Michael Magnuson

Founder of GoodBed, Leading Mattress Expert

Note: This is not a review. This is our in-depth examination and explanation of the entire Helix line of mattresses We also have a full review on the Helix Plus, designed for heavier persons, and we have an in-depth review of the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress.

If you’d prefer to watch rather than read, check out our Helix Mattress Collection video overview above.

Helix Mattresses: Model Names

Helix is one of the popular online mattress brands, with a mattress lineup that has expanded exponentially. The brand now has 18 mattresses models pus two specialty mattresses, one for heavier people and one for kids. 

The brand uses six names for its mattresses, then offers each of those models in three versions: A standard (or core) model, an upgraded Luxe model, and a top-of-the-line Elite version. The well-organized Helix website does a good job outlining all of the models, and showing what features you get as you move up to Luxe and Elite. 

Usually when we evaluate mattresses, we find that the stated softness level--soft, medium, etc.--often differs from our own rating. In the case of Helix, however, we largely agree with the manufacturer's softness classifications. 

All of the regular (as well as the Plus model) are hybrid mattresses, which begin with a support unit comprised of pocketed springs, with some small differences as you move up through the Luxe and Elite versions. 

Here's a high-level look at the model names and their feels. As you move to the Luxe and Elite versions, they do, in general, get softer with more conformance and cushioning depth.

The six main model names are the Helix Sunset, Moonlight, Midnight, Dusk, Twilight and Dawn. As you can see below, the Core mattresses use a color stripe for some visual differentiation.

Helix Core Collection Features

All six main Helix mattresses are available in three versions, the least expensive of which is the Core collection. 

All six mattresses measure 11.5" tall, and all share the same 8" pocket-spring coil unit with 840 coils in a queen size. Each of the coil units features stronger/denser edge support coils on the long edges of the mattress. We did feel that edge support was better on the sides than at the top and bottom, where there's no specific edge support feature.

On top of the coil unit, each mattress has a different combination of foams, about 3.5" in total, which give each bed a different feel. Some have memory foam while others use the brand's "responsive" foam, which has more of a latex-like quick-responding feel.

Here's how Helix rates its six Core mattresses. As you move up to Luxe and Elite, Helix's softness rating stays the same. In our experience, however, the Helix Sunset (for example) is firmer than the Helix Sunset Luxe and Elite, which are softer and more conforming (which makes sense as they are both plusher, with more foams and a quilt layer).

It's also worth noting that all of the Helix Core mattresses are compatible with an adjustable base.

All six Core mattresses share a similar cover, which is made of a soft, stretchy material. One more unique feature is the waterfall edge, where the cover extends down the sides of the mattress a few inches. That means there is less of a discernable "edge" to the mattress.

Also at this level (as well as at the Luxe level) you have the option of upgrading to what the company calls its GlacioTex cover, which contains high-density polyethylene fibers, giving them a coolness to the touch. The cooling cover comes standard with the Elite mattresses.

As for which Core collection models might be best for which type of sleeper, here is our quick assessment.

FOR SIDE SLEEPERS:

Side sleepers typically need better cushioning and pressure relief, so we would generally look to the Luxe or Elite versions of these Helix mattresses. If those are outside your budget, we would try the two softer Core models, the Sunset or the Moonlight.

FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS:

Stomach sleepers need more firmness to avoid hips sinking in too far. In the Core collection, the Twilight or Dawn are worth a look, and shoppers could also check out the Luxe or Elite versions of these if they want more softness and conformance right at the top of their mattress. Lighter stomach sleepers might be okay on the Midnight or Dusk.

FOR BACK SLEEPERS:

Back sleepers have a lot more flexibility as long as there's enough support for their hip area. In the Helix Core collection, we think the four softer models--the Sunset, Moonlight, Midnight and Dusk would be well suited to back sleepers.

Helix Luxe Collection

Moving up to the Helix Luxe collection, you're getting 2" in additional height, mostly due to additional premium comfort foam and a quilting layer, for a total of about 13.5". 

The Luxe mattresses have a similar coil support unit of 8", but with the addition of zoned support in the center section, under your hip area. That means there are firmer/stronger coils in that area to support the heaviest part of your body, something we could definitely feel. You also get the firmer edge-support coils on the long sides. 

These mattresses have a more traditional look, with the addition of a quilted top. This laying sandwiches soft foam between two fabric layers, all stitched together to give you the soft undulations and softness right at the top of the bed. 

Generally, all of the Luxe versions have a softer feel than their counterparts in the Core collection.

You also have the option of upgrading to the GlacioTex cooling cover with these models. 

FOR SIDE SLEEPERS:

Side sleepers typically need better cushioning and pressure relief, and you'll find that in any of the Luxe versions, which have more pressure-relieving foams. If you like the feel of memory foam, you might try the Sunset Luxe or the Midnight Luxe, which do have some (though neither really has that slow, melting-into-the-bed feeling we associate with memory foam.

FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS:

Stomach sleepers need more firmness to avoid hips sinking in too far. In the Luxe collection, with think the Helix Twilight or Dawn Luxe would be most suitable.

FOR BACK SLEEPERS:

Back sleepers have a lot more flexibility as long as there's enough support for their hip area. In the Luxe collection, most would do well for back sleeping, but we might steer you away from the two softest models, the Sunset Luxe and Moonlight Luxe, which might be too soft in the hip area.

Helix Elite Collection

The most recently added models to the Helix lineup are the Elite versions. These models are all 16" tall with quite a few additional features over the Luxe versions. These mattresses are so tall that they come in two boxes: You unpack the base, then unzip the cover to add the top layers.

First, the 8" zoned support unit is an upgrade, with edge-support coils along all sides, not just the long sides. 

You get a similar deeply quilted cover but the GlacioTex cooling fibers come standard with the Elite mattresses. These beds have a faux Eurotop look, and you get handles--which might seem like a small thing, but come in handy when you move or rotate the bed. 

In terms of comfort, the Elite versions add a less common comfort feature: two layers of microcoils. These are sheets of fabric-encased coils that are about an inch wide. Microcoils add more softness and especially conformance, so the mattresses tend to your curves more closely and can give you more of a hugged or cradled sensation.

We didn't examine these models in person; they just came out after we concluded our evaluation. For that reason, we aren't going to recommend models for certain sleepers. But if you're interested in a super tall mattress with a lot of conformance and cushioning, our guidance would be the same as it is for the Core and Luxe collections: Side sleepers will want to try the softer models; stomach sleepers should steer towards the firmer versions, and back sleepers can really choose based on preference while avoiding the very softest versions.

Helix Plus

One of two specialty models, the Helix Plus doesn't fit into the Core/Luxe/Elite scheme. It comes in just one version. Designed for heavier people--those over 250 lbs or so--the Plus features an upgraded coil unit with stronger, firmer springs. 

This is a VERY firm mattress, making it suitable even for larger stomach sleepers. This isn't a mattress with much conformance; our tester barely sank in at all, so even heavier persons will have more of a feeling of floating on top of the mattress rather than sinking in deeply.

Helix Kids

In addition to its 19 more standard mattresses, Helix also makes a mattress designed for kids, and it's fairly unique in that it can be flipped. One side is meant for younger kids, and the other side for older/heavier children.

The mattress features comfort foams that sandwich a 6" pocket spring support unit. The idea is to keep kids on a relatively firm mattress as they grow, and to eliminate the need for multiple mattresses. The side for older kids adds a small amount of memory foam for a bit of pressure relief.

The mattress is available as a twin or full size. Helix says the cover is water repellent, but we would still recommend using a mattress protector to prevent stains and soil from accidents. 

Other Factors to Consider

Delivery

• Free delivery to door

Helix includes free delivery, which is not particularly unusual among its competitors. Delivery is by common carrier like FedEx, who will deliver the box to your door. You're responsible for getting it to your bedroom, or wherever you want to place it.

Returns

• 100-day trial period
• Full refund with pickup

Helix offers buyers a 100-night trial period, and requires buyers to give the mattress at least 30 days before initiating a return. Should you decide to return it, the company will send someone to pick it up from you, saving you the hassle of shipping it back yourself. See: Helix trial policy.

Warranty

• 10 years for Helix Core and Helix Kids
• 15 years for Luxe, Elite, and Plus
• Indentation coverage: 1.5"

One of the biggest, if not THE biggest complaints about any mattress from consumers regards body impressions — the inability of a mattress to spring back, eventually creating a low spot/sinkhole in the mattress. As such, mattress warranties all contain a term defining how big a sag or ‘body impression’ (measured when no one is on the mattress) is considered a defect, and thus covered under the warranty.

The industry standard for hybrid and innerspring mattresses is 1.5" and that's what Helix has chosen.

To obtain warranty service, you'll have to ship your mattress to the company at your expense. If the company decides your issue is covered under the warranty, you'll be reimbursed up to $100. The company also says it will repair or replace your bed within 90 days -- which means you're without a mattress since you'll have to ship it back to the company. That could be a big inconvenience.

This warranty extends to the original owner for as long as they own the mattress and assumes it has been placed upon an appropriate foundation. See: Helix warranty policy