Saatva vs Helix: Which weekend mattress sale should you shop if you have back pain?

Back pain is one of the worst culprits for insomnia and the wrong bed can make aches worse. The best mattresses for back pain support your body as you sleep — and right now you can save 15% on the RX mattress at Saatva, which is our favorite mattress for back pain.

For side sleepers with back pain, the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress offers cozy cushioning, plus a sturdy base to keep your spine supported. And, this weekend it's reduced, with all Helix mattresses 25% off at Helix, reducing a queen Midnight Luxe to $1,780 (was $2,373.)

Saatva and Helix rate among the best mattresses we've tested and this weekend's mattress sales discount some of our favorites from either brand. Read on to find which mattress you should buy for back pain...

Saatva RX Mattress: twin was $1,999 now $1,700 at Saatva
The RX features enhanced lumbar support throughout its multi-layered design, with reinforced springs, foams and cushioning to limit back ache. Our Saatva RX Mattress review team described it as "best option for sleepers with chronic back pain, sciatica and joint issues." The 15% off deal is the biggest saving we've spotted on the RX, reducing a queen size of this luxury mattress to $2,890 (was $3,399.)

Our review: ★★★★½
User score: ★★★★½ (180+ reviews)

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Helix Midnight Luxe mattress: twin was $1,373 now $1,030 at Helix
Our lead tester fell in love during our Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review, praising how this plush hybrid mattress offers a cushioned 'hug' at the shoulders and hips while keeping the lower back supported. In the 25% off sale a queen size is reduced to $1,780 (was $2,373) and you can add an ErgoAlign layer to provide even more spinal support for $199.

Our review: ★★★★1/4
User score: ★★★★1/2 (7,100+ reviews)

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Saatva vs Helix mattress: specs

Saatva vs Helix: Price, trial & warranty

• Saatva is offering 15% off the RX, Helix's discount is 25%
• Both are among the best deals from either brand
• Both offer forever warranties, Saatva a 365-night trial vs 100 at Helix

Saatva mattress sales are semi-frequent but this 15% off deal is something special. It only appears on rare occasions and never lasts long — and it's your best chance to save on a queen size RX.

Sitting at the higher end of the Saatva price bracket, the premium RX mattress has an MSRP of $3,399 for a queen. In the 15% off sale, that's reduced to $2,890.

We often see 20% off in the Helix mattress sale, with the discount typically increasing to 25% off around the peak sales days (such as Black Friday... and today.)

This reduces a queen Midnight Luxe from $2,373 to $1,780, over $1,000 cheaper than the RX. We have seen 27% off the Midnight Luxe in recent months but this deal is still among the best.

In terms of benefits, Saatva comes out on top — but it does beat pretty much every one of it's competitors.

While both offer a lifetime warranty, Saatva gives you a full year to test the RX, compared to a 100-night sleep trial at Helix. Saatva also provides free white glove delivery: a team will set up your new mattress and remove your old one, so no strain on your back (Helix charges extra for white glove.)

Saatva vs Helix: comfort & support

• Saatva RX is a medium-firm mattress best for back sleepers
• Midnight Luxe mattress has a medium feel for side sleepers
• Both feature enhanced lumbar support for back pain

Crafted from the ground up for sleepers with back pain, the Saatva RX features spinal support throughout the mattress — there's a reason we crowned it the best hybrid mattress for back pain.

Alongside lumbar quilting, responsive micro coils and reinforced springs, the RX uses zoned cooling foam to draw away heat while cradling the lower back.

Saatva claims the RX is medium-soft but our testers found it medium-firm. The responsive feel is among the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and back sleepers.

Side sleepers, however, might find the RX lacks cushioning. But that's no problem with the Helix Midnight Luxe. We declared it the best mattress for side sleepers (and we loved it for back sleeping as well.)

The Midnight Luxe has fewer dedicated back support layers but the spring base features reinforced lumbar coils and you can add ErgoAlign foam for $199 — one of our testers experiences back pain and found the ErgoAlign layer relieved her aches.

The Midnight Luxe is best for side sleepers with back and joint pain, as you want support but still need cushioning. The thick foams also absorb movement (motion isolation is an issue with the RX.)

Saatva vs Helix: Which should you buy for back pain?

Buy the Saatva RX Mattress if...

✅ You need superior lumbar support: Almost every layer of the Saatva RX is zoned towards reducing back pain and our testing team loved the multi-layered support.

✅ You sleep on your back or stomach: With a firmer feel and limited 'sink', the RX supports back and front sleepers from head-to-toe. One of our testers said it was akin to a pool float: "cushy but without the fear of sinking too low."

✅ You want hassle-free installation: Moving a heavy mattress is no good for back pain. Saatva's complementary free white glove delivery takes the problem out of your hands.

Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress if...

✅ You sleep on your side: The Luxe's thick cushioning contours to the pressure points when side sleeping and there's plenty of support to prevent your spine from sinking uncomfortably.

✅ You share a bed: The plush pillow-top of the Midnight Luxe mutes movement so if you toss and turn, your partner isn't disturbed.

✅ You have a smaller budget: Although the Midnight Luxe doesn't have quite the overall luxury of the RX (nor the exceptional benefits), it's significantly cheaper. If you really want to treat yourself, check out our Helix Midnight Elite mattress hands-on review.