There’s nothing like the best mattress for everyone. Even when manufacturers claim to engineer a bed that accommodates all folks, factors such as age and weight, sleeping disorders, and personal preferences will always dispute this. That’s what makes Helix Sleep such an interesting mattress brand to deal with.
The thing with Helix Sleep is that they ask you to take a straightforward but effective sleep quiz detailing things such as your weight, height, age, sleeping position, and mattress firmness preference. From your response, they’ll go ahead to align you with a custom-made mattress that is likely to meet your needs from the 9 available Helix mattress options.
Of the 9 Helix beds, there are two plush, two medium, and two firm mattresses. The last 3 mattresses comprise of a big and tall mattress (for larger and taller individuals), and two split-firmness mattresses for couples.
There’s only so much that we can fit in this Helix mattress review. Therefore, we are going to concentrate on the Midnight- a medium-firm option that most people tend to go with. However, we have a summary of all these mattresses below.
Helix brand at a glance
Helix is a brand of Helix Sleep. This is a US-based, privately-held company that started in 2015. Helix Sleep has its headquarters in New York City, and it’s, by and large, an e-commerce company. However, it also has physical showrooms where you can drop by and test its beds. There is one in Flatiron, Manhattan, and another one in Soho, Manhattan.
Helix Sleep is popular for engineering and selling individually personalized and custom-made mattresses. It makes hybrid mattresses that mainly consist of memory foam, poly foam, proprietary foam, and innerspring.
Here are the 9 Helix mattresses and their perfect matches:
Soft mattresses
- Helix Sunset
- Helix Moonlight
These are super soft beds that fall at around 3 on our 1-10 soft-firm scale. Our mattress review experts recommend them to lightweight people who mostly like the feel of memory foam, but would also want the optimal support that a spring system offers. Most lightweight side sleepers tend to go with the Sunset while back, and stomach snoozers appreciate the support and contour of the Moonlight the most.
Medium mattress
- Helix Midnight
- Helix Dusk
These are medium-firm mattresses with a firmness feel of around 5.5 on the 10-point scale. These beds are the most popular, especially with individuals in the 130-230 lbs weight bracket. If you want a balanced feel of foam comfort and innerspring support, these models might interest you. Helix Sleep recommends the Midnight for side sleepers and the Dusk for back and stomach sleepers. However, the mattress review team at SleepSharp believes either of these beds will fit the bill for pretty much any sleeper in this category.
Firm mattresses
- Helix Twilight
- Helix Dawn
These are firmer feeling beds engineered with large folks in mind. Average-weight individuals who prefer sleeping on a firm mattress might appreciate the beds in this category too. Of these, the Helix Twilight is slightly softer and scores an 8 on the firmness scale. We’d recommend it to heavy side sleepers who often prefer a firm mattress with a little bit of give around the shoulders and hip joint. The Dawn is more on the heavy side and would fall at 9. This one will interest back and stomach sleepers the most.
Helix Plus
Formerly known as Helix Nightfall, this is a 12-inch mattress that is engineered purposely for large and tall people. On the firmness scale, this model is set at 6-7, which our Helix mattress review team recommends for heavy folks.
Helix Dual
- Balanced
- Extra
What makes the Helix Dual mattresses unique is that they have two distinct firmness feelings split right in the middle. Both of them have a plush side that most mattress review experts rate at around 2 on the firmness scale. The other side is super firm and scores a 7. These mattresses are perfect for couples with extreme differences in mattress preferences.
Overview of all Helix mattresses
Other than their differences in firmness feel, all Helix mattresses tend to be very responsive since they are coil-based. So, they are very easy to move on and to switch positions. Again, except for the plush mattresses that may have the traditional memory foam feel, the rest have a neutral foam feel, and you may not even realize that you are sleeping on a memory foam bed.
Helix Midnight Review
As promised earlier on, this mattress review post will rotate around the Helix Midnight. This is a 10-inch mattress that ranges between medium-soft and medium-firm on the firmness scale. This firmness level makes it popular with average weight individuals who like a good balance of comfort and support. It will also interest petite people who prefer a firm bed and large folks who want a softer mattress.
Who do we recommend the Helix mattress for?
- Average weight singles and couples– thanks to its medium-firm feel, this mattress is going to fit the bill for most people between 130 lbs and 230 lbs, including accommodating all sleeping positions.
- Hot sleepers– true to pretty much all Helix mattresses, the Midnight tends to be temperature neutral. In other words, it won’t get hot or draw heat from you. However, for people who tend to sleep overly hot, Helix Sleep also sells an ultra-cool pad that helps in absorbing and managing excess heat.
- Those looking for an affordable hybrid mattress– although Helix mattresses are not dirt cheap, they start at relatively lower price tags compared to their competitors. Our mattress review team also feels that they offer the best value at their respective price range.
- Those who love memory foam but don’t like sinking uncomfortably into the mattresses– although this mattress has memory foam in it, the coil-based support system makes it super responsive. This combination makes it effortless to move on the surface of the mattress and to switch positions.
Helix Mattress Awards
🏆 Best Hybrid Mattress
🏆 Best Mattress for Couples
🏆 Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers
🏆 Best Mattress for Back Pain
🏆 Best Mattress for Sex
Helix Midnight Mattress Construction- Know why it’s different
Cover
The Midnight ships with 100% polyester cover featuring what Helix Sleep calls ‘soft-touch design.’ This is the basic dual-layer cover with a light stretch that all Helix mattresses use. It is soft to the touch and ultra-breathable, a nice feature that adds to the overall temperature neutrality of this mattress.
This cover is not removable for cleaning. So, you might want to throw a mattress cover on top to prevent spills and messes. All in all, you can deal with stains by spot-cleaning using a mild detergent.
Comfort layer
The first layer on this bed is a 2-inch memory foam infused with gel. As a low-density foam with 2.5 PCF, this layer has a noticeable degree of conformity and will, therefore, adapt to your body and cradle you in all sleeping positions.
Again, thanks to the gel-infusion technology in it, this layer offers you the natural comfort of memory foam without getting overly hot.
Transition layer
The gel-infused memory foam layer of this mattress is separated from the innerspring system by a one-inch thick layer of Helix Dynamic Foam. Helix Dynamic Foam is a proprietary foam that you won’t see with any other mattress brands. The closest foam that we can compare it with is latex, as it’s slightly springier than memory foam.
This transition layer injects a level of support to the comfort layer. However, it also has a good amount of give that allows side sleepers on the heavy end to sink slightly without experiencing pressure points.
The primary role of this transition layer, though, is to buffer the sleeper from the firm coiled-based support system beneath it.
Support layer
Similar to all standard Helix mattresses, the support layer of the Midnight is a spring system on top of a 1-inch, 1.8 PCF foam base. By combining 8” springs and foam, Helix Sleep makes these mattresses an excellent option for individuals who want a foam bed that has the bouncy-like sensation that traditional innerspring mattresses offer.
Our mattress review team is keen to highlight that this support system uses individually pocketed springs. Unlike Bonnell coils that low-end innerspring mattresses use, pocketed coils work independently of each other. This helps a lot in minimizing motion transfer. Also, the spring system helps a lot in controlling air circulation.
What is the height of the Helix mattress?
The height of the Helix Midnight mattress is 12 inches. In most of our mattress reviews, you’ll realize that this is our favorite size across all types of mattresses. In our experience, a height of 12 inches tends to make a great bed for most people, including folks who have issues getting ON and OFF a short bed. Also, if you are indecisive on the height of the mattress, you are more likely to appreciate this height.
Helix Midnight Mattress Specifications
| Product | Helix Mattress (Midnight) |
|---|---|
| Firmness level | Medium-Firm (5.5/10) |
| Height | 12” |
| Cover | 100% Polyester Optional: ultra-cool pad |
| Comfort System | 2” 2.5 PCF Gel-infused Memory Foam |
| Transition | 1-inch, latex-like Helix Dynamic Foam |
| Base Support | 8” Pocketed coils 1” 1.8 PCF Foam base |
How Firm does this mattress feel?
As for the feel of the mattress, the Midnight sits at the middle of the 3 firmness levels that Helix Sleep offers. It has a sort of neutral feel that you’d expect from a nicely-balanced coil-based foam bed.
The memory foam comfort layer offers average conformity, which is necessary for comfort. On the other hand, the dense transition layer and coil support system add support, resilience, and bounce, so you feel like you’re floating on the mattress.
These transition and support layers also seem to neutralize the stuck-in-bed feeling of traditional memory foam. If you are switching from a memory foam only mattress, you may not realize that the Midnight has a memory foam layer at the top.
Ultimately, we like to say that firmness in a mattress is subjective. It mainly depends on your weight. For that reason, most petite individuals below 130 lbs may find this mattress firmer than anticipated. Likewise, heftier individuals (above 230 lbs) may find it overly soft.
Performance Ratings- Helix Mattress in Action
Temperature regulation
In our analysis of Helix mattresses reviews and customer feedback, temperature regulation seems to be one of the major strengths of these beds. The gel-infusion technology in the comfort layer helps in dissipating excess heat away from the sleeping surface.
The key player here, however, is the coil-based support system that promotes air circulation through the mattress. These 2 features make for a temperature-neutral sleeping surface that most all-foam beds can’t achieve. If you have a real problem with hot-sleeping, though, there is an option to add the Helix Ultra-cool pad for an even cooler sleeping surface.
Motion isolation
Despite their innerspring-based support systems, the Helix mattresses do a great job of minimizing motion transfer. Our mattress review experts accredit this performance partly to the foam comfort and transition layers. The pocketed coil system also helps a lot in isolating motion to one side because each coil responds to pressure independently as opposed to altogether.
Noise
If you’re switching from a noisy innerspring mattress, the Helix Midnight will give you a reason to smile on this aspect. Unlike the wired springs that traditional mattresses use, the Helix beds use pocketed coils that compress freely from each other. This is a popular concept today since it eliminates thousands of joints that would otherwise be creaking and squeaking as you move over the bed. Also, the foam top and base layers help in deadening any possible noise.
Edge support
Sitting on the side of this mattress may cause a noticeable degree of sinkage due to the foam layers on top. However, the coil system will come in handy, so you won’t sink as much as you would on an all-foam mattress.
Again, edge support shouldn’t be a problem at all when sleeping. This is because your weight will be distributed across the bed, thereby minimizing sinkage. Overall, couples should be able to confidently use the entire surface of the bed without the fear of rolling off in the middle of the night.
Sex
Helix Sleep is giving a new meaning to the best mattresses for sex. Their beds offer an incredible combination of all the attributes that a couple would be looking for. Besides sleeping cooler, this mattress is bouncy and super-responsive too. These two attributes make it effortless to move and switch positions. The springs also offer a flat and supportive surface with balanced weight distribution, thereby preventing some parts from sinking uncomfortably.
Pressure relief
Pressure relief in Helix mattresses tends to diminish as you move from the softest to the firmest beds. With its medium-firm feel, the Midnight bed has average conformity and, therefore, won’t offer the best performance in pressure relief as the softer beds would. All in all, we expect heavier folks (closer to 230 lbs) to enjoy a little bit more pressure relief than lightweight individuals.
Off-gassing
The foam layers that make the comfort and transition system of the Helix mattress will have an initial chemical off-gassing once you set it up. This chemical smell may be strong at first, but it dissipates really fast, thanks to the innerspring section that promotes airflow. There is no need to worry about these fumes, though, as this USA-made mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified foams without toxic metals.
Durability
It’s still early to determine how long Helix mattresses last, considering that they have been around for less than 5 years. All in all, basing our argument on the quality of materials on these beds and feedback from current users, the review team at SleepSharp estimates that this mattress will last for around 6 years just like most hybrids.
Performance Rating Score Table
| Performance | Our rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Temperature Regulation | 4.7 |
| Motion isolation | 4.2 |
| Noise | 4.4 |
| Edge support | 4.1 |
| Sex | 4.8 |
| Pressure relief | 3.9 |
| Off-gassing | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.5 |
Helix Mattress vs. Your Weight and Sleeping Position
Light sleepers- less than 130 lbs
The Helix Midnight may work for petite back, and stomach sleepers. Individuals in these categories tend to prefer a firmer feel. However, most side sleepers in this group will need to consider the softer models; Sunset and Moonlight. These 2 models are softer and will contour much better to petite users compared to this medium-firm bed.
Average weight sleepers- 130 lbs to 230 lbs
When doing this Helix mattresses review, the Midnight and Dusk (medium-firm too) proved to be the perfect match for the average weight sleepers. Thanks to its balanced comfort and support, this mattress offers enough support in all sleeping positions without some parts sagging too much. On this note, the Dusk is a hair on the firm side and might fit stomach sleepers better.
On the other hand, the Midnight has enough give that side, and back sleepers need for the shoulders and hip area. Worth noting, average weight sleepers who seek a plusher mattress and don’t mind sinking a little too far in the mattress might appreciate the softer beds also.
Heavyweight sleepers- above 230 lbs
Heftier individuals will sink uncomfortably through the soft comfort layer of the Midnight mattress. This may throw their spine and back off balance, leading to pressure points and back pain and neck issues. Through their sleep quiz, Helix Sleep recommends the Twilight and Dawn mattresses for heavy people as these models have more support.
Sleep Position Ratings (1-5) (Midnight)
| Weight Sleep position | Lightweight Less than 130 lbs | Average weight 130 to 230 lbs | Heavyweight Above 230 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.8 |
| Back | 4.0 | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Stomach | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
How much does Helix Midnight Mattress Cost?
| Size | Mattress Dimensions | Mattress Price |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 12” | $600 |
| Twin xl | 39” x 80” x 12” | $700 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 12” | $850 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 12” | $999 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 12” | $1349 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 12” | $1,249 |
Return and Refund Policy
As with most bed-in-a-box brands today, Helix mattresses have a 100-day trial period. You’re free to return the bed after the first 30 days of this period if you are not impressed by its feel. Helix recommends giving yourself 30 days to break in the mattress and try to adapt to it.
Before deciding to return it, Helix also offers an option to add a free soft or firmer comfort layer to improve on the feel of the mattress. If you’re still hell-bent on returning the mattress, you’ll need to contact Helix Sleep Specialists, who will guide you on the process and arrange a pick-up of the mattress. After successfully returning the mattress, Helix promises a full refund in 5-7 working days.
Helix Mattress Review: Warranty Analysis
Helix hybrid mattresses come with a 10-year non-prorated warranty. This warranty covers physical defects such as dents that are 1 inch or deeper and cracks on the layers. However, note that Helix will honor this warranty only if you use the mattress on a firm-solid surface. If the warranty is valid, the manufacturer will choose to replace or repair the mattress. Here is more information on how the Helix mattress warranty works.
Regular Complaints about Helix Mattress that we’ve come across
- Not flippable – Most hybrid mattresses do not allow flipping, and we don’t think that’s a big issue. Rotating the mattress is all you need to get the optimum longevity of these beds.
- Mattress too soft or too firm – Helix Sleep engineers and designs its mattresses with particular weight categories in mind. The Sunset and Moonlight beds tend to fit most lightweight and petite sleepers the best. If you’re an average weight individual, you’ll need to consider the medium-firm mattresses (Midnight and Dusk). Lastly, heftier folks will appreciate the support of the Twilight and Dawn.
- Chemical smell – All Helix mattresses have a detectable chemical odor right off the package, but most of it fades in a couple of hours. Any remaining faint smell will be gone entirely in 48 hours at most.
- Has minimal contouring – If you want a Helix mattress with more conformity, you’ll need to consider the softer models. Otherwise, contouring dwindles as you go up the firmness ladder.
Our Verdict
At SleepSharp, we really appreciate the effort that Helix has put into ensuring that it aligns its customers (in this case, YOU) with the best mattress for their needs. Other than trying to force everyone to like a single-firmness level bed, this manufacturer has a mattress for everyone regardless of their weight, shape, sleeping positions, and preferences.
We hope that this Helix mattress review answered all of your questions. If you are sure of your firmness preference, go ahead, and order your bed. If you’re not sure, though, we highly recommend that you take the sleep quiz.
