The Helix Moonlight from Helix Sleep is a hybrid mattress with both foam and coil layers. This is one of the softer mattresses offered by Helix and has a ton of great reviews, so I had to test it out for myself to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Helix Moonlight comes in a standard model and a Luxe model. The Helix Moonlight Luxe has a few additional features, including zoned support and a pillow top. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the standard Helix Moonlight and Helix Moonlight Luxe, including construction details, what type of sleepers they’re best for, and how they truly feel throughout the night.
Short on time? Click here to skip to my review summary.
Helix Moonlight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Overview
The Helix Midnight is soft to lie on but also offers a bit of bounce. The gentle feel of this bed is ideal for side sleepers looking for added pressure relief, and the bounce means you won’t feel stuck in this mattress while trying to change sleeping positions. Both models come with a reinforced perimeter in the coil layer, so this mattress is very durable and should last a long time.
Like any bed-in-a-box mattress, the Helix Moonlight has an off-gassing and decompression period after unboxing. Your mattress should be decompressed and ready to sleep on after a few hours. Personally, I think all Helix mattresses have a strong off-gassing smell, but as long as you leave your new mattress in a well-ventilated room, any odor should dissipate after 24-48 hours. If you’re especially concerned about smell, avoid adding sheets to your new bed for a day or two to allow it to fully air out.Helix offers an extensive line of mattresses that come in both standard and Luxe models. I’d recommend checking out my Helix mattress review and Helix Luxe mattress review to learn more about the other mattresses in both lines. For more information about the Helix Sleep brand, check out our interview with Helix co-founder Adam Tishman.
What Is the Helix Moonlight Mattress Made Of?
The Helix Moonlight is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines foam layers with pocketed coils for a soft, bouncy feel. Plus, a reinforced perimeter in the pocketed coil layer adds some solid edge support, so you shouldn’t slide off of this bed if you get too close to the sides.
Cover – The standard Helix Moonlight includes a Light Breathe Knit cover made entirely of polyester, so it has a nice, breathable feel to it. The increased airflow in this cover also helps establish a cooling tone for the mattress.
Comfort Layer – Just below the cover is a comfort layer composed of Helix Dynamic Foam, which is a latex hybrid-foam alternative designed to contour to your body. This isn’t memory foam, so it won’t provide that “sinking” feeling some people love. Instead, it feels more like a gentle cushioning with a bit of lift and bounce. This foam is combined with High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, which offsets this lifting feel with some nice body-contouring.
Transition Layer – This layer is also made of High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam, but the foam used in this layer has a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), so it provides your body with more ergonomic support, while still maintaining that soft and comfortable feel overall.
Support Layer – This layer contains individually wrapped coils for bounce and mobility. It also includes a layer of coils with a reinforced perimeter for stronger edge support, meaning you should be able to roll right to the edge of this bed without worrying about sliding off.
Base Layer – Beneath the coils, you’ll find a base layer built with DuraDense foam, a high density polyfoam that provides extra support and stability.
Helix Moonlight Luxe
Cover – The Helix Moonlight Luxe includes a Tencel cover. Tencel is made from eco-friendly eucalyptus fibers, and it offers even better temperature regulation than the standard Helix Moonlight’s Light Breathe Knit cover.
Pillow Top Layer – The Helix Moonlight Luxe’s pillow top layer is quilted with gel foam to provide some initial pressure relief and cooling upon laying down.
Comfort Layer – Next up, the comfort layer combines a section of Helix Dynamic Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. This is the same as the comfort layer included in the standard Helix Moonlight model.
Transition Layer – Below that is the same additional layer of High-Grade Responsive Foam that is found in the standard Helix Moonlight model.
Support Layer – Like the standard Helix Moonlight, the Helix Moonlight Luxe includes a layer of hundreds of individually wrapped coils. However, the coils in the Luxe have zoned support; they’re softer under the shoulders and firmer at the hips, helping to promote a straight spinal alignment during the night.
Base Layer – Last up is a layer of DuraDense foam to provide the mattress with support and stability, just like the standard Helix Moonlight model.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Firmness
As with any feel factor, firmness is subjective and can change a lot depending on one’s body shape, size, and weight. To mitigate against any bias a single perspective might provide, I always test out my beds with a few of my coworkers. The score you see below is the average of our different personal firmness ratings, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.
After lying on the standard Helix Moonlight for a while, I decided to give it a firmness rating of 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. The standard score for a medium-firm mattress is a 6.5 on our firmness scale, so my rating confirms that this bed is quite soft. The Helix Moonlight Luxe had about the same firmness rating, though it did offer a bit more sinkage, thanks to its additional pillow top layer.
We gave this mattress a 5.5 because the Helix Dynamic Foam included in its comfort layer established a soft, plushy feel that really cushioned my body for extra pressure relief (more on this later).
Helix Moonlight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
We 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 250 pounds).
As a general rule, 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 tend to sink into the mattress more.
As far as sleeping positions go, side sleepers tend to 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 Moonlight a Good Mattress for Light Sleepers (Under 130 pounds)?
- Light Back Sleepers – These sleepers should get enough support on the Helix Moonlight and the Helix Moonlight Luxe, especially if they like a softer feel to their mattress.
- Light Side Sleepers – These sleepers should feel really comfortable on either Moonlight model. They’ll get plenty of cushioning around their sensitive pressure points during the night.
- Light Stomach Sleepers – Stomach sleepers need extra support to keep their spine aligned while they sleep, so they’ll likely find that this mattress is too soft for their needs. I’d suggest that these sleepers opt for a firmer Helix model, like the Helix Dawn.
Is the Helix Moonlight a Good Mattress for Average Weight Sleepers (130–250 pounds)?
- Average Weight Back Sleepers – I’d recommend that these sleepers opt for the Helix Moonlight Luxe, which offers a bit more back support than the standard Helix Moonlight model, thanks to its zoned support layer.
- Average Weight Side Sleepers – The standard Helix Moonlight and Helix Moonlight Luxe are both good fits for side sleepers who want to avoid uncomfortable pressure around their shoulders and hips while sleeping.
- Average Weight Stomach Sleepers – Both Moonlight models are probably going to be too soft for the majority of these sleepers. Stomach sleepers will most likely find that their hips sink too far into these beds, creating a bend at the back that can lead to pain over time.
Is the Helix Moonlight a Good Mattress for Heavy Sleepers (over 250 pounds)?
- Heavy Sleepers – The standard Helix Moonlight and Helix Moonlight Luxe are both too soft to be supportive enough for heavier people. As I mentioned above, I’d recommend that these sleepers check out the Helix Plus mattress, which was specifically designed with heavier sleepers in mind.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Performance
Here at Sleepopolis, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches run a series of tests on each mattress we review. These tests give us a holistic view of what it would be like to sleep on them and also allow us to make specific recommendations to each sleeper in addition to their sleeping position and body type. Below, see how the Helix Moonlight mattress performs in areas such as pain relief, motion transfer, cooling, and more.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Pain Relief Performance
When we refer to pain relief, we mean how a bed feels against key pressure points on your body in a variety of sleeping positions. How well a bed alleviates pressure at the shoulders and hips is crucial for every sleeper to consider, especially if you struggle with pain.
I measured the pressure relief on the Helix Moonlight mattress by using a specialized mat that displays pressure on a visual map. I rolled the mat across the Helix Moonlight and moved into different sleeping positions. The mat senses pressure and translates the results into an easy-to-read graphic using thermal imaging. Blue to green areas indicate low pressure while orange to red areas show high pressure. We focus on three areas: back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain.
Before looking at the pain relief performance results, remember that your sleeping position will largely determine if a mattress causes or alleviates pain, and should be the first factor you consider. For example, a very soft mattress (like the Helix Moonlight) is not recommended for stomach sleepers because they aren’t firm enough to lift the hips into alignment with the shoulders. If the hips sink too far into the mattress, the spine will be thrown out of alignment, which can lead to back pain over time. So, stomach sleepers will probably want to steer clear of soft mattresses, regardless of what the pressure map says.
The Moonlight does a nice job of relieving pressure at the back when sleeping on my side and back. However, as I mentioned earlier, this is a soft mattress, so back pain is likely to occur when stomach sleeping. The mattress was also able to cushion the shoulders when side and back sleeping, which is perfect for relieving stiffness and aches in this area. Similarly, the Moonlight cradles the hips really well when side and back sleeping, so these sleepers should find hip pain relief.
Overall, the Helix Moonlight mattress performed excellent in relieving pain in the back, hips, and shoulders for side and back sleepers, but I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to stomach sleepers looking for pain relief in these areas. Instead, I’d steer them to our best mattress for stomach sleepers roundup for more supportive and firm options.
Motion Transfer
If you sleep with a partner, pet, or child, you may have experienced sleep disturbance from their motion on the other side of the mattress. Looking motion isolation is especially important for couples purchasing a mattress, as it can indicate how likely you are to be woken up at night by your partner’s tossing and turning. We test motion transfer using a seismometer to give us a full scope of the mattress’s ability to isolate motion.
Seismometer Test
Our motion transfer test involves dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress from heights of 4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches. These three heights represent different types of movement a person can create – tossing and turning, getting in and out of bed, and jumping on the bed. We measure the disturbance each drop creates using a seismometer. You can see the standard Helix Moonlight’s results below.
These are below average results, which suggests you may be disturbed by motion from a partner when sleeping on the Helix Moonlight (unless you’re a super heavy sleeper, of course). A memory foam top layer does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to absorbing motion, but the Helix Moonlight does not have one. The motion transfer results were similar for the Luxe model. Based on the results above, we don’t recommend this mattress for light sleepers who sleep with a partner.
Responsiveness
We test a mattress’s responsiveness by laying down on it and switching between sleeping positions. A mattress with a high response to pressure means it is easy to move around on and won’t leave you feeling trapped within its layers. Responsiveness is a good element to pay attention to if you’re a combination sleeper who needs to easily change sleeping positions throughout the night. Responsive mattresses are also usually good for sex, so it’s something couples should pay attention to.
I was overall impressed with the responsiveness of the Helix Moonlight. This mattress has a lot of bounce to it, which makes switching positions easy, and I don’t foresee sleepers feeling constricted. I would recommend these mattresses to couples and combination sleepers.
Cooling
Multiple factors can contribute to a mattress’s cooling ability. The materials found within the mattress are usually a good indicator of how cool it will sleep. For example, memory foam mattresses tend to trap body heat within their layers and sleep a bit hot, while hybrid mattresses with coils provide more airflow.
Both Helix Moonlight models sleep cool thanks to the breathable pocketed coils. The Moonlight Luxe sleeps slightly cooler due to the Tencel cover that provides additional temperature regulation. We have begun the process of testing cooling using a thermal gun, but we have not used it on the Helix Moonlight yet. Stay tuned for these results.
Keep in mind that several outside factors can affect cooling, including the temperature of your bedroom, how close your bed is to an air vent or window, and your body’s own temperature, which can vary from person to person.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well a mattress supports weight around its perimeter. Couples may want to look for a bed with excellent edge support so both partners can spread out and use the entire surface of the bed. This is also an appealing feature for heavier people who want to avoid premature sagging.
As I mentioned earlier, both Helix Moonlight models have reinforced edges, so I wasn’t surprised by the excellent edge support. You should be able to sit or lay on the edges of the mattress without feeling like you’re falling off. I don’t foresee premature sagging being an issue with the Moonlight, but you can check out our best mattresses that won’t sag roundup for more great options.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Performance For Couples
Based on the performance results, I think the Helix Moonlight could be a good choice for couples. The responsiveness of this mattress should make it pretty easy to switch positions, and the excellent edge support lets both partners fully spread out at night. Two people tend to overheat faster than just one person, but the Moonlight’s cooling abilities help combat heat and let both partners sleep comfortably.
The only concern I have for couples is the lack of motion isolation in this mattress. If either partner sleeps very lightly, they may be disturbed by movement from the other side of the mattress. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for those who usually sleep soundly and aren’t easily woken up by motion.
Helix Moonlight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
My Final Thoughts about the Helix Moonlight Mattress
Now that the bulk of the review is over, I want to quickly recap who this mattress would be ideal for, and who may want to stay away.
Who I Recommend the Helix Moonlight Mattress For
- I love this mattress for side sleepers. This bed is super plush and should provide a ton of sinkage and contouring around the hips and shoulders. However, I would recommend the Luxe model to those struggling with back pain, since its zoned support system is designed to promote a straight spinal alignment during the night.
- This mattress is very responsive, so I think combination sleepers will really appreciate how easy it is to switch between sleeping positions.
- If you struggle with shoulder or hip pain, this mattress may be a great solution. The foam layer does a nice job of cradling and contouring these sensitive areas.
- I think couples could really enjoy the bounce, cooling, and edge support on this mattress. This mattress is especially nice for couples who are not easily disturbed by each other’s motion.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Helix Moonlight Mattress For
- Both mattresses are likely too soft for stomach sleepers. These sleepers typically sleep better on firmer mattresses that can properly support their hips and promote proper spinal alignment. I would steer these sleepers towards Helix’s firmest model, the Helix Dawn.
- I don’t think the standard or Luxe models of the Helix Moonlight are supportive enough for heavier sleepers (those weighing over 250 pounds). I’d recommend the Helix Plus for these sleepers, as this mattress was designed with heavier folk in mind.
Helix Moonlight Pricing and Sizing
Price is always an important factor when purchasing a new mattress. Take a look at the pricing chart below, and make sure to visit our Helix coupon page for the latest deals.
| Size | Helix | Helix Luxe |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $799 | $1,199 |
| Twin XL | $899 | $1,449 |
| Full | $1,049 | $1,749 |
| Queen | $1,199 | $2,049 |
| King | $1,549 | $2,499 |
| California King | $1,549 | $2,499 |
Helix Moonlight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Policies and FAQs
Does the Helix Moonlight have a trial period?
The Helix Moonlight and the Helix Moonlight Luxe both come with a 100-night sleep trial.
Does the Helix Moonlight come with a mattress warranty?
Yes, the standard Helix Moonlight comes with a 10-year warranty. The Helix Moonlight Luxe comes with a 15-year warranty.
How does the Helix Moonlight ship?
All Helix mattresses are bed-in-a-box mattresses, which means they ship compressed in a box. All Helix mattresses ship for free.
Do I need a box spring with the Helix Moonlight mattress?
Nope, any hard, flat, and level surface will do. The Moonlight also works with platform beds, slatted bed frames, and adjustable bases.
Does the Helix Moonlight have an off-gassing period?
Yes, both the Moonlight and the Moonlight Luxe have an off-gassing period. You’ll need to wait between 24 to 72 hours for the smell to fully dissipate.
Helix Moonlight Mattress Vs
Before I finish up this review, I’d like to compare the Helix Moonlight to some of its competitors from other popular mattress companies. See how it stacks up against the competition below.
Helix Moonlight vs Casper
The Helix Moonlight is a hybrid mattress, while the original Casper comes in a hybrid and all-foam version. The Casper is quite a bit firmer than the Helix Moonlight.
- Price: The Helix Moonlight is about the same price as the all-foam Casper. However, the hybrid Casper is a bit more expensive.
- Sleeping position: I would recommend either mattress to side or back sleepers, but I don’t think either mattress is firm enough for stomach sleepers.
- Cooling: Both mattresses sleep pretty cool, but the coils in the hybrid models provide additional airflow through the bed.
- Body weight: The Helix Moonlight is not supportive enough for heavy sleepers in any sleeping position, but the Casper could work for heavy side sleepers.
Read more in our full Casper mattress review.
Casper The One Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Moonlight vs Saatva
While the Helix Moonlight is a hybrid mattress, the Saatva is an innerspring mattress. The Saatva mattress comes in three firmness options, so you can choose the one that is most compatible with your sleep needs.
- Price: The Saatva is quite a bit more expensive than the Helix Moonlight.
- Sleeping position: The variety of firmness options for the Saatva mattress makes it a good choice for any sleeping position, as long as they select the right level for them. For more on the best firmness level for you, check out our mattress firmness guide.
- Cooling: Saatva is one of the best cooling mattresses on the market due to its airy construction and is our overall top pick in our best cooling mattress roundup.
- Body weight: I recommend the Saatva mattress for heavy back sleepers, but not heavy side and stomach sleepers.
Read more in our full Saatva mattress review.
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Other Models from Helix
Lastly, I’d like to show how the Helix Moonlight compares to some of Helix’s other models. Each model comes in both a standard and a luxe version, but I’ll be comparing the standard versions below.
Helix Moonlight vs Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight offers a bit more support than the Moonlight and has a true medium-firm feel.
- Price: The Moonlight and Midnight are priced the same.
- Sleeping position: The Midnight is likely the better choice for back sleepers, and the Moonlight is ideal for side sleepers.
- Cooling: Both beds are cooling mattresses.
- Body weight: I wouldn’t recommend either mattress for heavier folks, and would direct them to one of our best mattresses for heavy people.
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.
Helix Moonlight vs Helix Dusk
The Helix Dusk is firmer than the Helix Moonlight, but we still classify it as a medium-soft mattress.
- Price: These mattresses cost the same.
- Sleeping position: The Helix Dusk is a better choice for back sleepers, as it is firmer than the Moonlight and offers a bit more support.
- Cooling: Both mattresses are cooling, but the Luxe models sleep slightly cooler.
- Body weight: The Helix Dusk could be comfortable for heavy back and side sleepers, but I would still recommend the Helix Plus to these folks.
Read more in our full Helix Dusk mattress review.
Helix Dusk 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 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.