Written by Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
Helix is well known in the sleep world, with a mattress collection designed to meet a range of sleep needs. The Midnight mattress is a Helix bestseller, and it has a lot to offer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for many back and side sleepers, but it may not be for everyone.
I personally tested the Helix Midnight mattress without the GlacioTex Pillow Top. I assessed its firmness, feel, cooling features, durability, and other key features. If you’re considering the Helix Midnight, read on for my unbiased Helix Midnight mattress review.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress Overview
Helix Sleep is all about offering options and flexibility; the company sells six core mattress models, and each one ranges in firmness and feel. If you want something particularly luxurious, you can upgrade to a Luxe or Elite mattress.
The Helix Midnight has a medium-firmness level and a balanced feel. This makes it a good middle-of-the-road match for many different types of sleepers.
I recommend the Helix Midnight for…
- Couples. The Midnight has excellent motion isolation, so it works well for couples or those who share the bed with a pet. When I tested its motion isolation with my coworker, I didn’t feel a lot of movement come over to my side of the bed.
- Back sleepers. Light and average-weight back sleepers will find themselves comfortably supported for restful sleep. It has a medium-firm feel, which offers plenty of lumbar support for people who weigh less than 230 lbs.
- Side sleepers. Light and average-weight side sleepers should also like the Helix Midnight, thanks to its lumbar support and gentle cushioning.
I don’t recommend the Helix Midnight for…
- Stomach sleepers. The Helix Midnight isn’t firm enough to support stomach sleepers’ hips. In this sleeping position, you might develop lower back pain.
- Heavier side sleepers. If you’re a heavier person like me, you will probably sink into the comfort layer quite a bit. I felt some pressure along my shoulder and hip when I rested on my side.
- Fans of slow-moving mattresses. The Helix Midnight has coils, which makes it feel responsive and bouncy. If you want a mattress that will contour your body, you may want to consider getting an all-foam bed.
How Firm Is The Helix Midnight?
Mattress Clarity uses a 1 to 10 firmness scale. One is very soft, and 10 is very firm. I ranked the Helix Midnight a 7/10, which is a shade firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm. The foam comfort layers are plush and soft, but there’s plenty of pushback support from the coils below. The combination makes this mattress feel slightly firmer than average.
Helix Midnight Mattress Test Performance: My Overall Thoughts
I assess mattresses based on their performance in specific categories. Each category is given a score, which is compiled for an average. The Helix Midnight earned an average score of 4.2/5.
Below, I’ll break down the Helix Midnight’s performance in each category. For a category description, scroll over the category names in the chart below.
Helix Midnight Mattress Performance
Support: 4/5
I tested the Helix Midnight mattress in all three sleeping positions. I started on my back and found the mattress to be a perfect match. The memory foam top layer conformed nicely to my body and let me sink in a bit, but there was plenty of support from the individually-wrapped coils below.
On my side, I noticed a bit of pressure along my shoulder and hip. Dedicated side sleepers may want to take a closer look at one of the softer models from Helix, like the Sunset.
When I rolled over to my stomach, I found the Midnight far too soft. I could feel my hips dipping into the mattress, which pulled my spine out of alignment. Over time, this could lead to lower back pain. Overall, the mattress is generally supportive, with a few exceptions, so I gave it a score of 4/5..
Edge Support: 4/5
Edge support is how stable the mattress is around the perimeter, which affects how secure you feel sitting or lying near the edge of the bed.
The Helix Midnight sagged 2.25” when I sat on the edge, which is pretty minimal. I felt secure sitting and lying near the edge of the mattress.
Edge support is a good feature for couples and those who like to maximize their sleep surface, and the Midnight ranks well with a solid score of 4/5.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Between its breathable cover and airflow-promoting coils, the Midnight is a cooling mattress. To test this as objectively as possible, I used a temperature gun to measure the mattress before using it and again after I rested on it for five minutes.
The mattress went from 72 F to 75.4 F, so it’s a nominal difference. For exceptionally hot sleepers, you may still want to opt for the GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top upgrade or the ultra-cooling Helix Midnight Elite mattress.
Motion Transfer: 4/5
Couples who share a bed generally have a vested interest in motion transfer, which is how much movement is detected in the mattress. I tested the Midnight by placing a glass of water in the center of the mattress and pressing down on other areas to see how much it disrupted the water. I didn’t see the water ripple in the glass, which told me that the Helix performs well with motion transfer.
I also tested the mattress with a teammate. While I rested on one side of the mattress, my teammate climbed in and out of bed and energetically changed positions. Thanks to the memory foam top layer, I wasn’t disturbed. That makes it clear that the Helix Midnight is a good fit for couples.
Response: 4/5
When a mattress has a fast response time, it’s easier to move around and change positions.
The Helix Midnight has a balanced foam feel. While the top layer has the traditional slow-moving sensation of memory foam, the coils give the mattress a bit of bounce and reasonable responsiveness. When I pressed my hand into the top layer, it didn’t take very long for the foam to snap back into place. Still, it’s not as responsive as an innerspring or a bouncy latex hybrid. For this reason, I gave it a score of 4/5.
Durability: 4.5/5
It’s always tricky to predict how long a mattress will last. But based on its materials and overall construction, the Helix Midnight appears to be a durable mattress. While it depends on your size and use, I expect the mattress to last between seven and 10 years.
Helix Midnight Mattress Company Policy Scores
Trial Period: 4.5/5
The Helix Midnight has a 100-night trial period, which is standard for the brand and the mattress industry as a whole. Helix, like many mattress brands, won’t accept returns before 30 days. Since it can take up to a month to adjust to a new mattress, the brand accepts returns beginning 30 days after purchase during the 100-day trial window.
Warranty: 4/5
Helix warranties vary depending on the mattress model, and the Midnight has a standard 10-year limited warranty. That’s the industry standard as well. The warranty covers manufacturing defects only.
Helix Midnight Mattress – Other Factors to Consider
For the most comprehensive understanding of the Helix Midnight, I put it through a few more tests. Here’s how it fared.
Two-Hour Nap
This is the fun part. I snuggled under the sheets and took a much-needed nap. I started out on my back, and I felt a nice boost of lumbar support. When I shifted to my side, however, I noticed some pressure along my shoulder and hip.
I rolled over to my stomach and quickly discovered I was not comfortable. My hips sank into the top layer, which put a lot of pressure on my lower back. If I were to rest in this position for several hours, I might wake up with a sore back.
I soon rolled onto my back and settled in to sleep. When I woke up, I didn’t feel hot or stuffy. I think the coils did a great job of promoting airflow and helping me stay cool.
Off-gassing
The Helix Midnight is a bed-in-a-box mattress, which means it ships in a tight roll. There was definitely some off-gassing when I opened the box and cut away the plastic, but a mild chemical smell is to be expected with a foam hybrid like the Midnight. The smell dissipated after 48 hours.
Noise
I did notice mild creaking and squeaking from the coils in the Midnight mattress when I moved around. It wasn’t very loud, so I wouldn’t anticipate middle-of-the-night disturbances when you roll over. Still, there’s a chance that the creaking could get louder in time.
Sex
The Helix Midnight could be a good mattress for sex since it has a gentle bounce and some responsiveness. That means sexual partners won’t feel stuck in the mattress, and it’ll be easier for them to move around and change positions.
Mattress Height
As a standard Helix mattress, the Helix Midnight is 12” thick. That’s considered average for a hybrid.
Sleeping Position and Weight
Individual body types and sleeping positions play a role in how firm and comfortable a mattress feels. That’s why there’s no single best mattress for everyone.
The Helix Midnight is a great pick for light and average-weight back and side sleepers, who will benefit from the ample lumbar support and plenty of cushioning. It’s also a good match for lightweight stomach sleepers, who won’t compress the top layer too much and should get plenty of hip support.
Average-weight stomach sleepers, however, will likely feel their hips sinking out of alignment, which can cause lower back pain. The same is true of heavyweight side sleepers. Heavier back sleepers under 300 lbs should be okay on the Midnight, but heavier people may need a more supportive mattress.
As for heavyweight side sleepers, there may be too much pressure along the shoulders and hips. If you fall into this category, consider getting one of the best mattresses for heavy people instead.
| Sleeper Weight | Back Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Lightweight (Under 130 lb) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average (130 – 230 lb) | Excellent | Excellent | Fair |
| Heavyweight (Over 230 lb) | Good | Fair | Bad |
Heavyweight Tester – 6’7”, 270 lbs
“Starting off back sleeping, I thought the Helix Midnight was a fantastic match. The top layer of foam conformed to my body and let me sink a bit, while the coils offered support.” – Marten
Average Weight Tester – 5’3”, 150 lbs
“I felt great when I rested on my back and side. And it was really easy to switch sleeping positions because of the bouncy coils.” – Elisa
Helix Midnight Mattress Construction
Now that I’ve thoroughly covered mattress performance, let’s review the materials that make it all happen.
Cover
The Helix Midnight has a soft, breathable Tencel cover.
For hot sleepers, it might be worth considering the upgrade to the GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top, which feels cool to the touch and features fibers that actively wick away heat. This add-on also gives the mattress more cushioning, similar to what you’ll find at five-star hotels.
Comfort Layers
The top layer of the Helix Midnight is made with the brand’s proprietary Memory Plus Foam. It has that slow-moving feel many expect from memory foam. It also helps alleviate joint pain, making this one of the best mattresses for fibromyalgia and one of the best mattresses for arthritis.
Beneath this, there’s another layer of foam, which offers more body contouring and pressure relief.
Then there’s a thinner layer of responsive foam. It serves as a transition layer between the comfort foams above and the coils below, and it helps prevent sleepers from “bottoming out” on the mattress.
Support Layers
The Helix Midnight contains up to 1,000 individually-wrapped coils in its support layer. They add support and help promote airflow in the mattress, offsetting the heat retention that’s common with memory foam.
The coils rest on a thin layer of high-density foam that adds structure to the rest of the mattress.
How to Try and Buy the Helix Midnight Mattress
Helix is an online mattress brand, you can’t test its products in stores. On the plus side, Helix offers a 100-night trial so you can try its mattresses in the comfort of your own home.
Sizes and Prices of the Helix Midnight Mattress
Take a look at my chart for the most up-to-date information regarding pricing and sizes. Note: Prices do not reflect discounts. You can save money if you use our Mattress Clarity coupon found below.
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38" x 75" | $936.30 |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | $1061.30 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | $1248.80 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $1373.80 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $1748.80 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $1748.80 |
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand’s most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Use code CLARITY27 for 27% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Dream Pillows with a mattress purchase
How the Helix Midnight Compares
Mattress comparisons can be a helpful way to quickly weigh pros and cons between comparable models. Below, I’ll compare the Helix Midnight to other popular options: the Helix Midnight Elite, Helix Moonlight, and Nectar Classic Hybrid.
You can also check out our mattress comparisons to compare Helix mattresses to others.
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Helix Midnight MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 7/10Score
Helix Midnight vs Helix Midnight Elite
The Helix Midnight Elite is a luxurious version of the classic Helix Midnight. The Elite model is 4” taller than the original, coming in at 16” thick. This makes it particularly durable, so even though it costs more money, it should last a lot longer.
The Elite model also has zoned support, which means it feels firmer toward the center of the mattress and softer near the head and foot. This is meant to help people maintain the correct spine alignment, no matter the sleeping position. It could be a great choice if you frequently deal with back pain
Check out my Helix Midnight Elite mattress review to learn more.
Helix Midnight vs Helix Moonlight
Helix offers several different hybrid mattresses, one of which is the Helix Moonlight. When it comes to the construction, the Midnight and Moonlight mattresses are fairly similar. Both include a breathable soft touch cover and a support layer of individually-wrapped coils. The major difference is in the comfort layers.
The comfort layer in the Midnight mattress features Memory Plus Foam and a thin layer of responsive foam. The comfort layer in the Moonlight mattress contains Helix Dynamic Foam, a latex foam alternative. This difference makes the Helix Moonlight mattress feel softer than the Helix Midnight and gives it a surprisingly bouncy feel.
Read my Helix Moonlight mattress review to learn more.
Helix Midnight vs Nectar Classic Hybrid
Nectar is another well-known mattress brand, and its flagship model is the Nectar Classic Hybrid. Both the Midnight and the Nectar contain coils and foam, but they feel quite different.
The Nectar mattress has a thick layer of slow-moving foam on top, so it feels softer than the Helix Midnight. The Nectar Hybrid also feels plusher, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers who need lots of pressure relief.
Both mattresses help dissipate body heat, but the Nectar Hybrid sleeps a bit cooler thanks to its gel-infused foam. Gel helps pull heat away from the body and keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Both mattresses have a similar price point, but the Helix Midnight mattress comes with more customization options.
Read my Nectar Classic Hybrid review for a closer look at this mattress.
FAQs
Is the Helix Midnight a good mattress?
The Helix Midnight mattress contains high-quality materials. It’s slightly firmer than average and is a good fit for people who want a supportive mattress.
How long will a Helix Midnight mattress last?
The Helix Midnight mattress is built with durable materials, so it should last between seven and 10 years with proper care.
What if I don’t like the Helix Midnight mattress?
If you try out the Helix Midnight mattress and decide you don’t like it, you can return the mattress for a full refund during your 100-night sleep trial, after the first 30 days.
Helix Midnight Mattress Video Review
