Helix Down & Feather Pillow
A luxury pillow at a budget price? That's the Helix Down & Feather Pillow. It comes with a unique three chamber, reinforced double stitched edges, and a breathable cotton cover.
Helix Dawn Mattress Review
Who is the Helix Dawn Mattress Best For?
Written by Rachael Harris, Mattress Tester
Who’s Going to Love the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Back sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Couples and those who sleep with a partner
Who Should Steer Clear of the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Side sleepers—instead, go with a mattress designed for side sleepers, like the Casper Wave Hybrid.
- Soft mattress fans—instead, choose something with more cushion, like the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress.
- Those with joint pain—instead, opt for a mattress with better pressure relief. The Helix Midnight mattress has a medium-firmness that’s more pressure-relieving than the Dawn.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
Helix Mattress Video Review
Prefer to watch over reading? Our editor, Adrianne, talks all about the Helix mattresses in this video.
Helix Dawn Mattress Firmness and Feel
Helix Dawn Mattress Firmness
The Helix Dawn is a firm mattress, or roughly 8/10 on the 1–10 firmness scale, with 10 being extra-firm. When you lie down, you’ll experience a firm, supportive feel, but lightweight sleepers and even some average-weight sleepers may find it too firm. Its firmness level and overall feel is best for strict stomach sleepers and strict back sleepers who are average-weight or heavyweight and prefer a firm, supportive mattress.
What Does the Helix Dawn Feel Like?
The Dawn is one of the firmer mattresses we’ve tested. You’ll feel very “on top” of the bed, with light cushioning under your shoulders and hips.
What Sleeping Position Is the Helix Dawn Best For?
| Body Type | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lb)s: | 4 | 4 | 2 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Back Sleepers
Most back sleepers who are average-weight or heavyweight will enjoy the supportive feel of the Helix Dawn. You shouldn’t experience any sagging at the hips or shoulders in this position.
However, the mattress doesn’t provide much pressure relief or contouring, so if you experience low back pain or prefer more pressure relief, it may feel too firm for you. Lightweight back sleepers may also find it too firm. For mattresses that protect the spine, see our picks for the best mattress for back sleepers.
Side Sleepers
We don’t recommend the Helix Dawn mattress for lightweight, average-weight, or heavyweight side sleepers. Its firmness level and dense top foam will increase pressure on the joints, especially at the hips and shoulders.
The materials in this mattress make it very firm, and most side sleepers will find it uncomfortable on sensitive pressure points along the body. For better pressure-relieving mattresses, see our picks for the best mattress for side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Strict stomach sleepers require a firm mattress that will prevent any sinking at the hips and pelvis, which could induce low back pain. On the Dawn, you won’t experience any sinking hips, whether you’re lightweight, average-weight, or heavyweight.
If you sleep only on your stomach and prefer a very supportive, firm feel, you’ll probably like the Helix Dawn. See the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for similar options.
Combination Sleepers
The bounce of the Helix Dawn will appeal to some combination sleepers, but not all. It’s best for average-weight and heavyweight combination sleepers who switch primarily between their stomachs and their backs, as side sleeping on this mattress is likely to prove rather uncomfortable.
Even some average-weight combination sleepers who spend most of the night on their backs may find it too firm. We recommend taking the Helix Sleep quiz if you’re a combination sleeper and are unsure about whether the Dawn will work for you, or check out our list on the best mattress for combination sleepers.
Helix Dawn Mattress Performance
Is The Helix Dawn Mattress Cooling?
Temperature regulation is a key strength of all Helix Sleep mattresses, and the Helix Dawn is no exception. The coils provide strong air circulation to keep the mattress cool. In addition, its firmness level, breathable cover, and comfort and transitional layers together create a cooling mattress for hot sleepers.
Still, the thick foam top layer may hold onto a little bit of heat, but I would say this mattress sleeps temperature-neutral.
Edge Support
The Dawn’s strong coil layer, high-density foam base, and latex-like comfort foam help reinforce the bed well and reduce any perimeter sinkage. When you sit down or sleep near the edges, you should feel very secure.
Responsiveness
The springy and responsive nature of the Helix Dawn should make it easy to move around and change positions. The mattress contains no memory foam, so you’ll never experience a “stuck” sensation when you try to move. The hundreds of individually wrapped coils in the core and the dense, latex-like comfort layer make it quite bouncy. If you’re more interested in investing in a latex mattress, see our best latex mattress list.
Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?
Motion isolation is an important quality to consider if you’re planning to sleep with a partner. The Dawn does isolate motion fairly well for a hybrid mattress, but it doesn’t absorb as much movement as other Helix Sleep models that contain memory foam.
The latex-like top foam in the Dawn has more bounce to it, so you can feel some movement across the mattress. For mattresses that absorb motion better, see the best mattresses for couples.
Noise
The coils inside the Helix Dawn are pretty much silent thanks to their pocketed construction. Your movements should be pretty silent.
Pain Relief
The Helix Dawn does a great job of evenly distributing your body weight to keep pressure off of the low back of back sleepers. It’s a different story for side sleepers. We saw pressure build up in the hips and shoulders, and I recommend they check out the Helix Sunset or Moonlight.
Sex
The responsiveness and durabilty of the Helix Dawn make it a good mattress for sex. The only hold up is that the Helix Dawn isn’t as cooling as other mattresses, so physical activity on this mattress may warm up the temperature a little. Check out the Helix Dawn Luxe for a more cooling option.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is the chemical odor you may smell after removing the plastic from your new mattress. There was definitely an off-gassing smell when we unboxed the Helix Dawn, but it wasn’t overwhelming and went away after a few hours.
Durability
We all know that when you buy a mattress, you expect it to last you for at least a few years. The Helix Dawn is a well-constructed, hybrid mattress that should last you eight to 10 years: very durable.
Construction: What’s Under the Surface?
The Helix Dawn is a hybrid mattress, which means that it contains foam layers over a supportive base of pocketed coils. Its comfort and transition foams are denser than average, which help create the feeling that you’re sleeping “on” the mattress rather than “in” it. The base of coils give the mattress some spring.
Layer #1 Soft Touch Cover: The cover is a dual-layer material made from polyester. It feels soft, stretchy, and breathable, but it’s non-removable, and our team didn’t feel that it was “cool” to the touch. You can spot-clean the cover if stains occur.
Layer #2 Helix Dynamic Foam: The comfort layer contains 2” of Helix Dynamic Foam, which is a latex alternative that balances bounce and cushioning. You’ll still feel a gentle hug, but it doesn’t envelop the body or allow you to sink in deeply like with memory foam.
Layer #3 Responsive Foam: Adding another layer of comfort, Helix recently added this responsive foam layer for upgraded pressure relief and bouyancy on the surface. This helps combination sleepers move between sleeping positions easier, as well as those that prioritize sex and need a responsive mattress surface.
Layer #4 Transition Foam: The transition layer contains high-grade polyfoam, which provides extra support for the body. It also contributes to the bed’s firmer, more supportive feel.
Layer #5 Pocketed Coils: The support layer is what Helix Sleep calls a “Body Shape Layer,” which consists of individually wrapped coils. Because they’re wrapped individually, or “pocketed,” they limit motion transfer better than a traditional innerspring mattress while providing just as much durability, breathability, support, and bounce.
Layer #6 DuraDense Foam: The base layer of the mattress is 1” of high-density polyfoam, which provides stability and support for the entire bed. Most mattresses have a bottom layer of foam, but you shouldn’t be able to feel any real difference from this layer when you rest atop the bed.
How Much Does the Helix Mattress Cost?
| Mattress Size | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
| Twin | $936 | 38” x 75” | 11.5″ | 40–50 lbs |
| Twin XL | $1,061 | 38” x 80” | 11.5” | 40–50 lbs |
| Full | $1,249 | 54” x 75” | 11.5” | 70–80 lbs |
| Queen | $1,374 | 60” x 80” | 11.5” | 80–90 lbs |
| King | $1,749 | 76” x 80” | 11.5” | 90–100 lbs |
| California King | $1,749 | 72” x 84” | 11.5” | 90–100 lbs |
Check out our Helix Mattress Coupons for the best deals on a new mattress. If you’re on a tight budget, see the best mattresses under $500.
How Do the Policies Measure Up?
Shipping & Unboxing
All Helix mattresses ship free in the U.S. The Dawn should arrive as a bed-in–a-box on your doorstep seven to 14 business days after you place your order online. Once it arrives, you’ll need to bring it into your bedroom, unbox it, unroll it on your bed frame, and remove the plastic covering.
If you experience any off-gassing odor, it should dissipate within 24–48 hours. The bed may need one or two days to inflate to its normal shape. Many of these set-up procedures are similar throughout the best online mattress brands.
Warranty
The Dawn comes with Helix Sleep’s 10-year warranty, which protects against manufacturing defects. This limited warranty covers visible indentations greater than 1”, defects in the mattress cover, and physical flaws that cause the foam or spring materials in the mattress to split or crack.
If you notice a defect, you must return the mattress to Helix at your cost and provide original proof of purchase. If Helix Sleep confirms the defect, the company will provide a reimbursement for shipping costs up to $100, repair or replace your mattress, and ship it back to you at no added cost.
Related: Helix Mattress Warranty Breakdown
Trial Period & Returns
The Helix Dawn comes with a 100-night trial period. During the sleep trial, you can return the Dawn for a full refund if you’re not satisfied with it for any reason. You’ll need to keep the mattress for at least 30 days before initiating a return. This break-in period allows your body to fully adjust to the Dawn before deciding if it’s right for you.
Addressing Helix Dawn Mattress Complaints
Too Firm
A few reviewers reported the Helix Dawn as being too firm. Be aware that this mattress is definitely on the firm side of the firmness scale: 8/10. If you don’t think a firm bed is for you, the medium models are the Midnight and Dusk, while the softer models are the Sunset and Moonlight.
Causes Shoulder Pain
A few people who purchased the Helix Dawn reported that it gave them shoulder pain. When we rolled out our pressure map, we saw pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. If you are a side sleeper, I recommend you pick a softer Helix model, rather than the Dawn.
Comparing Different Helix Mattresses
In addition to its standard line, Helix Sleep offers six “Luxe” mattresses that are slightly more elevated versions of their standard counterparts. The Helix Dawn Luxe should feel similar to the standard Helix Dawn, only not as firm thanks to a premium TENCEL pillow top. The Luxe version also incorporates ergonomically zoned coils in the support layer of the mattress and a transition layer of polyfoam that adds 2″ of extra thickness.
Helix Dawn vs. Helix Plus
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Helix Plus Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Shoppers Looking for Pressure Relief |
| Couples | All Sleeping Positions |
The Helix Plus mattress is designed for people who weigh 250 lbs or more. It has roughly the same firmness level as the Helix Dawn, but it contains some unique materials in its construction that are meant to meet the needs of plus-size sleepers. The cover is TENCEL, which is a little more breathable than the Dawn’s poly-blend cover.
The Plus also contains memory foam in the top layer, giving it a bit more contouring and pressure relief for sleepers in any position. In contrast, the Dawn is targeted primarily at stomach and back sleepers. Like the Dawn, the Plus has a supportive, bouncy, and responsive feel. However, the top portion of memory foam is going to provide a little more hug.
Lastly, the Plus costs a couple hundred dollars more than the Dawn, and it comes with a 15-year warranty instead of 10-years.
See our Helix Plus Mattress Review to learn more.
Helix Dawn vs. Helix Twilight
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Sleepers Wanting a “Hug Feel” Mattress |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Shoppers Looking for Firmer Mattress |
| Couples | All Sleeping Positions |
The Helix Twilight is the Helix Dawn’s “sister” mattress in the standard line’s “Firm Feel” category. Its top layer of foam has more give than the Dawn’s, making it a better (but not great) option for side sleepers who need or enjoy a firmer mattress. It contains memory foam in the comfort layer, so side sleepers should get a decent hug around the hips and shoulders.
Although Helix advertises this as a firm mattress for side sleepers, we think it works better for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who like a firm feel with a little hug from memory foam. If you’re looking for a strictly firm, supportive feel, we recommend the Dawn. If you want a firm feel with a gentle hug, try the Twilight.
See our Helix Twilight Mattress Review to learn more.
Helix Dawn vs. Helix Dusk
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Shoppers Looking for a Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Combination Sleepers |
| Couples | Sleepers Looking for a Contouring Mattress |
The Helix Dusk has a medium-firm feel and, like the Dawn, is made with layers of foam and pocketed coils. In comparison to the Dawn’s 8/10 firmness level, the Dusk is softer, falling around 6/10. In general, the Dusk’s firmness range is good for strict back sleepers and side sleepers who like a firmer feel. However, most stomach sleepers will experience some hip sinkage on the Dusk.
Because the Dusk has a firmness level that works for a wider range of sleeper types, we recommend it for anyone who switches between all three sleeping positions and for people who are outfitting a guest bedroom. Both models are good for back sleepers, but opt for the Dusk if you like more contouring and go for the Dawn if you like a more supportive feel. Strict stomach sleepers will feel better over time on the Dawn, which prevents almost all sinkage at the hips and low back.
Check out our full Helix Dusk Mattress Review to learn more.
Comparing Helix to the Competition
Helix Dawn vs. Purple Hybrid
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Hot Sleepers |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Shoppers Looking for a Floating Feel Mattress |
| Couples | Back and Stomach Sleepers |
The Purple Hybrid is a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils and a comfort layer of Purple’s proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer material. The comfort layer “grid” has a stretchy, gel-like feel that sleepers tend to either love or hate. The Purple Hybrid has 2” of polymer at the top, giving it a firm feel (7/10) that, like the Helix Dawn, makes it a good choice for back and stomach sleepers.
The Purple Hybrid also sleeps cool, thanks to its pocketed coils and breathable cover. So, which to choose? If you tend to overheat at night, the Purple has slightly better cooling features than the Helix Dawn. Both work well for back and stomach sleepers, so the choice may ultimately come down to feel. If you’re open to try a unique, gel-like, floating feel, go with the Purple. If you prefer a traditional firm hybrid mattress, go with the Helix Dawn.
Read our full Purple Mattress Review to learn more.
Helix Dawn vs. Casper Hybrid
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Casper Hybrid Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Side and Combination Sleepers |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Shoppers Looking for a Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Couples | Memory Foam Lovers |
The hybrid version of the original Casper mattress combines foam comfort layers with pocketed coils. It has a medium-firmness that balances cushioning and support. Softer at the shoulders for pressure relief and firmer at the hips for lift, the Casper is known for its zoned transition layer. This could make it a better choice for side sleepers and combination sleepers who switch between their sides and another position.
The Casper hybrid’s balanced feel may also give it the edge over the Helix Dawn for strict back sleepers who need a top layer that fills in the space at their lumbar region. However, the Helix Dawn is better for strict stomach sleepers, especially those who are plus-size or carry weight in their midsection.
Read our full Casper Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.
Helix Dawn vs. Big Fig
| Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For: | Big Fig Mattress is Best For: |
| Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| Back and Stomach Sleepers | Shoppers Looking for Motion Isolation |
| Couples | People Seeking Durability |
Like the Helix Dawn, the Big Fig is a hybrid mattress with foam and coils, but it’s designed specifically for heavier individuals. The Big Fig uses dense foams that are highly durable for this body type and can support individuals who weigh up to 500 lbs. On either mattress, you’ll experience the sensation of sleeping “on” the bed rather than in it, and the pocketed coil cores and breathable top layers provide plenty of airflow for hot sleepers.
The Big Fig is a better choice for plus-size couples, as it shows impressive motion isolation performance for such a firm hybrid. However, its price point is higher that of the Helix Dawn, so if you’re hoping to find a firm hybrid on a budget, we recommend the Dawn. The Big Fig is a better option for heavyweight individuals and couples who want to invest in a breathable mattress with good motion isolation and above-average durability.
See our full Big Fig Mattress Review to learn more.
Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these comparisons and reviews:
Helix Dawn FAQs
Are Helix mattresses any good?
Yes, we’re continually impressed with Helix’s range of mattresses and their accessible pricing. They’ve got a mattress for every comfort preference and body type, plus upgraded Luxe models for luxury shoppers. Their beds are designed for durability, and are backed by an industry-standard 10-year warranty.
What if the Helix Dawn is too firm?
The Dawn is Helix’s firmest mattress, so it’s best for those who like to sleep right on top of their mattress with minimal cushioning. If you think you like a firm bed, but decide the Dawn is too firm, you can return or exchange it during the 100-night trial period.
How long do Helix mattresses last?
Hybrid mattress are pretty hardy, thanks to a foundation of steel coils. All of Helix’s mattresses have a hybrid construction, so they should last you between seven and 10 years. They’re warranted for 10 years, and that’s about as long as you should go before replacing your mattress.
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Helix Dawn is a firm hybrid mattress that’s great for back and stomach sleepers. It provides bounce that makes it easy for combination sleepers to change positions. The Dawn also features excellent edge support for heavier sleepers and couples. We find that the Dawn is too firm for most side sleepers and those prone to joint pain. It’s very reasonably priced, and comes with an industry-standard trial period, so it’s worth a try if you’re in the market for a firm mattress.
The Nerd’s Scores for the Helix Dawn Mattress
| Performance Factor | Out of 5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4.5 |
| Pressure Relief | 3 |
| Ease of Movement | 4 |
| Edge Support | 4 |
| Temperature Control | 4 |
| Durability | 4 |
Other Popular Helix Products
Helix Adjustable Base
The Helix adjustable base comes with all the features you expect in an adjustable base, plus more like the 3-intensity massage. And it’s affordable. The biggest con? No returns.
Read Full ReviewHelix Side Sleeper Pillow
This side sleeper friendly pillow from Helix is made from shredded memory foam with a cooling TENCEL cover. Choose between two sizes and get high loft pillows that will support you all night long.
