Saatva vs Helix Midnight: Which Should You Get?

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If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you may have heard of Saatva and Helix. Both have made a reputable name for themselves in the sleep industry. But which one is better?

Look no further, because we created a detailed Saatva vs Helix mattress comparison. We’ll go over everything you might need to know about these two mattresses to help make your purchasing decision much easier!

Saatva vs Helix Midnight Overview

Both Saatva and Helix are online mattress brands known for their high-quality materials. Saatva is known for their range of mattresses, from their all-foam Loom & Leaf to their memory foam hybrid. In this comparison, we’ll focus specifically on the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic.

As for Helix, their main goal is to provide customers with options and flexibility to meet a wide range of needs. Their six main models range in firmness, so there’s something for many preferences and sleeping positions. In this comparison, we’ll take a look at the Helix Midnight mattress. We have reviews on other models, like the Helix Sunset, Helix Moonlight, and Helix Dusk for you to check out, too!

Who Should Choose the Saatva Classic Luxury Mattress?Who Should Choose the Helix Midnight Mattress?
Anyone looking for one of the best mattresses for back sleepersHot sleepers
Fans of bouncy innerspring mattressesBack sleepers looking for comfort and support
Combination sleepers or people who shift around at nightFans of a balanced foam feel

Saatva vs Helix Midnight: Similarities and Differences

Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, let’s first see how these mattresses are similar and different. You can also see how they stack up against other beds in our Saatva mattress comparisons and our Helix mattress comparisons.

SimilaritiesDifferences
These mattresses are hybrids, meaning they have both foam and innersprings.These mattresses vary in height. The Saatva comes in two height options, either 11.5” or 14.5”. The Helix Midnight comes in at 12”.
Both of these mattresses are fantastic for back sleepers.The Saatva Classic has a bouncy pillow top feel, while the Helix Midnight feels more plush.
Both of them are some of the best orthopedic mattresses.On Helix’s website, you can take a quiz to determine which mattress is best for you. Saatva does not have this feature.
They’re both cooling mattresses that don’t trap body heat.Saatva mattresses are never compressed into cardboard boxes, so you can sleep on them right away. Helix mattresses arrive compressed into boxes and have 48-hour off-gassing periods.

Firmness and Feel Differences

People experience mattresses differently, and this is especially true when talking about firmness and feel.

How Firm Are The Saatva Classic Luxury And Helix Midnight Mattresses?

When looking for new mattresses, people usually pay attention to firmness levels. Some people like firmer mattresses, while others prefer softer mattresses.

Here at Mattress Clarity, we rate mattresses on a firmness scale from 1 to 10, with 6.5 being a standard medium-firm feel. Both the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight rate at a 7/10, making them just slightly firmer than the industry standard of 6.5/10. We should note that the Saatva is available in three different firmness levels. We reviewed the Luxury Firm.

Sleeping On the Saatva And Helix Midnight Mattresses

All in all, the Saatva Classic is one of our best mattresses for combination sleepers. What this really means is that it’s a winner for all sleeping positions. It performs fantastically well for back sleepers, making it one of the best mattresses for lower back pain. It’s even one of our best orthopedic mattresses, and is one of our best mattresses for arthritis, too!

Saatva Mattress - Back Sleeping

Most side sleepers will feel decent pressure relief on the Saatva Classic, but the Plush Soft model might be the best route. And of course, stomach sleepers should feel plenty of support on this bed. Heavier stomach sleepers might want to invest in the Firm version of this mattress.

For the Helix Midnight, we’d also say this is a great pick for back sleepers. The memory foam comfort layer offers good body contouring, and the coils in the support layer prevent most people from “bottoming out.”

Helix Midnight Mattress - Back Sleeping

Stomach sleepers won’t really enjoy the Helix Midnight, as it’s a bit too soft for them. Their hips might sink into the foam, which could throw the spine out of its proper alignment. Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 lb should feel fairly comfortable on the Helix Midnight, but heavier side sleepers will likely need a more supportive bed.

What Do The Saatva And Helix Midnight Mattresses Feel Like?

The Saatva Classic has a plush top layer and a supportive base layer. It feels very responsive, so you’ll sleep on top of this mattress rather than sink into it.

The Helix Midnight is also a fairly responsive mattress. This bed features a comfort layer made from the company’s proprietary Memory Plus foam. The top comfort layer has that classic, slow-moving feel to it, but the coils will prevent you from sinking in too much.

Average-Weight Sleepers: 130 lb – 230lb

The Saatva Classic is a win for every sleeping position. The sturdy coils help support the spine, and the plush pillow top alleviates pressure around the shoulders and hips. Even stomach sleepers should get the hip support they need on this bed.

Average-weight back and side sleepers should enjoy the Helix Midnight’s balanced foam feel and excellent lumbar support. Stomach sleepers might enjoy the Helix as-is, but we’d recommend going with a firmer option.

Heavyweight Sleepers: Over 230 lb

The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic is a decent option for heavier back, side and stomach sleepers. However, many people in this category will prefer the Firm model because it will prevent them from “bottoming out” on the mattress.

The Helix Midnight could be a good choice for heavier back sleepers. The balanced foam comfort layer provides a good amount of comfort and support. But if you rest on your side or stomach, we recommend buying one of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Lightweight Sleepers: Under 130 lb

If you’re a lightweight back or stomach sleeper, both mattresses will feel comfortable. That said, lightweight side sleepers may feel these beds are a bit too firm. If you fall in this category, you may want to consider getting the Plush Soft model of the Saatva Classic or the Helix Sunset.

Mattress Construction Differences

Because we’ve got two different mattresses to look, let’s see how they vary in their construction.

Cover

The Saatva Classic has an organic cotton cover, which is soft and breathable. It also features some tufting and quilting, which gives it that pillow top feel.

The Helix Midnight’s Soft Touch cover is made of a breathable material that feels cool-to-the-touch.

Comfort Layers

Saatva’s main comfort layer comes in the form of its pillow top. This makes the mattress feel super soft, and it provides great cushioning. It is definitely one of the best pillow-top mattresses we’ve reviewed. Right below the first comfort layer is a thin layer of memory foam, which helps alleviate pressure along the shoulders and hips.

Saatva Mattress - Construction

The Helix Midnight has multiple layers of comfort foam. On top, you’ll find some of their slow-moving Memory Plus Foam. Next, there are two layers of Helix Responsive Foam which add some more comfort to the top of the mattress while also keeping you from sinking in too far.

Helix Midnight Mattress - Construction

Support Layers

The Saatva Classic has two coil layers. The first layer contains microcoils that contour to the body. The second is a layer of individually-wrapped, high-grade steel coils that provide plenty of structure and durability.

Helix Midnight has multiple support layers as well. The first is a layer of individually-wrapped coils. Below that is a base layer of high-density polyfoam. These materials give the mattress a long lifespan and offer plenty of lumbar support.

Mattress Height

The Saatva Classic Luxury is available in two heights: 11.5” or 14.5” tall. We reviewed the 11.5” model.

The Helix Midnight measures 12” tall.

Saatva And Helix Midnight Performance Differences

Now that we’ve covered the construction of these mattresses, let’s see how they performed while we tested them out.

Sleeping Hot or Cold

As a hybrid mattress, the Saatva sleeps very cool. The cotton cover is breathable, and the coils in the support layer mean there’s enough space for airflow. We don’t anticipate anyone sleeping hot on this mattress.

The Helix Midnight is also a cooling mattress. The cover is designed to feel nice and breathable, and like the Saatva, the coils provide room for airflow.

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer refers to how much motion passes through the mattress. Some of the best mattresses for couples have little to no motion transfer.

When we tested the Saatva, we noticed a fair amount of motion transfer. This is fairly typical with most innerspring mattresses. The coils make for a very responsive mattress, so if you sleep with a partner, you’ll likely notice them change positions or get in and out of bed.

On the Helix Midnight, I was surprised to see that it handled motion transfer quite well. This is because of the slow-moving memory foam top layers. If you and your partner prefer innerspring mattresses, but sleep light enough to notice motion, the Helix Midnight could be for you.

Edge Support

Couples should also take note of edge support. With another person in bed, you’ll likely have to sleep closer to the edge. You certainly don’t want to feel like you could roll off the side.

Saatva Mattress - Edge Support

Both the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight have exceptional edge support. When I sat along the sides of these mattresses, I felt stable and secure. I could even bend down and tie my shoes without feeling like I would roll off the mattress.

Helix Midnight Mattress - Edge Support

Durability

Both mattresses boast high-quality materials and have sturdy coil support layers. We fully anticipate both the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight to last at least 10 years.

Off-Gassing

After you open a bed-in-a-box mattress, you might notice a slight chemical smell. We call this off-gassing, and it’s totally normal.

Because the Saatva does not arrive compressed inside a cardboard box, you won’t notice any strong smell.

The Helix Midnight is a bed-in-a-box mattress, so you will notice a slight chemical smell at first. Rest easy, though. This should completely fade away after 24 to 48 hours.

Noise

Light sleepers might be concerned with the squeaking sound innerspring mattresses make.

On the Saatva, we didn’t really notice any sound from the coils. However, after years of use, you may begin to notice noise from the coils.

On the Helix Midnight, I did notice some squeaking. However, it wasn’t super noticeable when I slept on it.

Sex

When looking for one of the best mattresses for sex, typically you’ll want something responsive and easy to move around on. All-foam mattresses might be difficult to move around on.

However, because the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight are hybrid mattresses that don’t cause you to sink into them, they will be great mattresses for sexual partners.

Saatva And Helix Midnight Mattress Size Options and Price

Saatva

SizeDimensionsPrice
Twin38″ x 75″$1395.00
Twin XL38″ x 80″$1495.00
Full54” x 75”$1995.00
Queen60″ x 80″$2095.00
King76″ x 80″$2595.00
California King72″ x 84″ $2595.00
Split King76″ x 80″$2990.00
Split California KingTwo 38″ x 80″ pieces$2990.00

Helix

SizeDimensionsPrice
Twin38″ x 75″$936.30
Twin XL38″ x 80″$1061.30
Full54″ x 75″$1248.80
Queen60″ x 80″$1373.80
King76″ x 80″$1748.80
California King72″ x 84″$1748.80

Company Policies

What happens when you purchase a mattress from Saatva or Helix Sleep? Here are some company policies.

Warranty Info

Saatva’s Classic Luxury Firm comes with a lifetime warranty. This includes a free replacement for defective mattresses within the first two years after purchase and free repairs after two years.

The Helix Midnight Mattress has a 10-year warranty. The Helix warranty is limited and covers some defects in the mattress.

Sleep Trial

Everyone needs some time to break in a new mattress, so both companies offer a trial period.

Saatva mattresses come with a 365-night sleep trial, while Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial.

Return Policy

During the sleep trial, you can return your Saatva mattress, but you will have to pay a $99 transportation fee.

You can return your Helix mattress at any time during the sleep trial, however Helix does recommend you keep it for 30 days before doing so.

Saatva vs Helix FAQs

Which version of the Saatva Classic should I 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.

What is the Helix Sleep Quiz?

The Helix Sleep quiz helps match sleepers to their perfect Helix mattress. It accounts for sleeping position, body type, and feel preferences in order to find the ideal bed for each person.

Can you flip the Saatva Classic or the Helix Midnight?

No, you cannot flip a Saatva or Helix mattress. These two mattresses have coil support systems at the bottom of the mattress, so if you flipped them, they wouldn’t feel comfortable.

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Tony Klespis

Tony Klespis

Staff Writer

About Author

Tony is a staff writer at Mattress Clarity and the brand’s accessories expert. In his role here, he’s tested more than 150 different products – so if you have questions about weighted blankets, eye masks, sheets, mattress toppers, or more, he’s your guy.

Tony earned an M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.A in English with a Creative Writing minor from Sam Houston State University.

After earning his Master’s Degree, he dove into the world of real estate investing as a digital marketing intern, where his main priority was to update and create blog content. Realizing the world of real estate investing was fascinating, Tony began to realize he loved learning about multiple subjects, and his horizons expanded.

Outside of the world of mattresses and mattress accessories, Tony can be found walking the streets with friends, phone in hand, playing Pokémon Go. When he’s not out doing that, his nose will be in a book, or he’ll relax to any and all cooking and baking content the internet has to offer.