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The Helix Dawn was designed to be a mattress-match made in heaven for sleepers who crave firm, responsive support without sacrificing comfort. As a hybrid mattress, it combines dense foams with sturdy individually wrapped coils to deliver lifted alignment, minimal sinkage, and a sleep surface that stays cool all night long.
With the Dawn mattress, Helix aims to offer a budget-friendly option that promotes healthy spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers, while including a few luxurious touches you’d expect from a more premium bed. Our team subjected the Helix Dawn to a round of hands-on testing at our Charlotte, NC, facility to see if it succeeded in striking this balance of support and comfort.
At Sleepopolis, we’ve been testing mattresses and sleep products since 2014, helping over 60,000 people find the best mattress for their needs. Our team of trained mattress testers and certified sleep science coaches has evaluated more than 330 beds using our proprietary methodology developed with guidance from Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. This ensures our reviews are thorough, data-driven, and trustworthy.
Read on to see how the Helix Dawn performs in essential categories like cooling, motion isolation, responsiveness, and more.
The Helix Dawn is one of the firmest mattresses offered by the company. Its construction provides good comfort for heavy people and stomach sleepers, both of whom need extra support to keep from sinking uncomfortably below the mattress surface. Like the other Helix mattresses, it can be upgraded to the Luxe version if you’re willing to pay a little extra for luxury features. To learn more, check out our video on Helix mattresses.
What our tester says:
“I really appreciate how supportive these mattresses are. Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people (those over 250 pounds) could all benefit from the firm feel of this bed. No matter which model you choose, the Helix Dawn really delivers on lumbar support.” Logan Block, former Sleepopolis content director and mattress tester
Helix Dawn Mattress Overview
The Helix Dawn is the firmest model in Helix’s hybrid mattress collection, designed specifically for back and stomach sleepers who need extra support and minimal sinkage. Our testers loved its excellent responsiveness, sturdy edge support, and impressive cooling capabilities, which make it an equally strong contender for hot sleepers and combination sleepers as well. That said, it falls short in pressure relief, especially for side sleepers and those with sensitive joints, due to its firm surface and limited contouring.
Helix Dawn Mattress Review Video
Helix Dawn Value
Priced at $1,332 for a queen (before promotions), the Helix Dawn offers solid value for sleepers seeking a durable, supportive hybrid mattress. Helix includes a 100-night sleep trial to give buyers ample time to test it out at home, and backs every mattress with a limited lifetime warranty. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who prefers firm support, the Dawn delivers strong performance at a competitive price point. It’s also a great option for couples who tend to overheat, thanks to its excellent cooling features and breathable coil design.
Helix Dawn Comparison
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| Helix Dawn Mattress | Saatva Classic | Nectar Classic Hybrid | Helix Midnight Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | ||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Couples |
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What Is the Helix Dawn Made Of?
The Helix Dawn is 11.5 inches tall and blends sturdy support coils with responsive foam layers to deliver a balanced combination of lift, durability, and subtle pressure relief.
Here’s a closer look at the Helix Dawn’s construction:
Cover – The Dawn features a soft, breathable knit cover that promotes airflow and helps maintain a neutral temperature throughout the night. For those who tend to sleep hot, Helix also offers an optional cooling cover, which features cool-to-the-touch fibers and helps draw heat away from the body.
Comfort Layer – Beneath the cover lies a layer of cooling gel-infused memory foam. This material offers gentle cushioning while remaining relatively firm, giving the mattress its signature “on top of the bed” feel.
Transition Layer – Next is a dense, responsive memory foam layer engineered to prevent excessive sinkage. This layer is meant to support proper spinal alignment, especially for stomach and back sleepers.
Support Layer – The base of the Helix Dawn consists of up to 1,000 pocketed coils that support the body and improve airflow throughout the mattress. At the very bottom, a dense base layer of foam adds overall stability and helps the mattress maintain its shape over time.
Helix Dawn Mattress Firmness
Firmness is one of the most subjective aspects of a mattress; what feels perfectly plush to one sleeper might seem far too stiff to another. At Sleepopolis, we take a team-based approach to gauging firmness. We invite multiple expert testers to evaluate each mattress by lying in all three sleeping positions. After, each tester provides their firmness score based on how the mattress feels to them personally.
We average those scores to land on a final rating, using a 1 to 10 scale where 1 is ultra-soft and 10 is extra-firm. While personal preferences vary, most people tend to gravitate toward the middle of the spectrum. A 6.5 out of 10 typically represents a balanced “medium-firm” feel, which often hits the sweet spot for most sleepers.
After testing the Helix Dawn, Dan Caffrey and his fellow mattress testers gave the Helix Dawn a 7 out of 10 rating, meaning it’s slightly above the industry standard in terms of firmness. This isn’t a complete surprise, as the Dawn is the firmest mattress out of the Helix lineup. Most sleepers should get plenty of lift and feel supported by this mattress, although it may be too firm for side sleepers and folks under 130 pounds.
Helix Dawn Mattress Performance
Before you buy a mattress, you have to consider its strengths and weaknesses. To make this simpler for you, our reviews break down the performance of a mattress across various categories that matter most to real sleepers, including cooling, edge support, pressure relief, and more.
During testing, we employ our rigorous review methodology to give you an honest, well-rounded look at how the Helix Dawn performs in key areas. Below, I’ll walk through the results so you can decide if this mattress fits your sleep priorities.
Helix Dawn Pressure Relief Performance
Pressure relief is essential for sleepers who deal with chronic pain or wake up feeling stiff. This test allows us to assess how well a mattress cushions common pressure points, such as the hips, shoulders, and lower back. A bed that lacks adequate contouring in these areas can contribute to pain over time and interfere with restful sleep. As Dr. Dasgupta puts it, “When your mattress doesn’t properly relieve pressure, it can trigger discomfort and disrupt your ability to stay asleep through the night.”
To review a mattress’s pressure relief, we use a pressure-mapping mat placed directly on the mattress surface. Our testers lie on it on both their sides and their backs. The mat uses thermal imaging to capture areas of tension and convert them into a visual heat map. Blue and green signal low-pressure zones, while yellow and red point to areas where pressure is building up.
Because pressure relief is affected by body weight and sleep position, we pay close attention to how sleepers across three weight categories experience the mattress. A surface that feels gently conforming to a lightweight sleeper might feel noticeably firmer to someone heavier, and vice versa. To account for this, mattress tester Dan Caffrey invited a lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight tester to our Charlotte, NC, studio to test pressure relief on the Helix Dawn.
Our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, thought the Helix Dawn was just a smidge firm for comfort, particularly when lying on her side. While her pressure map showed a slightly lower 13.58 PSI reading compared to the average 14.94 PSI for side sleeping, she still reported noticeable tension in her shoulders.
“This mattress is definitely on the firmer side, and I feel pressure on my shoulders,” Asha said. “However, my hips are aligned with the rest of my body.”
Our average-weight tester, Sosha Lewis, had a similar experience. Although she felt like her spine was in healthy alignment, she wasn’t crazy about the Helix Dawn’s minimal contouring.
“I feel like the alignment is good, but I don’t love the pressure relief in my back and shoulders,” Sosha said. “The foam is too dense, so it doesn’t contour well. The highlight is that it feels good on my lower back.”
Meanwhile, our heavyweight tester, Marten Carlson, recorded the highest PSI scores in the side-sleeping position and found it uncomfortable. However, he thought the Helix Dawn felt relatively comfortable for back sleeping. His PSI for back sleeping was 15.37, which is above the average of 12.4, but he still found it pleasant.
“I feel like I have a good neutral alignment,” Marten said. “My hips are sinking in just a little bit, and I have strong support. However, I’m not feeling a ton of contouring on this mattress.”
Based on our testing results, this mattress may work well for heavyweight and some average-weight back or stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. However, I would caution lightweight individuals and strict side sleepers (especially those with sensitive joints) that this bed will likely feel too firm for consistent comfort.
As Dr. Shelby Harris, one of our medical advisors, explains, “Individuals with smaller frames often experience mattresses as firmer, since they don’t sink in enough to trigger the bed’s pressure-relieving layers.”
Helix Dawn Motion Isolation
Motion transfer refers to how much movement ripples across the mattress surface when someone tosses, turns, or otherwise wiggles around on their side of the bed. A bed with low motion transfer, or effective motion isolation, should dampen movement and prevent it from disturbing the other side of the mattress.
Dan reviewed the Helix Dawn’s motion isolation using two different tests: the ripple test and partner test. Like many other springy hybrid mattresses, the Dawn performed about average here. Dan gave it a final score of 3 out of 5 for motion isolation.
Ripple test: For this test, one tester lay on the mattress next to a container full of water. Next, the tester tossed and turned beside it to see if the water splashed or overflowed. After switching positions next to the container, Dan noticed some movement in the bin, but it never spilled over.
“While the water didn’t spill, I noticed it sloshing around, especially while getting in and out of bed,” Dan said.
Partner test: Next, two mattress testers lay next to each other on the mattress. One tester wore a blindfold while the other tossed, turned, and climbed in and out of bed. When the blindfolded tester felt their partner moving around, they gave a thumbs up. During this test, Dan couldn’t quite tell what his partner was doing, but he felt them moving consistently.
Based on his feedback during the partner test, I probably would not recommend the Helix Dawn to couples where one partner is sensitive to the other’s movements.
Helix Dawn Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how fast a mattress can return to its original shape after applying weight to it. Combination sleepers (people who frequently change positions as they sleep) often prioritize responsiveness because it makes it easier for them to move around at night and get comfortable with minimal effort.
Like most firm hybrid mattresses with innerspring coils in their construction, the Helix Dawn performed exceptionally well in this category. Dan gave the Helix Dawn a perfect 5 out of 5 for its snappy response time.
Switch test: To evaluate how easy it is to move on the Helix Dawn, one of our testers lay on the mattress and switched between various sleeping positions. This test helps us gauge how much effort it takes to reposition, which is crucial for combination sleepers or those with mobility concerns. Dan had no trouble at all maneuvering on the Helix Dawn’s springy surface.
“This is a very bouncy, responsive mattress,” Dan said. “The responsiveness of the Helix Dawn made it easy to switch positions. I felt no sinkage or difficulty whatsoever when moving from my back to my side to my stomach.”
Responsiveness test: To measure how quickly the Helix Dawn mattress responds to pressure, Dan placed a 53-pound kettlebell on the surface and allowed it to settle for 7 seconds. Next, he removed the weight and observed how fast the mattress bounced back to its original shape.
It only took 1.2 seconds for the Helix Dawn to regain its shape after removing the kettlebell. Based on these results, we can presume that the Helix quickly returns to its original form when changing positions on it, meaning combination sleepers shouldn’t find it too hard to get comfortable on this mattress.
Sinkage test: For this test, Dan placed the same 53-pound kettlebell in the center of the Helix Dawn and used a ruler to measure how deeply it sank into the mattress. This test helps us understand how much contouring and support sleepers can expect.
Dan measured 5 inches of sinkage on the Helix Dawn, which is above average and places it in the deep sinkage category. To clarify, light sinkage is up to 2.5 inches, moderate sinkage ranges from 2.6 to 4 inches, and deep sinkage is 4.1 inches and up.
Bounce test: To assess the Helix Dawn’s bounce, Dan climbed a 6-foot ladder and dropped a 25-pound steel ball onto the mattress. A yardstick positioned against the wall captured the rebound height. This test gives us a visual measure of the bed’s responsiveness and springiness.
The ball jumped up 17 inches on the Helix Dawn, which is slightly higher than the overall average of 15.8 inches and places it in the high bounce category. For context, low bounce refers to anything under 8 inches, moderate bounce ranges from 8 to 12 inches, and high bounce is above 12 inches.
Overall, the Helix Dawn is super-springy and easy to move around on, with surprisingly deep sinkage for a mattress this firm and responsive. Sleepers who prefer a firm surface that is easy to reposition on should find a lot to love about the Helix Dawn.
Helix Dawn Cooling
If you tend to sleep hot, a cool, breathable mattress is a must-have. Unlike traditional memory foam mattresses, which tend to trap body heat and create an uncomfortably warm sleep surface, hybrid mattresses like the Helix Dawn are generally better at promoting airflow and dissipating heat. That’s because hybrid mattress models combine breathable materials like coils, which allow for more ventilation.
To put the Helix Dawn’s cooling abilities to the test, Dan ran a series of hands-on assessments designed to evaluate how well it regulates temperature throughout the night. After his tests, he gave it a solid 4 out of 5 for cooling.
Cover test: Before jumping into bed, Dan placed his hands on the top cover to see if it felt cool to the touch. He noted that, while the cover layer of the Helix Dawn felt soft and breathable, he didn’t get an immediate cooling sensation from this mattress.
Thermal gun test: Next, Dan used a thermal gun to measure the Helix Dawn’s surface temperature before and after lying on it for 5 minutes. During this time, Dan recorded an increase of 7.8 degrees, indicating that this mattress has good cooling abilities.
Feel test: During the thermal gun test, Dan also noted how it felt to him in real-time while lying on it for 5 minutes.
“When lying on it for 5 minutes, I found the Helix Dawn to be mostly solid for cooling,” Dan said. “It didn’t feel hot, but I could detect some warmth forming in the lumbar region, and the top cover wasn’t cool to the touch.”
Helix Dawn Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well a mattress holds up around its perimeter when weight is applied. Solid edge support helps sleepers feel stable when sitting or lying near the edge and is especially important for couples, heavier individuals, or anyone who uses the entire surface of the bed.
Tape measure test: For this test, Dan stacked weights directly along the edge of the mattress in three distinct increments: 99 pounds to represent a lightweight sleeper, 154 pounds for an average-weight sleeper, and 198 pounds to simulate a heavyweight sleeper. He then used a tape measure to record how much the mattress compressed under each load. This test gives us a clear picture of how well the mattress maintains support along its perimeter for sleepers of varying body types.
Dan found that its sinkage ranged from 2 inches for the lightest stack to 3.5 inches for the average-weight stack and up to 4.5 inches for the heaviest stack. These measurements allowed us to predict how the mattress edge might perform for different body types. For context, our testers found that 3.7 inches is the average sinkage across all the mattresses we’ve tested.
Based on Dan’s feedback, I predict that light to average-weight sleepers won’t experience much sinkage on the Helix Dawn. These sleepers will likely get plenty of support to keep their spines in healthy alignment; however, they won’t get much contouring around potential pressure points. That said, side sleepers with bigger bodies may experience more pressure relief around their shoulders and hips on this mattress.
Seated test: Next, Dan sat on the sides and corners of the mattress and repeatedly stood up to see how well the edges of the Helix Dawn supported his body weight in a seated position. This test mimics everyday use, like getting in and out of bed or sitting to tie your shoes.
“I noticed a slight dip when sitting on the edge and getting in and out of bed,” Dan said. “It wasn’t difficult, per se, but not as bouncy as I would expect from such a firm mattress.”
Full body test: Finally, Dan lay along the edge of the mattress in various sleeping positions to see how secure and supported he felt. A well-performing mattress should maintain consistent support from the center all the way out to the perimeter. A sturdy, supportive perimeter allows you to sleep comfortably even at the very edge without feeling like you might slide off.
“I felt adequately supported while lying down near the edge,” Dan said. “I could feel the perimeter dipping a little bit while on my side, but not to the point where I felt unstable.”
Helix Dawn Mattress Performance for Couples
The Helix Dawn is ideal for couples who don’t mind putting up with their partner’s movements. It scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. In other words, couples shouldn’t have to worry about overheating and can use the entire surface area of the Helix Dawn without feeling unsupported. However, with an average 3 out of 5 motion isolation score, I wouldn’t recommend this to folks who are easily disturbed by their partner’s tossing and turning.
Other Performance Factors to Consider
While we’ve covered the core tests above, there are a few additional performance features that could impact your long-term satisfaction with the Helix Dawn. Here’s how it performed in a few other key areas.
Sex
The Helix Dawn is an excellent mattress for sex, thanks to its strong responsiveness, firm surface, and breathable hybrid construction. It earned a perfect 5 out of 5 in our responsiveness test, making it easy to move around without feeling stuck. Combine that with solid edge support and effective cooling, and you’ve got a mattress that checks all the right boxes for sexually active couples.
Noise
While testing, Dan noted a slight crinkling sound from the foam layers as he changed positions. The noise was perceptible but not enough to be distracting or to disturb a sleeping partner. Light sleepers sensitive to sound may notice occasional movement noise, but most people won’t be bothered.
Base Compatibility
The Helix Dawn is technically compatible with an adjustable base, but it doesn’t conform seamlessly. Whether weighted down by a person or left empty, Dan observed a noticeable gap between the mattress and the base when in zero-gravity mode. The foot of the mattress also tended to lift slightly, even with someone lying on it.
Durability
With its robust hybrid build and reinforced edge support, we expect the Helix Dawn to hold up well over time. The mattress performed well in our edge support tests (4 out of 5) and is backed by a generous limited lifetime warranty. Based on our testing and its construction, I believe it should comfortably last 10 years or more with proper care.
Helix Dawn Performance Scores
| Test | Product Score | Average Score |
| Firmness | 7 | 6.7 |
| Pressure Relief Side | 2.67 | 3.5 |
| Back Pressure Relief | 3.33 | 4 |
| Motion Isolation | 3 | 3.9 |
| Responsiveness | 5 | 4.2 |
| Cooling | 4 | 4.2 |
| Edge Support | 4 | N/A |
| Bounce Height | 17 | 15.8 inches |
| Bounce Rating | High | High |
| Sinkage | 5 inches | 3.25 inches |
| Sinkage Depth | Deep | Moderate |
| Sex Score | 3.5 | N/A |
| Noise | 1 | N/A |
| Off-Gassing | 5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 3.5 | N/A |
| Warranty | 4.5 | N/A |
| Full Rise | 5 | N/A |
Helix Dawn Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Body weight plays a significant role in how a mattress feels. Lighter individuals often find mattresses firmer, while heavier sleepers may experience more sinkage and contouring. To account for this variability, we included expert testers across a range of body types — lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight.
Each tester evaluated the mattress in all three sleep positions: back, side, and stomach. This approach allows us to offer recommendations that factor in both body type and preferred sleep style.
Before we dive into our recommendations, though, we want to recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 230 pounds).
As a general takeaway, lighter sleepers don’t require as much support as average-weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavy sleepers tend to need more support than average-weight sleepers and sink into the mattress more. As far as sleeping positions go, side sleepers likely need a softer mattress while stomach sleepers usually need a firmer, more supportive one. Back sleepers are usually somewhere in the middle.
Is the Helix Dawn a Good Mattress for Light Sleepers (Under 130 pounds)?
- Light Back Sleepers – The Helix Dawn could work for lightweight back sleepers who prefer a firmer sleep surface. These sleepers will get plenty of support, but not much cushioning on their lower back.
- Light Side Sleepers – I would not recommend this mattress to lightweight side sleepers. These sleepers will not get enough contouring around their elbows, shoulders, and hips to avoid aches and pains.
- Light Stomach Sleepers – The Helix Dawn could be a good fit for light stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers typically need a firmer surface to prop up their hips and keep their spines aligned with the rest of their body.
Is the Helix Dawn a Good Mattress for Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 pounds)?
- Average-Weight Back Sleepers – The Helix Dawn is ideal for average-weight back sleepers. While it is on the firmer side, these sleepers will get ample support around their lower lumbar spines to keep their spines in a healthy position and prevent back pain.
- Average-Weight Side Sleepers – This mattress could work for some average-weight side sleepers, but I wouldn’t recommend it to those with sensitive joints. Folks with sensitive joints will likely find this bed too firm for their liking.
- Average-Weight Stomach Sleepers – I would recommend this mattress to average-weight stomach sleepers. These sleepers should get enough support around the lower half of their bodies to feel comfortable and aligned on this mattress.
Is the Helix Dawn a Good Mattress for Heavy Sleepers (over 230 pounds)?
- Heavy Back Sleepers – Back sleepers over 230 pounds should find the Helix Dawn comfortable. This mattress should be supportive enough to keep these sleepers’ spines in a neutral position. Plus, these sleepers should experience better contouring around their lower backs.
- Heavy Side Sleepers – The Helix Dawn may actually work well for heavyweight side sleepers. These sleepers are more likely to sink into the firmer surface and experience the contouring that lighter individuals miss.
- Heavy Stomach Sleepers – I wouldn’t recommend the Helix Dawn for heavyweight stomach sleepers. While it feels firm at first, these sleepers are likely to sink in too much around the hips, which can throw the spine out of alignment and lead to lower back discomfort over time. A more supportive and firmer mattress may be a better option.
My Final Thoughts About the Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is a firm, supportive hybrid mattress that’s best suited for sleepers who prioritize stability, responsiveness, and a cooler night’s sleep. However, its firmness may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who crave deep contouring or pressure relief. Here’s a quick recap of who I think will (and won’t) love the Helix Dawn.
Who I Recommend the Helix Dawn For
- Average-weight back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the firm feel and spinal alignment support the Dawn offers.
- Hot sleepers should stay comfortable all night thanks to the coil layer and breathable materials.
- Sexually active couples will find this mattress especially accommodating due to its strong responsiveness.
- Combination sleepers who change positions frequently throughout the night will benefit from the Dawn’s quick response time.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Helix Dawn For
- Couples who need strong motion isolation may want to look elsewhere, as the bouncy hybrid construction allows some movement to transfer across the surface.
- Side sleepers with sensitive joints are likely to find this mattress too firm and lacking in the pressure relief needed to cushion the shoulders and hips.
Helix Dawn Pricing and Sizing
The Helix Dawn is $1,332 for a queen-sized mattress before any discounts. However, you can often snag one for under $1,000 when it goes on sale. To make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, check out our Helix coupons.
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ × 11.5″ | $999.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ × 11.5″ | $1124.00 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ × 11.5″ | $1248.00 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ × 11.5″ | $1332.00 |
| Short Queen | 60″ x 74″ × 11.5″ | $1332.00 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ × 11.5″ | $1811.00 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ × 11.5″ | $1811.00 |
| RV King | 72″ × 80″ × 11.5″ | $1,811 |
Helix Dawn Policies
Before purchasing any online mattress, it’s important to understand the company’s policies. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect with the Helix Dawn. Like other Helix models, the Dawn comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty — both designed to give you added confidence as you try out the mattress at home.
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Sleep Trial Period | 365-night trial |
| Shipping/Returns | Free shipping and full refunds within the trial period |
| Unboxing | A slight off-gassing odor that dissipates after 24 hours. A queen-sized mattress weighs 95 pounds, so we recommend having two or more people nearby to help you lift it. |
| Full Rise | The mattress fully decompressed and was ready to use 24 hours after unboxing. |
| Customer Reviews | This mattress earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on the Helix website based on 1,325 customer reviews. |
Helix Dawn vs. Competitors
Still can’t tell if the Helix Dawn is right for you? Comparing it to other top-rated mattresses can help you narrow down your decision when shopping for a new mattress. Here’s how the Dawn stacks up against two popular alternatives, the Saatva Classic and the Nectar Classic Hybrid.
Helix Dawn vs Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic is another firm mattress option (7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale), but with a more traditional innerspring feel and a slightly more plush surface, thanks to its quilted Euro top.
- Price: The Saatva Classic is more expensive than the Helix Dawn, starting at $2,099 for a queen-size mattress.
- Sleeping Position: Both mattresses work well for stomach sleepers, but the Saatva Classic offers a bit more pressure relief for back sleepers. I would not recommend either mattress for side sleepers.
- Cooling: Both earned a 4 out of 5 for cooling. However, the Saatva Classic has a slight edge in airflow thanks to its dual coil layers.
- Body Weight: Both mattresses provide excellent support for average- and heavyweight sleepers. Lightweight sleepers may find the Euro top of the Saatva Classic a touch more forgiving.
Read more in our full Saatva Classic mattress review.
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn vs Nectar Classic Hybrid
The Nectar Classic Hybrid is a softer (6 out of 10 on our firmness scale), more pressure-relieving mattress, while the Helix Dawn delivers a much firmer, more responsive feel.
- Price: The Nectar Classic Hybrid is more expensive, starting at $1,531 for a queen before promotions, but it’s often on sale for well under $700.
- Sleeping Position: The Helix Dawn is better suited for back and stomach sleepers who need firm support, while the Nectar’s softer foam layers make it a better fit for side sleepers or those who prefer a more cushiony feel.
- Cooling: Both mattresses offer decent cooling thanks to their hybrid builds, but the Nectar has an edge in temperature regulation due to its cool-to-the-touch top layer.
- Body Weight: Heavier sleepers will get more support and better alignment on the Helix Dawn. Lighter and average-weight sleepers looking for pressure relief may prefer the Nectar.
Read more in our full Nectar Classic Hybrid mattress review.
Nectar Classic Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Other Models from Helix
Helix offers a range of mattresses to suit different firmness preferences, sleep styles, and body types. If the Helix Dawn feels a bit too firm, the Midnight might be a better fit.
Helix Dawn vs Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model and offers a balanced, medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), while the Helix Dawn is the firmest option in the lineup.
- Price: Before discounts, the Midnight and Dawn are priced the same at $1,332 for a queen-sized mattress.
- Sleeping Position: The Midnight is better suited for side sleepers who need pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Meanwhile, the Helix Dawn is ideal for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer, more supportive surface.
- Cooling: Both beds offer good airflow thanks to their hybrid designs, but the Helix Dawn performed better on our cooling tests, likely due to its firmer surface and shallower sink, which reduces heat retention.
- Body Weight: Average and heavyweight sleepers will find solid support on both mattresses, but the Helix Dawn offers a firmer, more stable feel under heavier pressure. Lightweight sleepers will probably find the Midnight more forgiving thanks to its softer memory foam layers.
Read more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Review Process
At Sleepopolis, our team of certified sleep science coaches personally test each mattress. We start by unboxing the mattress to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Then, we spend time lying on the bed in different positions, taking time to assess it on our backs, stomachs, and sides. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, and pressure relief. Our last step is to open up the mattress and take a look at each layer. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress.
Helix Dawn FAQs
Is the Helix Dawn any good?
Yes, the Helix Dawn is a great choice for back and stomach sleepers, especially those who prefer a firm feel. It’s also well-suited for heavier individuals who need extra support.
What is the difference between the Helix Dawn and Midnight?
The Helix Midnight has a more balanced medium-firm feel that offers better pressure relief, while the Helix Dawn is firmer and designed for maximum support, particularly for back and stomach sleepers.
Do Helix mattresses sag?
Helix mattresses are built to be durable and resist sagging, especially with proper care. Rotating the mattress every 3 to 6 months can help maintain even wear over time.
How long should a Helix mattress last?
Thanks to their hybrid construction and high-quality materials, Helix mattresses are designed to last at least 10 years with regular use.
What other Helix models are there?
Helix offers a full line of mattresses designed for different sleep styles and firmness preferences, including the soft Helix Sunset, balanced Helix Dusk, supportive Helix Dawn, and contouring Helix Twilight. Each model is available in standard or upgraded Luxe versions.
What is the Helix Luxe line?
The Helix Luxe line is a premium upgrade to Helix’s standard mattresses. Luxe models include zoned lumbar support, a quilted pillow top for added comfort, and a GlacioTex cooling cover.