Deep Sleep Cocoon

Built for the first missions to Mars. And winner of WIRED Gear of the Year 2019.

£795
Size

Model is 6ft 1 / 185cm with a 39 inch / 99cm chest, and wears size Medium.

  • Segmented, magnetic hood with visor
  • Hood has space for noise cancelling headphones
  • Material is highly abrasion resistant

Built to help you sleep anywhere on Earth or in outer-space, the Deep Sleep Cocoon is a self-contained microhabitat that’s a cross between a cocoon and a spacesuit.

However advanced we become, the human body needs rest and sleep in order to function at a high level, and this will become even more critical as we travel off our planet. But when you’re trapped in an environment you can’t control, and it’s cabin crew, scientific protocol or deep space deciding what light, sound and ambient temperature you’re exposed to, sleeping can be hard. Long-haul flights, the International Space Station and the first flights bound for Mars are not designed for sleep.

So we turned to nature to design a microhabitat for a human being – mimicking adaptable and protective structures like the exoskeleton of a woodlouse and the cocoons spun by moths and caterpillars. Designed for physical and psychological comfort in inhospitable places, the cocoon strips out light like an isolation tank, has space for noise cancelling headphones, reduces your exposure to unnecessary stimulus, and while you can see out, no-one can see in.

Technical Details

Material made in Switzerland by Schoeller
Main fabric composition: 81% polyamide, 10% elastane, 9% polyurethane
Mesh visor fabric composition: 100% polyester
Main fabric is highly resistant to rips and abrasion
Jacket is water repellent, windproof and breathable
Segmented hood which can be folded down and fastened in place with magnets
Breathable and elastic mesh visor offers visibility out but not in
Visor is not water repellent
Articulated back
Two-way front zipper
2 side pockets
2 invisible front pockets on left chest and right middle
1 inside pocket
Metal snap fasteners at the cuffs
Metal cord adjusters on the inside hem with
Cordura pull tabs
Machine Wash at 30°C
Do not Dry Clean
Do not Tumble Dry
Do not Bleach
Iron on a low heat
01 04

The human body is the most fragile system in space

Of all the systems that will be launched into the solar system over the next century, the human body is one of the weakest and most fragile. While every other system – from a spaceship and Mars Rover to an asteroid mining craft and lunar lander – is specifically designed to exist in space, the human body is not. It may be extraordinarily adaptable back on Earth, but in space it’s a liability. It needs food, water, oxygen, companionship, purpose, sleep, light, dark, mental stimulation and physical activity. It can’t lie dormant and gathering space dust, and then be expected to work on cue.

The Deep Sleep Cocoon is just the start of human hibernation

We’re not the only ones looking at forms of human hibernation for the mission to Mars. Another idea being explored is something called ‘torpor-induced hibernation’, a medically-induced hypothermia which slows biological functions. It’s already used in trauma surgery to cool and metabolically supress patients, giving surgeons extra time. The idea behind torpor – or keeping astronauts in a freezer – is that it would save on space and supplies, and they’d arrive well rested having escaped the monotony of the journey. Of course it relies on someone waking you up at the other end.

Size + fit

The Deep Sleep Cocoon is designed with a regular fit.

Size XS S M L XL XXL
Fits chest 83 - 90 91 - 98 99 - 106 107 - 114 115 - 122 123 - 130
Fits waist 71 - 76 76 - 81 81 - 86 86 - 91 91 - 96 96 - 101
Size XS S M L XL XXL
Fits chest 33 - 36 36 - 39 39 - 42 42 - 45 45 - 48 48 - 51
Fits waist 28 - 30 30 - 32 32 - 34 34 - 36 36 - 38 38 - 40