The Helix brand is known for their premium hybrid mattresses, with a lineup of designs that can meet the needs of a variety of people. If your needs include a durable, firmer mattress, the Helix Twilight might be right for you.
Helix’s Twilight mattress is a 12-inch tall hybrid that features a coil support unit and high-quality foam comfort layers. The sturdy coils combined with a firmer feel mean that this bed could be great for those in need of more robust support. Our Helix Twilight mattress review will cover the construction details of this bed, as well as how it rates in specific consumer-focused categories.
Who We Recommend The Helix Twilight For
- People with back pain – The Helix Twilight has sturdy, individually wrapped coils and foam comfort layers for excellent support and pressure relief, which is helpful for back pain.
- Fans of firmer mattresses – The firm layers of the Helix Twilight ensure that you don’t sink into the mattress but still experience a comfortable sleep. Stomach sleepers, for example, are a group that often prefers firmer beds to keep their hips lifted.
- Couples – The Helix Twilight combines individually-wrapped coils with memory foam, which should help limit motion transfer across the bed. This is great news for couples sharing a mattress since they’re less likely to disturb each other if they move.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Helix Twilight For
- Side sleepers – The mattress is too stiff for most side sleepers, who likely won’t get enough cushioning in this posture.
- Shoppers who want a plush mattress – While some people may love the Twilight’s firmer feel, it won’t be ideal for those who enjoy more plush mattresses. If you prefer to sink into a mattress, consider a softer alternative.
- Heavy stomach sleepers – This mattress likely won’t be supportive enough for heavier stomach sleepers above 300 pounds. In this case, plus-size sleepers could benefit from the Helix Plus, which is specially made for larger frames.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 7.5 (Firm)
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
The Helix Twilight mattress is rated at a 7.5 on our firmness scale. We rate mattress firmness on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest feel and 10 the firmest feel.
Most medium-firm beds fall around a 6 or 6.5, which means the Helix Twilight is firmer than the average mattress. It’s also important to point out that this bed is probably going to feel even firmer to very lightweight people since they won’t be able to activate the layers as much as someone who weighs more.
How Does It Feel?
You should feel well-supported while lying on the Helix Twilight and should not find yourself sinking into the layers. While the coils provide bounce for mobility, the slow-moving memory foam helps to isolate motion. The pressure relief from this bed is excellent for back sleepers, and stomach sleepers should remain aligned and supported. However, we found that the mattress was too firm for side sleepers, creating pressure on the shoulder and hip.
What We Like About the Helix Twilight
- Motion isolation – The individually-wrapped coils and foam comfort layers offer excellent motion isolation.
- Durable construction – The Twilight is made with coils and firm foam layers, which are more durable than some softer alternatives.
- Affordable quality – Helix’s Twilight mattress is a high-quality product at a competitive price point.
Our Helix Twilight Complaints
- Squeaky coils – The coils in the Twilight have a small amount of squeak to them, which may get worse over time.
- Not for side sleepers – Side sleepers will likely feel pressure on their shoulder and hip, regardless of their weight.
Testing the Helix Twilight Mattress: How it Performed
When testing a mattress, we look at multiple categories in order to determine our take on the product and who we think it could work best for. These categories include motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, support, pressure relief, and edge support. We also test out the mattress in different sleep positions, analyzing how it feels in each posture.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
Like all Helix mattresses, the Twilight can support an individual weight of 500 pounds or a total weight of 1,000 pounds for couples.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers (-130 lbs) | ☆☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★★ |
| Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs) | ☆☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
| Heavyweight Sleepers (+230 lbs) | ☆☆☆ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers will find the mattress far too firm, feeling pressure on the shoulder and hip.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers will likely be uncomfortable on this mattress, feeling pressure on the shoulder and hip.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – As with average and lightweight people, heavyweight people in this position could feel too much pressure.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – While lightweight back sleepers should feel well supported, some may find the mattress too firm.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Overall, average-weight back sleepers should be comfortable, but some may desire more pressure relief.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers should be well-supported and experience nice pressure relief on this mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers should find sufficient support on the Twilight.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – This firmer mattress should also be a good match for average-weight stomach sleepers.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Most heavyweight stomach sleepers should get plenty of support, though sleepers over 300 pounds may prefer a mattress with more support.
Pressure Relief & Pain
The Helix Twilight is a firmer-than-average mattress with coils for robust support and foam layers for pressure relief. The slow-moving, firmer memory foam on this bed should provide adequate pressure relief, while the transitional polyfoam layer adds further cushioning and support. Overall, the Helix Twilight is a great mattress for pressure relief, though side sleepers and lighter back sleepers will likely prefer a softer mattress.
Back Pain – The Helix Twilight is a great mattress for people with back pain due to the sturdy support coils and firm foam layers. Those who require more lumbar support may consider upgrading to the Helix Twilight Luxe.
Hip Pain – This mattress will probably be too firm for people with hip pain who sleep on their side.
Shoulder Pain – As with hip pain, side sleepers with pain their shoulders will likely find the Twilight too firm.
Support
The Helix Twilight offers robust support through a layer of sturdy, individually-wrapped coils. Above that coil unit are two layers of firm foam, each offering additional support. Most individuals will lie “on top of” this mattress rather than “in it”, and they should feel this bed fosters a neutral and healthy spine alignment.
This mattress also has excellent edge support, meaning that individuals should not sink when putting their weight on the edges of the mattress. While most heavier sleepers should feel well supported on this bed, those weighing above 300 pounds who sleep on their stomach may want something more supportive to keep their hips level.
Motion Transfer
Even though the Helix Twilight is a hybrid that contains coils, it does a good job of preventing motion transfer. Rather than a traditional innerspring that uses interconnected coils, these springs are individually wrapped to isolate motion better. Plus, the foams in the bed will absorb motion as well.
This is great news for couples since they should feel minimal motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other. Motion isolation is also great for people with kids or pets who often get in and out of bed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid mattress, offering the airflow and cooling nature of a coil base. Due to the heat-trapping nature of foam layers, Helix offers either a breathable soft-touch cover or a GlacioTex cooling cover upgrade. These covers should help counteract the heat-trapping foam layers.
Those who sleep extra-hot, though, might consider upgrading to the Luxe version of this bed, which contains premium cooling features.
Performance for Couples
Finding a perfect mattress for couples is nuanced, depending on the traits that the couple prefers. Some couples enjoy bouncy mattresses for mobility or intimacy, while others prefer motion isolation. The Helix Twilight is a hybrid mattress with coils but only offers a small amount of bounce. This should aid mobility but may not be the dramatic bounce some prefer.
The foam layers of the Helix Twilight dampen the bounciness and offer decent motion isolation alongside the individually wrapped coils, which should stop couples from waking each other up when moving or getting in and out of bed. Motion isolation is desirable for couples with differing work schedules or if one partner tosses and turns in their sleep.
Preference-based Features
Edge Support
This mattress offers exceptional two-sided edge support, so sleepers don’t need to worry about putting their weight on the edge of the mattress. Helix also offers the Luxe model, which has four-sided edge support.
Hypoallergenic Cover
Helix offers two choices for mattress covers. The standard cover is breathable and soft, but there is an option to upgrade to a GlacioTex cooling cover. Both covers are hypoallergenic.
Adjustable Base Compatible
This Helix mattress is compatible with an adjustable base, though the company recommends their Helix Adjustable Base specifically since they’ve been able to test it.
Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Twilight?
The Helix Twilight is an 11.5-inch tall hybrid mattress with a soft, breathable cover. As mentioned, you also have the option to upgrade to the GlacioTex cover for enhanced cooling. This cover upgrade is ideal for those who are extra-hot sleepers or live in a warmer climate since it could help them sleep better.
- Sitting below the cover is the Memory Plus Foam. This memory foam is designed to provide the sleeper with pressure relief, but as we covered above, it probably won’t be enough for side sleepers. This memory foam unit helps to isolate motion while providing a firmer, slow-moving feel at the top.
- Further down is the High-Grade Poly Foam, a denser poly foam layer that’s intended to offer a smooth transition between the memory foam and coils. Despite this layer being below the memory foam, it has a larger impact on how the bed feels.
- The coil unit of the Helix Twilight contains individually-wrapped coils for support and stability. Individually wrapping the coils also helps to isolate motion.
- The base is a layer that sits at the very bottom of the mattress and is made up of a high-density foam that gives the mattress structure and overall support.
The Luxe model is similar but offers certain design upgrades, including a longer warranty deal. Very hot sleepers or individuals requiring better lumbar support may prefer the Luxe model.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Helix Twilight is a bed-in-a-box mattress with no contact delivery. When unboxing the Helix Twilight, you will want to leave it in a ventilated room for a few hours. There will be some initial smells from off-gassing, but they will eventually dissipate.
After 30-45 minutes, Helix says the bed should be ready to sleep on or try out. However, it may take longer than that for the mattress to finish off-gassing, so if you’re sensitive to smells, we recommend waiting longer to lie on it.
Certifications
- 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.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – This mattress ships for free within the contiguous United States.
- Warranty – The Helix Twilight comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Sleep Trial – You can return the mattress at any time before 100 nights of owning it.
- Return Policy – Helix asks that you try the mattress for at least 30 nights to ensure the materials have time to settle in. After that time, you can return the mattress to Helix for a full refund and pickup, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 11.5” | $936 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,061 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 11.5” | $1,249 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,374 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,749 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 11.5” | $1,749 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Helix mattress last?
Helix does not claim a specific lifespan for their mattresses, but the average mattress lasts 7-10 years. Helix does offer a 10-year warranty on their mattress, which should cover any manufacturing failures within that average lifespan.
What is the difference between the Helix Midnight and Twilight?
The Helix Twilight mattress is firmer than the Midnight mattress. For this reason, stomach sleepers may prefer the Twilight.
How much does the Helix Twilight mattress weigh?
Depending on the chosen size, a Helix Twilight mattress can weigh anywhere from 65 to 120 pounds.
Do Helix mattresses get softer over time?
According to Helix,t their mattresses may be firmer or stiffer than intended for the first few nights of sleep as the materials settle into use. After 3-4 weeks, the mattress should be as soft or firm as intended.
Helix Twilight vs Other Brands
Helix Twilight vs. Nectar
- Hybrid construction
- Durable coil base
- Optional cooling cover
- All-foam construction
- Medium-firm feel
- Excellent motion isolation
Who We Recommend the Helix Twilight For
- Hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavier people
Who We Recommend the Nectar For
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight sleepers
- Couples on different sleep schedules
Helix Twilight vs. Purple
- Foam and coil hybrid
- Slow-moving memory foam feel
- 7.5/10 firmness
- Hyper-elastic gel polymer grid
- Simultaneously firm and squishy
- 6/10 firmness
Who We Recommend the Helix Twilight For
- Firm mattress lovers
- Heavier sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
Who We Recommend the Purple For
- Hot sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Couples
Helix Twilight vs Other Helix Brands
Helix Twilight vs. Helix Midnight
- Hybrid
- 7.5/10 firmness
- Firmer support
- Hybrid
- 6-7/10 firmness
- Medium-firm feel
Who We Recommend the Helix Twilight For
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavier sleepers
- People who need extra back support
Who We Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Individuals over 250 lbs
- Extremely Firm Mattress Lovers
- Pressure Relief for Heavier Sleepers
Helix Twilight vs. Helix Twilight Luxe
- Hybrid
- 10-year warranty
- 11.5 inches tall
- Hybrid
- 15-year warranty
- 13.5 inches tall
Who We Recommend the Helix Twilight For
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavier sleepers
- People who enjoy a firmer mattress
Who We Recommend the Helix Twilight Luxe For
- Shoppers who want enhanced lumbar support
- People who prefer a longer warranty
- Hot sleepers
Overall Summary
The Helix Twilight is a premium hybrid model that should suit stomach sleepers, along with most back sleepers.
Side Sleepers
Most side sleepers will find this mattress too firm to be comfortable. They can wind up feeling pressure on their shoulder and hip, which could have them waking up with aches and pains. Even though Helix claims the mattress will soften after 3-4 weeks, we believe side sleepers will prefer a softer mattress.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should feel well supported and receive proper spinal alignment throughout the night, though lightweight sleepers may find the mattress too firm. The Twilight should also offer pressure relief where needed, which should help those who experience back pain. Helix also offers the Luxe mattress as an alternative with additional lumbar support.
Stomach Sleepers
Most stomach sleepers prefer a firmer mattress, making the Twilight a good fit. Stomach sleepers should feel well supported and experience proper spinal alignment on this mattress. However, individuals over 300 pounds may prefer a firmer mattress with more support.
Combination Sleepers
Most combination sleepers should find this mattress comfortable. The firm layers are supportive and pressure-relieving, especially when sleeping on the back or stomach, and the firmer feel and slight bounce should make it easier to reposition. However, combination sleepers that sleep on their side will want to go with a softer mattress.
Couples
The Twilight offers good motion isolation and a bit of bounce. This balance ensures that couples shouldn’t wake each other up with movement and won’t feel stuck in the bed either. Another advantage for couples is that this bed has good edge support. However, if you or your partner is a side sleeper, we recommend a more traditional medium-firm option.
Heavy Sleepers
The Twilight’s firmer feel and durable coils should accommodate a good number of heavyweight sleepers. Back sleepers should feel most comfortable, while stomach sleepers under 300 pounds should remain supported. Side sleepers and stomach sleepers heavier than 300 pounds will want other options though, such as the Helix Plus.
Lightweight Sleepers
With the exception of stomach sleepers, lightweight individuals will probably find this bed too firm. Your weight determines how the mattress feels, and a lighter individual will not sink into the mattress as much as someone heavier. This means that firm mattresses will feel more rigid to lighter people, which could negatively impact how comfortable the bed feels.
Average Weight Sleepers
Average-weight sleepers should feel well-supported on the Twilight, particularly if they sleep on their stomach or back, though some back sleepers may desire something slightly softer if they want extra pressure relief. However, if you’re a stomach sleeper in this weight range, you’ll likely love the Twilight regardless.
Overall Value
The Helix Twilight mattress provides consumers with a well-made, durable hybrid mattress at a competitive price. The mattress comes with an industry-standard 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial that speak to the brand’s faith in their product. We think those in need of a firmer bed could get plenty of value from the Twilight.
Our Verdict
The Helix Twilight is an affordable investment in durability and support. Firm mattress lovers, people with back pain, heavier individuals, and stomach sleepers should enjoy the sturdy support, spinal alignment, and pressure relief offered by Helix’s quality construction.
Couples and co-sleepers should also appreciate the bed’s ability to isolate motion well despite it having a coil unit. Plus, the coils will deliver added breathability for warm nights.
Although this mattress has many benefits, we would not recommend it for side sleepers due to the pressure placed on the shoulder and hip.
Nicole LaMarco
Nicole is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience. She specializes in the health industry and is passionate about fitness, nutrition, mental health, wellness, and martial arts. See her website here: https://nicolelamarco.com
