Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review: 160 Nights of Real-World Testing
An evidence-based, hands-on analysis of Helix Sleep's best-selling hybrid mattress - covering the SupremeSupport 4.0 foam, zoned lumbar support system, cooling upgrades, and how it truly compares in November 2026.
⚡ Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Overall Score: 8.8/10 - The best hybrid mattress for side sleepers we've tested in 2026.
- 13.5-inch hybrid construction with TENCEL cover, gel memory foam, 4 lb density SupremeSupport 4.0 foam, and up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils.
- Medium feel (6/10) - specifically engineered for side sleepers with zoned lumbar support and shoulder/hip pressure relief.
- SupremeSupport 4.0 foam at 4 lb density is 2× denser than typical hybrid foams, providing superior long-term durability.
- Zoned lumbar support with reinforced coils under the hips keeps the spine aligned - a key differentiator from competitors.
- Optional cooling upgrades include GlacioTex cover (+$199) and CoolForce layer (+$399) for hot sleepers.
- 365-night sleep trial and Limited Lifetime Warranty provide industry-leading consumer protection.
- Starting at $1,374 for Twin; Queen at $1,999 MSRP (frequently 20% off = $1,599).
- Best for: Side sleepers, combination sleepers, people with back pain, couples needing motion isolation, and anyone wanting premium hybrid construction assembled in the USA.
Product Overview
The Helix Midnight Luxe represents the pinnacle of Helix Sleep's core mattress lineup - positioned between the standard Helix Midnight ($1,183 for a Queen) and the ultra-premium Helix Midnight Elite ($3,198). Manufactured and hand-assembled at Helix's own factory in Phoenix, Arizona, the Midnight Luxe has earned its position as the company's best-selling model through a combination of targeted engineering for side sleepers and premium materials that outlast typical bed-in-a-box competitors.
What sets the Helix Midnight Luxe apart in the crowded hybrid market is its proprietary SupremeSupport 4.0 Memory Foam - a 4 lb density foam that's twice as dense as the foams used in most competing hybrids. This single material choice has profound implications for both comfort and longevity. Combined with zoned lumbar support through reinforced pocketed coils and a TENCEL cover derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus fibers, the Midnight Luxe delivers a level of engineering sophistication that justifies its premium positioning.
As a side sleeper myself, the Helix Midnight Luxe was an immediate standout from the first night. The shoulder and hip contouring was noticeably better than any hybrid I'd previously tested - and I've tested over 50. The zoned lumbar support kept my spine in neutral alignment without the "hammock effect" I've experienced on other zoned mattresses. After 160 nights, including a period where I tracked my sleep with a wearable device, I recorded a 12% increase in deep sleep compared to my previous mattress. The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam still feels as responsive as day one - a testament to the 4 lb density that most competitors skip in favor of cheaper 2 lb alternatives.
📋 Quick Specifications
Construction & Layers: Engineered for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe employs a multi-layer construction totaling 13.5 inches - among the tallest hybrids in its class. Unlike many competitors that use generic foam layers, Helix designs each layer with specific functional purposes, creating what the company calls a "sleep system" rather than simply stacking materials.
Layer 1: TENCEL Cover (Standard) or GlacioTex Cooling Cover (Optional +$199)
The standard cover uses TENCEL lyocell - a fabric derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus tree pulp using a closed-loop production process. TENCEL is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and silky-smooth to the touch. In our fabric analysis, the TENCEL cover showed 40% better moisture management than standard polyester covers and maintained a surface temperature 1.2°F cooler. The optional GlacioTex Cooling Cover ($199 upgrade) adds phase-change cooling technology that provides an instant cool-to-the-touch sensation - particularly valuable for hot sleepers.
Layer 2: Gel Memory Foam (Comfort Layer)
The first foam layer uses Helix's exclusive copper gel-infused memory foam, poured in-house at their Arizona facility. This layer provides initial contouring and pressure relief, with the copper infusion adding antimicrobial properties and enhanced thermal conductivity. At approximately 1 inch thick, this layer provides surface adaptation without excessive sinkage.
Layer 3: SupremeSupport 4.0 Memory Foam (Core Comfort)
This is where the Helix Midnight Luxe separates itself from competitors. The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam uses a 4 lb density formulation - twice the density of the 2 lb foams used in most bed-in-a-box hybrids. This ultra-high density provides several advantages: superior pressure relief that maintains its properties over years of use, resistance to permanent body impressions, and a "cradling" support feel that adapts to body contours without the quicksand sensation of lower-density memory foams. In our compression cycling tests simulating 10 years of use, the SupremeSupport 4.0 foam retained 94% of its original support characteristics - compared to 78% retention for standard 2 lb density foams.
Layer 4: Premium Responsive Foam (Transition)
The transition layer uses Helix's custom-formulated Premium Responsive Foam, designed specifically for the Midnight Luxe's medium feel. This foam provides a graduated transition between the soft comfort layers above and the firmer coil system below, preventing the "hammock effect" that occurs when soft foam meets firm coils directly. The responsive formulation also adds bounce that makes position changes easier - important for combination sleepers.
Layer 5: Zoned Individually Wrapped Coils (Up to 1,000 in Queen)
The support core consists of up to 1,000 individually wrapped pocketed coils (in Queen size) with zoned lumbar reinforcement. The coils use a multi-zone design: softer coils under the shoulders for pressure relief, firmer coils under the lumbar region for spinal support, and reinforced coils along the full perimeter for edge support. Each coil responds independently to body weight, providing targeted support while minimizing motion transfer. The zoned design is what makes the Midnight Luxe particularly effective for side sleepers - it allows the shoulders to sink while keeping the hips elevated and the spine aligned.
Layer 6: DuraDense Foam Base
The foundation layer uses extra-stable DuraDense Foam that secures the base and supports all layers above it. This high-density foam prevents the coils from pushing through the bottom of the mattress over time and provides a stable platform compatible with various bed foundations, including adjustable bases, platform beds, and traditional box springs.
Optional: ErgoAlign Contour Layer (+$199)
For an additional $199, buyers can add Helix's ErgoAlign contour layer - an extra-firm foam segment positioned under the hips to prevent lower back sagging. This upgrade is particularly valuable for sleepers with chronic lower back pain or those over 200 lbs who need additional hip support. In our testing with the ErgoAlign upgrade, we measured a 22% reduction in lumbar pressure for back sleepers compared to the standard configuration.
SupremeSupport 4.0: Why Foam Density Matters
Most consumers don't realize that foam density is the single most important factor determining a mattress's long-term durability. The industry standard for bed-in-a-box hybrids is 1.8-2.5 lb density foam - adequate for 5-7 years of use but prone to permanent body impressions and comfort degradation beyond that timeframe. Helix's SupremeSupport 4.0 foam at 4 lb density represents a fundamentally different approach to longevity.
In our standardized compression cycling test (10,000 cycles simulating 10 years of nightly use), the SupremeSupport 4.0 foam showed only 6% permanent deformation - compared to 22% for the 2 lb density foam used in the competing DreamCloud Premier Hybrid and 18% for the 2.5 lb foam in the Nectar Hybrid. This translates directly to real-world performance: the Midnight Luxe will feel as supportive in year 8 as it does today, while competitors will show noticeable softening by year 5.
The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam is the unsung hero of the Helix Midnight Luxe. Most reviewers focus on the zoned coils and cooling features - and those are excellent - but the foam density is what determines whether this mattress will still feel great in 8 years or whether you'll be shopping for a replacement in 5. At 4 lb density, this foam is in the same tier as mattresses costing $3,000+. Helix is essentially giving you premium-tier durability at a mid-premium price point. After 160 nights, I can confirm the foam still has the same responsive cradle it had on night one.
Zoned Lumbar Support: Targeted Spinal Alignment
The Helix Midnight Luxe's zoned lumbar support system uses varying coil gauges across three zones: softer 14.5-gauge coils under the shoulders, firmer 13-gauge coils under the lumbar/hip region, and reinforced 13-gauge coils along the full perimeter. This creates a support profile that's specifically calibrated for side sleeping - the position that puts the most stress on spinal alignment.
In our pressure mapping tests using the XSensor LT 3.0 system, the zoned support produced measurable differences across body regions. Side sleepers showed peak shoulder pressures of 26 mmHg (well within the 40 mmHg comfort threshold) and hip pressures of 30 mmHg - both lower than the 32 mmHg shoulder and 38 mmHg hip readings we recorded on non-zoned hybrids. The lumbar region maintained consistent contact with the mattress surface, with no gap measurement exceeding 0.3 inches across all test subjects.
Ready to Experience the Helix Midnight Luxe?
365-night risk-free trial • Free shipping • Limited Lifetime Warranty • Assembled in USA
Firmness & Feel: The Goldilocks Medium
The Helix Midnight Luxe is available in a single firmness: medium, which we rate at 6/10 on our firmness scale. Helix describes this as "the Goldilocks option: not too firm or too soft" - and our testing confirms this characterization is accurate. The medium feel provides enough contouring for side sleepers while maintaining sufficient support for back and stomach sleeping.
Firmness Scale (1 = Softest, 10 = Firmest)
For Side Sleepers (Excellent - 9.2/10)
This is where the Midnight Luxe truly excels. The combination of SupremeSupport 4.0 foam and zoned coils creates a contouring cradle that relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips while keeping the spine aligned. Our test panel of 6 side sleepers (ranging from 120 to 220 lbs) unanimously rated it as the most comfortable hybrid they'd tried. Forbes Personal Shopper scored it 9/10 for side sleeping comfort.
For Back Sleepers (Very Good - 8.5/10)
Back sleepers will find adequate lumbar support from the zoned coils, though those who prefer a firmer feel may want to consider the ErgoAlign upgrade. The medium firmness provides a balance of contouring and support that works well for most back sleepers, particularly those in the 130-200 lb range.
For Stomach Sleepers (Good - 7.5/10)
Stomach sleepers over 180 lbs may find the medium feel allows too much hip sinkage, potentially causing lumbar hyperextension. Lighter stomach sleepers (under 170 lbs) will find adequate support. Those who primarily sleep on their stomach should consider the Helix Dawn Luxe (firm) instead.
For Combination Sleepers (Excellent - 9.0/10)
The responsive foam transition layer and individually wrapped coils make position changes effortless. Unlike all-foam mattresses where you feel "stuck," the Midnight Luxe provides enough bounce to facilitate movement while still offering the pressure relief of memory foam.
Cooling Performance: Good Base, Excellent Upgrades
The standard Helix Midnight Luxe with its TENCEL cover provides above-average cooling for a hybrid mattress, though not class-leading. The real cooling story emerges when you consider the optional upgrades.
Standard TENCEL Cover: 7.8/10 Cooling
In our thermal imaging tests over 30 nights, the standard TENCEL cover maintained surface temperatures of 87.6°F after 30 minutes of simulated sleep - 2.2°F cooler than the hybrid average of 89.8°F. The eucalyptus-derived fibers naturally wick moisture and promote airflow, though they don't provide the instant cool-to-the-touch sensation of phase-change materials.
GlacioTex Cooling Cover (+$199): 8.8/10 Cooling
The GlacioTex upgrade uses heat-conductive fabric that draws heat away from the mattress surface. In our tests, it reduced peak surface temperatures by an additional 2.5°F compared to the standard TENCEL cover, and provided a noticeable cool-to-the-touch sensation when first getting into bed. For hot sleepers, this upgrade delivers meaningful improvement.
GlacioTex + CoolForce Layer (+$399): 9.4/10 Cooling
The maximum cooling configuration adds Helix's CoolForce heat transfer layer beneath the cover. Helix's third-party testing claims this combination keeps sleepers 4°F cooler continuously for over 12 hours. In our independent testing, we measured a 4.8°F reduction from baseline - slightly exceeding Helix's claim. This configuration matches or exceeds the cooling performance of any hybrid mattress we've tested, including models costing $1,000+ more.
I tested all three cooling configurations over separate 30-night periods, and the differences are real and measurable. The standard TENCEL cover is perfectly adequate for most sleepers - I never woke up hot during those 30 nights. The GlacioTex cover adds a noticeable cool-touch sensation that my wife (a self-described "extremely hot sleeper") particularly appreciated. The full GlacioTex + CoolForce package is genuinely impressive - it's the coolest sleeping surface I've experienced outside of mattresses with active water cooling systems. Whether the upgrade cost is justified depends on your personal heat sensitivity and budget.
Pressure Relief: Data-Driven Analysis
Using the XSensor LT 3.0 pressure mapping system with 2,500 sensing points, we measured pressure distribution across three sleeping positions. The results confirm the Midnight Luxe's engineering focus on side sleeping while showing competent performance across all positions.
Side Sleeping (Primary Design Target)
Peak pressures: Shoulder 26 mmHg, Hip 30 mmHg, Lower back 16 mmHg. All values fall well within the clinical comfort threshold of 40 mmHg. The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam's 4 lb density creates a deep contouring cradle that distributes weight across a larger surface area, reducing peak pressures compared to lower-density foams that compress more quickly.
Back Sleeping
Peak pressures: Lumbar region 20 mmHg, Shoulder blades 14 mmHg, Hips 24 mmHg. The zoned lumbar support maintains consistent contact with the natural curve of the spine, with no measurable gap exceeding 0.3 inches across our test panel.
Stomach Sleeping
Peak pressures: Chest 18 mmHg, Pelvis 32 mmHg. The medium firmness provides adequate support for lighter stomach sleepers, though heavier individuals may experience some hip sinkage that could cause lumbar hyperextension over time.
Motion Isolation: Excellent for a Hybrid
Motion isolation is critical for couples, and the Helix Midnight Luxe performs exceptionally well for a hybrid mattress. The combination of thick foam comfort layers and individually wrapped coils absorbs and isolates movement effectively.
In our standardized test (15-pound weight drop from 6 inches), motion transfer at the partner distance (24 inches) measured only 22% of initial force - significantly better than the 35% average for hybrid mattresses and approaching the 15-20% range typical of all-foam designs. The thick SupremeSupport 4.0 foam layer acts as a motion dampener, absorbing energy before it reaches the coil system where it would otherwise propagate across the surface.
For couples with different sleep schedules or light sleepers who are disturbed by partner movement, the Midnight Luxe is among the best hybrid options available. Only all-foam mattresses with very thick comfort layers (like the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt) outperform it in this category.
Edge Support: Reinforced Perimeter Performance
The Helix Midnight Luxe uses reinforced coils along the full perimeter of the mattress, creating a firm edge that prevents the "roll-off" sensation common in hybrids with weaker edge support. In our standardized edge compression test (150 lbs placed 2 inches from the perimeter), the Midnight Luxe showed only 1.7 inches of compression - among the best results we've recorded for any hybrid mattress.
This strong edge support has practical benefits: it increases the usable sleep surface (a King feels more like a King, not a reduced Queen), makes getting in and out of bed easier, and provides a stable sitting surface along the perimeter. For couples, this means both sleepers can use the full width of the mattress without feeling pushed toward the center by compressing edges.
Durability & Longevity: Built to Last 8-12 Years
The Helix Midnight Luxe's durability story is primarily about its SupremeSupport 4.0 foam. At 4 lb density, this foam is in the top tier of durability for bed-in-a-box mattresses. Our compression cycling tests - simulating 10 years of nightly use through 10,000 compression cycles - showed only 6% permanent deformation in the SupremeSupport 4.0 foam, compared to 22% for the 2 lb density foam in the competing DreamCloud Premier Hybrid.
The coil system uses tempered steel that resists sagging and maintains its spring characteristics over the mattress's expected lifespan. The zoned design doesn't compromise durability - in fact, the firmer coils in the lumbar region are specifically engineered to handle the concentrated load that area receives from the hips.
After 160 nights, our test unit showed zero measurable sagging using straight-edge measurements. The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam retains its original responsive cradle, and the coils maintain their supportive characteristics. Based on our accelerated aging data, we project the Midnight Luxe will maintain comfortable support for 8-12 years with normal use - significantly longer than the 5-7 year average for hybrids using standard 2 lb density foams.
Not Sure If the Midnight Luxe Is Right for You?
Helix offers a 365-night trial - sleep on it for a full year. Plus, take their sleep quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Comprehensive Competitor Comparison
The Helix Midnight Luxe competes in the premium hybrid segment against both bed-in-a-box brands and traditional mattress companies. Here's how it stacks up against the most commonly considered alternatives.
| Mattress | Queen Price | Type | Firmness | Cooling | Trial/Warranty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight Luxe Editor's Pick | $1,999 | Hybrid | Medium (6/10) | 7.8-9.4/10 | 365 nights / Lifetime | 8.8/10 |
| Saatva Classic | $2,229 | Innerspring | 3 options | 9.2/10 | 365 nights / Lifetime | 9.0/10 |
| DreamCloud Premier Hybrid | $1,099 | Hybrid | Med-Firm (6.5/10) | 7.8/10 | 365 nights / Forever | 8.7/10 |
| WinkBeds Luxury Firm | $1,799 | Hybrid | 4 options | 8.2/10 | 120 nights / Lifetime | 8.7/10 |
| Nectar Hybrid | $1,199 | Hybrid | Med-Firm (6.5/10) | 7.5/10 | 365 nights / Forever | 8.4/10 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | $1,199 | Hybrid | 3 options | 7.5/10 | 120 nights / 10 years | 8.4/10 |
| Bear Hybrid | $1,599 | Hybrid | Med-Firm (6.5/10) | 7.0/10 | 120 nights / Lifetime | 8.1/10 |
| Avocado Green | $1,999 | Latex Hybrid | Med-Firm (7/10) | 8.5/10 | 365 nights / 25 years | 8.6/10 |
* Prices reflect Queen size at MSRP as of November 2026. Helix frequently offers 20-25% off, bringing the Queen to approximately $1,499-$1,599. Cooling ratings for the Midnight Luxe reflect the range from standard TENCEL (7.8) to full GlacioTex + CoolForce (9.4) configurations.
Pricing & Value Assessment
The Helix Midnight Luxe is positioned in the premium segment of the hybrid mattress market. At $1,999 MSRP for a Queen, it's more expensive than value-focused competitors like DreamCloud ($1,099) and Nectar ($1,199), but less expensive than luxury innersprings like the Saatva Classic ($2,229) and ultra-premium options like the Helix Midnight Elite ($3,198).
Current MSRP by Size
Helix runs frequent promotions offering 20-25% off, which can bring the Queen price to approximately $1,499-$1,599. The company also offers 0% APR financing through Affirm and HSA/FSA eligibility through TrueMed (saving an average of 30% with pre-tax dollars). Optional upgrades include the GlacioTex Cooling Cover (+$199), CoolForce Layer (+$200 additional), and ErgoAlign Contour Layer (+$199).
Pros & Cons: Honest Assessment
✅ What We Loved
- Best-in-class pressure relief for side sleepers
- 4 lb density SupremeSupport 4.0 foam - 2× more durable than competitors
- Zoned lumbar support keeps spine aligned for side and back sleepers
- Excellent motion isolation for a hybrid (22% transfer rate)
- Strong edge support (1.7" compression)
- Optional cooling upgrades deliver measurable improvement
- 365-night trial is among the industry's most generous
- Limited Lifetime Warranty provides long-term protection
- Assembled in Arizona, USA with in-house foam pouring and coil manufacturing
- Fiberglass-free with CertiPUR-US certified foams
- TENCEL cover is sustainably sourced and naturally breathable
- Optional ErgoAlign layer for additional back pain relief
❌ Areas for Improvement
- Premium pricing - $500-900 more than value competitors
- Only one firmness option (medium) - not ideal for strict stomach sleepers
- Standard cooling is good but not exceptional (upgrades add cost)
- Heavy (115 lbs queen) - difficult to move without help
- Optional upgrades (ErgoAlign, GlacioTex, CoolForce) significantly increase total cost
- 13.5" height may require deep-pocket sheets
- Limited showroom availability compared to traditional brands
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe?
After 160 nights of rigorous testing across multiple sleeping positions, thermal imaging analysis, pressure mapping, and accelerated durability testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe earns our highest recommendation as the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers in 2026. It's not the cheapest hybrid available, and it doesn't have the absolute best cooling in its standard configuration - but it delivers an unmatched combination of pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, and long-term durability that justifies its premium positioning.
Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe if you:
- Are a side sleeper seeking the best possible pressure relief for shoulders and hips
- Want a mattress that will feel as supportive in year 8 as it does today (4 lb density foam)
- Need zoned lumbar support for spinal alignment
- Share a bed and need strong motion isolation
- Value USA manufacturing and in-house quality control
- Want a fiberglass-free mattress with CertiPUR-US certified foams
- Prefer a medium feel that works across multiple sleeping positions
Consider alternatives if you:
- Have a strict budget under $1,200 for a Queen (consider DreamCloud Premier at $1,099)
- Primarily sleep on your stomach (consider the firm Helix Dawn Luxe instead)
- Want multiple firmness options in the same model (consider WinkBeds with 4 options)
- Need the absolute coolest sleeping surface without upgrades (consider Saatva Classic's dual-coil airflow)
The Helix Midnight Luxe represents what happens when a mattress company invests in materials quality rather than marketing hype. The SupremeSupport 4.0 foam at 4 lb density is the kind of specification you'd expect from a $3,000+ mattress - yet Helix offers it at under $2,000. After 160 nights, I can confirm this isn't a mattress that will disappoint you in 3 years when the foam breaks down. It's built to last, engineered for side sleepers with precision, and backed by one of the industry's most generous trial periods. If you're a side sleeper willing to invest in quality, the Midnight Luxe is the best hybrid mattress I've tested in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How firm is the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress?
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel rated at 6/10 on our firmness scale. It provides a balance of cushioning and support ideal for side sleepers and combination sleepers.
Is the Helix Midnight Luxe good for side sleepers?
Yes. The Helix Midnight Luxe is specifically designed for side sleepers with zoned lumbar support, SupremeSupport 4.0 foam that cradles shoulders and hips, and extra support across pressure points. It earned our top recommendation for side sleepers with a 9.2/10 comfort score in that position.
Does the Helix Midnight Luxe contain fiberglass?
No. All Helix mattresses are fiberglass-free and use CertiPUR-US certified foams. The flame barrier is made from safe, non-toxic materials that meet federal safety standards.
What is the warranty and trial period?
Helix offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 365-night sleep trial. Free shipping is included, and returns are free if you're not satisfied after the 30-day break-in period. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and sagging over 1 inch.
How long does the Helix Midnight Luxe last?
With its 4 lb density SupremeSupport 4.0 foam and durable coil system, the Helix Midnight Luxe is built to last 8-12 years - significantly longer than the 5-7 year average for hybrids using standard 2 lb density foams. Our accelerated aging tests confirm the foam retains 94% of its support characteristics after simulated 10-year use.
Where is the Helix Midnight Luxe made?
The Helix Midnight Luxe is hand-assembled in Helix's own factory in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Helix pours its own foams and manufactures its own coils in-house, ensuring quality control throughout production. This vertical integration is rare among bed-in-a-box brands and contributes to the mattress's consistent quality.
Is the ErgoAlign upgrade worth it?
For $199, the ErgoAlign contour layer adds extra-firm foam under the hips to prevent lower back sagging. In our testing, it reduced lumbar pressure by 22% for back sleepers. If you have chronic lower back pain or weigh over 200 lbs, the upgrade provides meaningful improvement. For average-weight sleepers without back issues, the standard zoned lumbar support is usually sufficient.
Ready to Experience the Helix Midnight Luxe?
365-night sleep trial • Free shipping • Limited Lifetime Warranty • Assembled in Arizona, USA
Helix Mattress Review
Helix Bed-in-a-Box Mattress Review
Helix is a bed-in-a-box company that creates custom-made mattresses based on individual preferences in regard to how you sleep. In fact, you actually have to answer several questions about your sleeping preferences as well as your body type and the final product you will get will be solely based on your answers.
Notably, Helix sells its mattresses exclusively online. This cuts out the traditional middlemen and this means that you will get the products at the best price possible. So, if you have been thinking that there is no one, truly best mattress for everyone, you might have to think again after having a taste of what Helix has to offer.
Construction and materials
As already mentioned, each of the Helix mattress options are customized based on the answers to questions set by the quiz. Based on our answers to the quiz, we got a mattress with the following attributes:
- Medim to medium firm
- Strong support
- Moderates cooling
- Moderate elasticity
Basically, you can expect to get your Helix mattress based on the following properties:
- Feel preference – there are softer, former and medium feels
- Support – this will be majorly determined by your body weight, height and sleeping position
- Temperature regulation - whether you like it hot or cool at night
- Point elasticity - the intensity of pressure relief needed as per your sleeping position
In its bid to come up with a mattress that wholly fits into the preferences of the user, Helix blended polyfoam, dynamic foam and microcoils to help bring into perspective a supportive mattress with a considerable amount of cooling and bounce brought about by the microcoils. These have been proved to offer not only the right bounce but also keeps you cool.
Notably, the cooling system from Helix does not depend on cooling gels or chemicals but strictly dependent on perfect airflow, thanks to its breathable materials.
The other point of interest that sets the Helix mattress apart is their “dual comfort” offer for queen sized mattresses and above. This basically means that if you sleep with your partner and each of you has their personal sleep preferences, then Helix can customize each side of the mattress to fit into the specifications. Simply put, Helix mattresses have the ability to create two different constructions and firmness levels. In fact, to give you an even feel to your, mattress Helix goes ahead and blend the responses from the two of you.
A look at the layers
Cover
Helix mattress features a polyester cover and is pretty thin, making it conveniently breathable. With this thin cover also is the assurance that the top layer’s feel will not be tampered with. The cover stands out with its subtle dotted pattern. Apart from its soft touch, you also get the chance to engage with the foams and microcoils under it. You will also notice that the blue side panels are apparently sturdier and this means an added protection to the mattress.
The Top Layer
The top layer happens to feature the proprietary foam from Helix. It is noticeably springy and offers sufficient pressure relief. With this layer, you tend to feel that you are sitting on top of the mattress, unlike other foams mattresses where the sleeper feels some sinking. With its dynamic form construction, the top layers allows to you to roll around and change positions efficiently without having to feel stuck.
Transition layer
This is placed just under the dynamic foam layer and also features the proprietary dynamic foam from Helix. Ti is made to offer a perfect feel of both memory foam and latex while at the same time offering a quick response to pressure. Notably, this layer acts as a cooling agent and defends you from sleeping too hot. It also acts as a transition into the coils underneath.
Micro Coils
Microcoils are made to offer a cooling effect to the mattress and thus, this increases airflow in relation to the foam layer. Apart from the notable springiness that this layer offers to the whole mattress, it is also a firm layer that gives overall support to the layers above. On the other hand, the coils also help in offering the right body contouring as well as help in trapping to much motion transfer.
Base layer
This layer is made from a dense polyfoam that firmly forms the mattress’ foundation. Its construction is pretty standard for a bed-in-a-box mattress. Its main mandate is to offer support not only to the layers above but also the sleeper.
Firmness
It would be noted that the firmness of the helix mattress would be majorly based on your specific answers to the quiz. For the sake of our review however, we will be looking at the medium to medium form mattress.
Firmness feels may vary depending on the sleeper both in terms of their weight and sleeping style. As such, we did test various types of sleepers for this review in order to get a good variety. Notably, the same firmness feels promised from the questionnaire is what we felt when testing this mattress.
Even with these results however, you should take into consideration the fact that even with these results, you may not get the same for your individual firmness preferences based on what your answers on the quiz will be. According to Helix their ranges are: very soft (2) to very firm (10).
Pressing on the mattress, you will distinctively feel the polyfoam top layer blending with the microcoils under it to come up with a stringy, responsive mattress.
Motion transfer
At some point, you may find yourself sharing your bed with someone else. This may be your spouse or just a friend. If you are a light sleeper, their turning as well as getting on and off the bed maybe a major disturbance to your sleep. As such, it is important that you ascertain how the mattress arrests motion.
To determine the motion transfer for the Helix mattress, we did a test by dropping a 10 –pound steel ball from 12, 8 and 4 inches high then measured the intensity of disturbance on the other side. The four inch ball drop showed negligible disturbance. For the 12-inch ball drop there was a noticeable disturbance but not significant enough to cause the sleeper poor sleep.
We are impressed that despite the bounce noted in the Helix mattress, it arrests motion transfer so well. This is made even better by the individual wrapping of the microcoils since this means that they can work independently of each other, thus improving on motion isolation.
Edge Support
Sometimes, you may see the need to use the entire surface of the mattress, maybe when sleeping as partners or just for the love of sleeping at the edge. As such, it would be important to determine how much support you can expect to find at the edge. It should be firm enough to offer the right support but at the same time remain sift enough for a comfortable feel.
It would be noted that foam mattresses usually do not offer much satisfaction on edge support. We therefore saw the need to look into the Helix mattress and what it has to offer.
Lying just near the edge, you will noticeably feel evenly supported right from the center to the edge of the mattress. With this position you do not feel as if you would suddenly roll over. Even when lying just at the edge, you would still feel some firm support beneath as you do not sink too much into the mattress. Even when you hang off the mattress, you will still feel some significant compression but still supported nevertheless.
When sitting at the edge of the mattress to mimick your morning routine of putting on your shoes, some notable compression is also realized. However, this is expected for a bed in a box mattress but Helix seems to set it par higher compared to the others of its type in the market.
Advantages and disadvantages of Helix mattress
Pros
- Just the right mattress for those who are unsure of what they are looking for, thanks to the revolutionary quiz
- Accommodates a wide range of options and preferences
- Has effective microcoils that help in keeping the mattress cool
- Takes just a few days to decompress
- No middlemen involved and you get a great bargain straight from factory to your doorstep
- Ideal for partners with different preferences
- Exemplar customer service
- Negligible offgassing
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer a specific feel and type of mattress
- Some complaints about the cover being too thin and bunches
Warranty and sleep trails
Helix offer up to 10 nights of trial and you get full refund in case it does not meet your expectations. This is a standard period for most mattresses. Notably, you get free shipping for your purchase, conveniently delivered in a nice looking box. On Warranty, the company offers up to ten years. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects that may arise within this period.
It should be noted that all Helix foams feature Certi-PUR US classification. This should give you the confidence that the foams meet world-calls classification and do not have any harmful chemicals. The fact that the mattress is made in the USA is prove enough that quality is checked and assured to meet the preferences of a majority of sleepers.