Stuck between Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic? You are not alone. Both brands (and the models we’re comparing) are heavy hitters in the mattress world, known for high-quality materials, supportive comfort, and numerous glowing reviews. That said, they offer very different feels and features, which can make one a much better fit for your sleep style over the other.
In this detailed comparison, I break down construction, firmness, pricing, performance, and more, so you can confidently decide which mattress is the better fit for your sleep style.
Since starting in 2015, the rest of the Mattress Clarity team and I have tested over 500 mattresses. We have helped over 43,000 readers replace their old mattresses and find a better night’s rest.
So which model is the best mattress for you? Read on to find out.
Product
Type
Score
Should You Choose the Helix Midnight or Saatva?
During testing, we found that the Helix’s medium-firm construction and strong motion isolation made it a better choice for couples and sleepers who need a little extra cushioning in common pressure points. Meanwhile, the responsive support of the Saatva makes it a prime contender for combination sleepers and sleepers with bigger bodies.
| Who Should Choose the Helix Midnight? | Who Should Choose the Saatva? |
| Couples | Combination sleepers |
| Side sleepers | Back sleepers |
| Lightweight sleepers | Stomach sleepers |
Helix Midnight vs. Saatva Performance Scores
Both Saatva and Helix are online mattress brands known for their high-quality materials. Using notes from our certified sleep science coaches and expert mattress testers, we’ll compare the Luxury Firm model (Saatva offers three firmness options) of the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight hybrid mattress.
| Test | Helix Midnight | Saatva | Average |
| Firmness Level | 6.5/10 – Medium-Firm | 7.5/10 – Firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Unpleasant | Excellent | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.4/5 | 5/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling/Temperature Regulation | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 2.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.7” | 3.72” | 3.12” |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 16” | 34.5” | 17.89” |
| Bounce Rating | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.6 |
| Unboxing & Moving | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.3 |
| Off-gassing | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.2 |
Helix Midnight vs. Saatva Prices
| Helix Midnight Price | Saatva Price | |
| Twin | $998.66 | $1399.00 |
| Twin XL | $1124.00 | $1499.00 |
| Full | $1248.00 | $1999.00 |
| Queen | $1332.00 | $2099.00 |
| King | $1810.66 | $2595.00 |
| California King | $1810.66 | $2599.00 |
The above prices may not reflect current sales or promotions.
Before discounts, the Helix Midnight is significantly cheaper than the Saatva Classic. This is unsurprising, especially when you consider Saatva’s premium Euro topper and two layers of coils. That said, the Helix is a highly durable mattress despite its more budget-friendly price tag.
Key Differences Between the Helix Midnight and Saatva
While both mattresses contain coils and memory foam, the Saatva has a firmer, bouncier feel similar to traditional innerspring mattresses. The Saatva’s dual-coil construction differentiates it from the Helix Midnight in meaningful ways, which I will discuss below.
The Saatva Sleeps Cooler
During testing, mattress expert Livvi DiCicco found that the Saatva mattress effectively regulated temperature. Its individually wrapped coils facilitate airflow, which should be a tremendous benefit for hot sleepers who are prone to sweating through their sheets.
Using a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature of the Saatva before and after lying on it for 7 minutes, Livvi found a minimal temperature increase of 7.7 degrees, which is impressive for a mattress with a plush pillow-top (as these usually retain heat).
The Saatva outshone the Helix Midnight in this test, earning a 4/5 in the cooling category, whereas the Midnight earned a 3.5-star score. That said, if you think you would prefer the Helix Midnight, but need a little more temperature-regulating firepower, Helix offers an optional GlacioTex cooling cover add-on.
The Saatva Is Bouncier
The Saatva is a combination sleeper’s dream come true. Livvi DiCicco and her fellow mattress testers gave the Saatva a perfect 5/5 score in the responsiveness category because it was easy to move around on this model and change sleeping positions.
Sleepers who frequently shift at night to find the perfect position can do so on the Saatva without much resistance. In other words, these individuals should be able to snooze with minimal interruption on the Saatva Classic.
“The Saatva is super bouncy,” said Livvi DiCicco. “I switch from my side to stomach quite a bit when I sleep, and on my Saatva at home, I’m never caught feeling stuck, even in the contours of the pillow top. It’s a pretty seamless roll.”
The Helix Midnight also performed well in this category, earning a 4/5 for responsiveness. However, the Saatva has the clear edge overall.
The Helix Midnight Dampens Motion
While the Saatva Classic Mattress might be a better fit for combination sleepers seeking a mattress that makes it easy to switch sleeping positions, we can’t say the same thing for couples who are easily disturbed by motion transfer. The bouncy coils in the Saatva ensure that you will feel every movement your partner makes on your side of the bed.
The Helix Midnight did a much better job of isolating motion and preventing it from rippling across the surface, thanks to its soft memory foam layers. Our testers awarded the Helix a 4/5 in the motion isolation category, which is a significant leap above the 2.5/5 score the Saatva earned in this category.
“I could feel my testing partner moving around a little bit next to me,” one tester said. “However, it was very subtle, and I don’t think it would have woken me up from a heavy sleep.”
Similarities Between the Helix Midnight and Saatva
Like most mattresses with pocketed coils, the Helix Midnight and Saatva both excel in edge support and back-sleeping pressure relief. Both mattresses also passed the noise test, which is great news for anyone sensitive to creaks, squeaks, and things that bump in the night.
Both Have Strong Edge Support
While the Saatva has a slight edge over the Helix Midnight in terms of edge support, both mattresses have strong perimeters thanks to their steel coils. Most sleepers should be able to sprawl out across the entire surface of either mattress without fear of losing support or rolling off.
This support is particularly helpful for sleepers with mobility concerns, as it provides a secure surface to bear weight on while standing up in the morning.
Both Offer Solid Pressure Relief
Both mattresses nearly scored the same in the pressure relief category. The Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight are both excellent options for back sleepers (especially those with back pain), as their coils provide ample support in the lower lumbar region for spinal alignment.
“Both mattresses are extremely supportive and comfortable while lying on my back,” one tester said. “I don’t feel anything sagging, or any pressure or pain in this position.”
Both Mattresses Stay Quiet
Our testers note any sounds a mattress makes during testing, as they could be a deterrent for light sleepers who are sensitive to noise. Squeaky springs and coils can also indicate defects in the bed’s construction.
Fortunately, the Helix Midnight and Saatva passed our noise check with flying colors. Each bed earned a perfect 5-star score in the noise category.
Which Bed Is Better For Your Body Type?
Lightweight Sleepers (Up to 130 lbs)
Sleepers under 130 pounds will likely find the Saatva too firm. At 7.5 out of 10 on our scale, the Saatva is a firm mattress that is better suited for sleepers with bigger bodies who will sink in and get more cushioning from its pillow-top layer. Lightweight sleepers will likely experience pressure buildup in their hips, shoulders, and lower back on this mattress.
The Helix Midnight is a more balanced option for sleepers in this body weight category, thanks to its softer construction. These sleepers should experience some nice contouring on the surface of the Midnight, especially if they sleep on their sides.
“I really like the Helix Midnight for side sleeping,” said tester Riley Otis. “It has a lot of really nice plushness on top and supportive coils underneath that prevent me from sinking too far. My hips and shoulders are getting great cushioning. My spine is also really aligned.”
Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs)
Average-weight sleepers should find the Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic comfortable. Sleepers in this weight category should find balanced stability and pressure relief from both bed-in-a-box models. Back sleepers in this weight category should find adequate lumbar support on either bed.
That said, the Helix Midnight has a slight edge for side sleepers here, thanks to its slightly softer construction. Average-weight side sleepers will get more contouring for pressure-prone areas (hips and shoulders).
Heavyweight Sleepers (230 lbs and Up)
The Saatva is the clear winner for sleepers over 230 pounds. Its dual-coil support layers should offer these sleepers enough stability to prevent them from bottoming out. Sleepers with bigger bodies would likely sink in too far on the Midnight, causing spinal misalignment and potential discomfort.
“I immediately felt the alignment on the Saatva,” said one tester in this category. “It feels like a stretch when you haven’t stretched in a while. Nothing is sinking more than I expect, I overall pretty supported. I feel totally aligned.”
Helix Midnight vs. Saatva Construction and Materials
| Helix Midnight | Saatva | |
| Type of Mattress | Hybrid | Innerspring |
| Number of Layers (Including the Cover) | 4 | 5 |
| Height | 11.5” | 11.5” or 14.5” |
| Pillow Top | No | Yes |
| Organic Materials | No | Yes – organic cotton cover |
Both mattresses have layers of foam and innersprings. That said, the biggest differentiator between the two is Saatva’s dual coil layer support system.
Helix vs. Saatva Company Policies
| Helix Midnight | Saatva | |
| Trial Period | 120 nights (formerly 100 night trial) | 365-night trial |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free shipping in the 48 contiguous states | White glove delivery and free shipping in the 48 contiguous states |
| Return Policy | Free returns after 30 days with no processing fee | Free returns minus $99 processing fee |
Both mattresses come with generous lifetime warranties; however, Saatva offers a generous 365-night sleep trial with all of its mattresses.
Helix Midnight vs. Saatva: Clarity’s Conclusion
Overall, the Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic are two strong options, depending on your sleep needs. If you’re someone prioritizing a more balanced feel and gentle contouring for your hips and shoulders, the Helix Midnight is likely the better choice. For sleepers who need extra support or want to feel more “on top” of their mattress, the Saatva is the clear winner.
 |  | |
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Classic | |
| Rating | ||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring |
| Cooling | — | |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic mattresses last?
The Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic are high-quality mattresses that should last 7 to 10 years with proper use.
Which version of the Saatva Classic should you get?
Because Saatva has a few different models, it may be a bit confusing to know which one to get. Factors to consider when looking at a Saatva mattress could be height, body type and sleeping position. Heavier people might want to opt for the Firm mattress, while average and lightweight sleepers might want to choose the Plush Soft version.
Do Helix and Saatva offer free shipping?
Both brands offer free shipping within the contiguous 48 states. Saatva also offers a white glove delivery service, where they remove your old mattress and move in your new one for you.
How firm are the Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic?
The Helix Midnight sits right at the industry standard of medium-firm, or 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. The Saatva Classic is a bit firmer at 7.5 out of 10.
