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Written by
Logan Foley
Helix is a direct-to-consumer mattress company that is well-known for its sleep quiz. This quiz recommends a mattress model based on the customer’s weight, sleep position, and personal preferences. To accommodate a wide range of sleep styles, the Helix line consists of seven main models.
The Helix Sunset and the Helix Moonlight are the company’s softest models. Medium models include the Helix Midnight and the Helix Dusk. The Helix Twilight, the Helix Dawn, and the Helix Plus are the firmest models in the line.
Helix crafts the Sunset, the Midnight, and the Twilight with side sleepers in mind. The Moonlight, the Dusk, and the Dawn are engineered for back and stomach sleepers. The Plus is designed specifically for larger individuals. While Helix constructs every mattress with certain sleep positions and weight groups in mind, other individuals may also enjoy the feel of each model.
In addition to the standard versions, each model except for the Plus is also available in a Luxe version. This optional upgrade adds zoned lumbar support to the coil system to promote better spinal alignment by bolstering support near the hips while allowing the shoulders to sink in more. The Luxe version also uses a quilted pillow top for a plusher feel. A Tencel cover wicks away moisture while allowing airflow into the mattress. This upgrade also includes a 15-year warranty period instead of the standard 10-year warranty.
The standard versions of the Dawn, the Dusk, the Midnight, the Moonlight, the Sunset, and the Twilight measure 12 inches thick, while the Luxe versions are 14 inches thick. The Plus is 13 inches thick. Any of these heights could be considered high-profile, so Helix mattresses may require deep pocket sheets.
We’ll examine each of these Helix mattress models and discuss their materials, performance, and customer ratings. We’ll also highlight the potential benefits of each model to give you a clearer idea of which option may be best for you.
Watch the videos below to see how the Helix Midnight, Helix Midnight Luxe, Helix Dawn, and Helix Plus performed when put to the test in the Sleep Foundation Lab.
Helix mattresses use a hybrid design that pairs foam comfort and transition layers with a coil core.
Springs in the support layer are individually wrapped to allow them to move independently with minimal motion transfer. The perimeter of this layer is reinforced for greater edge support. Their coil cores give Helix mattresses more bounce while allowing air circulation. The Luxe options also use zoning in the coil layer to promote better spinal alignment by supporting the hips more. A base layer of firm polyfoam gives the coils an even plane to rest on.
Standard versions of the Dawn, Dusk, Midnight, Moonlight, Sunset, and Twilight have a soft-to-the-touch polyester cover that’s stretchy enough to move with the comfort layer. This breathable material also allows cooling air circulation into the mattress. The Plus Mattress and the Luxe versions of the other mattress models use Tencel in their mattress covers for added breathability and cooling. The Luxe versions also have quilted pillow tops for extra cushioning.
Each Helix mattress model uses different comfort and transition layers to achieve their desired feels. The Sunset, Midnight, and Twilight use memory foam in their comfort layers to contour and relieve pressure points. Helix Dynamic Foam is used in the comfort layers of the Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn. This proprietary high-density polyfoam aims to mimic the responsive feel of latex. The Plus has a two-layer comfort system with one layer of memory foam and one layer of Helix Dynamic Foam.
Helix Dynamic Foam serves as the transition layer for the Sunset and the Moonlight. A layer of polyfoam acts as a transition layer for the Midnight, the Twilight, and the Dawn. The Dusk and the Plus use memory foam in their transition layers.
Standard versions of the Dawn, the Dusk, the Midnight, the Moonlight, the Sunset, and the Twilight are 12 inches thick. Because of the addition of a pillow top, the Luxe versions are 14 inches thick. The Plus measures 13 inches thick.
The Helix Sunset, Midnight, and Twilight have very similar constructions, with a supportive base of pocketed coils on a bed of high-density polyfoam, a comfort layer consisting of Helix’s Memory Plus Foam, and a cover made of polyester. The beds mainly differ from one another in terms of their transition layers and firmnesses.
100% Polyester
Memory Foam (Memory Plus Foam)
Latex-Like Polyfoam (Helix Dynamic Foam) – Sunset
Transition Polyfoam – Midnight, Twilight
Pocketed Coils
Polyfoam
The Helix Moonlight, Dawn, and Dusk share many of the same elements in their constructions, with a polyester cover, the same Helix Dynamic Foam comfort layer, and a pocketed coil support core on a base of high-density polyfoam. The major points of difference between these models lie in their transition layers and their resulting firmnesses.
100% Polyester
Latex-Like Polyfoam (Helix Dynamic Foam)
3″ Memory Foam (Memory Plus Foam) – Dusk
Latex-Like Polyfoam (Helix Dynamic Foam) – Moonlight
Transition Polyfoam – Dawn
Pocketed Coils
Polyfoam
The Helix Plus is constructed of five layers, including three layers of polyfoam, a layer of memory foam, and a layer of springs. A layer of memory foam and a layer Helix Dynamic Foam serve as the comfort system, cradling the sleeper for pressure relief. Next, a layer of polyfoam acts as a buffer between the comfort system and the core. The pocketed coil layer gives extra support and bounce without allowing much motion transfer between coils.
100% Polyester
Memory Foam (Memory Plus Foam)
Latex-Like Polyfoam (Helix Dynamic Foam)
Memory Foam
Pocketed Coils
Polyfoam
Helix mattresses are very competitively priced, costing less than average for hybrid models. The standard version of each mattress falls far below the average price point. Luxe versions of the Dawn, Dusk, Midnight, Moonlight, Sunset, and Twilight are also available. While the Luxe options cost more than the standard versions, they are still affordably priced compared to the average for hybrid models. Helix also runs frequent promotions that offer additional discounts. Given their quality materials and low cost, Helix mattresses may appeal to value seekers.
In the below table, the base prices refer to all base Helix models (Sunset, Moonlight, Midnight, Dusk, Twilight, and Dawn), the Luxe price refers to Luxe versions of all those mattresses, and the Plus price refers to the singular Plus model.
| Sizes | Dimensions | Base Height | Base Price | Luxe Height | Luxe Price | Plus Height | Plus Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39” x 75” | 12” | $699 | 14” | $1,099 | 13” | $849 |
| Twin XL | 39” 80” | 12” | $799 | 14” | $1,349 | 13” | $925 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | 12” | $949 | 14” | $1,649 | 13” | $1,149 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | 12” | $1,099 | 14” | $1,949 | 13” | $1,649 |
| King | 76” x 80” | 12” | $1,449 | 14” | $2,349 | 13” | $2,049 |
| California King | 72” x 84” | 12” | $1,449 | 14” | $2,349 | 13” | $2,049 |
Helix Moonlight: 3/5, Helix Dusk: 4/5, Helix Dawn: 3/5
The Helix mattresses perform decently well when it comes to isolating motion. Foam layers typically absorb a great deal of movement, although the latex-like polyfoam used in the comfort layer is a bit bouncier than your average memory foam. The springiness provided by the coil core may also make it easier for you to feel your partner’s movements throughout the night.
The Helix Dusk absorbs more motion than the Moonlight and Dawn, owing to its memory foam transition layer and mid-range firmness feel.
Helix Moonlight: 4/5, Helix Dusk: 4/5, Helix Dawn: 3/5
The foams used in these Helix mattresses allow sleepers to sink in for deep cradling, which helps take some of the pressure off key areas, like the shoulders and hips. The Dawn’s firm feel gives it more pushback against a sleeper’s pressure points, lowering its performance in this category.
How well a bed relieves pressure will depend partially on your weight and body type. Softer mattresses tend to suit the needs of side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds, while firmer beds tend to work better for back or stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Helix Moonlight: 3/5, Helix Dusk: 3/5, Helix Dawn: 4/5
Coil cores tend to be highly breathable, so hybrid models usually have strong temperature regulation. The Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn follow suit with temperature control that’s in line with most hybrid models.
The Dawn sleeps a bit cooler than the other two models thanks to its firm feel not allowing much sinkage.
Helix Moonlight: 2/5, Helix Dusk: 3/5, Helix Dawn: 4/5
These Helix models all have a reinforced perimeter within the coil core, which helps to limit the amount of sinkage that occurs when a person sits or sleeps near the edge of the bed. That being said, each of the three models varies in the degree of edge support it provides depending largely on its firmness and construction.
The incredibly plush Helix Moonlight sinks easily and provides below average edge support, while the much firmer Dawn has stronger edges bolstered by its firm feel.
Helix Moonlight: 2/5, Helix Dusk: 3/5, Helix Dawn: 4/5
Ease of movement is another category for these beds that is largely distinguished by the firmness of each one. The deep cradling and sink provided by the softer Moonlight makes it difficult to move along the surface. By contrast, the firm Helix Dawn provides sturdy pushback against body weight that makes it easier both to move around and get out of bed.
Helix Moonlight: 2/5, Helix Dusk: 3/5, Helix Dawn: 4/5
Thanks to their coil cores, the Helix mattresses have some springiness and bounce, which many couples prefer for sex. The degree of conforming and sink provided by the foam layers can either help or hinder sex, and it will vary depending on the bed’s construction.
Couples will have a much easier time moving around on the Helix Dawn, whereas intimate activity will probably be most difficult on the Moonlight.
Helix Moonlight: 3/5, Helix Dusk: 3/5, Helix Dawn: 3/5
Like any mattress that uses foam, the Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn should all have an average amount of “new mattress smell” at first. This odor is generally considered to be harmless, and it typically fades within a few days.
The Helix mattresses are all hybrid models, so their coil cores allow for more air to flow through the mattress. As a result, any smells should air out faster than they would with an all-foam mattress. If you find the smell unpleasant, consider letting the mattress sit in a well-ventilated room for a few hours after opening.
Helix Sunset: 4/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 2/5
These Helix mattresses all isolate motion to a fairly similar degree as other hybrid mattresses. The memory foam comfort layer absorbs movements rather well, which can help reduce sleep disturbances caused by your co-sleeper’s movements. This absorption is counterbalanced somewhat by the springiness of the pocketed coil core.
The Helix Sunset isolates motion to a stronger degree than the other two thanks to its softer feel lending itself to a deeper cradling effect.
Helix Sunset: 4/5, Helix Midnight: 4/5, Helix Twilight: 3/5
Pressure relief is one of the clear strengths of these mattresses, owing itself largely to the memory foam and pocketed coil layers. The Twilight’s firmer feel makes it a bit harsher on pressure points, lowering its performance in this area.
Whether a mattress provides you with sufficient pressure relief will depend partially on your body weight and partially on how you prefer to sleep. Side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds typically prefer softer beds, while heavier sleepers and those who like to sleep on their backs and stomachs opt for firmer mattresses.
Helix Sunset: 3/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 3/5
The Helix mattresses perform about average for hybrids when it comes to sleeping cool. Memory foam is well-known for its tendency to sleep hot, as it often traps and retains heat through the night.
That being said, the coil cores of these beds allow for air to flow through the mattress, helping to balance out any heat retention.
Helix Sunset: 2/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 4/5
Foam layers tend to sink under body weight, which can make sleeping near the edges and getting out of bed difficult on some mattresses. These hybrid mattresses reinforce their perimeters through the coils in their support cores, bolstering the edges to prevent the foam layers from overcompressing.
The Helix Sunset performs slightly worse as its softer feel allows the bed to sink more around the edges.
Helix Sunset: 2/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 4/5
The Sunset, Midnight, and Twilight all perform differently when it comes to ease of movement, though they share similarities in construction. Their memory foam comfort layers hug the body, pulling the sleeper in somewhat and making it more difficult to move around on the surface. This effect of the memory foam, however, is balanced by the bounce and support provided by the pocketed coils underneath.
The Helix Sunset is a bit more difficult to move around on as its softer feel sinks in more readily under weight.
Helix Sunset: 2/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 4/5
The ratings for these mattresses for sex are largely tied to how easy it is for couples to move around on the surface and change positions. The Midnight and Twilight perform similarly to other hybrids, whereas the Sunset is a bit less ideal for intimate activity.
For most other categories that matter for sex, such as noise or temperature control, the Helix mattresses perform about average for a hybrid model.
Helix Sunset: 3/5, Helix Midnight: 3/5, Helix Twilight: 3/5
The Helix Sunset, Midnight, and Twilight all produce some off-gassing odor thanks to their foam layers. Because of their breathable covers and coil cores, these mattresses should air out relatively quickly if left in a well-ventilated area.
While a hybrid model’s spring system might ordinarily lead to some motion transfer, the Plus’s two-layer comfort system prevents most movement from reaching the mattress’s bouncy coil core.
This effectively limits the spread of vibrations across the mattress surface, reducing the likelihood of a sleeper waking up when their partner moves during the night.
The Plus is constructed specifically for larger individuals, and it can relieve pressure points very well for sleepers in this group. Its firm feel lends to its supportiveness, while the two comfort layers have enough give to cushion and cradle the sleeper’s pressure points.
While the firmness of the Plus may not be ideal for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, its overall pressure relief is very good compared to other hybrids.
In comparison to other hybrids, the Plus has moderate temperature control. The breathable Tencel cover and coil system allow enough airflow to help dissipate heat.
However, the top layer and transition layer both use memory foam, which is particularly prone to retaining heat. This heat retention is unlikely to be disruptive for most sleepers, but it can be a problem for people who tend to sleep hot.
Compared to other hybrids, the Plus has fair edge support. The perimeter of the coil system is reinforced, and since the Plus uses taller coils than other Helix models, sleepers won’t have to sink in too far to reach the reinforcement.
That being said, the comfort system is likely to compress quite a bit when someone sits or sleeps near the perimeter, which may lead to a feeling of instability.
Conforming from the Plus’s two-layer comfort system may make the bed slightly more challenging to move on than other hybrids, though this shouldn’t be a significant impediment.
Sleepers won’t sink in too far due to the mattress’s firm feel, but contouring from the layers of memory foam and polyfoam could create a gentle hugging sensation that limits motion somewhat.
The Plus uses taller coils than Helix’s other models, giving it extra bounce, which some couples may find beneficial for sex. This springiness may be tempered by the comfort system, but conforming from the comfort layers can also provide good traction.
The Helix Plus will have similar off-gassing odors to most other hybrids that contain synthetic foams and ship compressed. Leaving the bed in a well-ventilated space for a few hours to a few days should give it the time it needs to air out.
Side Sleepers:
What They Need:
Sleeping comfortably on your side boils down to finding a mattress with the right blend of cushioning and support. Side sleepers’ hips and shoulders need to be able to sink into the mattress just enough to relieve pressure and straighten out the spine. Side sleepers tend to prefer mattresses on the softer end of the spectrum, somewhere around a “medium” feel.
How the Helix Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn fit:
Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will be best off going for the ample cushioning provided by the Helix Dusk and Helix Moonlight models. Those who prefer a softer feel should opt for the Moonlight.
Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds should consider the Helix Dusk. The Dusk provides strong contouring and support that will be appreciated by most.
For side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, one of Helix’s other models such as the Helix Twilight or the Plus will be better options. While the Dawn is firm and supportive, it may not be sufficiently contouring for heavier side sleepers.
Back Sleepers:
What They Need:
Back sleepers also need a combination of contouring and support, but with less cushioning than side sleepers look for. Sleeping on your back keeps the spine relatively even, so back sleepers typically just need a bit more firmness and support, particularly around the lumbar area, to keep from sinking too much and misaligning the spine. As a result, people who sleep on their backs tend to prefer mattresses that are firmer than what side sleepers prefer, but not quite as firm as those that stomach sleepers like.
How the Helix Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn fit:
Because of its medium firm feel, the Dusk is likely to provide enough support for back sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds. The Helix Dynamic Foam comfort layer cushions and contours to adjust to a back sleeper’s body shape, while the memory foam transition layer provides deeper contouring and support to maintain the sleeper’s natural spinal alignment.
For those back sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds, the Helix Dawn is a firmer option. While some may prefer a bit more cushioning, they can benefit from the Dawn’s stable support. Individuals who prefer to sleep on their backs and also weigh more than 230 pounds will find the Helix Dawn’s firm feel to provide the most appropriate level of support for their needs.
Stomach Sleepers:
What They Need:
As people tend to carry most of their weight around their torsos, people who sleep on their stomachs put more concentrated pressure on a mattress and frequently sink in further than other sleepers. If they sink in too far, they risk pushing their spines out of their natural alignment into a U-shape, which may contribute to aches and pains down the road. As a result, stomach sleepers usually need a firmer, more supportive mattress with enough push-back to keep their backs aligned.
How the Helix Moonlight, Dusk, and Dawn fit:
As is the case with back sleepers, the Helix Dusk is going to best satisfy the needs of stomach sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. Though it is a bit softer than the Dawn, its coil core provides strong, needed support.
Individuals who weigh over 130 pounds will likely experience the best balance between cushioning and support from the Helix Dawn. The Dawn’s firm feel and even support can help keep a stomach sleeper’s spine well-aligned.
Helix Moonlight
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Poor | Poor |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Poor | Poor |
Helix Dusk
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Good | Fair |
| Stomach Sleepers | Good | Good | Fair |
Helix Dawn
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Poor | Fair | Fair |
| Back Sleepers | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Side Sleepers:
Side sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds will be best off with the combination of cradling and push-back offered by the Helix Midnight’s medium firm feel. The Helix Sunset will also work well for most of these sleepers, though its incredibly plush feel will be too soft for some.
Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds will likely be best off on the Helix Twilight, as its firmer feel will prevent them from sinking too far into the bed.
Back Sleepers:
Back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds will probably find that either the Helix Twilight or the Midnight best suit their needs. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds will be better off with the stronger support of the Twilight’s firm feel.
Stomach Sleepers:
Stomach Sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds should opt for the Helix Twilight, as its medium firm feel provides enough resistance to keep the spine aligned without being too firm. The Helix Twilight will work for these sleepers as well, but the harder firmness may be a bit too much for some lighter stomach sleepers.
The Twilight’s firm feel makes it the most suitable choice of the three for stomach sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds.
Helix Sunset
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Back Sleepers | Fair | Poor | Poor |
| Stomach Sleepers | Poor | Poor | Poor |
Helix Midnight
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Back Sleepers | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Stomach Sleepers | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
Helix Twilight
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Fair | Good | Good |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stomach Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Good |
Side Sleepers:
The Helix Plus is built for larger individuals, so side sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may find the mattress most comfortable. A memory foam comfort layer and transition layer give the necessary cradling to take the pressure off their hips and shoulders, while a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam adds cushioning and bounce.
This construction can also accommodate side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, though the firm feel may not have enough give to allow their hips and shoulders to sink in as much as they’d like. Side sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds are likely to feel discomfort and experience sharper pressure points in their hips and shoulders.
Back Sleepers:
Since the Plus is built to give heavier individuals the extra support they need, it can also serve back sleepers well. Back sleepers usually require an even surface that doesn’t let their hips sag into the mattress, and the Plus’s firm feel and stable support can provide this. Individuals who weigh over 130 pounds should also sink in enough to enjoy cradling and pressure relief.
Back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds will probably feel the Plus is a bit too firm.
Stomach Sleepers:
The Plus’s firm feel and even support make the midsection of the mattress sturdy enough to reduce the likelihood of excessive sagging. As a result, stomach sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds will likely get the support they need with some comfortable cushioning. The Plus is equally supportive for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, but individuals in this weight group may feel the mattress too firm for ideal comfort.
Helix Plus
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Back Sleepers | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Helix mattresses are sold through the Helix website. You can also see Helix mattresses in person at the Helix showroom in New York City and in select partner showrooms across the United States. Mattresses ship to all 50 states and most of Canada, excluding Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories.
Free shipping is available within the United States. A Customs Tax and a $250 shipping fee apply to orders to Canada.
Helix mattresses ship via FedEx Ground, compressed and rolled in a box. Once an order is placed, mattresses usually take 3 to 7 business days to arrive.
The customer is responsible for the mattress setup. Helix provides setup instructions in the shipping email and inside the mattress box.
In-home delivery is available in most locations within the 48 contiguous United States. This service is provided by Helix’s delivery partner and carries an extra $149 fee for the first item. Orders of two or more items have a $199 fee. A team will move the mattress into the room, unpack it, set it up, and remove the packing materials.
Old mattress removal is available for a separate $75 fee when you purchase in-home delivery.
Helix mattresses come with a 100-night trial window that begins the day the mattress is delivered. A 30-night break-in period is required before the mattress becomes eligible for return. If the customer chooses to make a return during the allotted time frame, they can receive a full refund of the mattress’s purchase price. A removal partner will pick up the mattress. This offer is good for up to two returns per customer, household, and/or shipping address.
Standard Helix mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty, and Helix Luxe mattresses have a 15-year limited warranty. These warranties cover manufacturing defects, including indentations greater than 1 inch, cracking and splitting of the foam, and assembly defects in the cover. This warranty applies to the original mattress owner when purchased from an authorized retailer. It does not cover a normal increase in softness, changes in firmness preference, or damage due to abuse or misuse. Customers should retain their receipt as proof of purchase.
The customer is responsible for returning the mattress at their expense. If Helix finds a covered defect, customers can receive up to $100 reimbursement for shipping costs and Helix will elect to either repair or replace the mattress.
Additional terms and conditions apply.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
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