Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
The word twilight first reminds me of…well, embarrassingly enough, teenage vampires, but after that, I think of the time of night when I am in a cozy, deep sleep. By name alone, the Helix Twilight piqued my interest, but I was most intrigued by Helix’s statement that this bed is firm and suitable for side sleepers.
As a side sleeper, I usually shy away from sleeping on or recommending harder beds because I usually find them uncomfortable around the shoulders and hips. However, I was willing to see if this hybrid’s combination of contouring foam at the top and sturdy coils at the base was a good match for me and my fellow side sleepers.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Performance Ratings
How the Helix Twilight Compares
Here at Sleep Advisor, we’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The Helix Twilight fares better than its competitors when it comes to price, overall performance, support, motion isolation, cooling, bounce, edge support, and compatibility for couples. It’s also slightly taller than the average bed.
| Test | Helix Twilight | Average |
| Overall | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 11.5” | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 100 | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 | 4.3 |
| Support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 4 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 4.5 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 4 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 4.5 | 3.9 |
Who I Recommend The Helix Twilight For:
- Back sleepers – The contouring foam helps ease tight muscles while the stellar support features keep the spine aligned.
- Those with restless partners – The Helix Twilight does an excellent job of absorbing a co-sleeper’s movements into the foam layers, allowing you to sleep undisturbed.
- Firm mattress fans – If you like a firm bed that holds you more on top of the bed than in it, the Twilight should make a lovely companion.
Who I Don’t Recommend The Helix Twilight For:
- Side sleepers – Helix states that this bed was designed for side sleepers, but I found the firmness unrelenting in this position. It put too much pressure on my shoulder and hip.
- Indecisive shoppers – You’ll get a 100-night sleep trial, which is the industry standard, though some brands offer longer trials up to a year. If you think you’ll need more time with your new bed before making a final decision, this one may not give you enough. Check out our list of the top hybrids for more options with longer trial periods.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight has a customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 on the company’s website based on over 1,800 reviews, with many people praising its support and firm yet comfortable feel. Those who rated it lower experienced pressure buildup, or the firmness wasn’t what they expected.
Testing the Helix Twilight Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
Since my mattress testing for the Helix Twilight would be subjective due to my body type and personal preferences, I also relied on quantitative data from various sources, including pressure maps, temperature guns, and seismograph apps. The combination of hands-on testing and data-driven information in categories such as support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, and others helped me provide a well-rounded overview of the mattress.
Also, considering people have different body types and sleep position preferences, I tested this bed on my side, back, and stomach, and brought you recommendations from a heavyweight product tester to complement my findings as an average-weight sleeper.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 7.5/10
We rank mattresses on a firmness scale of 1-10, with 10 being the firmest. I rated the Helix Twilight a 7.5, which makes it slightly firm. A firmer mattress like this often benefits plus-size sleepers, as well as those who prefer to sleep on their back and stomach.
How Does the Helix Twilight Mattress Feel?
Like Papa Bear’s bed in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Helix Twilight is hard, and that’s what I first picked up on. However, after I was on it for a bit, I noticed the softness of the knit cover and how the foam layers contoured my back.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
Like all Helix mattresses, the Twilight can support a total of 1,000 pounds or 500 per side.
Side Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight side sleepers will probably find this bed too firm. The firm feel and lack of deep contouring will likely cause pressure to build up around their shoulders and hips. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I found the Helix Twilight uncomfortable when I was on my side, particularly around my shoulder. The pressure map results showed pressure buildup around that area. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | A heavyweight colleague also found this bed unpleasant while on his side. He thought even plus-size side sleepers would have a hard time getting enough sink to be comfortable in this position. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight back sleepers who like a firm mattress could find that the Helix Twilight offers them great overall support. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I was a big fan of this mattress when I tested it on my back. I felt supported and comfortable, and the pressure map images showed that I was basically pressure-free in this position. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | My plus-size teammate thought this mattress was particularly suited for heavyweight back sleepers who may need the extra support. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Similar to my thoughts on lightweight back sleepers, I think petite stomach sleepers drawn to firm beds will appreciate how elevated this mattress keeps their hips and spines aligned. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | Once I ditched my pillow, I loved the Twilight for stomach sleeping. I loved the bed’s support around my midsection and how straight it kept my spine. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Although his stomach sleeping report wasn’t quite as glowing as his back sleeping, my heavyweight colleague thinks this bed will do a good job for many heavier stomach sleepers. |
Pressure Relief
4/5
After spending a few minutes lying on my back on the Helix Twilight, this bed got a well-earned chef’s kiss for how it made my often sore and tense back feel. But if that isn’t enough to convince you, the pressure map image of my back showed nothing but light blue from my neck to my feet. This indicates that there was close to no pressure build-up.
However, this wasn’t the case when I was on my side, and this kept the Twilight from earning a perfect score. Almost instantly, I could feel pressure building around my hip and particularly my shoulder. Had I just gone on my personal feelings alone, I would have deducted 1.5 points, but since the pressure maps only indicated moderate pressure around my hips and shoulders, I only took away a point.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Helix Twilight Good for Pain Relief?
If you’re looking for back pain relief, the Helix Twilight will likely be like walking into a warm house after being out in the snow. However, if you experience hip or shoulder pain, this bed will probably leave you in the cold.
| Back Pain | I’m a middle-aged mom who does CrossFit, and I have my share of aches and pains in my back. However, this bed absorbed them all into the top foam layers. I think fellow back pain sufferers would be wise to give this bed a try. Read more about mattresses for back pain here. |
| Hip Pain | Unfortunately, the foam layers don’t offer enough contouring to combat the firmness of those who have hip pain. I feel that a bed this hard may lead to more problems in this area. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| Shoulder Pain | I quickly noticed that my shoulder felt like it was resting on a plank due to the lack of give in this bed. I could hear a slight crunching noise and wanted to change positions immediately. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
4.5/5
The Helix Twilight, constructed with layers of foam and individually wrapped coils, is top-notch when focusing on support in broad terms. However, when we consider it with a more nuanced lens, it has some minor flaws.
This bed nails back support. I felt elevated, and my spine was incredibly straight. When I flipped to my stomach, a slight dip around my midsection put a little strain on my lower back, which was remedied by switching to a pillow with a lower loft. Once I made that adjustment, I loved how supported I was in this position.
When I flipped to my side, it got a little murky. I felt very supported, and my spine had no awkward curvature. This bed would have easily gotten a perfect score for support if I had just considered those findings. However, I deducted half a point because the support was so rigid that it was uncomfortable when I was on my side.
Motion Isolation
4.5/5
If you’ve ever shared a bed with someone who makes you feel like you’re starring in Twisters, you understand why we test a bed’s ability to isolate motion to one side. The Helix Twilight’s foam layers and individually wrapped coils keep a partner’s or pet’s movements from traveling over and disturbing you as you sleep.
I tested this bed’s motion isolation by placing my phone on one side of the bed while running a seismograph app. During typical tossing and turning, the line remained almost flat. However, when I applied a lot of pressure with my elbow and flipped over hard, I noticed a couple of spikes. This should only affect you if you sleep with an intensely restless person, but I took away half of a point because of this.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4/5
I used a temperature gun to take an initial surface temperature to begin my testing for this bed’s cooling performance. Once that was complete, I lay on the bed for five minutes and took another reading to see how much the temperature rose due to body heat. Then, I spent another five minutes on the Twilight before grabbing a final temperature.
I was impressed that the temperature only went up 8 degrees throughout my testing. However, the knit cover didn’t feel cool to the touch, and I felt a little warm when I was on it, so I deducted a point because it increased more than 5 degrees and didn’t actually feel chill. I would advise hot sleepers to opt for the cooling cover.
Bounce
4.5/5
If your bed has good bounce, you’ll typically find it easier to move around on and not feel stuck in the mattress. Bounce benefits combination sleepers, sexually active couples, and seniors with mobility issues. To test this feature, I first dropped a 10-pound medicine ball from shoulder height to gauge how much it bounced once it hit the mattress.
I thought the foam layers might dampen the bounce on the Twilight, but that wasn’t the case. The ball rebounded off the bed quite well. After completing this, I got on the bed and could easily move. The foam layers provided a slight bit of resistance, which caused me to move this score to a 4.5, but I think folks should move with ease.
Edge Support
4/5
To test for edge support, which is how well a mattress supports people along its perimeter, I sat on the bed for a minute as if I were tying my shoes, and then I stretched out along the side for a minute. These tests help me determine how secure I feel sleeping and sitting on the edge of the bed.
When I was sitting on the Helix Twilight, I noticed some sinkage that increased the longer I was on it. However, I didn’t have difficulty getting up because the bed seemed to rise with me as I transferred more weight to my legs.
I felt extremely secure when I was lying on the bed. I subtracted a point for the sinking when I was sitting, but I think this bed will do a good job with edge support unless you have mobility issues.
Accessibility
4/5
Many mattresses are available to consumers, and manufacturers must find ways to differentiate their brands and specific mattresses. So, in addition to rating the bed’s features, we also want to know what makes this bed and brand stand out.
Helix states that the Twilight was designed for side sleepers, but I don’t recommend this bed for those folks. However, its robust support makes it a great pick for many back and stomach sleepers. Customers who choose this bed will have it delivered to their door for no additional charge, with in-house setup and mattress removal available in many areas for those who want to pay a little extra.
I deducted a point because it doesn’t have handles, which can make it harder to move, and because it doesn’t fit the demographic it says it is made for.
Customer Service
4.5/5
Customer service can be the difference between brand loyalty and missed sales. Helix does an excellent job in this department.
You can reach them by phone, email, chat, and even text. The chat seems to be staffed by friendly, knowledgeable humans rather than frustrating bots. I loved that they offer a texting option, but deducted a point because you must agree to promotional texts to use this service.
The company also offers an “Order Status” option where you can enter your email and order number to check your status.
Performance for Couples
4/5
We look at how beds handle couples by seeing their performance in categories beneficial to partners, including overall support, cooling, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support. We also consider whether its firmness is versatile enough for two different people and if the weight capacity is sufficient.
The Helix Twilight has a lot going for it when it comes to co-sleepers. It has great bounce and motion isolation, which can be a rarity to have both of those. It also has sturdy edge support and should help keep many sleepers cool. Plus, the 1,000-pound weight capacity is more than enough for two people.
However, its firmer feel doesn’t make it as versatile; couples with different body types may not be able to agree on a bed this hard, and that is why it earned a 4 out of 5.
Preference-Based Features
Hypoallergenic Cover
Helix comes with a standard breathable cover, or you can choose the cooling GlacioTex™ cover upgrade. Both are good for people with allergies because they’re hypoallergenic.
Fiberglass-Free Construction
This mattress has multiple certifications speaking of its quality and materials. However, it’s also important to note that the bed doesn’t contain any fiberglass in any of its layers.
Adjustable Base Compatible
This Helix mattress works with a variety of bed foundations and frames, including adjustable bases. The company recommends their Helix Adjustable Base specifically because they tested how it works with this hybrid.
Handcrafted in USA
Helix mattresses are handcrafted in Phoenix, Arizona.
Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Twilight?
The Helix Twilight has a soft, breathable knit cover, but you can upgrade to the GlacioTex™ cooling cover if needed. The mattress is 11.5 inches tall and combines multiple foam layers with an innerspring unit.
- A copper gel memory foam sits below the cover. It has a firm feel and offers pressure relief.
- The second comfort layer is made of responsive foam. This material is also firm and is designed to hug and contour your body for support and comfort.
- The responsive foam transition layer provides additional support and cushioning and helps ease you into the supportive coil base.
- The body shape layer contains up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils that ensure proper alignment, stability, and durability and limit motion transfer. This layer also has reinforced edges on two sides of the bed.
- The high-density foam base layer gives the entire mattress more structure and support.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Helix Twilight is a bed-in-a-box mattress, which means it arrives compressed in a box. You may notice some initial smell from off-gassing, but this is normal for bed-in-a-box mattresses that contain foam. In our experience, the smell should dissipate within a few days.
Helix says the bed is ready to sleep on after 30 to 45 minutes. Still, we found it takes longer than that for the foam to come to its full size and shape. Plus, you may want to wait longer for that off-gassing smell to dissipate anyway.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® – 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 compounds (VOCs).
Noteworthy Updates
There are two upgraded Helix Twilight models: the Helix Twilight Luxe and the Helix Twilight Elite. The Luxe offers additional support and cooling upgrades, and you can choose between two pillow tops. The Elite is the top-of-the-line Twilight model. It is almost 5 inches taller than the Twilight and includes a built-in cooling cover and zoned lumbar support.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the contiguous United States. Canadians will pay a $250 shipping fee and will likely have a customs tax. |
| White Glove Delivery | For additional charges, Helix can set up your new mattress and remove your old one. Prices start at $129 for setup, and Helix will remove your old mattress for an additional $30. They also offer adjustable base and foundation setup and removal. |
| Trial | Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial. |
| Warranty | This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty. |
| Return Policy | Helix accepts returns, but they ask you to keep the mattress for at least 30 days before initiating a return, saying this is how long it takes for the body to adapt to a new bed. If you still don’t like it, you can return it for a full refund before the trial is up. |
Helix Twilight Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 11.5” | $932 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,061.33 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 11.5” | $1,248 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,332 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,732 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 11.5” | $1,732 |
Helix Twilight FAQs
How long does a Helix mattress last?
Helix doesn’t say how long this mattress should last, but we think it’s around 7 to 10 years since this is how long most mattresses last. Helix offers a 10-year warranty on this bed, so it’s covered for manufacturing failures within that lifespan.
What is the difference between the Helix Midnight and Twilight?
The Helix Twilight is firmer than the Midnight, so it’s probably better for those who like sleeping on their stomach.
How much does the Helix Twilight mattress weigh?
The Helix Twilight weighs anywhere from 65 to 120 pounds, depending on the size you choose.
Do Helix mattresses get softer over time?
According to Helix, their mattresses may feel firmer for the first few nights. After three or four weeks, after the materials settle into use, the bed should feel as intended.
Helix Twilight vs. Other Mattress Brands
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| Helix Twilight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Purple Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Soft: 4/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | ||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Who I Recommend the Nectar For
- Those with restless partners
- Memory foam fans who get hot when they sleep
- Seniors with mobility issues
Read our Nectar Mattress Review if you think the Nectar is right for you.
Who I Recommend the Purple For
- Hot sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Couples
Check out our full Purple Mattress Review.
Helix Twilight vs. Other Helix Models
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| Helix Twilight Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Helix Twilight Luxe Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | |
| 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 | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples, Hot Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Folks seeking pressure relief
- Those with back pain
- Average-weight sleepers
Learn more in our Helix Midnight Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Helix Twilight Luxe For
- Shoppers who want enhanced lumbar support
- People who prefer a longer warranty
- Hot sleepers
My Verdict of the Helix Twilight Mattress
Helix claims that the Twilight mattress is designed for side sleepers. However, I don’t recommend it for this position as it is too firm and can cause pressure build-up. However, I love it for back sleepers and think that many folks who prefer sleeping on their stomach will also enjoy the Twilight. Additionally, this bed has excellent overall support, motion isolation, and edge support, and it could work well for couples who enjoy a firm mattress.
The Helix Twilight is a reasonably priced, well-made bed that benefits back and stomach sleepers, earning an overall score of 4.3 out of 5.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight is a hybrid option that could appeal to those who prefer a firmer sleep surface.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach