Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review in brief
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium hybrid mattress designed for side sleepers. On the strength of its performance during our original review earlier this year, it shot straight into our guide to the best mattresses of the year.
But, several months down the line, does the Helix Midnight Luxe still live up to the hype? As well as calling in our original mattress for re-testing, we've also since had the opportunity to try out a Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign, a new optional support layer. This additional layer has designed specifically to boost comfort and lumbar support for those with back pain (our tester felt the tension in her back 'melt away' during her three night stay on this bed, but more on that further below.)
For those unfamiliar with this mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe is the newer, taller and plusher version of the original Helix Midnight, made with a mix of Helix Responsive Foam, Copper Gel Memory Foam, plus DuraFoam and up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils for support geared specifically towards those who sleep on their sides and backs.
So, was the Luxe as dreamy as we remembered, and is it really still the best mattress for side sleepers on the market today? In a word, yes. Below you'll find our in depth review of the Helix Midnight Luxe following a re-testing period, where we rate its performance across all key areas including motion isolation, pressure relief and edge support. However, if you only have time for the highlights, here’s our Helix Midnight Luxe review in brief…
Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, foam, coils
Firmness: 6 out of 10
Height: 13.5 inches
Trial period: 100 night
Warranty: 15 years
Price: From $1,899 at Helix
The Helix Midnight is a 13.5" tall hybrid mattress, housing up to 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils, responsive foams and cradling copper-infused memory foam. It’s topped by a plush pillow top cover, wrapped in a breathable, hypoallergenic Tencel cover.
In addition to our original review, which was produced after a seven-week testing period, our lead tester — who shares her bed with a partner (and, often, their two children and cat) — called in a queen size Helix Midnight Luxe for re-testing.
Not only does the plush pillow top provide exceptional sink-in support for side sleepers, it also adds height to the bed, giving it an air of 5-star hotel luxury that we almost overlooked the first time around. It's tall, so tall that you might almost topple out when you reach for your phone from the floor first thing in the morning, and undeniably luxurious.
The plush, cloud-like pillow top works in tandem with the responsiveness of the memory foam layer underneath, offering exceptional pressure relief across the shoulders, hips and knees. Yes, climbing into bed feels exactly like crawling on top of a beautifully cool marshmallow, but this is not a soft mattress. Beneath the pillow top, the Luxe is bolstered by steel coils and dense foam base layer, resulting in a bed that you sleep on top of, as opposed to sinking deeply into.
Helix rates this mattress as 5-6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Our panel of testers initially felt it was slightly firmer and rated it as 6 out of 10. After re-testing the Luxe, we think that assessment still stands, which places it in the true medium-firm category.
What our lead tester, an average weight side sleeper, found was that the medium-firm tension, combined with the plush pillow top and enhanced lumbar support, results in a superb level of pressure relief when side sleeping. There's no achy shoulders or dreaded dead hips here. Instead, you feel almost weightless. Additionally, our lead tester's partner, a heavier weight back sleeper, also felt comfortably supported when lying on both his back and side.
What's clear is that while the Helix Midnight Luxe has been crafted with side sleepers in mind, it's more than suitable for back sleepers too (although stomach sleepers will likely find it too soft.) Another big tick is the bed's ability to isolate motion incredibly well. Despite children climbing in and out of bed in the middle of the night, there's very little motion transfer, which is great news for anyone who shares a bed.
Edge support is decent, and that's largely down to the up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils that bolster the perimeter. However, we did feel a little bit of sink when sitting on the bed's edge, which we're putting that down to the squishiness of the pillow top. It's also worth noting that due to the high stature of the bed (13.5"), you may need to lower your bed frame in order to firmly plant your feet on the floor before standing, depending on your height and bed foundation set-up.
After re-testing the Helix Midnight Luxe, we highly recommended it if you want a plush hybrid bed for comfier, cooler side sleeping.
In regards to temperature regulation, the Tencel cover is an improvement on the breathable cover included as standard on the Helix Midnight and it’s both hypoallergenic and cool to the touch. We conducted both our reviews during the cooler winter months, as well as spending four nights sleeping on the Luxe in Arizona in September, during which our testing panel felt comfortably cool throughout. However, if you are prone to overheating, you might want to upgrade to the GlacioTex cooling cover for an additional $249.
Price wise, regular Helix sales mean that a queen Helix Midnight Luxe retails in the region of $1,899. However, the current Helix Black Friday Mattress deals are now live, shaving a significant 27% off the MSRP. That brings the price of a queen down to $1,732 (was $2,373). Plus, you'll get a free bedding bundle worth up to $418, including two pillows, a mattress protector and sheet set.
Standard shipping within the US is free and fast but FedEx will only deliver to your front door. However, Helix has recently teamed up with delivery firm LoadUp to include mattress set up and removal options — prices vary and depend largely on your location.
After re-testing the Helix Midnight Luxe, we highly recommended it if you want a plush hybrid bed for comfier, cooler side sleeping. It's durable, well made, and we rate it as one of the best hybrid mattresses you can buy.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Price & trial
- Usually on sale for 20-25% off, with free bedding thrown in
- A queen typically sells for $1,899
- It comes with a 100 night sleep trial and 15 year warranty
Helix mattress sales typically range between 20%-25%, with the latter reserved for key sale events. However, this year's Black Friday mattress deal takes 27% off the Helix Midnight Luxe, which includes a free bedding bundle worth up to $418. That translates to an incredible combined saving of $1,193.
Here’s the current MSRP and sale pricing for the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress:
- Twin MSRP: $1,373.80 (usually on sale for $1,099)
- Twin XL MSRP: $1,623.80 (usually on sale for $1,299)
- Full: $1,998.80 (usually on sale for $1,599)
- Queen: $2,373.80 (usually on sale for $1,899)
- King: $2,873.80 (usually on sale for $2,299)
- California king: $2,873.80 (usually on sale for $2,299)
- Short queen: $2,373.80 (usually on sale for $1,899)
- RV king: $2,873.80 (usually on sale for $2,299)
Taking into account regular discounts, the Helix Midnight Luxe is similarly priced to the Saatva Classic, which we rate as the number one mattress in the world right now (you can read why in our Saatva Classic mattress review). While the two mattresses boast several similarities, Helix benefits don't quite match Saatva's.
The sleep trial here is an industry-standard 100 nights versus a year's trial at Saatva, while a the 15 years warranty is also eclipsed by Saatva's lifetime warranty. Helix mattress shipping is free and fast, but the only option to upgrade to white glove delivery is through a third party, with prices and availability depending on your location. Again, Saatva takes the lead here, offering free white glove delivery and old mattress removal. While both beds are supremely comfortable, those benefits could influence where you choose to make your investment.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Design
- At 13.5 inches, it’s 2 inches taller than the Helix Midnight
- 6 comfort layers, comprising of memory foam, foam and coils
- Zoned lumbar support coils for pressure relief
At 13.5 inches tall, the Helix Midnight Luxe is 2 inches taller than the Helix Midnight, which sits in the brand’s Core range. This height difference is crucial, as a depth of between 12 and 14 inches is considered an optimum depth for supporting the side sleeping position.
Like other beds in Helix’s Luxe collection, the Midnight comes with a breathable, hypoallergenic Tencel cover. However, you also have the option to upgrade to a premium pillow top infused with GlacioTex cooling for additional temperature regulation.
Since conducting our original review, Helix has released another new optional upgrade; the ErgoAlign layer. This is a zoned top layer featuring ultra dense foam around your mid section, designed to support and release pressure from your lumbar region.
For the purpose of this review, we tested a queen size mattress with the hypoallergenic Tencel cover, but also got the opportunity to spend four nights on a Helix Midnight Luxe with the inclusion of the ErgoAlign layer. For closer analysis on this layer, and whether we think it's worth the additional $249, scroll down to our comfort and support section below.
Beneath the Tencel cover is a premium quilted pillow top sewn into the top of the mattress, which provides an elevated, cloud-like feel. Underneath is a dense layer of responsive foam which helps give the bed its medium firmness rating. Next up, there is a layer of copper gel-infused ultra responsive memory foam for optimal support and stability.
We then reach the layer of durable steel coils, of which there are up to 1,000 within the Midnight Luxe. This advanced lumbar support provides reinforced support beneath the hips to help keep your spine in healthy alignment as well as bolstering the support around the bed’s edge. At the bottom, a dense layer of foam provides the base support of the mattress.
It is worth noting that this bed expands incredibly quickly (within 30-45 minutes), so we would advise making sure your mattress is where you’d like it (and the right side up) before removing it from the box. Its depth, plus weight (between 95 lbs - 125 lbs, depending on the mattress size), make it incredibly difficult to maneuver. Disappointingly, the lack of any handles on the side make this harder.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Comfort & support
- Premium pillow top offers exceptional pressure relief
- We rate this mattress as 6 out of 10 for firmness
- Supportive enough to sleep comfortably on your back, too
The Helix Midnight Luxe has been crafted specifically with side sleepers in mind, but is supportive enough to sleep on your back, too. And that's down to the bed's combination of its plush premium pillow top, closely followed by its ultra responsive memory foam.
During both stints sleeping on the Midnight Luxe, our side-sleeping lead tester experienced cloud-like comfort across her shoulders, hips and knees. What’s more, she didn’t experience any of the dreaded 'dead hip' she is prone to getting when sleeping on her side for too long, which meant she was comfortable enough to stay sleeping on her side throughout the night.
Thanks to the Midnight Luxe's reinforced lumbar support and the cozy pillow-top, I couldn't help but shift onto my back and feel the tension melt away.
However, a separate member of our testing panel, a side sleeper with mild scoliosis and recurrent lower back pain, spent four nights sleeping on a Helix Midnight Luxe with ArgoAlign during a stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona, courtesy of 3Z Brands, the parent company of Helix. Unusually for her, she found most benefit from the inclusion of the dense foam support layer when sleeping on her back.
"I’m typically a side sleeper and found Midnight Luxe comfortable in that position. (I also slept on my stomach at points, which felt fine.) However, by the end of my stay, I was waking up on my back – a position I rarely find myself in," she notes. "Thanks to the Midnight Luxe's reinforced lumbar support (the dense foam in the ErgoAlign centre, firmer pocket coils in the middle) and the cozy pillow-top, I couldn't help but shift onto my back and feel the tension melt away.
Given my history of back problems, sleeping on my back is probably a good habit for me to develop. Yet, no other mattress (or topper) I’ve tried has made me enjoy it as much as the Midnight Luxe With ErgoAlign did."
Regardless of whether you sleep on your side or back, the plush pillow top offers blissful cushioning across the touch-points of the mattress, which — alongside the responsiveness of the upper foam layer — provides blissful body cradling comfort. However, it's worth repeating that this is by no means a soft bed and, thanks to the inclusion of up to 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils and copper-infused memory foam, it provides plenty of support that holds you on top of the bed, as opposed to sinking too far into it.
The steel coils work in tandem with the foam layers to effectively provide enhanced lumbar support and pressure relief. As well as keeping the spine cradled in healthy alignment when side sleeping, this ergonomic support meant that our lead tester’s heavier back-sleeping partner felt comfortable and supported while sleeping on his back, making this a good option for combination sleepers.
Helix Sleep places the Midnight Luxe as slap bang in the middle for support at 5-6 out of 10 for firmness, but we would rate it slightly firmer at 6 out of 10. However, stomach sleepers will likely find this mattress to be too soft to adequately support their spine when sleeping on their front. If you want a firmer mattress that performs well for side and stomach sleeping, we recommend the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress instead (read our Nectar Mattress review for more).
Pressure relief score: 5/5
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Set up
- Free and fast shipping within 3-5 days in the US
- Arrives in box and expands within 30-45 minutes
- No obvious off-gassing during unboxing
Delivery on the Helix Midnight Luxe is free and fast within the US. As we'd expect from one of the best mattress in a box brands in America, the Helix arrives vacuum packed and neatly rolled into a box for easy transportation. Unlike some other premium mattresses, White Glove Delivery isn’t included in the delivery.
However, Helix has recently teamed up with delivery firm LoadUp, which means you can arrange to have your mattress set up in your chosen space, as well as arranging the removal of your old bed. Prices for this service depend on your location and should be arranged at checkout - just enter your zip code for an estimate.
Given how heavy the Midnight Luxe is (between 95 lbs - 125 lbs, depending on the mattress size), the option to upgrade your purchase to include in home set-up is useful - but could work out expensive. If you want a good side sleeper mattress but would prefer a brand who ships direct to your bedroom and installs your new mattress for free, try the Saatva Classic instead.
Our box arrived incredibly damaged, but we believe that would have happened during shipping. Despite the damage to the box, the mattress had its plastic wrap still intact and was undamaged inside.
When we read that the Helix would take just 30-45 minutes to fully inflate, we were skeptical. The rate of expansion differs from each mattress and depends largely on the materials and components used, but other mattresses in a box usually take between 4 and 72 hours to fully expand. However, once we started unwrapping the mattress, it immediately began to take shape and had fully expanded within the specified time.
Some mattresses in a box can emit a strong odor after being vacuum sealed. This is called mattress off gassing, and is essentially any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) being released into the air after being sealed. (Strong mattress off gassing is an indication of higher levels of VOCs, which is bad news for your health.) Despite having a sensitive sense of smell, our lead tester didn’t detect any obvious off-gassing.
Delivery and setup score: 4 out of 5
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Performance
- Absorbs motion isolation incredibly well
- Good temperature regulation; optional upgrade to cooling cover
- Edge support is reliable
Our lead mattress tester initially slept on a queen size Helix Midnight Luxe mattress for seven weeks. As part of Tom’s Guide’s rigorous mattress testing methodology, we carried out a series of tests in order to gauge three specific areas of performance — motion isolation (a term to describe how well a bed absorbs movement), edge support (how sturdy the perimeter of the mattress is), and temperature regulation (how well the mattress regulates temperatures and prevents overheating). After re-testing the Luxe, we carried out those tests for a second time.
Here's what we discovered:
Motion isolation
As someone who shares their bed with a partner (and often their two kids and cat), motion isolation is a keen area of performance for our lead reviewer. The Helix Midnight Luxe absorbs motion throughout the mattress incredibly well, which meant that our lead reviewer (a self-confessed restless sleeper) wasn’t disturbed by any movement elsewhere in the bed throughout the night.
In order to cross reference the Helix Midnight Luxe’s motion isolation against that of other mattresses, our lead tester then carried out a series of drop tests. We dropped a 10lb weight from a 6 inch height on the surface of the mattress, placing a wine glass 4 inches, 10 inches and then 25 inches away. We observed both the movement of the wine glass, and how quickly the weight settled into place.
When dropping the weight 4 inches away, the glass wobbled but didn’t fall over. When we did the drop a second time from 10 inches away, the wobbled again, but less so. When we dropped the weight from a distance of 25 inches away, the wine glass barely moved. In all instances, the 10lb weight bounced once before settling.
These results mirror the findings our lead tester experienced during two separate testing periods during which she and her family slept in the bed, that the Helix Midnight Luxe handles motion isolation incredibly well. For another excellent mattress for motion isolation, read our Leesa Sapira Mattress review.
Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5
Temperature control
Like the Helix Midnight, the Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a breathable Tencel cover that feels cool to the touch. However, there is also the option to upgrade to Helix’s GlacioTex cooling Pillow Top cover, which costs an extra $249 across all mattress sizes.
During both our stints of sleeping on the standard Tencel cover, we didn’t overheat at any point, nor did we feel like our temperature was steadily rising throughout the night. However, it is worth noting that our lead mattress reviewer tested this mattress both times during the cooler winter months, and wouldn’t describe herself as a particularly hot sleeper. However, another member of our testing panel slept on the Helix Midnight Luxe for four nights in Arizona during September and reported that maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
If you are particularly prone to overheating at night (or you live in a warmer part of the world), we would recommend upgrading to the specialist cooling cover, which is sewn directly into the surface of your mattress. The GlacioTex technology works to wick away any heat or moisture while you sleep, helping you to stay cool and comfortable.
For reliable cooling on a smaller budget, we recommend the Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress, which is on sale most months for $699 for a queen and you'll get $179 of free cooling bedding. Read our Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review for full test data.
Temperature control score: 4 out of 5
Edge support
Edge support is a term to describe the sturdiness of the perimeter of a mattress. Sturdy edge support is an important feature for any mattress, as it allows you to sleep right up to the bed’s edge, or safely sit before standing without feeling as though the mattress is dipping or collapsing beneath you.
According to Helix Sleep, the Midnight Luxe has full perimeter edge support for enhanced stability. In order to put that to the test, we placed a 50lb weight in the middle of the mattress’s perimeter and measured the depth it sank.
The weight sank 3 inches when placed on the side, and to a depth of 2.75 inches when placed at the foot of the bed. The weight did begin to roll forwards on some occasions, but that could easily be due to the plush pillowy surface of the pillow top.
During our review, our lead tester was able to sleep comfortably up to the edge of the mattress without feeling as though the mattress was sinking or dipping. She also felt well supported when sitting on both the edge and bottom of the bed, while other members of our testing panel reported that the mattress felt reassuringly sturdy when sitting on the bed's edge before standing.
Edge support score: 4 out of 5
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Customer reviews
- 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 6,612 verified customer reviews (November 2024)
- Critics deem the Helix Midnight to be softer than expected
- 5 star reviews cite its outstanding lumbar support
At the time of publication, there are 6,612 verified customer reviews on the Helix Sleep website, giving an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 for the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress.
Many of the 5 star ratings laud the bed’s plush but supportive sleep surface, which they believe provides deep pressure relief for their side sleeping position. Other satisfied reviews cite its lumbar support as helping reduce or eliminate back and neck pain, while others recommend the Midnight for both back and side sleepers.
From the relatively small pool of one and two star ratings, the main criticisms are that the mattress is softer than expected while a smaller still minority feel the mattress is much firmer than expected. There were also several criticisms surrounding the Midnight’s temperature regulation, with some complaining of overheating despite investing in the GlacioTex cooling cover.
Should you buy the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress?
The Helix Midnight Luxe provides outstanding pressure relief, crafted specifically for side sleepers. However, we found it to be as comfortable and supportive for back sleepers too. The inclusion of a plush, pillow top and enhanced zoned lumbar support make it worth the price hike from the Helix Midnight, which, taking into account current discounts, costs $999 for a queen (you can read our Helix Midnight mattress review for closer test analysis on the Luxe's more affordable predecessor.)
Motion isolation is also very strong, which will appeal to restless sleepers who share a bed. Temperature regulation is decent, but could be worth splashing out on the GlacioTex cooling cover if you're an especially hot sleeper. Edge support has been bolstered around the bed's perimeter, so you can sleep comfortably right up to the edge, or safely sit before standing.
After experiencing the Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign firsthand, we would recommend paying the additional $249 (currently on sale for $199) for those with significant back pain. However, even without the ErgoAlign layer, we deem the Luxe to be one of the best mattresses for back pain, due to its pressure relief and enhanced lumbar support.
In short, if you're predominantly a side, back or combination sleeper who shares a bed or experiences back pain, then the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent mattress for you. The outstanding pressure relief, motion isolation and zoned lumbar support make it an excellent choice.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review: Alternatives
The Helix Midnight is the Midnight Luxe's more affordable sibling. During our Helix Midnight mattress review, we found it offered excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. However, you don't get the enhanced lumbar support or the pillow top mattress. Still, it's a solid choice for side sleepers at a fraction of the price of the luxe. Read more in our Helix Midnight mattress review.
If you're looking for a mattress that offers blissful pressure relief to support your side sleeping position, then the Amerisleep AS3 is one of the best. Available as both an all foam and a hybrid, the AS3 comes with a machine washable cooling cover, 20 year warranty and sturdy edge support. For more in depth analysis, check out our Amerisleep AS3 mattress review.
The Saatva Classic offers customisable support (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm) and two height options. Side sleepers should opt for the14.5 inch height and either the Plush Soft or Luxury Firm, depending on your sleep needs. A queen Classic is often on sale for round $1,795 in monthly Saatva mattress sales, with a year's sleep trial, lifetime warranty and white glove delivery.
