on the search for a cool one, if you have any leads. ?

  • March 31, 2016
    Katie

    Temperature is everything.

  • March 31, 2016
    Alicia

    Falling asleep before my husband starts snoring is my trick 🙂

  • March 31, 2016
    Joyce C.

    I would love to have a secret to a good night’s sleep; alas I don’t so I’m trying to win a new mattress!

  • April 1, 2016
    Kim Pincombe Cole

    My sleeping is terrible lately! And I have my FitBit sleep tracker to remind me just how bad it is. Ugh. Thinking it could be my 17yr old mattress, lol. Apparently I don’t know the secret to good sleep – help!

    • April 2, 2016
      Janet,

      I stopped using my Fitbit sleep measure BECAUSE it upset me so much!! It was simply adding to the stress, and I didn’t need more stress to help me sleep! Just erase the sleep part from the dashboard, and you’ll find you don’t miss it! You don’t need the Fitbit to tell you you have a sleep problem!!

  • April 1, 2016
    Sarah

    Reading before bed helps me fall asleep.

  • April 1, 2016
    Rebecca

    Like you, I am still waiting for the secret to good sleep, but I do better if I avoid screens just before sleep.

  • April 1, 2016
    carol

    i take a hot hot shower works for me then just watch some tv

  • April 1, 2016
    Melissa S

    I have always had trouble falling asleep. I have a bedtime ritual and I try to stick to it every night. This seems to help relax me.

  • April 2, 2016
    Amie

    I try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon.

  • April 2, 2016
    Cindy

    A relaxing bath, cup of tea, and snuggling under my electric blanket.

  • April 2, 2016
    David

    We use blackout shades, which does help a little. If we could perfect soundproofing, that would be ideal!!

  • April 2, 2016
    Jessica To

    I try to read before bed and keep everything really quiet.

  • April 2, 2016
    Janet,

    I do love music and I’ve put together a bedroom playlist. But my hubby dislikes music at bedtime! So far, none of the reasonably priced earphones I’ve tried have lasted more than a few weeks. I’ve researched what the sleep experts say, like no reading in the bedroom (!!), and I’ve done pretty well following all of the instructions. I have a prescription from my doctor, not to get me to sleep, but to help me STAY that way. Between other problems and my 62 year old bladder, the medicine doesn’td help much. The only thing that everyone agrees we need, but we absolutely CANNOT afford, is a new mattress. Ours is about 14 years old, and they are supposed to be replaced at 8 years. The Sealy Cocoon sounds absolutely heavenly!!

  • April 2, 2016
    Holly

    Ha, I’m not the person to be giving sleep advice, I actually just underwent a sleep study to sort out my sleep problems. Buuut, I do love cozying up in my linen sheets and fluffy duvet. Maybe a Cocoon would help? (I can’t believe how thick is it for coming in such a small box!)

  • April 3, 2016
    Cheryl Larimer

    My secret to a better nights sleep is to not watch crime shows before bedtime and to keep the bedroom cooler that the rest of the house. I still wake up a lot and am an early riser also, but those two things seem to help a lot.

  • April 3, 2016
    Elizabeth Ferris

    I have such trouble sleeping, but I take a vitamin – Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and that really helps. Also, sadly sleeping by myself in the spare bedroom also helps.

  • April 3, 2016
    Michele P

    I will try to read a good book an hour or so before bed, try some aromatherapy and relaxing music as well-getting a good night’s sleep has been harder since I have gotten older so I try lots of different techniques to get some rest and relaxation before I have to get up for work the next day… a refreshing night of sleep is an important way to get the day started right.

  • April 20, 2016

    I fall sleep quick when I go to the gym in the night

  • June 28, 2016
    Lora

    Thanks for this great article

  • August 25, 2016

    Trust me, I have been researching on ways to sleep better for years and getting the right pillows is the main key for getting the best quality sleep.

    • August 25, 2016

      Do you have a favorite brand? I’m currently on a cruise where the pillows are way to flat and I’m not sleeping well at all! Think I need to invest in some good ones when I get back home.

  • August 27, 2016

    The bed looks really comfy. I’ll usually read up some books before I sleep.

  • October 5, 2016

    There’s no reason not to stay in your bedroom. It looks really elegant (yeah, I saw your other post). 🙂

  • October 22, 2016

    I fall asleep very quickly when I start reading a book! 😛

  • December 8, 2016

    Wow…….I just loved the two dogs very much. They are so cute. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • January 29, 2017

    A best cooling pillow can be the solution.

  • March 29, 2017

    Best amazing post thanks

  • January 12, 2018

    So cute, I love the dog

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