Being a mother has given me my greatest love but it also caused a period of heartbreak: my love affair with sleep it would seem was over with the arrival of Boo nearly seven years ago. Determined to fight for my second greatest love I’ve learnt how to rekindle with sleep and how our relationship has been redefined.
It’s all about quality over quantity – motherhood has put an end to mammoth lie-ins and long stretches of uninterrupted sleep but that doesn’t mean I take sleep any less seriously. In fact as I get a lot less than I did pre Boo I’m positively obsessed with how to get the best out of a night’s sleep. Mumsnet and Dream asked me to work with them to develop a mattress range and I’ve never said yes so quickly – it was as if this collaboration was made for me.
Back in January I along with a group of other bloggers headed to the Dreams factory just outside of Birmingham for a tour and to understand the mattress manufacturing process; I was surprised to see just how hands on the whole production line is and how many of the staff have been with the company from the very beginning. After learning about all the different components and thought processes that go into designing a mattress Dreams asked us to create our own. As bona-fide sleep deprived parents we truly know what it takes to get a great (as we can) nights sleep. Differing preferences were immediately apparent so we set to work creating two different mattresses that would cater for all tastes and budgets. I like my mattress as firm as a rock so I worked on the Kindred mattress with the aim of making an end product that was a luxurious as night in a hotel yet was practical enough to withstand family life aka bed invaders!
At the end of the day we had two finished products… the Dreams Mumsnet Kindred and the Dreams Mumsnet Spirit.
As part of the MumsDreamSleep campaign we filmed a very special edition of ‘Never Have I Ever’ – it was hilarious to film, it’s amazing what we’ll do to try and get a few more moments of precious sleep!
Fast forward a couple of months and it was time to take delivery of the mattresses we’d designed. I have nothing but praise for the both the booking and delivery team at Dreams – they kept me updated on any changes and it came right when they said it would. The process was simple and with the added benefit of recycling the old mattress.
The mattress is everything I thought it would be and more. It’s super firm and the grey edging adds to the luxe feel. The Mumsnet detailing on the handles is fun.
I was super touched to see they’d personalised mine with my name!
The mattress was delivered to my Mum’s – as I travel so much for work Boo has a second bedroom there and I’m often either climbing in or out at all hours during the night to catch a flight or sneak in a snuggle with Boo after I’ve been away. I need a bed that has me asleep in no time. The Dreams Mumsnet Kindred mattress did not disappoint; it would appear me and the other bloggers involved have a knack when it comes to designing the perfect nights sleep. With features including:
- Natural cotton and wool layers for breathability and moisture control
- Natural alpaca and bamboo layers with antibacterial properties
- 3000 individual pocket spring to provide superior support
- Anti-allergy
A month on what are my thoughts? Of course I’m going to give it ten out of ten, it’s got my name on it, literally! Joking aside the Kindred mattress is a fantastic investment. I’ve previously named sleep as one of my happiness non-negotiables’ and whilst this mattress can’t increase the amount of hours you get, it can make every precious hour count – it’s a big hug for you and your back when you climb in.
Boo thought it was very important to point out one final detail… having second bedrooms at Grandma’s is the best because she let’s you jump on the bed and she’s delighted to confirm that the Dreams Mumsnet Kindred Mattress is perfect for a spot of early morning bouncing.
Surely the perfect seal of approval from the reason why this mama is happily tired.
Both mattress are now available at Dreams in store and online.
The Mumsnet Kindred and Spirit Mattresses are designed by parents for parents – I’m immensely proud to be part of the collaboration between Mumsnet and Dreams… and me!
Disclosure: I’ve been working with Mumsnet and Dreams on this collaboration – a fee has been received for my time.
