Helix has a bed for everyone, including those who benefit from stronger pocketed coils and high-density foams. Heavier people tend to notice sinking and sagging sooner rather than later, and the Helix Plus is engineered with extra support to help alleviate these issues. But does that mean it works for every larger-bodied sleeper? We put the Helix Plus through its paces to find out.
The Mattress Clarity team of sleep experts has assessed over 500 mattresses and helped more than 35,000 people find the new mattress that matches their needs in the seven years we’ve been in operation. We put our testing experience, well, to the test, evaluating the materials, construction, and performance of the Helix Plus to determine which sleepers might find it most comfortable. We also conferred with our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, and asked Dr. Hannah Habeeb, our chief medical product tester, to evaluate it from an orthopedic standpoint.
We have yet to find the perfect mattress. However, the Helix Plus earned high marks in categories like responsiveness, pressure relief, and motion isolation, and our heavyweight tester had very complimentary feedback about this bed during the testing process. We think it’s a great fit for back and side sleepers weighing over 230 lbs, and heavier couples should be really pleased with it as well.
Our Helix Plus Review in a Nutshell
The Helix Plus is an excellent option for heavier sleepers weighing more than 230 lbs, but we think average-weight back sleepers who prefer a more robust firmness level will be equally comfortable. With its high weight capacity and standout edge support and motion isolation, we also expect plus-size couples to enjoy peaceful nights on this budget-minded hybrid. With sales pricing, a queen-size Helix Plus is often under $1,200.
The Helix Plus is Helix’s mattress model designed specifically to support heavier sleepers. It’s a responsive, cooling bed that provides a balance of comfort and support that’s a great fit for back and stomach sleepers who weigh 230 lbs or more. For heavyweight side sleepers, though, we’d recommend opting a medium-firm bed like the Titan Plus Luxe instead. Learn more in our video review.
Helix Plus Mattress Performance: My Overall Rating
The Helix Plus earned an excellent overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on our comprehensive testing methodology. We consider performance categories including motion isolation, edge support, cooling and pressure relief, along with materials, firmness, and general customer experience, for the most well-rounded assessment on all the beds we test. The Helix Plus earned at least 4.3 in all but one of these categories.
Get more details on individual testing categories by hovering over the icons below.
Watch Me Test the Helix Plus Mattress
I Recommend the Helix Plus For…
- Heavyweight back and side sleepers. These sleepers should find the Helix Plus has a medium-firm feel that prevents pressure points and cradles the hips, shoulders, and lumbar zone nicely.
- Back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. The Helix Plus will veer a little firmer for average-weight back sleepers, but our testers found it accommodates back sleeping very well.
- Couples. Between its excellent edge support and outstanding motion isolation, couples should be able to snooze all night peacefully without inadvertently waking one another by rolling over.
I Don’t Recommend the Helix Plus For…
- Average-weight side sleepers. The bed lacks the contouring folks in this weight range need to cushion the hips and shoulders when side sleeping.
- Lightweight sleepers. The Helix Plus is designed for heavier sleepers, and most lightweight sleepers are likely to find it too firm to be comfortable. That said, it could be a fit for back sleepers in this weight range, especially if they prefer a firmer bed.
- Hot sleepers. The Helix Plus earned its lowest rating in cooling, so those who regularly overheat at night may want to consider a mattress that performs better in this category.
How Well Did the Helix Plus Perform?
The Helix Plus earned consistently high scores during our assessment. Below, we outline how it compares with the average scores of beds we’ve tested.
| Test | Performance | Average |
| Firmness | 7/10 -Medium-Firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.8/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.4/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 3.5/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4.5/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.25” | 3.12” |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 31” | 17.89” |
| Bounce Rating | High | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.8/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 4/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 | 4.6 |
How Firm is the Helix Plus Mattress?
Our firmness guide uses a scale between 1 and 10 to rate firmness on mattresses we test, with 1 indicating ultimate softness and 10 indicating extreme firmness. Certified sleep science coach Riley Otis evaluated the Helix Plus’s firmness on her side, back, and stomach. She rated the mattress 7/10 in each sleeping position.
This means the mattress is a touch firmer than the industry average of 6.5/10, but it is still in the medium-firm category. Also, Riley is a lightweight sleeper, weighing less than 130 lbs, and as our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, reminds us, “Body weight plays a major role in how soft or hard we perceive a mattress.” Therefore, those who weigh more than Riley may find it feels softer.
Riley had high praise for this bed’s firmness in all three sleeping positions, but was particularly fond of it on her back, saying, “I really like this on my back. I got the best aspects of the sturdy support layer and the plush comfort layer. It provided fantastic spinal alignment, and I could even feel the lower back pain melt away while I was lying on my back.”
How Does the Helix Plus Feel for Different Body Types and Sleeping Positions?
That 7/10 on our firmness scale might feel softer or firmer depending on body type and sleep style. Here’s what sleepers across different weight classes can expect.
| Sleeper Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Light (under 130 lbs) | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Heavyweight Tester – 6’3”, 235 lbs
“I feel like it’s a great mix of responsiveness, pressure relief, and plush comfort up top,” raved Matt Schickling.
Average-weight Tester – 5’6”, 170 lbs
“I feel like I’m floating atop the surface of a bubble,” said Melanie Kassel of sleeping on her side.
Lightweight Tester – 5’4”, 125 lbs
“This bed feels HEALTHY for my spine,” exclaimed Riley Otis.
Helix Plus In-Depth Test Results
Pressure Relief
For heavyweight sleepers, pressure relief is a critical feature in a mattress. Additional body weight means more pressure on sensitive areas, like the hips, shoulders, and lower back. A mattress with sufficient pressure relief can help keep tenderness and pain at bay. We had product testers in average and heavyweight classes evaluate pressure relief in the Helix Plus on their backs and their sides, and the bed earned a high average score of 4.8 out of 5. We also invited Dr. Habeeb to our sleep studio to give her impression of the Helix Plus’s pressure relief capabilities.
After resting on the mattress for a few minutes, Dr. Habeeb quickly pointed out that it was an orthopedic gem, giving it a strong 4.5 stars for those with conditions such as scoliosis and sciatica, as well as generalized neck, shoulder, and hip pain.
Average Weight Sleepers
Our average-weight sleeper, Melanie Kassel, described the bed’s softer layer of foam on the top and an incredibly supportive feel overall. “I don’t feel pressure buildup during this test, but I do think the firmness of the bed would prevent me from sleeping exclusively on my side,” she said. “The pressure is just too concentrated in those small areas.” She rated the pressure relief on her side as 4/5.
When she moved to her back, it was a different story. “I feel like I’m floating atop the surface of a bubble,” she said, noting that there wasn’t much in the way of sinkage but plenty of cushioning all the same. “It has an airy feel at the top with the reassurance of the dense, reinforced body of the bed underneath,” Melanie added. On her back, she gave the Helix Plus full marks.
Dr. Habeeb, who also falls under our average-weight classification, was a big fan, saying most folks shouldn’t experience pressure points. “I felt very neutral and didn’t sink at all. It gets a 4.5/5 for back and side sleeping for me because it gave just the right amount of pushback to keep my whole body aligned. I felt very supported and secure from the innerspring coils, but also enjoyed the plush contouring of the foams.
Heavyweight Sleeper
The Helix Plus is made to support more weight, so our heavyweight tester, Matt Schickling, had high expectations going in. He wasn’t disappointed. While he describes experiencing frequent shoulder sensitivity, he says he felt great on his side. “I’m supported, but it’s soft enough that it contours,” noting that it was ever so slight but still enough to keep him comfortable. In fact, Matt found the Helix Plus so comfortable, he was thinking about ordering the bed himself. He gave the mattress a perfect 5/5 score.
It was a similar experience when Matt rolled to his back. “You don’t really sink into it, you’re kind of on top of it, but you feel cushioned despite that,” he explained. “I have pressure relief in my lumbar region, I’m supported in my shoulders and hips. Honestly, I’m just really comfortable, which is hard to capture in testing notes.” He complimented the mix of responsiveness, pressure relief, and plush comfort, rating the Helix Plus 5/5 for pressure relief in this position.
Edge Support
Edge support is another feature that’s particularly important for heavyweight sleepers. Not only does it mean more support on the perimeter of the bed, Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains that it’s an indicator of overall durability. Hybrid mattresses tend to perform better in this category, and the Helix Plus scored well overall, earning 4.5/5 across two separate subjective tests and an objective measurement.
In the seated test, Melanie sat on the side of the mattress with her feet on the floor. She assessed how stable she felt seated and as she rose to a standing position. Her first note? “The GlacioTex cover on this bed makes it extremely slippery!” But because she thinks sheets will solve this issue and the edge itself felt strong with just a touch of sinkage, she gave the Helix Plus a score of 4/5 for this test.
In her second test, Melanie lay on the edge of the bed to see whether the change in weight distribution added to the sense of stability. Spoiler: It did. “Lying down, the edge support felt superior,” said Melanie. “This bed feels very strong and dense in general, and the edges are no exception. In all three positions, I felt securely on top of the bed with no risk of toppling over the side.” She rated edge support in this test 5/5.
We also take objective sinkage measurements using weight plates that represent sleepers in our lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight classifications. The Helix Plus’s edge sank 1.5”, 3.5”, and 4”, respectively, during this test. This earned a perfect score for petite sleepers, and a solid 4/5 for those who are average weight and for folks weighing over 230 lbs.
Cooling
More weight is associated with greater metabolic heat, so a cooling mattress is an excellent choice for heavier sleepers. The Helix Plus model we tested had the brand’s optional GlacioTex pillow-top upgrade, but this was its lowest-performing category, with a just-okay score of 3.5/5.
Mattress tester Riley Otis used a thermal temperature gun to measure the bed’s surface temperature before and after she rested on it for seven minutes. Her first reading was 69.4 degrees, and the second was 79 for a 9.6-degree increase. It indicates good cooling, but not great. Still, Riley’s subjective test was better. “The cover is cooling, which felt really good at first,” she said. “As time went on, I felt myself growing more cozy than chilled, but I didn’t feel like I was overheating.” Still, if sleeping hot is a concern, it’s worth reviewing our picks of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress limits movement across the surface of the bed. It’s not a major consideration if you regularly sleep alone, but anyone who shares a bed with a partner or pet can appreciate excellent motion isolation. The Helix Plus performed well here, scoring 4.5/5 across three tests.
Melanie started with the ripple test, which involved placing a glass of water on the mattress and observing the level of disturbance in the glass as she climbed in and out on the other side. “The tufted GlacioTex cover makes it hard to place the glass of water securely, and it bounced up and down once when I got into bed,” she reported. “But nothing spilled and the glass was not in danger of falling over.” She scored the Helix Plus 4/5.
In the second part of the ripple test, Melanie rolled around, switching between sleeping positions. “The water and glass didn’t move at all when I rolled around near them,” she reported. “I’m really wowed — I thought the upper pillow top layer wouldn’t have enough motion-absorbing power to counteract the bed’s responsiveness.” She gave the Helix Plus full marks here.
During the partner test, Melanie rested on one side of the bed while a teammate moved around on the other. “I could feel my partner getting into the bed, but barely. It was as though I was feeling the faintest echo of their movement,” she said. Melanie reported that motion was completely muffled, and with her eyes closed, she could hear but not feel any movement. “If I’d been wearing headphones, I wouldn’t have known someone was in bed next to me,” she added, rating the Helix Plus 4.5/5.
Response
A quick response time is an asset if you’re a combination sleeper who needs to switch seamlessly between positions without feeling stuck, which can disrupt sleep. When a bed does a good job of dampening motion transfer, responsiveness often suffers. That wasn’t the case here. In fact, the Helix Plus earned a perfect 5/5 for the ease of movement Melanie experienced.
“This is a very responsive mattress,” she said. “The softer layer at the very top is cushioning but thin, so it didn’t restrict my movement at all. I felt like I could toss and turn seamlessly, with a bit of help from the bed’s springiness.”
Sinkage: Moderate
Melanie used a 44-pound kettlebell in the center of the bed to measure sinkage. The Helix Plus sank 3.25 inches, which puts it into the moderate category. That means it lacks the deep contouring of softer foams, but you can still expect some degree of yielding.
Bounce: High
To test bounce, we drop a weighted ball onto the bed and measure how far it bounces. The Helix Plus soared 31 inches. To put this into perspective, we consider a height of at least 18 inches an indication of high bounce. It means you can expect a springy feel that makes it really easy to move around.
Noise
Noise tests involve moving around the bed and listening for squeaks, creaks, or the telltale hiss of air escaping foam. The Helix Plus performed flawlessly here, and we don’t anticipate that changing as the years pass. We gave the bed 5/5 for noise, so even light sleepers should be pleased.
Sex
Our sex score is an average of the results from our response, edge support, and noise tests. The Helix Plus got 4.8/5, which indicates it should be a solid spot for sexual activities. The bed has plenty of bounce to keep sexual partners from feeling stuck, strong edges for support across the entire surface, and no distracting sounds that might take you out of the moment.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
If you have an adjustable bed, mattress compatibility is really important. The Helix Plus performed decently here, thanks to its ability to flex well as we moved the base into different positions. Riley pointed out that the bed did best with two testers on it to help it stay in place and contour properly. What’s more, she noted that the pillow top tends to bunch up in the center, creating an uncomfortable lump. That’s why she gave the bed 3/5 in this category.
Two-Hour Nap Test
Our heavyweight tester, Marten Carlson, performed the two-hour nap test on a separate, older model of this mattress without the cooling cover. This test is exactly what it sounds like. While he’s a combination sleeper on his side and back, Marten stayed on his back for this test. “To me, this sleeping position is really where the Helix Plus shines,” he said. “The top layers did a great job of providing me with a little bit of body contouring, but I didn’t sink straight through them either.”
He was impressed with the bed’s breathability and airflow as well, which he credits to the coil layer. The coil also contributed to the bed’s springiness, making it easy for Marten to get out of bed when his test was over.
Helix Plus Customer Experience Scores
There’s more to the bed-buying experience than the bed itself. Let’s take a look at the customer policies for the Helix Plus.
Trial Period
For a bed-in-a-box mattress that you purchase sight unseen, a reasonable trial window is key. Helix offers 120 nights in its sleep trial, which isn’t bad. It gives you four months to test the mattress at home, though it’s not as generous as year-long sleep trials that span several seasons, but almost three weeks more than the common 100-night trial that is often seen with mattresses in this price range. We gave the Helix Plus 4/5 for its trial period.
Warranty
Warranties can give you an idea of how long a manufacturer expects its mattress to perform. The Helix Plus has a limited lifetime warranty that protects you in the event of certain manufacturing defects.
The coverage isn’t prorated for the first 10 years, which means Helix will repair or replace a defective mattress at no cost. After that, a mattress with a non-excluded defect is replaced at a prorated charge that varies depending on when it was purchased.
Modern mattresses aren’t really designed to perform beyond a decade, so the non-prorated coverage for the first 10 years is reasonable. That’s why we gave the Helix Plus 4.5/5 here.
Helix Plus Construction
Let’s take a closer look at the layers and constructions of this hybrid.
Mattress Height & Weight
The Helix Plus is 11.5 inches tall. With the optional GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top, it’s 12.5 inches. A queen-size weighs roughly 100 to 106 lbs, depending on upgrades. It’s quite a bit heavier than standard queens because of the denser foams and reinforced coils, so you’ll want a partner to help move the box and get the bed into place.
Materials
This is a hybrid bed combining memory foam layers with coils, plus an optional pillow top upgrade.
Layers
The Helix Plus model we tested included the GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top, which is plush and cool to the touch. The GlacioTex fibers give it a smooth, silky feel. Next are the comfort foam layers, each measuring about one inch. The first layer is gel-infused to combat heat retention and add pressure relief. Layer two is a denser foam layer designed to keep heavier sleepers from sinking. Just below is a layer of dynamic foam for contouring, support, and alignment.
Below the foam layers is the coil system. Durable steel coils are reinforced to support more weight, with full perimeter support. While Helix says there’s also a bottom foam layer beneath the coils, we couldn’t see or feel it during our inspection.
How To Try and Buy The Helix Plus Mattress
Helix beds, including the Plus model, and others such as Helix Plus Luxe, an upgraded version of the Plus, and popular models such as the Helix Midnight Luxe are available for purchase on the company website at helixsleep.com. Online retailers like Amazon also carry different Helix mattresses.
The brand also partners with brick-and-mortar retailers so it can be found in showrooms across the country. You can check this tool to find a location near you if you’d rather see the mattress before making a purchase.
Helix Plus Prices & Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $811.30 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $936.30 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | $1061.30 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $1498.80 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $1811.30 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $1811.30 |
How The Helix Plus Compares
The Helix Plus could be a great bed for many sleepers, but there are other mattresses to consider. Here’s how it compares to other mattresses intended for heavier sleepers.
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| Rating |
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| Firmness |
Firm: 7.5/10
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Medium-firm: 7/10
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Firm: 8/10
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| Material |
Hybrid
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Hybrid
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Hybrid
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Hybrid
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| Cooling |
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| Best For |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
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Helix Plus vs. Titan Plus Core
The Titan Plus Core shares a lot of similarities with the Helix Plus. Both beds performed well in pressure relief, motion isolation, and response (with the Helix coming out slightly ahead in two of the three categories). But for hot sleepers, the Titan Plus Core could be the better choice. Both beds have the option of a GlacioTex cover upgrade, but the Titan still edged out the Helix with 4/5 in this category.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Titan is the less expensive of the two. A queen is $1,499 before the brand’s regular sales, which is comparable to the sales pricing for the Helix. Both beds have the same 120-night sleep trial and limited lifetime warranty.
Read more in our Titan Plus Core mattress review.
Helix Plus vs. Big Fig Classic
All Big Fig mattresses are designed for heavier sleepers, and the Big Fig Classic stands out for its firmer feel. We rated it 8/10 on the firmness scale, so it’s a good fit for stomach sleepers. That firmness means the bed lacks in contouring, and it only earned 3.1/5 in that category. If you’re a side or back sleeper, we think the Helix Plus is a better choice.
The Big Fig Classic heated up by more than 10 degrees during testing, so we wouldn’t recommend it for hot sleepers. But the excellent edge support makes it well suited to anyone with mobility issues, while its quick response time gives it a true “on top” feeling.
The biggest differentiator between these two beds is the price point. A queen-size Big Fig Classic is $1,949, so it’s quite a bit more expensive.
Find more information in our Big Fig Classic mattress review.
Helix Plus vs. Nolah Evolution Comfort+
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is another hybrid mattress constructed to support more weight. It’s softer, with a true-medium firm feel that we rated as 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, but we think both beds are compatible with heavier side and back sleepers. But despite the softer feel, the Nolah is notably lacking in contouring. Fans of more sinkage should look elsewhere.
While the Nolah has zoned construction, we think it’s a touch too soft for stomach sleepers in higher weight classes. Those sleepers should be more supported on the Helix Plus.
On the plus side, the Nolah impressed our testers with its cooling prowess, earning 4.5/5. Just keep in mind that the optional cooling cover upgrade pushes the price of this already expensive bed to $2,799 for a queen before the brand’s discounts and sales.
Check out our Nolah Evolution Comfort+ mattress review for a closer look at this bed.
Helix Plus Mattress FAQs
Is the Helix Plus a good mattress for heavy people?
The Helix Plus is designed to support more weight, so it’s a good choice for heavy sleepers. It can support up to 500 lbs on both sides.
How firm is the Helix Plus mattress?
The Helix Plus is a medium-firm mattress. For sleepers over 230 pounds, it may feel a little softer. We think it’s a great fit for heavyweight back and side sleepers.
Does the Helix Plus mattress sleep hot?
The Helix Plus has an optional GlacioTex cooling pillow top that helps combat heat retention and feels cool to the touch. As a hybrid, the bed does a good job of allowing air to circulate as well.