I’ve been sleeping on the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper for a week — 3 ways it's changing my sleep
I'm testing the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper — here’s what it’s like to sleep on
As a lifestyle journalist and mattress tester who's always on a mission to improve my sleep, I was eager to test out the the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper. After all, there’s nothing quite like investing in the right mattress topper for a comfort boost, and the GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper promised to do just that.
I've tested some of the best mattresses of 2024, but choosing one of the best mattress toppers for your sleep has plenty of benefits, too. The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper has a responsive design that comes in two different firmness levels: ‘luxury plush’ or ‘luxury firm’. It’s an attractive option for anyone keen to upgrade an existing mattress without having to invest in a completely new design.
Keen to know if the luxurious bed topper is worth buying in this week's Black Friday mattress topper sales, I've been sleeping on the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper for over a week now. I'll be publishing my full three-week review soon, but these are my initial thoughts if you'd like to know if it's one of the Black Friday mattress deals to shop.
What is the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper?
The Helix GlacioTex is a premium mattress topper with a premium price tag, but I think it has stand-out features that raise it above your average mattress topper. For a start, its unique hybrid design features steel microcoils. These are designed to give greater support than your standard all-foam, feather, or wool mattress topper and can mean that it’s less likely to sag or break down quickly compared to cheap-filled options. The topper also comes with the option of ‘Luxury Plush’ or ‘Luxury Firm’ finish, so you can tailor the overall feel of the mattress as you see fit.
If you sleep too hot, the GlacioTex’s cooling cover may just help as it is designed to pull heat away from your body and wick away moisture. Its layer of micro coils further encourage airflow in the topper and this is something that could work well in the balmier, summer months.
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper: was from $373.75 $280.32 at Helix Sleep
The Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper is currently 25% off in this month's Helix mattress sales. This brings a queen size to $374.07 (was $498.75) Benefits include free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial (pretty generous for a bed topper), and a one-year warranty.
The mattress I’m currently sleeping on
I’ve tried mattresses that I think are too soft, to those that are too firm, so I love the idea of being able to upgrade your mattress easily by simply adding a topper. I’m currently sleeping on a Sealy Orthopaedic mattress and, while this offers exceptional support and comfort, I was keen to see if adding a topper made any difference to my sleep. I tried the Full-size Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper in Luxury Firm. Here’s what I've found so far…
3 ways the Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper is changing my sleep
1. It fits securely in place
I’ve had bad experiences with mattress toppers in the past as I have found that they never stay in place. The last design had straps that were too short to keep the topper in place, so it shifted to one side and made me feel as if I was about to fall off the bed at night.
However, this Helix GlacioTex Premium topper offers a different experience. Even though my mattress is over 12 inches — which is rather lofty as hybrid mattresses go — the securing straps of the Helix Glaciotex Premium topper fit nicely underneath the mattress in each corner so it feels secure. The topper doesn’t slide around and has a nice density to it that feels secure on the mattress. This stability is enhanced by the base layer that has been designed to maintain the support and durability of the topper, anchoring it in place.
2. It moulds to my body without making me feel stuck
The moment I laid myself down on this mattress topper, I felt very rested, and it surprised me just how cushioning it feels without making me feel stuck.
I think the topper’s mix of three comfort layers with steel micro coils does well to provide a surface that offers good pressure relief and bounces back into shape. While it’s much softer than what I’m used to, I like how luxurious it feels. However, I’m finding it more comfortable to sleep on my side rather than on my back, as the spongy softness cushions my hips when on my side but may not be firm enough when back sleeping.
3. Its plushness is worth the premium price
After a week, this topper is still sitting securely on my mattress. and its 3.7-inch thickness is adding a plushness to the overall feel that I never knew I was needed. While I had no complaints with my current mattress, I think I might just be sleeping deeper.
At the time of writing, a full size Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper costs $327.19 (MSRP: $436.25) thanks to a 25% off Black Friday sale. Even with the discount, I think you need to be really sure that your mattress has a bit more life in it so that a topper like this can improve your sleep experience and not just hide a mattress that should ultimately be replaced. I’d advise checking out the Helix mattress Black Friday deals hub to see what offers you can get in this month's mattress sales.
Do mattress toppers really make a difference?
If you're wondering "Do mattress toppers actually work?", it's a valid question to ask. If you’re not quite sure whether to upgrade an existing mattress or just buy a new one, some of the more premium mattress toppers can cost just as much as some of the best budget mattresses.
And while a mattress topper can work wonders for some, it all depends on which mattress topper you choose and which material you go for. If you’ve got a springy, uncomfortable mattress or feel like your foam mattress is sagging, a mattress topper can help improve your sleeping surface.
The best designs can increase the lifespan of your mattress. A softer mattress topper can adjust the overall feel to add more cushioning and pressure relief, while a firmer one can provide more support and durability. It’s worth bearing in mind that if you sleep too hot, a cooling mattress topper with breathable fabrics can help with temperature regulation.
How thick should a mattress topper be?
It’s tempting to think the thicker the mattress topper the better, but before you buy it’s important to ask yourself how thick a mattress topper should be. Mattress toppers can differ from anywhere between two to seven inches thick, and whether you sleep on your front, side or back should be one of the factors you think about when choosing the right one for you. A mattress topper around three to four inches usually provides the sweet spot, but go too thick and you may feel that it lacks the support you need.
We suggest that front and back sleepers opt for two to three inches thick, while side sleepers can benefit from going up to four and above, which will relieve pressure points more successfully.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Emily Peck is a lifestyle journalist based in the UK who covers a range of subjects across interiors and design, smart home and gardening, wellbeing and fitness and more. During her 20+ years as a writer she has worked for well-respected magazines and newspapers such as Wired, GQ, Livingetc, Ideal Home, Grand Designs, The Telegraph and TechRadar.