Helix Sleep has revamped all of its Core, Luxe, and Elite mattresses. Last month, the brand hosted an event to showcase the updated designs of its popular Midnight mattresses for side sleepers, and I had the chance to try them all.
Do these tweaks improve what are already some of the best mattresses on the market? I think so. Every Midnight mattress now has a definitive identity, especially the premium Midnight Elite, which underwent a significant transformation for the better.
Here are my thoughts on the updated Helix Midnight mattresses, along with details on how much you can expect to pay for them during this month's mattress sales.
Hands-on with the updated Helix Midnight mattresses
Helix recently hosted an event to showcase the updated designs of its popular Midnight mattresses for side sleepers, and I had the chance to try them all — these are my first impressions.
Helix Midnight Mattress hands-on
What's new: The Helix Midnight has an updated BreatheKnit cover with a layer of quilted gel memory foam for a slightly taller loft. (The pillow top upgrade now features denser foam.) New to the Core Collection is an option to add an ErgoAlign layer for targeted lumbar support.
My first impressions: The entry-level Helix Midnight underwent the fewest tweaks, so don't expect a significant change in the overall bed feel, barring upgrades.
It maintains a medium level of comfort at a 5-6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It's personally too plush for my taste, but side sleepers who crave cushioned support will feel right at home.
Compared to the Luxe and Elite models, the Helix Midnight Mattress has weaker edges, but they're generally fine for sitting and sleeping against.
On the other hand, motion isolation remains superb, just as we discovered in our previous Helix Midnight Mattress review. Full testing of the new Midnight is currently underway, and you can read our initial thoughts after one week of sleeping on it in our Helix Midnight hands-on mattress review.
Buy it if: You and your partner are dedicated side sleepers; lightweight back sleepers may also find it comfortable
Helix Midnight Luxe hands-on
What's new: The redesigned Helix Midnight Luxe features a newly designed Tencel cover, a denser pillow top, a 4lb titanium- and graphite-infused memory foam comfort layer, and a firmer Helix Response Foam transition layer. The cooling upgrades have also been retooled with a less-slick GlacioTex cover and graphite ribbons to draw away more body heat.
My first impressions: The previous-generation Helix Midnight Luxe tops our best mattresses for side sleepers guide, and deservedly so. It’s wonderfully contouring, especially with the newer, denser comfort foams.
However, I still prefer it for back sleeping; it’s well-balanced (around a 6.5–7 on the firmness scale), and the pillow top fits the curves of my spine nicely. Meanwhile, I found it a tad too soft to comfortably sleep on my front.
As noted in our Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review, the reinforced edges are steady to sit on (more so at the sides than the corners), and lying right against the edge wasn't an issue. Motion isolation here is excellent, exceeding the already-impressive Helix Midnight.
Buy it if: You and your partner are side/back sleepers who like a slightly firmer bed feel; hot sleepers may want to spring for the cooling upgrades
Helix Midnight Elite hands-on
What's new: The Helix Midnight Elite received the most updates, starting with a new black and gray color scheme to better complement the other collections. Internally, there are denser layers of graphite and titanium-infused memory foam, a single layer of microcoils (instead of two), and an ErgoAlign layer replacing the dual responsive foam layers.
My first impressions: These changes now make the Midnight Elite worth considering over the Midnight Luxe.
It feels firmer than I remembered from my Helix Midnight Elite Mattress hands-on review, likely due in part to the new ErgoAlign layer for increased lumbar support. I rate it a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale and found it comfortable in any position.
Edge-to-edge support is outstanding, as is the motion isolation. The Midnight Elite comes standard with a GlacioTex cover. It still has a sheen, but it's been toned down, but not at the expense of that cool-to-touch sensation.
It's also an inch shorter than the previous version of the Midnight Elite, but at 15 inches, it's still very tall.
Buy it if: You and your partner are combi sleepers, deal with lower back pain, and occasionally sleep warm — and also have the cash to splash for a bonafide luxury mattress
My verdict: The Helix Midnight Elite, a mattress I once called "a want more than a need," thoroughly impressed me with its updates. A boost in support and advanced temperature-regulating materials make it the most versatile option in the lineup and my personal favorite. (I'm also a fan of the sleeker color scheme. It no longer looks like a S'more.)
If you can't afford the Midnight Elite, you can't go wrong with the Midnight Luxe or the entry-level Midnight. Choose the Midnight if you're strictly a side sleeper; otherwise, upgrade to the slightly firmer Midnight Luxe if you flop between your side and back. For back pain relief, you can add an ErgoAlign layer to either model.
How I tested the updated Helix Midnight mattresses
I laid on each mattress for around 10 minutes, resting on my side, back, and stomach.
To test the edge support, I sat on the sides and corners and leaned over the bed while lying down (as if to reach for something on the floor).
To gauge motion isolation, I asked a volunteer to lay on the opposite side and steadily increase the intensity of their movements.
Keep in mind that these are subjective, hands-on reviews based on my experience as a 5ft4, 145–150lb combination side-stomach sleeper with lower back pain. Stay tuned for complete reviews featuring longer-term data and subjective tests.
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