At Mattress Clarity, weโve reviewed more than 500 mattresses. Although the mattress field is stacked with options, a few stand out from the pack and make their way into our regular recommendations. Two that come to mind are the Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic.
The all-foam Nectar mattress is one of the first to come up in your search for the most popular mattresses sold online. But itโs not to be outdone by the Helix Midnight, an attractive hybrid by the also-renowned Helix brand. Each of these mattresses has a lot to offer, but only one of them will be right for you.
Which should you choose: the Nectar or the Helix? Weโve helped more than 43,000 people find their new favorite bed, so if youโre ready to join the ranks, read on. Weโll address firmness, feel, construction, and performance so you can determine whether the Nectar or the Helix Midnight is best for you.
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Product
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Should You Choose the Helix Midnight or Nectar Classic?
The Helix Midnight and Nectar are both high-quality mattresses, but neither bed is a catch-all for every sleeper. Below, youโll find a quick overview of who will prefer either. Of course, weโll dive deeper in the rest of this article.
| Who Should Choose the Helix? | Who Should Choose the Nectar? |
| Most back and side sleepers | Most back and stomach sleepers |
| Sexually active folks | Couples with a restless partner |
| Those after more pressure relief | Budget shoppers |
Helix Midnight vs Nectar Classic Mattress Video Comparison
Helix Midnight vs Nectar Classic Performance Scores
We test every mattress firsthand in a number of categories, judging everything from how firm a mattress feels to how generous the company policies are. The Helix and Nectar mattresses both performed admirably across the board, but they differed in a few areas. See the chart below to compare these beds with one another and with the average for the beds weโve tested.
| Test | Helix Midnight | Nectar Classic | Average |
| Firmness | 6.5/10 โ Medium-Firm | 7/10 โ Medium-Firm | 6.7/10 โ Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Unpleasant | Good | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.4/5 | 3.4/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.7โ | 3.35โ | 3.12โ |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 16โ | 15โ | 17.89โ |
| Bounce Rating | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6 |
Trying the Helix and the Nectar Back-to-Back
My colleague Riley Otis retested the Helix Midnight and Nectar mattresses side by side to better compare their performance. Her initial thoughts were that โthese beds both provide a classic medium-firm feel that strikes a lovely balance between pressure relief and support.โ She added, โThey both give sleepers that weightless feeling thatโs really desirable.โ
Riley did notice some key differences in the two beds: โFor one, the Helix Midnight has a cooling pillow top, which provides some initial cushioning right when you lie down. Nectar has a flat top, so the first touch of pressure relief comes directly from the main comfort layer.โ Riley also thought that the Helix provided a more โnoticeably coolโ sensation when lying down.
The Helixโs hybrid construction also gave it a leg up. โThe bouncy coils make the Helix more responsive and slightly easier to move around on, which is a bonus for combination sleepers,โ Riley explained. โHowever, those seeking more of a slow-moving orthopedic feel should be happy with the Nectarโs classic all-foam construction.โ
Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic Prices
| Helix Midnight Price | Nectar Classic Price | |
| Twin | $998.66 | $1081.00 |
| Twin XL | $1124.00 | $1148.00 |
| Full | $1248.00 | $1498.00 |
| Queen | $1332.00 | $1664.00 |
| King | $1810.66 | $2131.00 |
| California King | $1810.66 | $2131.00 |
The above prices may not reflect current sales or promotions.
The all-foam Nectar is a more affordable option, costing about $300 less than the Helix Midnight. However, the Helix Midnight is priced fairly reasonably for a hybrid. Both are good options for a mattress that feels high-quality without the high price.
Differences Between the Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic
Letโs take a closer look at how the Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic differ from one another.
The Helix is Bouncier
As a hybrid mattress, the Helix Midnight contains both foam and coils. These coils not only provide a boost of support, but they also make a mattress more responsive. This means itโs easier to move around on, and you wonโt feel โstuckโ on the surface.
The Nectar has a more traditional memory foam feel. Itโs slow-moving, so you might encounter more resistance. Since itโs firmer, you can still move around on this bed (it earned the same responsiveness rating as the Helix Midnight), but it wonโt be as seamless as the Midnight. That will be the better bed for combination sleepers and sexually active folks.
The Nectar Isolates Motion Better
The Nectar mattress scored a near-perfect 4.7/5 in motion isolation, compared to the Midnightโs 4/5 rating. Excellent motion isolation means that you wonโt feel your partnerโs movements on the other side of the mattress. Light sleepers who share the bed can therefore rest more comfortably.
Most couples should do fine on the Helix Midnight, but Iโd caution especially light sleepers against purchasing it. Our testers noted some minor motion transfer across the bedโs surface, especially when someone got in and out of bed.
The Helix Has Better Edge Support
A mattress with strong edges wonโt collapse when you put weight on them. This can provide stability when spreading out on the surface of the bed during sleep or sex. Itโs also a marker of durability, as it shows a bed is less likely to sag.
The Helix Midnight far outperformed the Nectar mattress in edge support. It earned a 4.4/5, while the Nectar scored only a 3.4/5. We noticed quite a bit of sinkage when bearing down on the edges of the Nectar, so I wouldnโt recommend it for folks who prioritize strong edge support.
The Nectar is Cooler
Though Riley thought the Helix Midnight felt fairly cool during her evaluation, it earned only a 3.5/5 after she completed our temperature regulation test. The Nectar earned a perfect 5/5 rating, marking it as a great cooling mattress. Iโll also note that we tested the upgraded Helix Midnight, which comes with a cooling pillow top that costs extra.
To test cooling, we use a thermal gun to measure the increase in surface temperature after lying on the mattress for a few minutes. I performed the test for the Nectar, and it rose less than 4 degreesโexceptional cooling, especially for foam beds, which are known to trap heat. Comparatively, we recorded a 9-degree increase for the Midnight, and that was with the cooling upgrade.
Similarities Between the Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic
The Helix Midnight and Nectar mattresses also share some similarities.
Both Beds Work for Back Sleepers
The Nectar and Helix Midnight mattresses are both medium-firm beds that offer a balance of softness and support. This creates the perfect profile for back sleepers. Each mattress should keep the spine aligned and contour to the gap in the lower back, ensuring comfort in this position.
Both Offer Some Responsiveness
Both these beds earned a 4/5 for overall responsiveness. The Midnight has coils, so itโs a little more responsive than the Nectar, but neither bed was super bouncy. Still, each should provide enough ease of movement for combination sleepers and sexually active folks to reposition.
Both Relieve Pain
Both the Helix Midnight and Nectar mattresses earned the thumbs-up from medical product tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, from an orthopedic standpoint. โI think the Nectar would help sleepers with back pain find support and contouring to place the spine in a neutral position,โ she said.
As for the Helix Midnight, she liked its soft upper layers for shoulder and hip pain: โIt allows enough sinkage in these areas, and also has a cloud-like feel.โ
Which Bed Is Better For Your Body Type?
Lightweight Sleepers (Up to 130 lbs)
I recommend that lightweight sleepers stick to the Helix Midnight. Itโs a touch softer than the Nectar mattress, so it was easier for our testers to sink into.
Riley, a lightweight tester herself, gave it a 5/5 for both back- and side-sleeping pressure relief. โOverall, it feels super cozy, and I could lie here for hours,โ she said. โI am not feeling pressure anywhere.โ
Compared this to the Nectar, which earned a 3/5 for lightweight sleepersโ pressure relief. Our lightweight tester complained of pressure buildup in her hips when resting on her side and on her lower spine when resting on her back.
Lightweight stomach sleepers, however, will be more comfortable on the Nectar. The bed should be firm enough to keep their hips elevated.
Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs)
Both beds scored well for average-weight sleepers. If you fall in this range and prefer a medium-firm feel, youโll likely be satisfied with eitherโespecially if you sleep on your back.
However, average-weight side sleepers will have more luck with the Helix Midnight, which scored higher for pressure relief. Average-weight stomach sleepers should like the Nectar; Iโm an average-weight sleeper and a regular stomach sleeper, and I quite liked the Nectar for this category.
Heavyweight Sleepers (230 lbs and Up)
Our heavyweight tester awarded both the Nectar and Helix Midnight mattresses a 4/5 for overall pressure relief. He did note a bit more sinkage while resting on his side, which could pose an issue for those with sensitive joints, but otherwise was generally satisfied. If youโre on the fence, Iโd opt for the Helix Midnight, since it contains coils as well as foam, which should provide added support.
I wouldnโt recommend either mattress for heavyweight stomach sleepers. These folks will want something in the firm to extra-firm range to maintain proper alignment.
Helix Midnight vs. Nectar Classic Construction and Materials
| Helix Midnight | Nectar Classic | |
| Type of Mattress | Hybrid | Foam |
| Number of Layers (Including the Cover) | 6 | 4 |
| Height | 11.5โ | 12โ |
| Pillow Top | Optional | No |
| Organic Materials | No | No |
The Helix Midnight and Nectar Classic vary vastly in construction. While both beds contain foam layers, the Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress, meaning it also has an innerspring layer. This can help bolster support and responsiveness. The Nectar mattress is an all-foam bed made up of multiple foam layers, giving it a denser, doughy feel. You can also upgrade the Helix Midnight to include a cooling pillow top, which will maximize pressure relief and cooling. Finally, both beds are about a foot tall.
Helix vs. Nectar Company Policies
| Helix Midnight | Nectar Classic | |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Shipping | Free to USA, minus AK and HI | Free to USA, minus AK and HI |
| Return Policy | Free within trial period | Free within trial period |
Helix and Nectar offer pretty similar mattress policies. Both brands offer limited lifetime warranties, free shipping, and free returns. The main difference is their trial period. With the Helix Midnight, you get 120 nights to try it out. For the Nectar, youโll have a full year.
Helix vs. Nectar: Clarityโs Conclusion
The Helix Midnight and Nectar are both popular bed-in-a-box options. If you want a hybrid with more pressure relief and springiness, opt for the Midnight. Memory foam fans looking for top-notch motion isolation will love the Nectar. In terms of budget, the Nectar is also more affordable, but the Midnight will likely be a more durable bed, thanks to its coils and edge support.
 | | |
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Rating | ||
| Firmness | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | โ | โ |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the downsides of a Nectar mattress?
The Nectar mattress did score rather low in our edge support tests. We noticed quite a bit of sinkage while resting along the perimeter of the bed, which could cause instability for older adults or those with mobility concerns. For a foam bed, it also feels quite firmโso if youโre after the super-sink, โhuggingโ feel of traditional memory foam, Iโd look elsewhere. Its medium-firm feel is best-suited to back and stomach sleepers, while some side sleepers may want more pressure relief.
Is Nectar the same as Helix?
Nectar and Helix are two different mattress brands, offering differing ranges of mattresses and sleep products. Nectar beds, like the Classic Memory Foam, tend to skew toward affordable yet quality options. Helix attempts to cater to a wide range of sleeper types with its line of hybrids designed for different sleeping positions, body types, and firmnesses.
Is there a better mattress than Nectar?
The Nectar mattress is one of the best in terms of affordability and getting the most bang for your buck. Itโs a well-made foam bed that comes with pretty generous policies, and its medium-firm feel is certainly appealing, but it isnโt for everyone. If you want to spring for a luxury mattress, for example, you may feel inclined toward higher-end brands.
Is Helix the best mattress brand?
We certainly love Helix if youโre after a certain firmness or feel, as the brand offers many hybrids to cater to specific tastes and preferences. While reasonably priced, they are more expensive than other online mattress brands out there, so it comes down to your needs and budget.
