Helix Mattress Review & Model Comparison

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

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Launched in 2015, Helix Sleep has grown into one of the most popular bedding brands on the market. What sets it apart from the competition is its expansive line of mattresses, ranging from the super-soft and plush to the ultra-firm and sturdy. This variety allows sleepers of different styles and preferences to find a mattress that works for them. In this roundup of Helix mattress reviews, I’m going to introduce you to some of the beds from the standard Helix line.

We’ll be talking about six mattresses that have different firmness levels: the plush Sunset, the soft Moonlight, the medium-firm Midnight, the responsive Dusk, the supportive Twilight, and the firm Dawn. I’ll briefly describe the models, chat up their distinct features, and then provide links to our full reviews of each bed.

The Helix brand also offers each of their mattresses in a Luxe version. You can head to our roundup of Helix Luxe mattress reviews to learn all about these luxury beds. While all of the standard Helix mattresses are different, they do happen to share a lot of similarities, so let’s kick things off by exploring a few of those.

Best Helix Mattress Models

• Helix Sunset – Best Mattress for Joint Pain
• Helix Moonlight – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Helix Dusk – Best Soft Mattress
• Helix Twilight – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Helix Dawn – Best for Stomach Sleepers

Compare Helix Mattress Models

Helix Mattress Video Review

Helix Mattress Similarities

As I mentioned up top, there are six mattresses in the standard Helix line. Though they have distinct feels and styles, their designs are similar. So, let’s examine some of the attributes present in each bed.

• Hybrid Build: Every Helix mattress is constructed using a hybrid design, so they’re built with foam top layers over wrapped coils. While the amount and type of foam varies, the unified hybrid design ensures that each bed produces a balance of both pressure relief and support.
• Cooling: Similarly, all Helix mattresses are designed to sleep cool. Not only do the sections of pocketed coils promote excellent airflow throughout the mattress, but each Helix bed also features a Light Breathe Knit cover made of a stretchy and breathable fabric. If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, you could find a lot to love in the Helix line of mattresses.
• Pressure Relief: Excellent pressure relief is a big selling point for each Helix mattress. From the softest model to the firmest one, these beds work to actively alleviate tension across the spine and body.
• Edge Support: Each Helix mattress features a robust section of reinforced edge support around the bed. This maximizes the usable surface area of the mattress, allowing sleepers to snooze all the way to the sides. This is an important feature for many to consider, but it is especially beneficial for couples. Strong edge support also adds to the mattresses’ durability, as it prevents premature sagging.
• Shipping: Each Helix is a bed-in-a-box mattress, so it ships compressed in a box. You’ll have to unbox it at home and allow between 24-48 hours for it to fully decompress and off-gas.

Comparing Helix Mattresses

Now, let’s dig into each standard Helix mattress one by one. I’ll provide you with a brief product summary, talk about what kinds of sleepers might like it most, and then close things out with a link to a more in-depth mattress review. Check out the handy chart below to learn the basics about each of these beds. 

Helix Sunset

The softest bed in the Helix line, the Helix Sunset includes a top layer of plush Copper Gel Memory Foam for deep contouring and pressure relief. Though the bed is stabilized by a sturdy base layer of pocketed coils, you’re likely to enjoy some nice sinkage right when you first lay down.

Helix Sunset Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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3

4

5

4.5

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4

4

4

4

5

4

3.5

3.5

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – The Sunset comfort layer is built with Copper Gel Memory Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. These foams work together to help relieve joint pressure and provide body-contouring. Sleepers should be able to sense this layer’s comfy, soft feel while lounging on the Helix Sunset.
• Transition layer – The transition layer of the Helix Sunset mattress also includes High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. However, this layer has a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), allowing this section of the mattress to have more ergonomic support and cushioning.

Firmness: 5.5/10 on the firmness scale. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5/10 for medium firmness, it’s clear that this bed is quite soft.

Motion Transfer: The Helix Sunset showed low motion transfer, which means that this bed is excellent at dissipating movement evenly across its surface. This is a big plus for couples, as they shouldn’t be woken up by their partner’s tossing and turning during the night.

Pressure Relief: The thick top layer of Copper Gel Memory Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam provides excellent pressure relief for the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Durability: The Helix Sunset mattress is a home run for side sleepers because of its soft, pressure-relieving memory foam. However, I would say it’s less durable than some of the other helix beds overall. Since this mattress has a traditional all-foam feel, it might be more prone to sagging over time than firmer Helix models. After 3 years, it should still offer sleepers good support, but I predict body impressions may begin to form over time. At the 10-year mark, the Helix Sunset mattress may start to lose its shape, though the materials are durable enough to last through the mattress’s 10-year warranty (or 15 years if you opt for the Luxe or Elite models).

I’d say that out of all the Helix mattresses, the Helix Sunset is the best mattress for side sleepers. These folks usually prefer softer mattresses that provide deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, so they should find lots of comfort in this plush and gentle bed.

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Helix Moonlight

The next softest bed in the Helix line is the Helix Moonlight. It differs from the Helix Sunset in that it utilizes the brand’s Dynamic Foam in its comfort layer, producing a gentle, yet buoyant, feel to this mattress.

Helix Moonlight Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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4

5

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4

4.5

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4.5

5

4

3.5

3.5

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – Built with latex-like Helix Dynamic Foam, this layer is buoyant, soft, and naturally cooling. It’s got a quick response to pressure, so it should position the sleeper more “on top” of the bed than “in” it. However, this material is combined with a layer of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, so this lifting should be off-set by some nice body-contouring.
• Transition layer – Like the Helix Sunset, this layer is also made of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam with a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), so it provides your body with more ergonomic support, while still maintaining that soft and comfortable feel overall.

Firmness: 5.5/10 on the firmness scale. Like the Sunset, this bed is soft.

Motion Transfer: This mattress is okay at isolating motion, but the comfort layer of Helix Dynamic Foam does provide some added bounce to this bed. Long story short — this may not be the best bed for couples.

Pressure Relief: While it doesn’t provide the same deep contouring relief that the Helix Sunset does, the Helix Moonlight does feature some nice pressure relief around the hips and lower back.

Durability: While the Helix Moonlight provides good pressure relief and lumbar support for side and back sleepers thanks to its dynamic memory foam, its moderate bounce and less-than-stellar motion isolation may cause it to sag and wear out faster for couples. After 3 years, I think this mattress should still offer ample comfort, but by the 10-year mark, the materials may start to show signs of wear, especially in the areas most affected by movement.

For that reason, I’d recommend the Helix Moonlight for side sleepers and back sleepers who prefer a softer mattress. The top layers of foam should provide some nice pressure relief to the lumbar region, while the coils in the base layer should work to lift the hips in line with the shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.

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Helix Midnight

Billed as the brand’s most popular model, the Helix Midnight is a medium-firm option for folks in search of deep pressure relief. Here, you’ll find a balance of Memory Plus Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam.

Helix Midnight Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

4

3.5

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4

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.5

3.5

4

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – The Helix Midnight’s comfort layer includes both Memory Plus Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. These foams should relieve pressure around the joints and offer a nice body-contouring feel. The addition of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam also makes sure that sleepers don’t get “stuck” in this memory foam layer, which is ideal for combination sleepers.
• Transition layer – Once again, a second layer of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam separates the top foams from the base coils. This foam layer provides a cushioning feel and more ergonomic support for your body.

Firmness: 6/10 on the firmness scale. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, it seems this bed is right about medium-firm.

Motion Transfer: The top layer of Memory Plus Foam helps absorb and dissipate movement, so this bed isolates motion pretty well.

Pressure Relief: This mattress is fantastic at relieving pressure around sensitive spots along the body — namely the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Durability: I think the Helix Midnight’s medium-firm feel and well-balanced combination of memory plus foam, Helix responsive foam, and coils contribute a lot to its durability. I believe the Helix Midnight will maintain its supportive feel and pressure-relieving properties after 3 years. By 10 years, the foams may show signs of wear, especially in the areas where body weight is concentrated, though it should still hold up well given its durable construction and decent warranty.

All in all, I think this could be a great all-purpose bed for a wide range of sleeping positions. It’s firm, but not too firm; soft, but not too soft, striking a satisfying balance. Back-and-side combination sleepers could be particularly well-suited to the Helix Midnight.

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Helix Dusk

Like the Helix Midnight, the Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress. However, this bed places a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam over a layer of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam to create a slightly bouncier feel than the other Helix models we’ve previously discussed.

Helix Dusk Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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4

5

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4.5

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5

4.5

3.5

3.5

4

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – A top layer of Helix’s latex-like Dynamic Foam sets a bouncy yet pressure-relieving tone from the jump. Though you won’t sink into this layer like you would on memory foam, you’ll still likely experience it as fairly soft. Plus, this foam is combined with a layer of High-Grade Helix Responsive foam, which does a good job of adding some comfort and pressure relief back into this mattress.
• Transition layer – Once again, the transition layer of the Helix Dusk is constructed using High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam with a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), providing more ergonomic support and relieving pressure around the shoulders and hips.

Firmness: 6/10 on the firmness scale. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, this bed is about medium-firm.

Motion Transfer: The Helix Dusk doesn’t do the best job of reducing motion transfer, so you might feel your partner’s movements in the night if they are a particular restless sleeper.

Pressure Relief: There’s some nice pressure relief on the Helix Dusk, but it’s not the same kind of deep pressure relief you’d experience on the Sunset or the Midnight. In fact, I’d recommend the Helix Dusk primarily for back sleepers and combination sleepers. These folks should enjoy the combination of pressure relief and bounce, ensuring pain-free sleep without feeling “stuck” in this bed.

Durability: In my opinion, the Helix Dusk mattress strikes a good balance between comfort, support, and durability. Since this mattress is a little softer than medium-firm (6 out of 10), heavier sleepers might experience sagging sooner than lightweight and average sleepers on this bed. However, for most sleepers, I think the Helix Dusk’s firm construction and resilient foam layers should hold up well for many years with minimal sagging, even past the 10-year mark.

All in all, I think this could be a great all-purpose bed for a wide range of sleeping positions. It’s firm, but not too firm; soft, but not too soft, striking a satisfying balance. Back-and-side combination sleepers could be particularly well-suited to the Helix Midnight.

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Helix Twilight

Built with layers of Copper Gel Memory Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, the Helix Twilight is a firm bed for folks who still need some pressure relief around their shoulders and lower back. This is the second-firmest mattress in the standard Helix line, so it should work best for back and stomach sleepers.

Helix Midnight Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

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4.5

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4.5

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3.5

3.5

4.5

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – As we’ve seen in some of the other models listed here, the Helix Twilight kicks things off with a layer of Copper Gel Memory Foam, which has a slow response to pressure, allowing the sleeper to really “sink in” for some cushiony relief. Once again, this memory foam is combined with High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, which makes sure that you won’t “sink” too far into this bed.
• Transition layer – You guessed it — this layer is made with the same High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam with a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) as the other models in this line. This inclusion ensures that there’s enough material between the comfort layer and the individually pocketed coils in this mattress.

Firmness: 7/10 on the firmness scale. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, this bed is on the firmer side.

Motion Transfer: This mattress isolates motion fairly well, thanks to its top layer of Copper Gel Memory Foam. This material works to actively absorb and dissipate movement across the structure of this bed.

Pressure Relief: While the Copper Gel Memory Foam top layer does provide a bit of cushioning at the shoulders, I think this bed provides the most pressure relief around the hips and lower back.

Durability: I think the Helix Twilight stands out in the brand’s lineup of mattresses in terms of durability. Its firmer feel (7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) and supportive construction should help it maintain its structure and prevent sagging over time. The Twilight mattress should also hold up better for heavier sleepers, thanks to its firmer design. For most sleepers, I think this mattress will hold up well beyond the 3 and 10-year mark.

I’d recommend the Helix Twilight for back, stomach, and combination sleepers. These folks should enjoy this bed’s firmness and bounce, which work to position the sleeper more “on top” of the bed than “in” it.

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Helix Dawn

The Helix Dawn is the firmest bed in the Helix line, as it is made with layers of bouncy Dynamic Foam, sturdy High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, and supportive pocketed coils.

Helix Dawn Mattress Scores

Poor

Average

Excellent

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1

2

3

4

5

4

4

4.5

4

4

5

3.5

4

3.5

3.5

Construction Specs:

• Comfort layer – This layer combines Helix Dynamic Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. The Helix Dynamic Foam creates the feeling of sleeping “on top” of this bed, rather than “sinking” into it. However, this lift is counteracted by the High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, which provides enough pressure relief for the sleeper to stay comfortable during the night.
• Transition layer – Finally, there is another layer of lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, which provides strong ergonomic support and cushioning, helping to relieve pressure around the hips and shoulders.

Firmness: 7.5/10 on the firmness scale. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, it’s clear that this bed is on the firm side.

Motion Transfer: This bed doesn’t isolate motion super-well, so you might be able to feel your partner’s movements during the night. Of all the Helix mattresses, the Helix Dawn is both the firmest and the bounciest, so it makes sense that it wouldn’t have the best motion isolation.

Pressure Relief: I felt the most pressure relief when I was lying on my back and stomach. In both positions, I could feel the top layers of foam lifting my hips in alignment with my shoulders for some nice pressure relief across my spine.

Durability: I think the Helix Dawn is built to last, thanks to its higher firmness score (7.5 out of 10) and excellent support. With strong, responsive layers that provide substantial lift and edge support, I don’t think this mattress will show signs of sagging or wear for many years, making it a great option for those seeking long-term durability. Around the 3-year mark, folks should expect it to maintain its firm, supportive feel. After 10 years, sleepers should still expect excellent spinal alignment and little to no indentations, making it a solid investment for the long haul.

Given how bouncy, firm, and supportive the Helix Dawn is, I’d recommend it to most back and stomach sleepers. These folks should benefit from this bed’s strong lift, situating the sleeper squarely on top of this mattress.

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More from Helix

Beyond its standard line of six hybrid mattresses, Helix has a complimentary Luxe line, where each bed corresponds to its standard version, but with a few souped-up features. Helix also offers the Helix Plus, a mattress specifically designed for heavy people (those over 250 pounds). Lastly, there’s the Birch, which is a separate Helix brand — the Birch is an all-natural, eco-friendly mattress. And somewhat recently, both Helix and Birch have branched out into the world of children’s mattresses.

Helix Luxe

• The Helix Luxe line basically takes the six standard mattresses and amps them up with a pillow top, extra layers of foam, and zoned support coils. The zoned support coils are a plus for anyone with back pain, since they promote a neutral spinal alignment. 
• The Helix Luxe mattresses include a Tencel mattress cover. This material is more breathable than that used in the standard cover, and it also helps to regulate temperature.
• Although most sleepers will enjoy the elevated, luxurious feel of the Helix Luxe beds, I especially like them for couples. The extra foam helps to isolate motion across the top of these mattresses.
• The Helix Luxe mattresses sleep slightly cooler than their standard counterparts. This could be a big plus for hot sleepers who tend to overheat during the night.
• Not surprisingly, the Helix Luxe mattresses are more expensive than the standard line.
• For more information, check out my full Helix Luxe mattress review.

Helix Plus

• The Helix Plus is specifically designed for heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds).
• Its reinforced steel coils support larger body types, and its comfort layer includes Ultra Dense High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. This material is especially helpful, as it shouldn’t squish down as easily as traditional memory foam.
• This mattress is well-suited for heavy back sleepers, who should find a nice mix of pressure relief and support in this hybrid bed.
• Learn more in my full Helix Plus mattress review.

Birch

• The Birch is found on a separate Helix-owned site. It is an eco-friendly mattress that’s made with all-natural, non-toxic materials.
• It has a nice, bouncy feel, thanks to its latex comfort layer, so it is a good option for combination sleepers.
• This bed definitely has a firmer feel, so it will probably be most comfortable for back, stomach, and combination sleepers.
• The Birch is more expensive than the standard Helix mattresses.
• Learn more in my full Birch mattress review.

Helix Kids Mattress

• Helix has launched a mattress made specifically for kids. With a core of innerspring coils, this bed is flippable, with memory foam layers on both sides of the springs.
• One side of the Helix Kids mattress is firmer and designed for 3–7 year-olds, while the other side is a bit softer and designed for 8–12 year-olds. 
• Full Helix Kids mattress review coming soon.

Birch Kids Natural Mattress

• There’s also a Birch mattress for kids. It has a similar design to the Helix Kids mattress (a core of coils with memory foam on each side), but it is made with entirely organic and sustainable materials.
• Some of the mattress’ environmentally friendly credentials include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and GREENGUARD Gold certifications. These certifications mean that this bed has met the highest standards of safety. 
• Like the Helix Kids mattress, the Birch is flippable, with a firmer side for younger children, and a softer side for older kids.
• Full Birch Kids Natural mattress review coming soon. In the meantime, click here for more information on the launch of this unique bed.

Helix Mattress Review Summary

Helix mattresses offer a wide range of support levels and feels; there’s one for every type of sleeper. I think the Helix Midnight and Helix Dusk mattresses will appeal to the widest range of sleep preferences. I would recommend strict side sleepers look at the softer options, like the Sunset or Moonlight, while stomach sleepers are probably going to prefer the firmer support of the Twilight or Dawn models.

If you’re looking for a luxury bed with lots of layers and great support, you might want to opt for one of the Helix Luxe mattresses. Heavy sleepers will likely do best on the Helix Plus (which was specifically designed for them), while eco-friendly shoppers will prefer the Birch. And of course, children will do best on one of the kids mattresses. I’d recommend heading over to Helix Sleep and taking their sleep quiz if you’re still unsure which of these models is best for your sleep needs.

Taking firmness, pressure relief, support, and comfort into consideration, this is how I would categorize the standard Helix mattresses.

Which Helix Mattress is Best for You?

Back Sleepers — I think back sleepers could enjoy any of these Helix mattresses, depending on their preferences. However, the very best ones for back sleepers are probably the Helix Midnight, Helix Dusk, or Helix Twilight.

Side Sleepers — Side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses that alleviate tension at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Depending on their body type, I’d recommend that strict side sleepers check out the Helix Sunset, Helix Moonlight, or Helix Midnight.

Stomach Sleepers — Opposite of side sleepers, stomach sleepers usually prefer a firm mattress with plenty of lift and support. So, these folks would probably be most comfortable on either the Helix Twilight or Helix Dawn.

Combination Sleepers — While all of these beds have a responsive feel ideal for combination sleeping, these sleepers may want to consider snagging either the Helix Midnight or Helix Moonlight. Both of these mattresses feature particularly excellent mobility. 

Heavy Sleepers — If you’re over 250 pounds, I’d recommend going with the Helix Plus. This bed was designed with higher body weights in mind, and it’s going to offer the support these individuals need.

Helix Company Information

Customer Information

• Phone: Available 11 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
• Email: help@helixsleep.com or use their contact form
• Live chat: Available 10 a.m.–10 p.m, EST, Monday to Sunday
• Visit in person: View partner showrooms

Payment Options

Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.

Helix also offers a 30 percent off site-wide + two free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.

How Much Do Helix Mattresses Cost?

Price is certainly an important factor when choosing a new mattress. Take a look at the Helix pricing chart below. I’d also add that all the Helix models are very affordable, and the Helix Midnight was picked as one of our best mattresses under $1,000. Make sure to check out our Helix coupon page for the latest discounts.

Prices listed are before discount or offer for each size.

FAQ

Helix Vs

Now that we’ve gone over all the standard Helix mattresses, let’s see how they stack up against the competition. Below, I’m going to compare the standard Helix line to two of its biggest competitors on the mattress market: Casper and Purple.

Casper

• Like Helix, Casper sells several different types of mattresses, though this brand is perhaps best known for its original all-foam Casper mattress. This bed has a balanced foam feel and is about medium-firm.
• The brand also has a few hybrid models, including the Casper Hybrid, the Casper Nova Hybrid, and the Casper Wave Hybrid.
  • The Casper Hybrid is perhaps most similar in feel to the Helix mattresses outlined in this guide. It’s medium firm, bouncy, and supportive.
  • The Casper Nova Hybrid is a softer model with gentle layers of foam up top for pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I recommend this bed for side sleepers.
  • The Casper Wave Hybrid is the brand’s luxury model, so it has a super plush feel that could work wonders for side sleepers or those suffering from joint pain.
• Casper beds are bouncy with good mobility, excellent pressure relief, and all-around solid support.

Purple

• Purple is another popular bedding brand that sells a few different mattresses. This brand is known for its Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort grid. This grid is purple in color and stretchy, bouncy, and pressure-relieving in feel.
• In fact, the major hallmarks of any Purple mattress are its bounce, pressure relief, and cooling capabilities.
• The original Purple mattress places its polymer comfort grid over foam support layers. The Purple hybrid mattresses employ the same polymer comfort grid, but they place it over pocketed coils for an even bouncier feel.
• The hybrids feature the same constructions, but with differing amounts of Hyper-Elastic Polymer. This establishes a range of firmnesses from the firm Purple 2 (with a 2” comfort grid), to the medium-firm Purple 3 and soft Purple 4.

More Common Helix Comparisons

• Helix vs Purple
• Helix vs Tuft & Needle
• Helix vs Casper
• Helix vs GhostBed
• Helix vs Saatva

Our Review Process

At Sleepopolis, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has personally tested 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 laying 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. Jump back to our mattress picks.