Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review – Great For Back Sleepers?

Written by Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Methodology

We personally test each mattress we review in our dedicated testing studio. We assess each bed for its overall feel, firmness, durability, cooling, and more.

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In This Review

I talk about my experience testing out the Helix Midnight Luxe, the brand’s medium-firm model with a cooling and comfortable pillow top.

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As a company, Helix is all about options. I have personally tested all 19 of the brand’s products, ranging from the Core collection to Elite line. 

But even though there are many options to choose from, the Helix Midnight Luxe remains one of the brand’s most popular options. It has a classic medium-firm feel and a luxurious pillow top, so it feels similar to what you’ll find in a nice hotel.

In my unbiased Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, I’ll go into detail about everything you need to know before purchasing. Keep reading to learn about the bed’s firmness, feel, cooling features, motion isolation, and more. 

I Recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe for…

• Back sleepers. This mattress has a medium-firm feel, coming in at 6.5/10 on our firmness scale. This means it offers a balance of comfort and support for most back sleepers. 
• Fans of luxurious pillow top mattresses. The Midnight Luxe has a tufted pillow top, which gives it a hotel look and feel.
• Hot sleepers. When I tested the mattress with my heat gun, it only got about four degrees hotter. This means that, even if you tend to overheat at night, you shouldn’t wake up feeling uncomfortable and stuffy.

I Don’t Recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe for…

• Stomach sleepers. This mattress isn’t firm enough to support people who solely sleep on their stomachs. In this sleeping position, you could feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can cause lower back pain. 
• Heavyweight side sleepers. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, you might feel some pressure when you sleep on your side. For some better options, I recommend taking a look at my list of the best mattresses for heavyweight people.
• People on a budget. The Helix Midnight Luxe has more high-end features than the Core model, including a tufted pillow top and enhanced lumbar support. For this reason, it has a higher price tag than many other mattresses on the market. If you want to save some money, take a look at my list of the best cheap mattresses. 

How Firm is the Helix Midnight Luxe?

The Mattress Clarity firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 feeling like cotton candy and 10 feeling like concrete. The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress comes in at 6.5/10, which happens to be the industry standard for medium-firm. When I rested on this mattress, I felt some nice support along my lower back and plenty of cushioning around my shoulder and hip — which is exactly what medium-firm mattresses are known for.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Test Performance: My Overall Thoughts

When I test mattresses, I don’t just take a nap. I also run several objective tests to assess its support, responsiveness, motion isolation, cooling, and more. 

Overall, the Helix Midnight Luxe earned a score of 4.4/5. Scroll over the category titles for full definitions, and keep reading to learn more about how I scored each performance element.

Mattress Performance Ratings

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Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress: Performance

Support

When I test a mattress’s support, I start by resting on my back. In this position, I didn’t feel my spine crane out of alignment. My lower back remained supported, while my hips gently sank into the plush pillow top. 

On my side, I found myself sinking through the top layer quite a bit. I’m a bigger guy who is 6’7”, so it makes sense that I felt some pressure along my shoulder and hip. Smaller people shouldn’t have this problem. 

When I rested on my stomach, I felt my hips sink into the top layer. This forced my back out of alignment, which could cause pain over time.

Even though I personally didn’t feel very supported while on my stomach and side, most average-weight and lightweight people shouldn’t have this problem. For this reason, I gave it a high support score of 4.5/5. 

Edge Support

Edge support is particularly important for couples. If the bed sags when you rest near the side, you will be forced to sleep toward the center of the mattress. 

When I sat along the side of the bed, the edge sagged 4”. This isn’t perfect, but it’s not terrible. For this reason, I gave the Midnight Luxe an edge support score of 4/5. 

It’s important to note that I weigh 270 lbs, so it makes sense that I caused the edges to dip a bit. If you’re a lightweight person, the edges may not sink as much.

Cooling

To test the Midnight Luxe’s cooling features, I used my handy heat gun. First, I measured the temperature of the surface without anyone on top of the bed. Then, I measured the temperature of the mattress after I rested on the bed for five minutes. 

The starting temperature was 74.2 F, and the ending temperature was 78.5 F. This means the temperature increased by 4.3 degrees F, which is very good. 

The cover feels breathable, and the coils promote airflow, so I wasn’t surprised to see the mattress perform well during my cooling test. In fact, the Helix Midnight Luxe was named one of the best cooling mattresses. 

Motion Transfer

Like edge support, motion transfer is important for couples to keep in mind. If a mattress doesn’t isolate motion well, it could cause one person to wake up when the other switches sleeping positions during the night.

To assess motion transfer, I put the mattress through two tests. First, I placed a glass of water on top of the mattress and pressed into the pillow top around it. I found that, even though the mattress has bouncy coils, the water didn’t ripple inside the glass very much. 

But I didn’t stop there. I also asked my co-worker, Elisa, to test it out. She switched sleeping positions on one side of the bed while I rested on the other. As she moved around, I felt the mattress shake slightly, but overall, I didn’t notice a lot of movement on my side of the bed.

The Midnight Luxe doesn’t isolate motion as well as most all-foam beds, but it is still a great mattress for couples. 

Response

“Responsiveness” is another way to describe how bouncy a mattress is. The higher the mattress’s response score, the easier it is to move around and switch sleeping positions. 

I pushed my hand into the surface of the Helix Midnight Luxe and saw that it sprang back into place rather quickly. And when I rested on the mattress, I found it really easy to switch sleeping positions. The Midnight Luxe doesn’t have a “quicksand” sort of feel like many memory foam mattresses do. Instead, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping “on top of” the mattress.

Durability

Most mattresses last between seven and 10 years. And even though I only tested this mattress for a few weeks, I can tell from its construction that it should last at least a decade. 

The Midnight Luxe mattress is 2” taller than the Core model, which means it should be more durable. I don’t expect it to sag as time goes on. For these reasons, I gave it a perfect score. 

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Company Policies Scores

Trial Period

The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial period, which you can use to decide if the mattress is right for you. The brand just asks that you try the mattress for at least 30 days before deciding to return it. Between the 30 day and 100 day mark, you can return your mattress for a full refund.

Warranty: 4.5/5

The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a generous 15-year warranty. Warranties serve as promises to the customer that the company will replace any defective or damaged mattress. Different companies have different warranty conditions, so it’s crucial to read the fine print for more information about your coverage.

Helix will cover manufacturing defects in the mattress. In addition, if the materials start to prematurely sag or split, Helix will replace the damaged part or the entire mattress.

However, the warranty is void if you don’t use the correct foundation for the mattress, mistreat the mattress, or take off its cover.

Two Hour Nap

No mattress testing session would be complete without taking a two-hour nap. When I rested on my back, I immediately felt the support from the coils in the support layer. Even as a larger person who’s 6’7” and 270 lbs, I didn’t sink through the mattress and “bottom out.” The plush pillow top cushioned my hips and created the pressure relief I needed.

Then, I rolled over to my side. In this position, I felt some pressure along my shoulder and hips. Yes, the top layer is plush and luxurious, but because I’m a bigger guy, I compressed it quite a bit. Smaller people may not have this issue.

I briefly rested on my stomach to see how it felt, even though I don’t usually sleep in this position. When I was on my stomach, I felt my hips sink out of alignment. This mattress is zoned, which means it has firmer coils in the center of the mattress. These coils are meant to offer more support for stomach sleepers, but in my personal experience, I didn’t feel a difference.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress – Other Factors to Consider

But that’s not all you need to know. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind before clicking “add to cart.”

Off-Gassing

When I unboxed the Helix Midnight Luxe, there was a slight chemical smell. This is completely normal when unboxing bed-in-a-box mattresses, and the smell went away after 48 hours. I recommend opening a window and waiting to sleep on the Helix Midnight mattress for the first two days.

Noise

The Helix Midnight Luxe didn’t make any noise when I moved around on it. But that said, it is a hybrid mattress, so the coils might start to squeak after many years of use. 

Sex

If you want one of the best mattresses for sex, look for a bed with a high response score. Bouncy and responsive mattresses are easier to move around on, which makes them good for getting intimate. Because the Midnight Luxe has a high response score, 4/5, it should be a great mattress for sex. 

Mattress Height

The Helix Midnight Luxe is 14” tall, which is 2” taller than the baseline Helix Midnight mattress and 2” shorter than the Midnight Elite. 

Price

At full price, a queen-size Helix Midnight Luxe costs $2373.80, which is pricier than other Helix models. Because this mattress is thicker and more durable than others on the market, it does have a higher price tag. If you want to save money, you might want to consider the baseline Helix Midnight mattress instead.

Sleeping Position & Weight

One mattress won’t work for every person. Finding the best one depends a lot on an individual’s body type and sleeping position. 

But overall, I say the Midnight Luxe is a good option for back sleepers. It offers ample support, which heavier people like me need, and it’s plush enough for smaller people. 

Side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs should feel comfortable and supported, but heavier people may feel some pressure along their shoulders and hips. 

The Midnight Luxe is a decent choice for lightweight stomach sleepers, because they won’t compress the top layer too much. People who weigh less than 130 lbs should be able to maintain the correct spine alignment in this sleeping position. Heavier people, however, will need something more supportive. Take a look at my list of the best firm mattresses for some better options. 

Sleeper Weight	Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight (under 130 lbs)	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Average (130 – 230 lbs)	Excellent	Good	Fair
Heavyweight (Over 230 lbs)	Good	Fair	Bad

Heavyweight Tester – 6’7”, 270 lbs

“I felt really great when I rested on my back — the coils supported my spine and prevented me from bottoming out. But when I slept on my side, I felt some tension along my shoulder. I also didn’t get enough support when I slept on my stomach. But overall, I like this mattress. It slept really cool and didn’t cause me to wake up feeling hot and stuffy.” – Marten

Average-weight Tester – 5’3”, 150 lbs

“I felt great when I rested on my back and side, but I didn’t get enough support on my stomach. Because I share a bed with my partner and two pets, I really appreciate the mattress’s edge support and motion isolation.” – Elisa

Lightweight Sleepers

People who weigh less than 130 lbs should feel comfortable on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress, no matter the sleeping position. This bed has a classic medium-firm feel and a thick pillow top, so lightweight back sleepers should feel supported and smaller side sleepers should get the pressure relief they need. Even lightweight stomach sleepers should get the hip support they need. People who weigh less than 130 lbs won’t compress the top layer too much, so people in this category should be able to maintain the correct spine alignment.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Construction

Now that we know more about the Midnight Luxe’s performance features, let’s take a look at its construction. Here’s what you’ll find in each layer. 

Cover

If you buy a Helix Midnight Luxe, you have a choice of two covers. You can opt for the soft cover made with Tencel fabric. This material is also hypoallergenic and breathable, promoting airflow through the top of the mattress. This is the one I tested. 

If you find yourself sleeping hot, you can choose the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover. This cover is cool to the touch and is designed to draw heat away from your body.

Comfort Layers

One of the standout features of the Helix Midnight Luxe is its plush quilted pillow top. This is the bed’s main comfort layer. The top cover is quilted with soft foam that helps create the cloudlike look and feel of the mattress.

Also in the top layers, you’ll find some responsive foam. This material is proprietary to Helix and is both soft and bouncy. It is also designed to have a medium-firm feel. You have the option to add a layer of contour foam for added pressure relief, but I haven’t tested a mattress with this material, so can’t recommend it one way or the other. 

Beneath that, you have a layer of Copper Gel Memory Foam. The copper gel infusion is meant to prevent the memory foam from trapping too much heat. It also has a medium firmness.

Below that, there is a layer of Helix Responsive Foam. This material acts as a transition layer before the support coils. 

Support Layers

In the support layer, you’ll find individually-wrapped coils. These springs helped support my body and keep my spine neutrally aligned. They’re zoned, so the center row of coils is firmer than the coils near the head and foot of the mattress. Though, in my experience, I couldn’t tell the difference between the zones. 

The coil layer rests on a layer of DuraDense foam. This high-density foam helps support the coils and prevents them from digging into your box spring or bed frame.

How to Try and Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Helix mattresses are only sold online, so you can’t try the mattress in a store before buying. Fortunately, all Helix mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial. This gives you about three months to test the mattress within the comfort of your own home. If you don’t like it, you can easily return it and get a full refund. 

Sizes and Prices of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Take a look at the chart below for the most up-to-date pricing and size information. Please note: Prices do not reflect discounts. You can often save money with Mattress Clarity coupons, found beneath the chart.

Size	Dimensions	Price
Twin	38″ x 75″	$1373.90
Twin XL	38″ x 80″	$1623.80
Full	54″ x 75″	$1998.80
Queen	60″ x 80″	$2373.80
King	76″ x 80″	$2873.80
California King	72″ x 84″	$2873.80

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a luxurious hybrid mattress with plush comfort and great support.

Use code CLARITY27 for 27% off sitewide + free bedding bundle with mattress purchase

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Clarity Score

4.6 / 5.0

How the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Compares

It’s always a good idea to do some comparison shopping when you’re looking for a new mattress. Let’s see how the Midnight Luxe compares to the Core model, as well as a couple competitors. 

Helix Midnight Luxe vs Helix Midnight

At first glance, the Helix Midnight Luxe and Helix Midnight have a number of similarities. They’re both hybrid mattresses that feature memory foam in their comfort layer. They’re also medium-firm mattresses that balance comfort and support.

The main difference between the Midnight Luxe and Midnight can be found right on top. The Midnight Luxe has an added pillow top, but the Midnight only has foam layers. This makes the Midnight Luxe feel more plush and luxurious than the core model. 

While they both include individually-wrapped coils, the Helix Midnight Luxe’s coils are zoned. The center of the Midnight Luxe mattress is firmer, but the standard Midnight’s isn’t. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a number of extra features, and this means it costs more. A queen size Midnight Luxe costs almost $1,000 more than a standard Helix Midnight.

Read the full Helix Midnight mattress review.

Helix Midnight Luxe vs DreamCloud Premier

The DreamCloud Premier is very similar to the Helix Midnight Luxe in construction and feel. Like the Helix Midnight Luxe, the DreamCloud Premier contains coils, multiple layers of foam, as well as a plush pillow top. It also scored a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale.

However, the DreamCloud Premier does not feature zoning like the Helix Midnight Luxe. Because of this, it doesn’t offer as much lumbar support. In addition, the DreamCloud Premier doesn’t contain as many breathable materials, so it may sleep hotter than the Helix Midnight Luxe.

But, with its zoning and additional cooling materials, the Helix Midnight Luxe costs more than the DreamCloud Premier.

Read the full DreamCloud Premier mattress review.

Helix Midnight Luxe vs Saatva

Both mattresses have coils in the support layer, but the Saatva has more of a traditional innerspring construction. The Saatva mattress only has a thin comfort layer consisting of a tufted pillow top. 

But just because there aren’t as many foam layers doesn’t mean the Saatva mattress is super firm. In fact, the Saatva is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I tested the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva mattress, which feels like a 7/10 on our firmness scale. 

The Saatva mattress doesn’t isolate motion as well as Helix Midnight Luxe, so it may not be a great option for couples. However, because the Saatva is never compressed into a cardboard box, there is no off-gassing period. All Saatva mattresses also come with free white glove delivery. 

Read my full Saatva mattress review. 

FAQs

How much does a Helix Midnight Luxe mattress cost?

A Helix Midnight Luxe mattress ranges in price from $1,199 for a twin to $2,499 for a California king.

How thick is the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress?

The Helix Midnight Luxe is 14” thick.

What’s the difference between Helix and Helix Luxe?

The Helix Luxe mattresses feature an additional pillow top as well as an optional pillow top, but the Helix mattresses do not. Also, the Helix Luxe mattresses have a zoned support layer, but the standard Helix mattresses do not.

Does the Helix Midnight Luxe sag?

As a hybrid and luxury mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe should last you at least 10 years. Its high-quality foams and strong coils should prevent any premature sagging.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Video Review