New mattress shopping can be exciting, especially if youโve narrowed it down to two standout models like the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original. Both probably seem equally appealing at first glance, but when you do a deeper dive, you see that they offer different sleep experiences and cater to different needs and preferences.
Below, Iโll break down how the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original compare in key categories, including firmness, pressure relief, motion isolation, cooling, and overall performance for different sleep positions.
Since 2015, the Mattress Clarity team and I have tested over 500 beds and have helped over 43,000 readers find the best mattress for them, so we know a thing or two about pairing people with their perfect (sleep-related) matches.
Read on to see if the Helix Midnight or Leesa Original is right for you.
Product
Type
Score
Should You Choose the Helix Midnight or Leesa Original?
The most noticeable difference between the two models lies in their constructions. The Leesa is a firm, all-foam mattress, and the Helix Midnight is a medium-firm hybrid model that features innerspring coils and memory foam. Our testers found that the Midnight modelโs softer feel is best for side sleepers who need cushioning for their hips and shoulders; however, the responsive and supportive surface of the Leesa Original should be a great fit for combo and back sleepers.
| Who Should Choose the Helix Midnight? | Who Should Choose the Leesa Original? |
| Couples | Hot sleepers |
| Side sleepers | Combination sleepers |
| Older adults | Back sleepers |
Helix Midnight vs. Leesa Original Performance Scores
Using our review methodology, which evaluates both subjective and objective factors, we thoroughly tested the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original in our Charlotte, NC, studio. See how their scores stack up against each other below.
Visit our full Helix Midnight mattress review or Leesa Original mattress review to learn more about each mattress.
| Test | Helix Midnight | Leesa Original | Average |
| Firmness | 6.5/10 โ Medium-Firm | 7/10 โ Firm | 6.7/10 โ Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.4/5 | 4/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.7โ | 2.75โ | 3.12โ |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Light | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 11.9โ | 17โ | 17.89โ |
| Bounce Rating | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6 |
Trying the Helix Midnight and the Leesa Original Back-to-Back
To get an accurate comparison of the Helix and Leesa mattresses, in-house mattress expert Riley Otis tested both beds side by side in our studio and weighed in.
โThese two beds are very different, in terms of both feel and construction,โ Riley said. โThe first difference I noticed was the cover. While the Leesa has a smooth knit cover, the Helix comes with a plush pillow top that feels soft and super cool to the touch. The Helix felt really nice in all three sleeping positions, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort. The Leesa felt firmer and more supportive overall. I think the Leesa would be the perfect mattress for back and stomach sleepers seeking something firmer and more supportive.โ
Helix vs. Leesa Prices
| Helix Midnight Price | Leesa Original Price | |
| Twin | $998.66 | $849.00 |
| Twin XL | $1124.00 | $899.00 |
| Full | $1248.00 | $1099.00 |
| Queen | $1332.00 | $1299.00 |
| King | $1810.66 | $1599.00 |
| California King | $1810.66 | $1599.00 |
The above prices may not reflect current sales or promotions.
While the Helix and Leesa are comparable in price, we think the Helix offers a better value overall. The Helix Midnight has durable steel coils that should help the mattress maintain its shape over time.
Key Differences Between the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original
The Helix and Leesa are both excellent mattresses in their own right, but they are better suited for different types of sleepers. Learn more about their differences below.
The Leesa Is More Responsive
Despite lacking innerspring coils that often make a bed bouncy, the Leesa Original is surprisingly more responsive than the Helix Midnight. The Leesa earned a perfect 5-star score in the responsiveness category, while the Midnight scored a respectable 4/5. During testing, our mattress experts found that the Leesa Originalโs firm, supportive surface was easy to move around and change positions on.
โI feel like the Leesa is pretty firm for a memory foam mattress,โ said one of our in-house testers. โI didnโt sink in much, and changing positions was very easy. I did not notice any effort needed to lift my body out of the mattress.โ
The Helix Offers Better Edge Support
Unsurprisingly, the reinforced steel coils in the Helix Midnight give this hybrid mattress a stronger perimeter. Supportive edges are a game-changer for sleepers who sleep near the sides of the bed and those with mobility concerns who need something to bear down while getting up. During testing, we awarded the Helix Midnight a 4.4/5 and the Leesa Original a 4/5 for edge support.
โI didnโt notice much sinkage at all while lying on the edge of the Helix,โ said one tester. โIt felt very supportive, even when changing positions. Iโm a side-sleeper and would feel very comfortable and supported sleeping at the edge of this mattress.โ
The Leesa Stays Cooler
Another category in which the Leesa Original earned a perfect score was cooling. The Helix Midnightโs performance suffered in this category (earning a 3.5/5), most likely because its cushioned cover layer retained more body heat.
โI felt like the Leesa mattress was cool to touch at first and almost a little too chilly,โ said our in-house tester. โAs I lay there, I noticed it did get more comfortable in temperature, but never too warm. It felt comfy, crisp, and breathable throughout my testing.โ
Similarities Between the Helix Midnight and Leesa
Despite their differences, there are a handful of key areas where the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original overlap.
They Both Dampen Motion Transfer
Sleepers sharing a bed with a restless partner or pet should appreciate that both the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original have strong motion isolation. Both mattresses scored a 4/5 in this category, so couples can rest easy knowing they can sleep undisturbed on either bed.
โI could barely make out my testing partnerโs movements on the Helix Midnight,โ one tester said. โI could tell they were moving around a little bit. However, it was very subtle, and I donโt think it would have woken me up from a heavy sleep.โ
They Both Relieve Pressure
The mattresses performed almost identically in the pressure relief category, with the Helix Midnight earning a 4.3 out of 5 and the Leesa Original scoring a slightly higher 4.4 out of 5. During testing, we found that these mattresses effectively relieve pressure in different ways.
The Leesa Original offers consistent, firm support that back and stomach sleepers will benefit most from; meanwhile, Helix Midnightโs softer surface provides more cushioning and contouring for side sleepers.
โThe Helix Midnight is fabulous for side sleeping,โ said Dr. Hannah Habeeb, our chief medical product tester, licensed physical therapist, and side sleeper. โItโs soft and offers tons of cushioning and sinkage at the hips and shoulders.โ
They Both Have Generous Warranties
Shoppers can feel confident choosing either the Helix Midnight or the Leesa Original, as both mattresses come with generous limited-lifetime warranties. This coverage helps protect against manufacturing defects and gives buyers added peace of mind that their investment is built to last for years to come.
Which Bed Is Better For Your Body Type?
Lightweight Sleepers (Up to 130 lbs)
We think lightweight sleepers would fare better on the Helix Midnight because of its softer construction and cushioned surface. Sleepers in this weight category, particularly side sleepers, benefit from more contouring around their shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers in this body weight category might prefer the firm, supportive surface of the Leesa Original, as it will certainly keep their spines in a neutral, aligned position through the night.
โIn the back-sleeping position, the Leesa contours my lower back, and I feel really supported overall,โ said Dr. Habeeb. โIt keeps you in a neutral position. I donโt think youโd sink in too much overnight on this bed.โ
Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs)
Average-weight sleepers should feel comfortable across all positions in either mattress. That said, back and stomach sleepers seeking a little extra support should opt for the firmer-than-average Leesa Original. A firm mattress like the Leesa will provide more lift around the hips and lower body, helping maintain a neutral spinal position.
โOn my back, this mattress felt pretty firm,โ said one tester of the Leesa Original. โI didnโt sink into the mattress much at all, and I felt like it did a good job of not causing pressure buildup.โ
Heavyweight Sleepers (230 lbs and Up)
Neither mattress is particularly suitable for sleepers with bigger bodies. Some side sleepers in this weight category may appreciate the Helix Midnightโs softer feel for cushioning the hips and shoulders; however, it could allow too much sinkage, potentially throwing the spine out of alignment.
At only 10 inches tall, the Leesa Original is not thick enough for these sleepers. Sleepers in this category would likely sink through the memory foam layers and bottom out against the bed frame or base.
Helix Midnight vs. Leesa Original Construction and Materials
| Helix Midnight | Leesa Original | |
| Type of Mattress | Hybrid | Foam |
| Number of Layers (Including the Cover) | 7 | 4 |
| Height | 11.5โ | 10โ |
| Pillow Top | Yes (optional) | No |
| Organic Materials | No | No |
Helix vs. Leesa Company Policies
| Helix Midnight | Leesa Original | |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Shipping | Free shipping through FedEx in the contiguous United States. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada pay an additional fee. | Free shipping in all 50 states. |
| Return Policy | Free returns within the 120-night sleep trial (after the first 30 nights). No restocking fees during the trial period. | Free returns within the 120-night trial period (after the first 30 nights). $100 return fee for customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. |
Helix Midnight vs. Leesa Original: Clarityโs Conclusion
Depending on your sleep needs and preferences, the Helix and Leesa are standout choices in their respective categories. If you are a back sleeper or someone seeking a cool, responsive, supportive surface, the Leesa might be a better option for you. The Helix Midnight, on the other hand, is a better choice for side sleepers who need extra cushioning around their sensitive joints.
 |  | |
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Leesa Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||
| Firmness | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | โ | โ |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a box spring for either of these mattresses?
No. Both the Helix Midnight and Leesa Original work on a solid foundation, platform bed, slatted base, or adjustable frame, so a traditional box spring is not necessary.
Which mattress is better for cooling?
The Leesa Original has the edge for cooling, earning a perfect 5/5 score in our cooling tests thanks to its breathable foam construction. That said, the Helix Midnight also sleeps fairly cool because it has innerspring coils that promote airflow. Helix customers can also upgrade to a cooling topper for even better temperature regulation.
Which mattress is better for back pain?
The Leesa Original may be the better option for sleepers with back pain because its firmer feel helps keep the spine in a more neutral alignment throughout the night.
What other models does Leesa sell?
In addition to the Leesa Original, the brand offers premium models like the Leesa Legend and the Leesa Sapira Chill. These models have enhanced features and a more luxurious feel.
What other models does Helix sell?
Helix offers Luxe versions of all its popular mattress models, including the Helix Midnight Luxe. Compared to the standard Midnight, the Luxe mattress is taller at 13.5 inches and includes upgraded features like zoned lumbar support and a plush pillow top for added comfort and pressure relief.
