Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Are you after a super-soft mattress? The Helix Sunset may be the answer to your prayers. This is the softest mattress offered by the Helix brand.
Though it was designed to cater to side sleepers, this hybrid bed should fare well for anyone who’s seeking plush comfort. We tested the Helix Sunset and found out its star power when it comes to cushioning and pressure relief—and those coils underneath don’t skimp on the support.
In this review, we’ll go over what we found in terms of support, pressure relief, bounce, motion isolation, and other such factors you want to know about before buying a mattress.
Helix Sunset Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Sunset Performance Ratings
Who We Recommend The Helix Sunset For:
- Side sleepers – This hybrid mattress has coils and foam, but the soft feel makes it more similar to a memory foam mattress than a hybrid one. As such, we think it’s an excellent match for strict side sleepers because it does a good job of taking the pressure off the hips and shoulders.
- People with joint pain – People with achy joints need a mattress that won’t add to the problem. We think the Helix Sunset is a good match as it’s soft enough to cradle the sensitive points and relieve pressure and pain.
- Lightweight back sleepers – Back sleepers weighing 130 pounds or less should like the combination of support and pressure relief offered by the Helix Sunset.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Helix Sunset For:
- Heavy sleepers – We don’t think this mattress is a good match for people over 230 pounds as it’s too soft and not supportive enough. Instead, we think you’re better off with a more supportive Helix mattress, such as the Helix Plus.
- Stomach sleepers – If you’re a strict stomach sleeper, we think this mattress may be too soft for you. Most stomach sleepers would find their hips sinking too far in, which we think can cause spine misalignment and lower back pain. Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer mattress.
- Light sleepers – We tested motion isolation of the Helix Sunset and weren’t impressed. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel your partner moving, especially if they’re a restless sleeper. Instead, we’d recommend the Helix Midnight as a better option for those easily awakened.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Sunset Mattress
The Helix Sunset has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Helix’s website. Customers appreciate the Helix Sunset mattress for its personalized comfort based on individual sleep preferences, but some have reported a minor initial off-gassing odor.
Testing the Helix Sunset Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
When we test mattresses, there are specific features we consider, including motion isolation, bounce, cooling, and edge support. Our team also tests the mattress in various positions to see how the bed performs in terms of pressure relief and support in each position.
When then use the information we’ve gathered to provide scores for specific performance categories and share who we think a mattress is best suited for.
To learn more about our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 5.5 / 10
Firmness is important to consider when buying a new mattress. However, it’s subjective, and what you may find firm might not be firm enough for someone else.
We rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. With that said, we think the Helix Sunset falls at a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This medium firmness means the Sunset feels slightly softer than medium-firm beds rated at about 6 to 6.5.
How Does It Feel?
One of the first things we noticed when testing this mattress is the balanced foam feel combined with a plush, soft top. The comfort layer allows just enough sinkage, like what you’d get from a typical memory foam mattress.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to Helix, the Helix Sunset can comfortably support up to 500 pounds for sizes Twin to Full and up to 1,000 pounds for Queen and up. However, just because this bed can physically support heavier-weight people doesn’t mean it will feel supportive or keep your spine in alignment. Weight and sleeping position both play important roles in how this bed will feel to you.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – We think the Helix Sunset is an excellent mattress for lightweight side sleepers. According to our testers, the mattress allows plenty of sinkage and pressure relief, allowing maximum comfort around sensitive joints.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers are likely to sink deeper into the mattress, getting even more cushioning. This should be comfortable for most people as the coils support the body to keep everything in alignment.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy side sleepers are likely to experience this mattress as even softer due to their hips sinking deeper. We think most people over 230 pounds will press too deep into the mattress, missing the benefits of the comfort layers.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – We expect lightweight back sleepers to enjoy the Sunset’s top foam layers contouring their curves to reduce pressure and lower back pain.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average-weight sleepers should still get sufficient support from the coils while enjoying the soft, cushioning comfort layers. However, we think those closer to 230 pounds may find the Sunset a bit too soft around the lower back and hips.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – We don’t think the Helix Sunset is a good match for heavy back sleepers as they would probably sink too deeply around the lower back. Instead, we suggest you try the Helix Plus.
Explore the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Although lightweight stomach sleepers don’t need as much support, we think this mattress is still too soft for most people under 130 pounds.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Like lightweight stomach sleepers, average-weight sleepers are likely to find this mattress too soft.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – We think the Helix Sunset is far too soft for heavy sleepers who enjoy sleeping on their stomach.
Pressure Relief
5/5
The Helix Sunset is, in our opinion, one of the best Helix mattresses for pressure and pain relief in light and average-weight sleepers. This bed has several layers of plush foam combined with coils to help with weight distribution and pressure relief in various sleeping positions.
However, we think anyone above 230 pounds may find this bed too soft, experiencing more pressure buildup. This is because they’re likely to sink through the comfort layers all the way to the coils.
Is the Helix Sunset Good for Pain Relief?
The Helix Sunset mattress is a good option for pain and pressure relief, depending on the sleeper’s weight. We found this bed to do a good job of relieving pressure and pain in the shoulders, hips, and knees when sleeping on the side.
However, this was only the case with lightweight and average-weight people on our team. Heaver people experienced very little relief, most of them bottoming out to the coils instead.
Back Pain
We think the Helix Sunset does a good job of alleviating pain in the lower back for lightweight and average-weight sleepers. Heavy people weighing over 230 pounds are likely to sink deeper, which can cause more pain than relieve it. Find the best mattresses for back pain here.
Hip Pain
We think the Helix Sunset is an excellent option for side sleepers with hip pain as it contours the body and cradles the hips as you sleep. In the pressure map above, you can see that the hip is cradled when a person is in the side sleeping position.
However, if you switch over to your stomach, we don’t think it would be nearly as comfortable. The Sunset is too soft for stomach sleeping because the hips would sink too deeply to keep the spine aligned. Explore our picks for the best mattresses for hip pain.
Shoulder Pain
If you usually wake up with shoulder pain when you sleep on the side, we think the Helix Sunset could help you sleep better. The mattress has a softer feel and allows just enough sinkage to relieve pressure and pain in the shoulders.
Support
4/5
The Helix Sunset has a softer feel, but we wouldn’t say it’s not supportive. Although it has softer comfort layers, it has coils that do a good job of supporting your body in various sleeping positions. We think it offers a solid level of support for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers, but stomach sleepers and some back sleepers may want something firmer.
Motion Isolation
3.5/5
Motion transfer dictates how much of your partner’s movement you’ll be able to feel on your side of the bed.
We’d say the Sunset does an average job of isolating motion. The comfort layers make you feel as if you’re sleeping on a memory foam mattress, but the Sunset also has coils that make it bouncier than all-foam beds. This means that light sleepers may feel a restless partner move during the night.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4/5
Although we wouldn’t call the Sunset a particularly cooling mattress, we think it still does a fairly good job of regulating temperature. We didn’t feel any heat building up as we lay on the bed, mostly thanks to the Soft Touch Design cover that’s very breathable and comfortable.
Although it has memory foam, which is known for trapping heat, this mattress also has coils that allow more air to flow through the bed. Nonetheless, if you’re an extremely hot sleeper, we think you’d prefer something more cooling.
Read More: Best Cooling Mattresses
Bounce
4/5
This Helix has some bounce to it, but we wouldn’t call it the bounciest of the brand’s models. Nonetheless, the buoyancy from the coils makes it easier to reposition, so you’re unlikely to feel trapped, even with all the softness in the comfort layer. Although this bounce limits the bed’s ability to isolate motion as well as all-foam beds, we think it’s a benefit for people with mobility issues and sexually active couples.
Edge Support
3/5
When we tested this bed for edge support, we noticed the edges compressed a bit when lying and sitting near the edge. However, this isn’t so surprising given the softer firmness level. We think this could be a drawback for couples who like to spread out, though getting a larger mattress size may also solve this issue.
Performance for Couples
3/5
We think the Helix Sunset mattress has decent bounce and responsiveness that can appeal to couples who are sexually active. However, we found it doesn’t have the best motion isolation and edge support, which could be a drawback for couples. If you’re worried about disturbing your partner with movement or want a bed you can spread out on, we think you’re better off with a different bed.
Explore our picks for the best beds for couples here.
Helix Sunset Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Preference-Based Features
Free Shipping
Helix offers free shipping within the contigious United States.
Great for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers who need a softer mattress to relieve pressure in the shoulders and hips should appreciate the Helix Sunset. We think this mattress has just the right softness to cradle side sleepers without making them feel trapped.
Excellent for Joint Pain
The softer feel of the Sunset’s comfort layer should do wonders for joint pain. We think it does a good job of contouring and cushioning achy joints instead of pushing back against them.
Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Sunset?
The Helix Sunset is 11.5 inches tall, but if you upgrade to the Luxe version of this mattress, you’ll get a 13.5-inch high bed. The Sunset is a hybrid that combines foam and coils to deliver a balance of pressure relief and support.
The cover of the Helix Sunset is made from 100 percent polyester and is soft to the touch. Although it’s not a cooling cover, we think it does a good job of promoting airflow as we didn’t feel any heat building up. However, you can opt for the brand’s GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover if you run extra hot at night, though this comes with an additional fee.
- The comfort layer is made from Memory Plus Foam, which is designed to contour the body to relieve joint pressure and pain. This layer has a softer feel and is comfortable for side and back sleeping.
- Further below is the transition layer made of Helix Dynamic Foam. This layer has a soft, cushioning feel that provides ergonomic support.
- The support layer comes next, featuring individually wrapped coils to provide support and bounciness. We think the coils also help with airflow to keep the construction cool.
- The final layer is the base of the mattress, which is made with DuraDense Foam, a poly foam that supports the entire mattress and adds to its longevity.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Helix Sunset comes in a box, so it’s compressed and may take up to 48 hours to fully decompress before you can use it. We suggest you unpack and unroll it on your bed foundation of choice, letting it come to its full size before sleeping on it.
We noticed this bed had a strong chemical smell when we first unpacked it. Due to this off-gassing, it’s best to leave it in a well-ventilated room for at least a day or two before adding any bedding.
Also, it would help to have a friend or a family member assist you in unboxing and placing the bed on your foundation of choice since we found it to be quite heavy.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® certified – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- GREENGUARD Gold certified – This mattress has a GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure it meets strict health and safety standards for low chemical emissions.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States. However, orders shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada will cost $250.
- Trial – This mattress comes with a 100-night trial. If you don’t like it, you can return it.
- Warranty – The Helix Sunset comes with a 10-year warranty.
- Return Policy – Helix asks that you try out your mattress for 30 nights before returning it. If you still want to return it, you have to do so before the 100-night trial is up, and they will refund your money and pick up the bed.
Helix Sunset Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 11.5” | $936.30 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,061.30 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 11.5” | $1,248.80 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,332 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,748.80 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 11.5” | $1,748.80 |
Helix Sunset FAQs
Does the Helix Sunset mattress need a box spring?
According to Helix, you shouldn’t use a box spring for the Sunset unless you have a bunkie board on top. Instead, the company recommends a slatted base with slates 5 inches apart. They also recommend adjustable bases and platform bed frames.
Is the Helix Sunset organic?
No, the Helix Sunset is not made from organic materials. If you’re after a more eco-friendly mattress, the Helix Birch may be a good option as it has natural Talalay latex, eco-friendly Birch wool, and soft organic cotton.
Why does my Helix mattress smell?
It’s common for bed-in-a-box mattresses containing synthetic materials to produce a chemical smell when you first open and unwrap them. This is called off-gassing. The odor, although unpleasant, is considered harmless and should fade within a day or two.
What does Helix do with returned mattresses?
When you return a mattress, Helix donates it to charities and housing facilities in your local community. However, this is sometimes not possible if your state’s laws prohibit donating used mattresses. In this case, Helix sends them over to recycling centers, so they don’t sit in landfills.
Helix vs. Other Brands
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| Helix Sunset Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nectar Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Joint Pain, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples |
Who We Recommend the WinkBed For
- Those who want a firmer mattress
- Stomach and back sleepers
- People with back pain
Read our WinkBed Mattress Review if you think the WinkBed is right for you.
Who We Recommend the Nectar For
- Those who want to sink deeply into the mattress
- Light sleepers who share a bed
- Those who are on a tighter budget
Explore our Nectar Mattress Review.
Helix Sunset vs. Other Helix Models
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| Helix Sunset Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Helix Plus Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 15-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Joint Pain, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Who We Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Back sleepers
- Average and heavier-weight sleepers
- Those who prefer a medium-firm mattress
Check out our Helix Midnight Mattress Review.
Who We Recommend the Helix Plus For
- Those who prefer a firmer-feeling mattress
- Average-weight back and stomach sleepers
- Heavier-weight side, stomach, or back sleepers
Learn more in our Helix Plus Mattress Review.
Our Verdict
The Helix Sunset is a hybrid mattress with a soft feel and excellent pressure-relieving memory foam.
In our opinion, the Helix Sunset is a good mattress for lightweight and average-weight side and back sleepers. It’s also good for those who aren’t easily disturbed since it doesn’t have the best motion-isolating capabilities. The softer feel of this mattress could also be great for those with achy joints and muscles, though we think it’s not supportive enough for plus-size people and stomach sleepers.
Our team gave the Helix Sunset mattress an overall score of 4 out of 5.
Helix Sunset Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper