Helix Mattress Review | Reasons to Buy/NOT Buy (2024)

Every bed-in-a-box mattress has a little something different to offer. At Helix, the personalized sleep quiz helps you discover the perfect Helix mattress for your sleeping position, body type and other considerations. Helix makes beds for nearly everyone and offers a wide variety of options, so if you’re looking for something specific, you will likely find it with Helix.

This review will give an overview of the different Helix mattresses offered and who each model is most accommodating for. Helix offers six main beds (Midnight, Dusk, Sunset, Moonlight, Twilight and Dawn) available in three different collection types (Core, Luxe and Elite) and the Helix Plus mattress for plus-size individuals and couples.

First impressions 

Core models: The six Helix mattress base models in the Core collection are fairly similar and share many of the same characteristics. These beds are comprised of five layers and are 11.5 inches thick. The mattresses in Helix’s Core collection have the same feel, but their firmness and support levels vary. Some are more pressure-relieving, while others are firmer. As far as value goes, these are the best for your money.

Luxe models: The Luxe models take it up another notch with an even thicker, more premium design. If you compare the Helix Midnight base model with its Luxe mattress counterpart side by side, it’s easy to tell the difference. Not only do they look pretty, but they also have a different feel than the base Helix models thanks to their fluffy, airy toppers. Depending on the model, you will have to pay a more luxury price tag, which is about $400 more than the Core beds.

Elite models: The Elite models stand a whopping 16 inches tall, which is 2.5 inches taller than the beds in the Luxe collection. These thick mattresses are comprised of nine layers of premium materials, whereas the Luxe models have six layers and the Core have five. Those extra layers include an advanced support system with thousands of individually wrapped steel coils for enhanced durability and zoned lumbar support.

Helix Plus: One of the many mattresses for plus-size sleepers, the Helix Plus is one sturdy fella. At 11.5 inches tall, it’s thinner than the Luxe models, but don’t worry — it makes up for it with its extra-large pocketed coils and premium, dense foams. The firmness level is around medium-firm. Keep in mind that you might be overwhelmed by the firmness and support if you weigh less than 150 pounds.

Video: Helix Mattress Review  

Watch our very own CNET video producer, Owen Poole, review the Helix mattresses. 

Helix mattress constructions

Helix Core mattresses

Since the six Core mattress models from Helix have similar 11.5-inch constructions, I will give you an overview of the most popular model, the Helix Midnight mattress. Their only differences are the arrangement of the top layers, and they all contain some combination using two of these three foams: Helix Dynamic Foam, Memory Foam Plus and High-Grade Polyfoam. 

1. The first layer is DuraDense foam, a thin layer that sits underneath the support layer.
2. Next is a thick layer of supportive pocketed coils that are individually wrapped in fabric to help isolate motion better than traditional pocketed coils.
3. Above that is High-Grade Polyfoam, a transition layer to help even out the harsh feel of the coils below.
4. Memory Plus Foam is the Helix Midnight mattress’ main comfort layer. It’s pressure-relieving but doesn’t give you that “sinking” feeling that other types of memory foam can. 
5. The top layer will be your choice of the Breathe Knit cover or upgrade to Helix’s GlacioTex Cooling Cover.

Helix Luxe mattresses

The Luxe mattresses are slightly thicker and, as I mentioned before, are more premium versions of the Helix models. Instead of five layers, Helix Luxe beds contain six different layers and are 13.5 inches thick. Here’s what you can find inside the Helix Midnight Luxe: 

1. DuraDense base layer similar to the base Helix Midnight mattress.
2. A layer of zoned lumbar support pocketed coils that provide targeted pressure relief and support to the areas of your body that need it most.
3. Next is High-Grade Polyfoam, which acts as a transitional layer.
4. The fourth layer from the bottom is Gel Visco memory foam, where you’ll find this bed’s pressure-relieving comfort. 
5. Like the original Midnight layer, the comfort layer is made with Memory Plus Foam.
6. The cherry on top of the Helix Luxe Midnight mattress is its fluffy quilted pillow top, which looks and feels extremely comfortable. 

Helix Elite mattresses

The Elite mattresses are the tallest of them all at 16 inches thick. They’re comprised of an impressive nine layers of premium materials. Here’s a breakdown of the Helix Midnight Elite’s construction:

1. It starts with the DuraDense foam base, just like the models in the other collections.
2. Then comes a system of thousands of individually wrapped steel coils with two additional micro-coil layers for enhanced support.
3. Five individual layers of high-density foams combine to create an accommodating medium feel.
4. Its memory foam comfort layers provide a luxurious, press-relieving sensation.
5. The cover on top has built-in GlacioTex Elite cooling technology.

Helix Plus mattress

The Helix Plus is 11.5 inches tall and slightly thinner than the Luxe models, but is still highly supportive and durable. Check out its four-layer construction:

1. Like the rest of the beds, the first slab of foam is a thin DuraDense foam layer.
2. Second in the layer lineup are extra thick TitanCore steel coils to provide additional support for heavier individuals. 
3. Third is the Helix Dynamic Foam for high-density contouring comfort.
4. Last is another dense layer of Helix Responsive Foam for additional support on top.

Helix mattress feel and firmness

How firm are the Helix mattresses?

• Soft: Sunset and Moonlight (in all three collections — Core, Luxe and Elite). They are best for side sleepers and are rated around a two out of 10 on the firmness scale. 
• Medium: Midnight and Dusk (in all three collections — Core, Luxe and Elite). Medium-firmness hybrid mattresses are best for combo sleepers or people who want a balance between pressure relief and support. They are rated around a five out of ten on the firmness scale. 
• Firm: Twilight and Dawn (in all three collections — Core, Luxe and Elite). Hybrid mattresses with firm profiles are best for back and stomach sleepers who want maximum support. They are rated around a nine to ten on the firmness scale. 
• Helix Plus: The Helix Plus is a hybrid mattress that’ll feel like a medium-firm to sleepers over 230 pounds (firmer for those who are lighter).

What do the Helix mattresses feel like?

The Helix mattresses use many of the same foams in their various models, give or take one or two that are special to the Helix Luxe and Helix Plus. They have a neutral foam feel that’s more responsive than your typical memory foam mattress. Beds like the Helix Moonlight will feel softer, and you won’t sink in as much, while you sit more on top of the Helix Dawn, and it will feel more supportive. Also, the Helix Luxe models feel a little extra plush and airy because of the thick pillow tops they’re all designed with. The Elite models are the most supportive of them all, thanks to their many layers and 16″ thick profile.

Helix mattress performance 

Motion isolation

Any of the Elite models isolate motion the best out of all the Helix mattresses. Although the base Helix mattresses and Helix Luxe beds isolate motion pretty well for hybrid mattresses, all of those cushy layers on top of the Elite’s coils give it a slight upper hand. 

Bouncing and rolling around on the Helix Elite mattresses, you hardly feel any movement throughout the bed. 

Edge support

We have to give edge support props to the Helix Plus, which, thanks to its XL pocketed coil construction, makes it a great option for those who share a mattress (especially a small one) with a significant other or furry family member who kicks you to the edge. 

Similar to my motion isolation sentiment, the Helix and Helix Luxe mattresses also have fine edge support compared to the Elite models. When lying on the very edge, I didn’t feel like I was about to topple over the side. It’s just hard to beat a mattress with such strong, supportive steel coils. 

Temperature

All of the Helix mattresses sleep generally temperature-neutral, meaning they aren’t hot or cold. I think the factors will mainly depend on how warm you keep the bedroom and the type of clothing (or lack thereof) that you wear as pajamas. Some of the models have Breathe Knit covers designed for enhanced airflow, while others have the option to add Helix’s GlacioTex pillow top for premium cooling technology.

Who should sleep on it? 

Just because it’s meant to be slept on doesn’t necessarily mean you should sleep on it. You should try to find a mattress that fits both your body and the position you sleep in the most. 

Sleeping position

Side sleepers: The Helix Sunset, Helix Moonlight and their Luxe and Elite counterparts were made for side sleepers and offer maximum pressure relief, but the Dusk and Midnight work if you want a little added support.

Back/stomach sleepers: The best Helix mattresses for back and stomach sleepers would be the Dusk, Midnight, Dawn or Twilight. You can also opt for the Helix Plus if you weigh over 230 pounds. 

Combo sleepers: The Helix Dusk and Midnight are the best for combination sleepers because they’re pressure-relieving while you’re on your side, yet supportive while you’re on your back or stomach. 

Body type

Every Helix mattress has a pocketed coil base layer, so these mattresses will suit any body type, from petite to heavy. As I mentioned earlier, the Helix Plus is a great bed for those over 230 pounds if you’re willing to spend the extra cash on it. And remember, people who are under 150 pounds should probably steer away from the Helix Plus mattress because they simply don’t need it.

Price

Helix mattresses are generally affordable for what they offer and provide a decent value, especially when you see a Helix discount running.

• The price for the base queen-size Helix mattress model is around $1,332 and drops around $100 or more after discounts. 
• A queen-size Helix Luxe mattress is $2,374 before promos, but it’s known to go down another $200 or so. 
• The beds in the Elite collection are $3,748 before discounts, which usually bring it down to around $2,999.
• Lastly, a queen-size Helix Plus mattress retails for $1,499 and can drop up to $170 or more once you apply a discount. 

Trial, shipping and warranty  

It’ll be similar across the board for each mattress regarding shipping and trial periods; the only difference will be warranties. You’ll get free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial and a 10- to 15-year mattress warranty. 

Also, your Helix mattress will be shipped to you inside a box about the size of a golf bag. You’ll have to unbox it, remove it from its plastic wrapping and unroll it on top of your bed frame. 

The final verdict

Helix is impressive with its many options — few brands boast over 12 beds in their catalog. Its sleep quiz is also relatively uncommon and makes it easy for people overwhelmed by all their options to find the right one. Unless you’re in the market for a foam mattress, it’s difficult to find a problem with the Helix mattress. That said, here are the primary people we do and don’t recommend this to. 

You might like it if:

• You want a hybrid mattress with a pocketed coil base layer
• You have a petite, average or plus-size body type
• You want a bed with a neutral foam or pillow-top feel

You might not like it if:

• You’re on a tight budget and can’t spend over $600
• You want a foam mattress without coils

How do Helix mattresses compare to other beds?

• Helix vs. Casper: Casper, the maker of the Casper One, is another popular bed-in-a-box brand. The Casper One has an all-foam construction, which differs from Helix’s hybrid designs. The bed is constructed with Breathe Flex Foam and pressure-relieving Align Memory Foam that cradles your body while providing ample support. The Casper One is rated around a medium-firm to firm on the firmness scale, similar to the Helix Dawn.
• Helix vs. Purple: The original Purple mattress is unlike Helix and most other traditional mattresses. Its main comfort layer is made with Purple’s GelFlex Grid. It’s a gel-like material molded into a grid formation that feels soft and supportive at the same time. It’s also very cooling because the grid design promotes increased airflow. Purple is rated around a medium on the firmness scale, similar to Helix Midnight and Dawn. 
• Helix vs. Puffy: The Puffy mattress is well known for its exceptional pressure relief due to its soft and marshmallowy feel. This mattress feels just like the name – puffy. It gently presses against your body and contours your curves for optimal comfort. These features make Puffy a great option for side sleepers or people who are on the petite side. Helix, on the other hand, offers a unique customization that allows customers to select their preferred firmness level.