Helix Sleep is a popular online mattress company with designs that cater to every preference.
When you lie down on a Helix mattress, you can feel the quality right away. While their designs are quite varied in terms of firmness and overall feel, every Helix model offers a blissfully cozy and supportive surface for a great night’s sleep.
Helix’s key strengths include an expansive line of products, innovative designs, and an appealing combination of luxury and affordability. Helix also offers a helpful sleep quiz that quickly directs shoppers to their ideal mattresses.
In this guide, we’ll review and compare 7 of Helix’s best mattresses, covering general brand info as well as individual product reviews. Then, we’ll compare Helix to other leading bed-in-a-box brands and answer a few frequently asked questions.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Mattress From Helix
Let’s start with a few pros and cons that are generally applicable to most Helix mattresses.
We’ll discuss the overall quality, feel, and cost in later sections. The pros and cons described below represent a few notable differences between Helix and other brands.
Helix Pros:
- Variety. Helix makes a varied selection of standard hybrid mattresses as well as a corresponding luxury line called the Helix Luxe. For example, you can purchase a standard Helix Midnight or you can opt for an upgraded Helix Midnight Luxe, which includes more features and is higher priced. Helix also makes a separate all-natural organic collection known as Birch by Helix.
- Customizable. Helix offers sufficient variety and options to satisfy all sleep styles and body types. In this regard, Helix outperforms other mattress brands that only offer one signature model plus a few alternatives. With Helix, you won’t have to settle for a mattress that will just “do okay.” Rather, you’ll find one that feels like it was made just for you.
- Minimal off-gassing. Opening a boxed mattress often involves the release of unpleasant odors in a process known as off-gassing. Compared to some other popular brands, Helix mattress off-gassing is usually mild and brief.
- Trial period and warranty. All Helix mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial that ensures a full refund for unsatisfied customers. Standard Helix mattresses also come with 10-year warranties, while Helix Plus and Luxe models come with 15-year warranties.
Helix Cons:
- Not soft enough for some sleepers. Hybrid mattresses like those made by Helix are designed for a mix of firmness and softness. A sleeper who wants to sink deeply into their bed may prefer an all-foam mattress.
- Hot sleeper warning. Some customer reviews note that Helix mattresses tend to sleep a little warm. Helix offers a GlacioTex Cooling Cover, sold separately, as an optional add-on for hot sleepers.
- No height options. All standard Helix Mattresses are 11.5” tall. The Helix Plus is 12.5″ tall and Helix Luxe Mattresses are 13.5″ tall. Individual Helix mattress designs aren’t available in multiple height options.
What Does a Helix Mattress Feel Like?
Helix mattresses belong to the hybrid category. Hybrids represent a blend of two other mattress types: innerspring and memory foam.
A hybrid mattress uses a supportive core in combination with layers of foam. For their core material, Helix uses hundreds of individually-wrapped steel coils. The outer comfort layers are made from a variety of foam materials, including high-density poly foam and memory foam.
Helix’s hybrids don’t feel springy like innerspring mattresses, nor do they sink down deeply like pure memory foam mattresses do. Rather, Helix provides neutral, medium-firm surfaces that combine the responsiveness of coils with the contouring of foam.
The precise feel of a Helix mattress varies, depending on the model. A major strength of Helix’s inventory is variety, allowing customers to pick the precise firmness level that they’re looking for.
The Dawn, Twilight, and Plus models are firm, while the Sunset and Moonlight are soft. The Dusk and the Midnight provide medium-firm options. Meanwhile, each mattress has an upgraded Luxe version with premium comfort features.
Firmness:
Many manufacturers, including Helix, use an unofficial 1–10 firmness scale, as follows:
- 1/10 indicates an extremely soft mattress that allows deep sinking
- 10/10 indicates maximum firmness, allowing virtually no sinking or conforming
- 6.5/10 is considered the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress
Ideal firmness depends on sleep style, body weight, and pressure relief needs.
People with light body weights tend to prefer softer mattresses, as do side sleepers. Heavy-bodied individuals, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers tend to prefer medium-firm or firm mattresses.
Helix designs mattresses for every sleep style, with firmness ratings ranging from 2.5/10–8.5/10.
How Much Does a Helix Mattress Cost?
Helix’s prices are mid-range compared to other leading online mattress brands. Helix’s hybrids offer good value, with some sizes available under $1,000.
In general, hybrid mattresses cost more than foam or innerspring mattresses, due to the inclusion of both a coil support core and foam comfort layers. However, hybrids are long-lasting and provide the mix of comfort and firmness that many sleepers require.
Here are the current prices for Helix’s standard and Luxe mattresses.
| Size | Helix | Helix Luxe |
| Twin | $849 | $1,199 |
| Twin XL | $949 | $1,449 |
| Full | $1,099 | $1,799 |
| Queen | $1,249 | $2,099 |
| King | $1,549 | $2,449 |
| California King | $1,549 | $2,449 |
How Does Helix Sleep Craft Their Mattresses?
Helix’s six standard hybrid mattress designs are all 11.5” thick. From the top to the base, a Helix hybrid includes these four layers:
- Top comfort layer of foam
- Transition layer of foam
- Wrapped coil core
- DuraDense Foam base layer
The top layer of comfort foam in most Helix hybrids is made from Helix Dynamic Foam, Helix’s proprietary poly-foam material that’s meant to act like a latex/foam hybrid, providing a mix of firmness and contouring.
Another proprietary material, Memory Plus Foam, is used as a comfort layer in some designs or as a transition layer in others. This material is a polyfoam that feels like memory foam but includes air capsules for improved airflow.
Under the upper foam layers, hundreds of 8” pocketed steel coils make up the bulk of the mattress’s thickness. The coils are individually wrapped, meaning that each spring can compress and expand independently. This improves motion isolation, preventing movements on one part of the bed from being felt on the other side.
Under the coils, the bottom layer of a Helix hybrid is made from DuraDense Foam, a thin, sturdy material that provides base support and durability. To wrap it all up, Helix customers can choose a standard Soft Touch Cover or upgrade to a GlacioTex Cooling Cover that pulls away body heat for a cooler night’s sleep.
The type of foams used and the ordering of the layers vary depending on the intended softness or firmness of the design. For example, the firm Dawn model uses a thick top layer of Dynamic Foam. Meanwhile, the much softer Sunset uses Dynamic Foam as a thin transition layer, while the thick top layer is made from Memory Plus Foam.
Helix’s Luxe mattresses are constructed similarly to their corresponding standard versions, but also include additional foam layers, ergonomic support zones, and the choice of a GlacioTex Cooling cover or a TENCEL™ fabric cover.
What Are the Most Popular Helix Mattresses?
Here are Helix’s various hybrid mattress designs. We’ll review each mattress in detail below.
Firmness ratings are provided by Helix, based on the unofficial 1–10 scale (10 = firmest, 1 = softest, and 6.5 = the industry standard for a medium-firm feel).
| Model | Mattress Type | Firmness Rating | Best For | *Price |
| Helix Dawn | Hybrid | 8.5 | Stomach and Back Sleepers | $1,249 |
| Helix Dusk | Hybrid | 5.5 | Combination Sleepers | $1,249 |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | 5.5 | Most Sleepers | $1,249 |
| Helix Moonlight | Hybrid | 2.5 | Back Sleepers | $1,249 |
| Helix Sunset | Hybrid | 2.5 | Side Sleepers | $1,249 |
| Helix Twilight | Hybrid | 8.5 | Couples | $1,249 |
| Helix Plus | Hybrid | 7.5 | Heavy-Bodied Sleepers | $1,249 |
1. Helix Dawn Mattress
- Best For: Stomach and Back Sleepers
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Firm
The Dawn is tied with the Twilight as Helix’s firmest and most supportive mattress design. This mattress is perfect for back and stomach sleepers who prefer extra firmness to support the spine, hips, and head.
Construction
This mattress’s comfort layer is made from Dynamic Foam, Helix’s proprietary polyfoam material that works like a blend of latex and memory foam. The transition layer is made from high-density poly foam. The mattress’s construction is designed to provide a bit of responsive bounciness and plenty of supportive firmness.
Firmness
The Helix Dawn is rated 8.5/10 on the firmness scale. The industry standard for medium-firmness is 6.5/10, meaning that the Helix Dawn is quite a bit firmer than the average medium-firm mattress.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
The Dawn’s coil core and firm surface reinforce its edges and minimize perimeter sinkage. Sleeping on the edges is as comfy as sleeping in the middle, although the mattress does compress somewhat if you sit down right on the edge.
As a firm mattress, the Dawn can’t provide superior motion transfer. Firm beds do a little less sinking and a little more bouncing, which means that they don’t completely isolate the effects of motion from one side of the bed to the other.
Pressure Relief
The Helix Dawn provides a surprising amount of pressure relief for such a firm mattress, allowing just enough cushioning to alleviate tension and lessen the impact of harsh contact. I would recommend this mattress to sleepers who require a firm mattress but also have pressure relief needs due to muscular pain or sore spots.
2. Helix Dusk Mattress
- Best For: Combination Sleepers
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Medium-Firm
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that provides a balanced mix of contouring and support.
Construction
The Dusk uses an even distribution of layers to create a medium-firm feel that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers. The top layer of Dynamic Foam provides a mix of bounce and pressure relief. There’s less sinkage than a pure memory foam mattress allows, but there’s still some pleasant contouring.
Between the dynamic foam and the coil core is a layer of Memory Plus Foam, another proprietary Helix creation. Memory Plus Foam is a polyfoam that acts similarly to memory foam but offers improved airflow thanks to the inclusion of microscopic air capsules.
Firmness
Helix rates the Dusk at 5.5/10 on the firmness scale, slightly softer than the industry standard for medium-firmness of 6.5/10.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
Like all Helix mattresses, the Dusk offers excellent edge support via reinforced coils around the perimeter. The standard Dusk offers lengthwise (two-sided) edge support while the Dusk Luxe offers four-sided edge support that includes the head and foot areas.
As a medium-firm mattress, Dusk provides slightly less motion isolation than a soft memory foam mattress. Movements on one part of the bed are felt across the surface, but not to a bothersome degree.
Pressure Relief
The Dusk is soft enough to provide decent pressure relief. Sleepers who rotate through different positions or couples with different sleep styles will appreciate this mattress’s mix of firmness and contouring, while sleepers who need an extra-soft or extra-firm mattress should look elsewhere.
3. Helix Midnight Mattress
- Best For: Most Sleepers
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Medium-Firm
The Helix Midnight is the brand’s most popular mattress. The feel is supportive and medium-firm.
Construction
Like the Dusk, the Midnight is rated 5.5/10 for firmness. Unlike the Dusk, which has a top comfort layer of Dynamic Foam, the Midnight’s top layer is Memory Plus Foam. Compared to the feel of the Dusk, the Midnight provides slightly more cushioning and contouring and less bounce.
A thin layer of high-grade polyfoam provides support between the memory foam comfort layer and the coil core. Overall, this mattress has the plush feel of memory foam but without deep sinking. Many mattress designs aim for that compromise, but the Midnight really nails it. As such, this mattress appeals to a wide range of sleepers and it’s no surprise that it’s Helix’s best seller.
Firmness
The Helix Midnight is rated 5.5/10 on the firmness scale. That makes it slightly less firm than the industry standard for medium-firmness, which is typically defined as 6.5/10.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
As a medium-firm mattress, the Midnight provides decent motion isolation, especially by hybrid standards. The top layer of memory foam absorbs and dissipates most movement. As long as you’re not jumping on the bed, one partner’s movements have minimal impact on the other side of the bed.
As for edge support, the Midnight performs splendidly in lying-down positions. There’s no noticeable sinking or sloping around the edges. When sitting down on the edge, you will experience some sinking.
If you want reinforced edges at the head and foot edges, you’ll have to pay up for the Midnight Luxe, since Helix chooses to make four-sided edge support one of their premium features.
Pressure Relief
This mattress provides excellent pressure relief for sensitive points around the shoulders, hips, and lower back. The degree of firmness is ideal for sleepers who suffer from aches and pains during the night. The mattress is soft enough to cushion the body’s hot spots but firm enough to prevent that “stuck” feeling that restricts comfortable movement.
4. Helix Moonlight Mattress
- Best For: Back Sleepers
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Soft
The Helix Moonlight is a soft mattress. It’s made with the same basic construction formula as Helix’s other designs, including a supportive core of individually wrapped coils. As a result, the Moonlight’s softness and contouring are substantial but not excessive.
Compared to Helix’s other soft mattress, the Sunset (reviewed below), the Moonlight offers similar comfort but a bit more support.
Construction
Like several other Helix designs, the Moonlight uses a top comfort layer of Helix Dynamic Foam, a latex-like material that provides comfort and contouring. Dynamic Foam is an impressive material that provides the softness of memory foam without permitting uncomfortably deep sinking.
While most of Helix’s other beds use a different polyfoam material as a transition layer between the comfort layer and the core, the Moonlight instead inserts a second layer of Dynamic Foam. This layer has a lower indentation force deflection (IFD), which means it’s extra soft. As a result, the two layers of Dynamic Foam provide considerable cushioning and contouring as the weight of a body presses the bed’s surface down towards the coil core.
Firmness
The Helix Moonlight is a soft mattress, rated 2.5/10 on the firmness scale.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
Soft mattresses like the Moonlight offer wonderful motion isolation—think of bouncing around on one side of the bed without spilling a drink that’s balanced on the other side. Two sleepers can comfortably share this bed without feeling one another’s movements.
While edge support isn’t always great with soft mattresses, the Moonlight scores highly in this category. You can lie on the very edge of the mattress without feeling any extra sinking. Sitting on the edge does create some extra dipping, similar to other soft mattresses.
Pressure Relief
Compared to the Sunset, the Moonlight provides slightly less contouring. However, there’s plenty of pressure point relief without excessive sinking. The hips and shoulders feel gently cradled, while the coil core exerts buoyant upward resistance to keep the body aligned and supported.
While softer mattresses are typically geared towards side sleepers, Helix actually markets the Moonlight to back and stomach sleepers. There’s enough support to prevent uncomfortable sinking around the hips in those positions, but ample pressure relief for side sleepers and combination sleepers.
5. Helix Sunset Mattress
- Best For: Side Sleepers
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Soft
The Sunset is Helix’s softest mattress. Like the Moonlight, the Sunset is rated 2.5/10 for firmness. However, the Sunset offers even more contouring and highly-responsive pressure relief.
Construction
The top comfort layer of a Sunset mattress is made from Helix’s proprietary Memory Plus Foam, a very soft and conforming material. Between the comfort layer and the coil core is a thin transition layer of Helix Dynamic Foam that provides ergonomic support and additional cushioning.
The multiple foam layers add up to form a surface that’s softer than most hybrids. While this mattress provides more support than pure memory foam designs, it’s the most contouring and heavily cushioned of Helix’s hybrids.
Firmness
Like the Helix Moonlight, the Helix Sunset is considered a soft mattress, rated 2.5/10 for firmness.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
An advantage of soft mattresses, like the Helix Sunset, is superior motion isolation. The bed’s ability to absorb contact, rather than reflect it, means that the effect of motion and pressure exerted on the mattress surface is limited to the area of contact. That means sleepers on different sides of the bed can move around freely without disturbing one another.
Edge support can be a problem for soft mattresses, but all Helix mattresses use individually wrapped coils to provide reinforced edge support. As a soft mattress, any part of the Sunset’s surface partially gives way to the pressure of body weight, but the effect is fairly consistent across the mattress’s center and edges. The Helix Sunset offers lengthwise (two-sided) reinforced edges, while the Sunset Luxe includes full perimeter (four-sided) reinforced edges.
Pressure Relief
The Sunset provides a great deal of pressure relief, similar to a pure memory foam mattress. Sleepers who suffer soreness around the shoulders or hips will find significant relief.
This mattress is recommended for sleepers of all sleep styles who prefer a softer bed. However, those with heavy body weights (over 230 lb) are likely to prefer a mattress that provides more firmness and support.
6. Helix Twilight Mattress
- Best For: Couples
- Price: $1,249
- Feel: Firm
The Twilight matches the Dawn for Helix’s highest firmness rating, at 8.5/10. This mattress provides modest cushioning and minimal contouring while allowing virtually no sinking. The Twilight is ideal for back and stomach sleepers or for heavy-bodied side sleepers.
Construction
This firm mattress is made with a top layer of Memory Plus Foam, a firm material that also provides moderate pressure relief.
Between the comfort layer and the coil core, there’s a thin transition layer of high-grade polyfoam. For this firm mattress design, Helix uses polyfoam with a high indentation force deflection (IFD), which means the foam is extra dense, firm, and supportive.
Firmness
At 8.5/10 on the firmness scale, this mattress is somewhat firmer than the medium-firm industry standard of 6.5/10.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
Firm mattresses can’t provide total motion isolation, but the Twilight dissipates motion better than expected for a mattress that rates 8.5/10 for firmness. One partner’s movements are barely detectable from one side of the bed to the other.
This mattress also provides above-average edge support, making it easy to lie or even sit along the edges comfortably. This is especially helpful for couples who want to spread out or for people with mobility challenges.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is generally a feature of softer mattresses that can provide gentle cushioning in the areas where the body presses down on the bed’s surface. A firm mattress like the Helix Twilight prioritizes support over pressure relief, although the Memory Plus Foam comfort layer does provide a slight degree of contouring and cushioning.
7. Helix Plus Mattress
- Best For: Heavy-Bodied Sleepers
- Price: $1,749
- Feel: Firm
The Helix Plus is firm and extra supportive, designed to accommodate people who weigh over 230 lbs.
Construction
To provide extra support, the Helix Plus is 12.5” thick and includes five separate layers, compared to Helix’s standard 11.5”, four-layer hybrids.
From top to bottom, the Plus consists of these layers:
- Ultra-dense memory foam comfort layer
- Transition layer of Helix Dynamic Foam
- Second transition layer of firm memory foam
- Core of extra-large individually-wrapped coils
- DuraDense Foam base layer
The foam layers are thin but extra dense, creating a top layer that contours and relieves pressure but doesn’t allow a heavy body to sink down deeply.
Firmness
Plus-sized and big and tall sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses. To meet this need, the Helix Plus uses supportive, slow-moving foam and a sturdy coil core. The mattress is rated 7.5/10 on the firmness scale.
Edge Support and Motion Transfer
A firm hybrid mattress can’t match the total motion isolation that pure foam mattresses achieve. As a firm mattress, movement on one side of the Helix Plus is noticeable on the other side. However, the overall bulk and density of the mattress minimize motion transfer considerably.
As a mattress marketed specifically for heavy bodies, I did expect more resilient edge support from the Plus. When sitting on the edge, the mattress sinks significantly. When lying down on the edge, sinking is less noticeable but does occur to a slight extent.
Pressure Relief
The Helix Plus is built for heavy bodies, but that doesn’t mean it’s stiff as a board. Rather than going all-out for maximum firmness, Helix crafted the Plus to cater to larger sleepers who need support along with some contouring and pressure relief.
This mattress is a great match for heavy-bodied sleepers of all sleep styles, especially those who favor a mix of firmness and pressure relief.
What Type of Sleeper Is a Helix Mattress Best For?
While most high-quality mattresses can satisfy a range of sleepers, there are ideal selections based on sleep style and body type.
Sleep Styles
We think that side sleepers would love the Helix Moonlight, Helix Sunset, or the Luxe versions of those mattresses. Meanwhile, strict back and stomach sleepers should consider the Helix Dawn, Helix Twilight, or the Luxe versions of those designs.
Combination sleepers (those who rotate through different sleep positions) will be best served by the Dusk, Midnight, Dusk Luxe, and Midnight Luxe. These designs provide the best balance of firmness and comfort.
Body Types
Helix mattresses are hybrids with pocketed coil base layers. This type of mattress is durable and provides comfort and support for all body types, from petite to plus size.
The only Helix mattress that was designed specifically for a certain body type is the Helix Plus, which is made for plus-sized or big and tall sleepers.
Helix vs. Other Mattress Brands:
Wondering how Helix compares to other mattress-in-a-box companies? Let’s highlight a few key differences between Helix and other leading brands.
Helix vs. Nectar
Nectar makes several mattress designs, including a hybrid, but the company is best known for its dense, viscous, memory foam. Nectar mattresses are oriented towards sleepers who favor the classic, soft feel of memory foam rather than a mattress, like a Helix hybrid, that balances comfort and firmness.
Along with memory foam, Nectar is known for value. Nectar mattresses are lower-priced than most online mattress brands, including Helix.
Helix vs. Purple
Purple constructs mattresses with their signature GelFlex Grid, made from proprietary hyper-elastic polymer. Purple’s mattresses are unique, offering stretchy, soft, and supportive surfaces.
Purple’s best features include superior airflow (great for hot sleepers) and pressure relief. Purple describes their mattresses as a mix of soft and firm, but most sleepers find them more soft than firm. Purple holds the most appeal among side sleepers and lighter-bodied sleepers.
Compared to Helix, Purple’s mattresses tend to be higher-priced. Get the full story in Home of Cozy’s Helix vs Purple comparison guide.
Helix vs. Casper
Like Helix, Casper is one of the most well-known online mattress brands. The Original Casper design is a foam mattress divided into three ergonomic zones. Casper also makes several hybrid models.
Casper has fewer total models than Helix, but offers a wider price range, with the Original Casper being the most affordable option. Among foam mattresses, Casper is a top pick. For hybrids, I favor Helix mattresses, thanks to greater variety and lower prices.
Helix vs. Saatva
Like Helix, Saatva aims to offer enough product variety to meet the needs of all sleep styles. Unlike most online mattress companies, Saatva makes all three major mattress styles: hybrid, innerspring, and memory foam.
While Saatva offers a broader range of mattress styles, they only offer one or two designs per style. Helix, meanwhile, is all-in on hybrids but offers quite a bit of variety within that category. Helix also provides a useful sleep quiz that helps shoppers quickly find the product that best meets their needs.
Get a full comparison of these two brands in our Helix vs Saatva comparison guide.
Helix FAQs:
Can You Flip a Helix Mattress?
The ordered layers of a Helix mattress mean that there’s a designated top and bottom and the mattress should never be flipped. However, to distribute wear evenly, mattresses should be rotated several times per year.
How Long Does a Helix Mattress Last?
High-quality hybrid mattresses are generally expected to last 7–10 years. Over time, the internal support system weakens and wear and tear occurs on the surfaces. A mattress that’s well-cared for may be useful for more than 10 years. Quality tends to decline gradually, rather than all at once, meaning that determining the right time to replace a mattress is a matter of personal preference.
Helix doesn’t specify an expected lifetime for their mattresses, but all Helix mattresses come with 10-year or 15-year warranties.
Does a Helix Mattress Need a Box Spring?
The use of box springs is a matter of personal preference. Box springs used to be standard with mattress purchases, in order to provide shock absorption and height.
However, modern hybrid mattresses contain various layers that provide sufficient absorption and thickness without the need for a box spring. Some sleepers still prefer to use box springs in order to create an extra-high bed or to replace the use of a bed frame.
Our Final Verdict on Helix Mattresses
The reviews above are intended to be as candid as possible, equally focused on Helix’s benefits and drawbacks. However, overall, I love what the Helix brand has to offer regarding quality, variety, and value. Since each Helix mattress is available as either a standard or a Luxe, Helix offers a great selection of prices, options, and premium features. At Home of Cozy, we aim to provide furniture reviews that cover the good, the bad, and the nitty-gritty details. For more mattress reviews, check out our Best Toddler Mattress guide and our picks for the top-10 Best Mattresses and 15 Best Mattress-in-a-Box Brands.