I went hands-on with the updated Helix Midnight mattresses for side sleepers — but were the changes worth it?
Helix has updated its best-selling range of mattresses for side sleepers — here's what's new

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.
Buy it if: You and your partner are dedicated side sleepers; lightweight back sleepers may also find it comfortable
Helix Midnight Mattress: was from $998.75 now from $799 at Helix Sleep
Sale prices have only increased by $50 for most sizes of the Helix Midnight. A queen is still $1,099 after 20% off, while a full is $999 after the same discount. Along with the GlacioTex pillow-top upgrade (+$299), you now have the option to add an ErgoAlign layer, as well (+$199).
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 Luxe Mattress: was from $1,436.25 now from $1,149 at Helix Sleep
Sizes twin through full received a $50 bump in their prices, but a queen Helix Midnight Luxe will still cost you $1,899 after 20% off, while a king-size remains $2,299 on sale. Right now, all upgrades for cooling and lumbar support add $199 each (reg. $249 each).
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
Helix Midnight Elite Mattress: was from $2,498.75 now from $1,999 at Helix Sleep
A lot has changed about the Midnight Elite, but not the price. All sizes remain as they were pre-transformation, with a queen-size going for $2,999 after 20% off. It comes with a GlacioTex cover, but for a boost in temperature regulation, you can add a few strips of graphite ribbons for $199 extra.
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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Based in Philadelphia, USA, freelance writer and editor Alison Barretta has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over 15 years. Since 2020 she's been helping Tom's Guide expand its robust library of sleep content by researching the latest trends, speaking with renowned experts, and going behind the scenes at Saatva, Casper, Sleep Number, Tempur-Pedic, and 3Z Brands. Alison has reviewed everything from budget memory foam mattresses and luxurious innerspring beds to immersive sound pods and $7,000 smart beds that automatically adjust to your every move. When she isn't reviewing mattresses or searching for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found practicing yoga and martial arts, experimenting with recipes, getting too invested in the Philadelphia Flyers, and snoozing with her cat / assistant mattress tester Alex.
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