Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
The Helix Twilight is a firm hybrid mattress built with layers of plush memory foam and springy pocketed coils. It’s one of six affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses in the standard Helix line, and it also comes in a Helix Twilight Luxe version, which includes an added pillow top and zoned support. The Helix Twilight is quite popular, but is it the mattress for you?
To help you decide, take a peek at my full review below. I’ll dive into the Helix Twilight’s feel and construction and test it for pressure relief, motion transfer, edge support, and more. Read on to learn all about what’s inside this mattress and who might benefit from its unique build the most.
If you’re short on time, check skip over to my review summary.
Helix Twilight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress Overview
The Helix Twilight and the Helix Twilight Luxe are medium-firm mattresses that have you feeling “on top” of the bed rather than “in” the bed. As hybrid mattresses, these models have a bit of bounce, and you won’t sink too far into the foam layers. However, the Helix Twilight Luxe includes an additional pillow top, which adds a bit of plushness to its overall feel.
The Helix Twilight and Helix Twilight Luxe both arrive compressed in a box. The Luxe model is pretty heavy, so we recommend having a friend nearby to help you unbox it. After unboxing, both mattresses will need a few hours to decompress and about 48 hours to off-gas. We also want to note that these beds release a fairly strong scent during off-gassing, so be sure to leave them in a well-ventilated room for a few hours after opening them. The odor is nothing to be concerned about and should completely dissipate within a few days.
If you’re interested in the Helix brand and its mission, check out our interview with Adam Tishman, the co-founder of Helix Sleep.
What Is the Helix Twilight Mattress Made Of?
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid mattress, meaning it contains both foam layers and coils — not just one or the other. The Helix Twilight and the Helix Twilight Luxe are made with different materials, so we’ll outline their differing constructions below.
Cover – The Helix Twilight’s Light Breathe Knit cover is made of a stretchy material that Helix says promotes airflow during the night. This material should help sleepers stay cooler for longer, which is great news for hot sleepers and couples. Plus, this material feels very soft to the touch.
Comfort Layer – Next is a double layer of Copper Gel Memory Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. Memory foam generally contours to your body and makes you feel like you are “sinking” into the bed. However, by combining memory foam with responsive foam, the Helix Twilight has more of a unique, firm feel to it. This means that you shouldn’t sink too far into this bed, something that can happen with even the best memory foam mattresses.
Transition Layer – Below the comfort layer is a transition layer that also includes High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. However, this layer has a lower IFD (Indentation Force Deflection). This provides more ergonomic support and adds cushioning below the firm memory foam layer to prevent this model from feeling too firm. This inclusion also ensures there’s enough material between the comfort layer and the individually pocketed coils.
Support Layer – This layer consists of individually wrapped pocketed coils. These coils are what give the Helix Twilight some bounce, and they are also what allows the Helix Twilight to have such strong edge support. Plus, this layer of coils beneath the memory foam helps to support and cradle your body.
Base Layer – At the very bottom of the Helix Twilight is a base layer made of DuraDense foam. This material supports the other layers in this mattress and provides stability and shape to the overall structure of the bed.
Helix Twilight Luxe
Cover – The Helix Twilight Luxe’s cover is made from Tencel, a material made from natural Eucalyptus fiber. This inclusion makes the Helix Twilight Luxe’s cover more breathable than the standard Helix Twilight’s cover.
Pillow Top – Next up is the Helix Twilight Luxe’s Premium Cooling Pillow Top layer that’s found in all the Helix Luxe mattresses. This pillow top is also quilted with gel foam for some initial pressure relief.
Comfort Layer – This layer uses the same High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam that’s included in the standard Helix Twilight model. However, the Helix Twilight Luxe also includes a layer of Memory Plus Foam, which adds more contouring and pressure relief to this mattress.
Transition Layer – The transition layer in the Helix Twilight Luxe is made from the same High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam that’s found in the standard Helix Twilight model.
Support Layer – Here, you’ll find more than 1,000 pocketed coils that are zoned for added support at the lumbar region and more pressure relief at the shoulders and feet.
Base Layer – This layer is made from the same DuraDense foam found in the standard Helix Twilight model.
Helix Twilight Mattress Firmness
Now that we know a bit about the Helix Twilight, let’s discuss how it feels. When I talk about feel, I like to start with firmness because it gives you the best idea of how you’ll experience the mattress. We score firmness by having multiple Certified Sleep Science Coaches lay on the mattress, rate it, and then average the scores to create the final firmness rating. We use a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 representing the softest mattress and 10 representing the firmest mattress. Our standard score for a medium-firm mattress is 6.5. Remember that firmness is subjective and is largely dependent on your body type and preferred sleeping position.
We gave the standard Helix Twilight a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it slightly firmer than the industry standard for a medium-firm bed. I gave the Helix Twilight Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it a true medium-firm mattress. The Helix Twilight Luxe felt quite a bit softer than the standard Helix Twilight model, thanks to its plush pillow top layer, which is made of squishy gel visco.
The High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam in the standard Helix Twilight creates an overall firmer feel to this bed. I’d point folks looking for a firmer mattress to the standard Helix Twilight model, and folks looking for a bit more pressure relief to the Helix Twilight Luxe.
Helix Twilight 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 Twilight a Good Mattress for Light Sleepers (Under 130 pounds)?
- Light Back Sleepers – Lighter back sleepers should feel very comfortable on either Helix Twilight model. These sleepers should be able to keep their spines neutrally aligned on both of these beds during the night.
- Light Side Sleepers – Since lighter sleepers won’t sink as far into the Helix Twilight Luxe’s pillow top, it will feel a little softer to them. Because of this, we think light side sleepers could feel quite comfortable on the Twilight Luxe. On the other hand, the standard model might be a bit too firm for these sleepers.
- Light Stomach Sleepers – The standard Helix Twilight should offer plenty of support for these sleepers. This should help to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment during the night.
Is the Helix Twilight a Good Mattress for Average Weight Sleepers (130–250 pounds)?
- Average Weight Back Sleepers – These folks should like either Helix Twilight model. Both of these beds should offer back sleepers a nice balance of pressure relief and support.
- Average Weight Side Sleepers – Both Helix Twilight models could feel a bit too firm to these sleepers. We recommend that they opt for a softer Helix mattress, like the Helix Moonlight.
- Average Weight Stomach Sleepers – The standard Helix Twilight is a nice choice for stomach sleepers. It should help them keep their spine in a nice straight line, which is important for avoiding back pain.
Is the Helix Twilight a Good Mattress for Heavy Sleepers (over 250 pounds)?
- Heavy Back Sleepers – These sleepers need added support to prevent them from sinking too far into their mattress. We would say both the standard Helix Twilight and the Helix Twilight Luxe provide that support.
- Heavy Side Sleepers – The Helix Twilight Luxe could be a nice option for these sleepers, since it provides nice, durable support, but it isn’t overly firm.
- Heavy Stomach Sleepers – We recommend that these sleepers — who need a lot of support at the hips — opt for a mattress specifically designed for larger individuals, like one of our best mattresses for heavy people.
Helix Twilight Mattress Performance
Here at Sleepopolis, we run a series of tests on every mattress we review. These tests help our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches get an objective view of how the mattress performs for different sleepers and who might benefit from them. Read on to see how the Helix Twilight performs in areas such as pain relief, motion transfer, cooling, and more.
Helix Twilight Mattress Pain Relief Performance
When we evaluate pain relief, we’re looking at how well a mattress is able to relieve pressure in sensitive areas. We focus on back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain. To test pressure relief, I rolled a specialized mat onto the mattress and then laid on it in a few different sleeping positions. The map senses pressure and translates the results into an easy-to-read graphic using thermal imaging. Areas with low pressure buildup appear in blue to green, and areas with high pressure buildup appear in yellow to red.
Before checking out the pressure results, consider your sleeping position. For example, we don’t recommend firmer mattresses to side sleepers because they typically don’t have enough sinkage to cradle the hips and shoulders. In short, take your sleeping position into account, then look at the pressure map results.
The blue in the back region indicates that the Helix Twilight is a great choice for people with back pain. I would recommend the Luxe version – it uses zoned support to provide extra lower back support.
Despite the blue in the shoulder region, I don’t think either Helix Twilight model is ideal for people suffering from shoulder pain. These folk likely need deeper sinkage to address stiffness and soreness around the shoulders. Likewise, the green at the hip region indicates that these mattresses aren’t soft enough for people struggling with hip pain. These sleepers may enjoy the Helix Sunset, which is more pressure relieving.
Motion Transfer
If you share the bed with a partner, pet, or child, you may be familiar with sleep disturbances caused by movement on the other side of the bed. A bed with low motion transfer means the mattress is able to isolate motion and prevent you from feeling a partner tossing and turning during the night. To test motion transfer, we use a seismometer.
Seismometer Test
Our seismometer test involves dropping a 10 pound steel ball from heights of four inches, eight inches and 12 inches, then measuring the disturbance it causes: the bigger the lines on the graph, the bigger the disturbance and the higher the motion transfer. These three heights represent three types of motion: tossing and turning, getting in and out of bed, and jumping on the bed.
I’m really impressed with these motion transfer results, as the disturbances from the steel ball were pretty minimal. We suspect that the Copper Gel Memory Foam layer in these mattresses can absorb a lot of motion rather than transferring it. The standard Helix Twilight performed better than the Helix Twilight Luxe, so I would recommend couples concerned about motion transfer to opt for the standard model.
Responsiveness
We test a mattress’s responsiveness by laying down on it and seeing how easy it is to move around. I switched between different sleeping positions and rolled around on the mattress to see if I felt trapped in the layers. Memory foam is typically not very responsive, while hybrid mattresses with coils (like the Helix Twilight) usually have more bounce. Responsive mattresses are good for sex since they make it easy to move around. Combination sleepers should also appreciate responsiveness because it can aid in switching sleeping positions easily.
A bouncy, responsive mattress can sometimes lend itself to high motion transfer. An ideal mattress for couples combines the responsiveness needed for sex with the low motion transfer they want for a good night’s sleep. Luckily, both Helix Twilight models do a pretty good job of walking this fine line.
Cooling
Several factors contribute to a mattress’s cooling ability. First and foremost, we consider its construction. The Light Breathe Knit cover on the standard Helix Twilight promotes airflow and helps the sleeper keep cool. The Tencel cover on the Helix Luxe is even more breathable. Memory foam tends to trap heat, but the Copper Gel Memory Foam used in the Helix Twilight is pretty cooling and isn’t super heat trapping. The inclusion of coils in both mattresses helps promote airflow through the mattress, which helps with cooling.
Overall, I think both Helix Twilight models sleep cool, which is great news for couples and hot sleepers alike. The Helix Twilight is a bit more cooling than the standard model due to the Tencel cover. We are currently in the process of testing mattress cooling using a thermal gun but have not yet used it on the Helix Twilight. 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 is how well a mattress supports you when you lay along the edges. A mattress with good edge support will be just as strong and study at the perimeter as it is in the center. This is an appealing feature for couples who like to spread out, heavier people who want to avoid premature sagging, and those who love using the entire surface of the bed.
Both Helix Twilight models have excellent edge support. I felt comfortable sitting and sleeping near the edge of the mattress and didn’t feel like I was slipping off. This shows me that these beds are durable and you won’t need to worry about premature sagging.
Helix Twilight Mattress Performance For Couples
Based on the results above, I think the Helix Twilight is a great choice for couples. The motion transfer results indicate that you’re unlikely to be disturbed by tossing and turning from your partner’s side of the bed, yet the mattress is still responsive enough for sex. Two people tend to overheat quicker than just one person, but both Helix Twilight models sleep cool and fight against heat trapping. Finally, the excellent edge support should allow couples to really spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress, which can make the bed feel bigger.
Helix Twilight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
My Final Thoughts about the Helix Twilight Mattress
As we wrap up this review, I want to leave you with my final thoughts on who could be compatible with the Helix Dusk, and who may want to avoid it.
Who I Recommend the Helix Twilight Mattress For
- I would recommend the Helix Twilight Luxe to back sleepers, who should appreciate the balance of support and pressure relief.
- These mattresses are a great choice for couples looking for low motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and edge support.
- The standard Helix mattress is a good pick for strict stomach sleepers and offers the firm support these sleepers need.
- The standard model is very affordable while still being high-quality. The Luxe model is quite a bit more expensive, but I think both mattresses are worth the money.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Helix Twilight Mattress For
- I don’t recommend the standard Helix Twilight for strict side sleepers as too much pressure can build up on sensitive joints. I’d steer these sleepers towards the Luxe model or one of our best mattresses for side sleepers.
- If a plush feel and deep sinkage are your priority, you may be disappointed with the Helix Twilight. I would recommend the softer Helix Moonlight or Helix Sunset. We also have tons of great picks in our best memory foam mattress roundup.
Helix Twilight Pricing and Sizing
Before purchasing a new mattress, it’s always a good idea to look at the price. Check out our pricing chart below, and be sure to visit our Helix coupon page for the latest discounts.
Prices listed are before discount or offer for each size.
| 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 Twilight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress Policies and FAQs
How does the Helix Twilight ship?
The Helix Twilight is a bed-in-a-box mattress, which means it will ship compressed in a box to your door. It ships for free.
Does the Helix Twilight have a trial period?
Yes, the Helix Twilight comes with a 100-night sleep trial.
Does the Helix Twilight have a mattress warranty?
Yes, Helix offers a 10-year warranty on the standard Twilight and a 15-year warranty on the Twilight Luxe.
Is the Helix Twilight mattress made in the USA?
Yes, all Helix mattresses are designed and made in the United States.
Do I need a box spring for the Helix Twilight?
No. You can use a box spring if you want, but any bed frame or flat, level surface should do.
What if I don’t like the Helix Twilight?
If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can return the Helix Twilight for a full refund after a 30-day break-in period and before the end of the 100-night trial.
Helix Twilight Mattress Vs
Before choosing a mattress, it may be a good idea to compare it to other popular mattresses on the market. Below, I’ll compare the Helix Twilight to the Casper Original and the Purple mattress.
Helix Twilight vs Casper Original
Unlike the hybrid Helix Twilight, the Casper Original mattress is made entirely of foam. Casper is one of the most popular mattress brands on the market and offers a variety of mattress models.
- Price: These mattresses are priced very similarly, with the Casper being just a touch cheaper.
- Sleeping position: Both mattresses are nice picks for back sleepers. Stomach sleepers may prefer the firmer feel of the Helix Twilight, while side sleepers should appreciate the soft foams in the Casper.
- Cooling: Both mattresses sleep pretty cool, but the Helix Twilight has better airflow due to the inclusion of coils.
- Body weight: Heavy side sleepers should find enough support on either mattress, but heavy back and stomach sleepers may want a mattress with a bit more support.
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 Twilight vs Purple
The Purple mattress is well known for its unique construction. The bed contains a GelFlex Grid that is soft, squishy, and stretchy.
- Price: These mattresses are priced very similarly, with the Helix Twilight being a touch cheaper.
- Sleeping position: Both mattresses are good choices for back sleepers but neither are ideal for side sleepers. The Helix Twilight is best for stomach sleepers.
- Cooling: The polymer grid in the Purple mattress is super breathable and allows for tons of airflow. The Purple has excellent temperature regulation and should be good for hot sleepers.
- Body weight: The Purple mattress does not have the level of support heavy sleepers need.
Read more in our full Purple mattress review.
Purple Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Other Models from Helix
As I mentioned earlier, Helix offers a variety of models, each with a unique construction and feel. Below, I’ll compare the Helix Twilight to two popular Helix models – the Helix Midnight and the Helix Dusk.
Helix Twilight vs Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is the most popular bed in the Helix mattress line. The Midnight falls at a 6.5 on our firmness scale, meaning it is a true medium-firm mattress.
- Price: These mattresses are priced the same.
- Sleeping position: The Midnight is a good choice for all sleeping positions, offering support and pressure relief regardless of how you sleep.
- Cooling: Choose one or both.
- Body weight: I would recommend one of our best mattresses for heavy people to sleepers weighing over 250 pounds.
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 Twilight vs Helix Dusk
Like the Helix Twilight, the Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. This mattress is softer than the Twilight but still has a medium-firm feel.
- Price: These mattresses are priced the same.
- Sleeping position: The Helix Dusk is a solid choice for back sleepers and could work for most side sleepers. Those with sensitive joints may prefer a softer bed.
- Cooling: Both mattresses sleep quite cool, with their Luxe counterparts sleeping slightly cooler.
- Body weight: I would recommend the Helix Plus to heavy folk. This mattress was designed specifically for them.
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.
Logan Block
Former Content Director
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
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