I’ve been using boxed mattresses exclusively for the last decade or so. From college apartments to a downtown loft to a house and a few places in between, I’ve moved a lot in the last 10 years—and I’ve also gone through a handful of mattresses. If you’re a bit of a nomad or live in small spaces, you know that boxed mattresses just make sense. However, the downside is that you can’t often test boxed mattresses before you buy them.
After my most recent move, I was on the hunt for a new mattress (yet again). But this time, I was in search of a boxed mattress that 1) would help alleviate tension in my back, 2) offer a cooling effect and 3) last longer than a few years. That’s where the Cocoon Chill mattress comes in. Read on for my honest review after restfully testing the mattress for several months.
What is the Cocoon Chill mattress?
Mary Henn/Family Handyman
The Cocoon Chill mattress by Sealy hit all my criteria. It comes in a box (which means it’s easy to transport by yourself or with the help of one other person), includes a 10 year warranty and—the best part—is supportive and cooling.
Certified sleep consultant and founder of Luna Leaps, Chelsey Borson, says, “Even if you don’t consider yourself a hot sleeper, a cooling mattress can still provide benefits. Our body temperature naturally fluctuates during sleep, and having a mattress that helps regulate temperature can enhance overall comfort and promote better sleep quality.”
There are two different versions of this model: the Chill memory foam and the Chill hybrid. I decided to go with the Chill hybrid because it’s 2 inches thicker and has a combination of memory foam and coil springs (or innerspring) for added support and comfort. Both Chill mattresses have a medium feel and include a cooling cover that absorbs and dissipates heat. Both also include free pillows and sheets, which is a bonus. Spoiler alert: The pillows are much comfier than I expected!
The Chill hybrid also has added edge support—a steel perimeter—which is designed to allow you to move around more. The coils under the memory foam layer reduce motion transfer and offer targeted support to keep you from waking in the middle of the night.
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VIA MERCHANT
From the award-winning Chill Collection, this 12-inch hybrid mattress absorbs and dissipates heat, keeping you cool while you sleep.
Cocoon Chill Mattress Features
The Chill mattress collection is Cocoon’s best-selling collection meant to provide cooling technology and superior support so that you fall asleep faster and stay cooler throughout the night. The Cocoon Chill hybrid mattress is a 12-inch mattress with a mix of memory foam and innerspring. The coils add support and a slight bounce—and, I think, a little more comfort. As mentioned, the mattress is wrapped in a cooling cover, but you can add additional extra-chill technology if you’re an extra-hot sleeper. (I did not opt for that upgrade.)
Underneath the cooling cover, the Chill hybrid mattress has a layer of memory foam to relieve pressure, a cushioning layer to reduce motion transfer and then fabric-encased coils for extra support and increased airflow. The queen size is 79.5 inches by 60 inches. Available sizes include twin, twin long, full, queen, king and California king, so you choose the size mattress you need for any space—even a dorm room.
How We Tested It
The Cocoon Chill mattress arrived at my front door in a long, relatively slender, black box. I was able to move it into the house alone, and had my partner help once the box needed lifting. The most impressive thing about the arrival and unboxing of the mattress was that it took just 30 minutes to inflate and be ready for use. Typically, boxed mattresses take 24 to 72 hours to fully puff up and be ready for a night’s sleep. I was able to start using my new Cocoon mattress the night I unboxed it, which is ideal if you plan on having it delivered to a new apartment or home. (No sleeping on the floor or an air mattress after moving in!)
After five months of nightly use, I’m impressed with how the Cocoon Chill mattress has held up. It has held its shape and maintained its original comfort, which are both crucial when investing in a mattress. Many boxed, memory foam mattresses tend to sink or dip over time. I have not experienced this with the Cocoon Chill, and I think that’s due to it being a combination of memory foam and coil springs. I also use it with a box spring set, which I think helps it keep its shape.
As someone who deals with severe sciatica (lower back pain), I have found that the Chill hybrid mattress keeps my back pain at bay throughout the night (which my old mattress was not doing). I tend to go to sleep on my back and roll to my side throughout the night. I find that the Chill mattress does a good job of keeping my spine aligned, which helps prevent aches and pains in my lower back. In other words, I wake up feeling relieved from my back pain, which has been nothing short of joyous since my old mattress was providing zero relief. Additionally, the mattress’s high-motion absorbance keeps me from waking up abruptly every time I turn over in the night.
As far as cooling goes, once the mattress is covered with a mattress protector, sheets and blankets, I don’t notice a huge cooling effect. If you’re someone who like a mattress topper, that might add an additional barrier on top of the cooling cover. However, I will say the bed doesn’t feel as hot and stuffy when I get in at night. My partner, who’s a night sweater, also notices sweating less throughout the night and waking up with dryer sheets. If you’re looking for extra cooling effects, I would recommend adding the extra-chill technology.
Pros
- Delivered in a box—easy to move and transfer
- Ready to use after 30 minutes of opening
- 12-inch height
- Medium-firm feel
- Advanced cooling cover
- Adaptive memory foam
- Increased edge support on hybrid model
- Memory foam and coils deliver support and comfort
- Wide range of mattress sizes
- Includes free pillows and sheets
- Free shipping
- 100-night trial period
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- A tad pricey compared to some of the other best box mattresses, yet still affordable for a mattress
- May not be best for people looking for an extra-soft memory foam mattress
Why You Should Trust Us
I am an experienced shopping editor and writer with experience at Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. I have tested over 100 products, focusing on outdoor gear and DIY gadgets. Given my extensive experience with home goods, I am well-equipped to review the Cocoon mattress.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
FAQ
Mary Henn/Family Handyman
What is the weight limit on the Cocoon mattress?
The Cocoon Chill mattress by Sealy has an advertised weight limit of 500 pounds.
How do you clean a Cocoon mattress?
The cover on the Chill mattress is not meant to be taken off or washed, but you can spot-clean the mattress. The brand recommends using a damp cloth with a mixture of water and mild detergent to gently scrub any spots or areas of concern. Afterward, you should let the mattress air dry.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
The Chill mattress has earned an average of 4.7 out of five stars from more than 8,400 reviewers on the Cocoon website.
“I was skeptical ordering a mattress online, but so glad I took the risk,” writes Jamie, a five-star reviewer. “It is extremely comfortable, yet firm. I have noticed a significant improvement in my temperature regulation overnight. I was waking up two to three times before we switched. Definitely recommend!!!”
“The mattress softness is slightly firmer than advertised, but surprisingly it’s perfect for me. I haven’t slept better in 10 years,” shares Dave B., another five-star reviewer. “The temperature management technology of the foam is pretty amazing, and [I] haven’t overheated once, which was [a] common issue with my previous foam product. Overall, it’s just a wonderful mattress and I highly recommend it to anyone.”
Five-star reviewer, Varnrae, says, “As I’m one to go to a mattress store, lay on a few, shrug my shoulders and choose one at random anyway, purchasing a mattress online didn’t scare me. This one was easy to order, quick to ship and deliver and even more easy to set up. It’s a heavy box, but nothing too crazy, and it’s been comfortable to sleep on. It’s not super firm or soft. I’d recommend it for anyone unsure of what they want in a mattress and don’t want to pay a lot.”
Final Verdict
I have been resting very well on my Chill hybrid mattress these past few months—frankly, better than I expected to. Compared to other boxed mattresses I’ve purchased and used, this is by far the best. If you’re looking for a mattress that’s easy to order, have delivered and move into a tight space, this is the one. It’s also great for people who are unsure if they prefer an ultra-soft mattress or dense mattress, as it’s a true medium-feel mattress with ample support.
After nearly half a year of use, I would still recommend the Cocoon Chill to anyone looking for a convenient, comfy boxed hybrid mattress. If you’re a fan of memory foam, but want the added support and spring of coils, the Chill hybrid mattress is a quality choice that offers the best of both worlds.
Where to Buy the Cocoon Chill Mattress
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This hybrid mattress provides a spot-on balance of cooling and superior support to help you fall asleep faster and stay comfortable through the night.
Want to upgrade your smelly, caved-in mattress with a worthy replacement? Cocoon by Sealy has you covered. You can shop the Chill mattress at Cocoon by Sealy. The Chill memory foam retails for $1,079 for a queen, and the Chill hybrid costs for $1,389 for a queen. Prices vary based on size, and Cocoon frequently runs sales on this collection, so there’s a good chance you can snag one directly from the retailer at a fraction of the price.
Source:
- Chelsey Borson, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Luna Leaps