Helix Dusk Mattress Review

Is the Helix Dusk Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love the Helix Dusk Mattress

• Back sleepers of all body types
• Those with average-weight (130–230 lbs) body types
• Stomach sleepers under 230 lbs
• Hot sleepers

Who Should Steer Clear of the Helix Dusk Mattress

• Heavyweight (> 230 lbs) stomach sleepers—instead, the Saatva HD mattress is an excellent match for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
• Lightweight (< 130 lbs) side sleepers—instead, try the softer, more pressure-relieving Helix Sunset mattress.
• Soft mattress lovers—for those who love a plush, cloud-like sleeping surface, consider the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress.

Helix Mattress Video Review

Want to see us test the Helix mattresses in person? Join our sleep expert, Adrianne, as she walks you through the six standard Helix mattresses models in this video review.

Helix Dusk Mattress Firmness and Feel

Helix Dusk Mattress Firmness

We give the Helix Dusk a 6/10 on our mattress firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. Lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers should find this firmness level comfortable. The medium-firmness prevents the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which is a common issue for many stomach sleepers. In fact, the Helix brand offers some of the best firm mattress options.

The Helix Dusk is just firm enough to support the hips and shoulders of back sleepers, regardless of the sleeper’s body type, although we find it to be a bit on the firm side for lightweight side sleepers, and not firm enough for heavyweight stomach sleepers. 

What Does the Helix Dusk Mattress Feel Like?

The Dusk has a balanced feel that’s not too soft or firm. At first contact, you sink down an inch or two into the foam comfort layers, but quickly feel the support of the base coils. Back and stomach sleepers will feel gently cushioned, but lightweight side sleepers probably won’t press far enough into the mattress to experience a comfortable level of pressure relief.

What Sleeping Position Is the Helix Dusk Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	4	4	3
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	5	5	4
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	5	3	4

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Back Sleepers

The Helix Dusk has a medium-firm feel that makes it a great mattress for back sleepers. It supports your shoulders, hips, back, and legs, keeping the spine in its proper “S” curve. Lightweight back sleepers may find the Dusk a little too firm, but average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers will likely be very comfortable. The Dusk provides firmer spinal support than its sister mattress, the Midnight.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need extra support for their hips, shoulders, and neck. They sleep with their heads turned to one side, and often have a tendency to feel their hips sink down into the mattress and out of spinal alignment.

The Helix Dusk will help lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers stay comfortable, but heavyweight stomach sleepers might feel their hips sink down too much, which could cause lower back pain.

Thankfully, Helix has a mattress designed specifically for heavyweight folks, the Helix Plus. For more good options for those who slumber on their tummies, read our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a certain level of softness to feel cradled properly in their mattress. After all, nobody likes to feel their sensitive joints dig down into a too-firm bed and then wake up with achiness.

The medium-firm firmness level of the Dusk mattress might be too stiff for lightweight side sleepers who need extra softness and pressure relief for their hips and shoulders, but the bed should offer adequate pressure relief for average-weight and heavyweight sleepers.

However, we feel the softer Helix versions—the Midnight, Moonlight, or Sunset—will satisfy side sleepers more than the firmer Dusk. For even more recommendations, check out our best mattresses for side sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

Because combination sleepers tend to move around and change positions throughout the night, they typically sleep best on a mattress with great responsiveness or bounce. The Helix Dusk is highly responsive and quickly adjusts to movement without the delay commonly found in all-foam mattresses.

Lightweight and average-weight sleepers should have no problem moving around on the Dusk mattress, but heavyweight sleepers may struggle a bit more to maneuver into different sleep positions.

Do you tumble around all night long? Then dive into our best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Helix Dusk Mattress Performance

Is the Helix Dusk Mattress Cooling?

The Helix Dusk mattress uses a proprietary technology called the Helix Soft Touch Design. This feature is optimized for airflow and breathability, though our mattress testers didn’t report it feeling cool to the touch.

The Dusk is a hybrid mattress made with coils, which allow for better airflow compared to beds made with a solid block of memory foam. If overheating is a major concern, consider upgrading to a Helix Luxe model with additional cooling features or peruse the best cooling mattresses.

Edge Support

Edge support is an area where the Helix Dusk excels. Because of the coil layer that makes up the majority of this bed’s construction, the edges of this mattress hold up very well. You can securely sleep near the edge or sit on the edge of the Dusk while getting ready in the morning. Even heavier sleepers who sit or lie on the edge of the bed can trust that the Helix Dusk will remain supportive.

Responsiveness 

The Helix Dusk has a firm, bouncy feel, thanks to responsive foam in the top layer, as well as the coils in the support layer. However, throughout our in-house testing process we’ve seen other hybrid beds that offer even more maneuverability and responsiveness than the Dusk.

If you’re a heavyweight combination sleeper, you may want to look for a mattress with even more bounce (latex is a great material for that) so your body can move around more easily on the bed. 

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed? 

The Helix Dusk is not the best mattress for couples because it features Helix Dynamic Foam, a bouncy latex-foam alternative, as its top comfort layer. This means that movement can more easily transfer across the bed and perhaps disturb your sleeping partner.

In comparing all the Helix models, we found the ones with the best motion isolation have memory foam up top. These include the Helix Sunset, Midnight, and Twilight models.

Noise

The Dusk is a pretty quiet mattress. You may notice a little sound with vigorous activity on the bed, but otherwise, we didn’t notice any noise on our Dusk mattress.

Pain Relief

This mattress is best suited to back and stomach sleepers with lower back pain. Some side sleepers may find this bed to be a bit too firm for them, causing pressure at the hips and shoulders. 

Related: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Sex

The Helix Dusk is a great mattress for sex. It has a responsive composition, some extra bounce from the coils, and a breathable construction. 

Off-Gassing

Mattresses with foam may have a temporary off-gassing odor after you unbox them, but that smell should be gone within a day or two. Make sure to keep your bedroom ventilated and bedsheets off for at least 24 hours after unboxing your new mattress. We noticed a little off-gassing from our Helix Dusk, but the smell was gone after a day.

Durability

As a hybrid mattress made with individually wrapped metal coils and resilient foams, the Dusk is one of the more durable Helix mattresses. Plus, it’s protected by a 10-year warranty.

Those looking for a scaled-up version of this mattress could find their match in the Helix Dusk Luxe, a slightly pricier bed with an added pillow top and zoned coils.

Helix Dusk Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?

The Helix Dusk mattress is made with a blend of memory foam, wrapped steel coils, and other proprietary foams that are exclusive to the Helix Sleep brand. Together, this particular combination is ideal for back sleepers, regardless of weight, and it should provide a comfortable sleep experience for most stomach sleepers as well.

Because of the firm coils, side sleepers, especially those under 130 lbs, may feel some discomfort on their shoulders and hips while sleeping on this mattress.  But otherwise, the construction of the Helix Dusk makes it ideal for most sleepers. If you are a side sleeper that experiences increased pressure, check out the best mattress for hip pain.

Layer #1—”Soft Touch Design” Mattress Cover: The light and stretchy Helix mattress cover encourages airflow for better cooling. While our team doesn’t think it feels cool to the touch, it should still offer adequate breathability for all but the hottest sleepers.

Layer #2—Helix “Dynamic Foam” Comfort Layer: The comfort layer in the Helix Dusk consists of Helix Dynamic Foam, which is a proprietary latex-foam alternative that contours to the body for optimum comfort. It also helps give the mattress a bouncy, more responsive feel.

Layer #3—”Memory Plus Foam” Transition Layer: The transition layer is Memory Plus Foam, a modified version of memory foam that provides exceptional pressure relief and ergonomic support for sleepers. Memory Plus Foam also helps with muscle recovery, ensuring that even heavier parts of the body feel supported.

Layer #4—”Body Shape” Coil Layer: The Body Shape support layer is made of hundreds of individually wrapped metal coils that cradle the body and help provide edge support and added airflow to keep you cooler.

Layer #5—”DuraDense” Foam Base Layer: The base layer is high-density polyfoam that provides solid base support and great durability for the whole mattress.

To see the different models offered by the Helix brand, see our Helix Mattress Comparison.

How Much Does the Helix Dusk Mattress Cost?

MATTRESS SIZE	PRICE	DIMENSIONS	HEIGHT	WEIGHT
Twin	$699	38” x 75”	12”	50 lbs
Twin XL	$799	38” x 80”	12”	55 lbs
Full	$949	54” x 75”	12”	80 lbs
Queen	$1,099	60” x 80”	12”	90 lbs
King	$1,449	76” x 80”	12”	100 lbs
California King	$1,449	72” x 84”	12”	105 lbs

For the best deal on your Helix mattress, check out our Helix mattress coupons. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly mattress, check out the best mattresses under $1,000.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Helix ships its mattresses for free to all 50 states in the U.S. The brand also ships to Canada for an extra $250. After placing the order, customers can expect the mattress to arrive within three to 15 business days.

Your mattress will arrive compressed and rolled in a box. Take it out of the box, unroll it on your bed frame or box spring, carefully cut away the plastic, and let it rise. Any new mattress smells should be gone within a few hours or days.

Warranty

The Helix Dusk mattress is protected by a 10-year limited warranty. Customers can get repairs or a replacement mattress if there’s a manufacturing defect with their original mattress (ex: permanent body indentations deeper than 1″). Helix Sleep asks that shoppers keep a copy of their receipt after purchasing their mattress in case they decide they need to make a warranty claim. 

Trial Period & Returns

Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial so that shoppers can try out the bed for a period of time before deciding if they’d like to return it. Customers can return the mattress for a full refund after the 30-day break-in period, but before the 100-day trial period is over. You can expect similar policies from many of the best online mattress brands.

Addressing Common Helix Dusk Mattress Complaints

Too Soft

Some customers complained that the Helix Dusk mattress was softer than they expected. While we consider the Dusk to be medium-firm, the way a mattress feels is subjective to each sleeper. If you think the Dusk is too soft, you can return or exchange it during the trial period.

Sagging

A few customers mentioned that their mattress began to sag after a year or two of use. There are a few possible reasons for this: you may have received a defective mattress, which should be covered by warranty, or you may not have a supportive enough foundation. Make sure you’re using a strong, stable foundation. Old box springs are likely to cause sagging, as well as slatted beds with gaps over 3–4”.

Caused Back Pain

Similar to mattress firmness, pain is subjective to each person. If you develop back or joint pain after sleeping on the Dusk for a few nights, give your body a few weeks to adjust to the new sleeping surface. This is called the “break-in” period, and it can take up to a month. If you’re still experiencing discomfort after a month, you may need a softer or firmer mattress, depending on your sleeping position and body type. 

Comparing Different Helix Mattresses

Helix Dusk vs. Helix Dusk Luxe

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Breathable Mattress
Back Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Longer Warranty
All Body Types	Those Looking for Less Motion Transfer

Helix Sleep offers a line of six “Luxe” mattresses in addition to its standard line, with each Luxe mattress serving as a slightly more elevated version of its standard counterpart.

The Helix Dusk Luxe should feel similar to the Helix Dusk, but the Luxe incorporates a breathable TENCEL pillow top, ergonomically zoned support coils, and a transition layer of polyfoam for extra loft. It’s also more expensive than the original Dusk and comes with a 15-year warranty—five years longer than the standard Dusk’s 10-year warranty.

Helix Dusk vs. Helix Sunset

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Softer Mattress
Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers
All Body Types	Those Looking for a Slower-Moving Memory Foam

The Helix Sunset mattress is the softest bedding option in the Helix line, with pressure-relieving abilities and excellent side sleeper support. The Sunset is much softer, at 4/10 on the firmness scale, compared to the Dusk at 6/10, or medium-firm.

The Sunset is very similar to the Dusk in its cooling properties, but if you tend to toss and turn, we think the Dusk is the better option for restless or combination sleepers. That’s because the construction of these two beds is flipped: The Dusk has the bouncier Helix Dynamic Foam up top, followed by a layer of memory foam, whereas the Sunset features slower-moving memory foam on top, followed by Helix Dynamic Foam. 

See our full Helix Sunset Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Dusk vs. Helix Twilight

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers with Back and Neck Pain
Back Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Softer Mattress
All Body Types	Stomach Sleepers

The Helix Twilight is a firm mattress that’s designed to reduce back and neck pain. It’s firmer than the Helix Dusk mattress, at 7.5/10 on the firmness scale, compared to the Dusk’s 6/10. This higher firmness level makes the Twilight great for back sleepers, stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, and even heavyweight side sleepers.

Meanwhile, the Dusk is better for those who prefer a more responsive bed, as well as those who like the cushiony feel of memory foam. It can work for any sleeping position, depending on your body type. Pricewise, these beds cost the same and have the same 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.

See our full Helix Twilight Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Dusk vs. Helix Birch

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Helix Birch Luxe Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Firmer Mattress
Back Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Supportive Mattress
All Body Types	Heavyweight Sleepers

The Helix Birch Mattress is an organic mattress made from 100 percent certified organic wool that provides temperature regulation and comfort. The mattress also boasts many earth-friendly certifications, including GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX, and eco-INSTITUT.

The Birch is slightly firmer than the Dusk, but both mattresses are hybrids that combine individually wrapped coils with other materials. The Dusk incorporates polyfoam and memory foam while the Birch uses latex and wool. Both beds excel at providing support for back and stomach sleepers, but the Birch can accommodate heavyweight folks and comes in a pillow-top version that’s good for side sleepers—unlike the Dusk.

Check out our full Birch Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Helix to the Competiton

Helix Dusk vs. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Breathable Mattress
Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers
All Body Types	Shoppers Looking for Multiple Firmness Options

If you like the medium-firmness and breathability of the Helix Dusk, but are looking for a mattress that’s better for side sleepers, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora. This mattress comes in soft, medium, and firm models, and it offers incredible responsiveness and cooling. 

Both mattresses have hybrid constructions, but the Dusk offers better spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers who need less body contouring than side sleepers.

See our full Brooklyn Bedding vs. Helix Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Dusk vs. WinkBed

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	WinkBed Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Combination Sleepers
Back Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Firmer Mattress
All Body Types	Sleepers with Back Pain

The Helix Dusk provides decent responsiveness, but it’s not the ideal mattress for combination sleepers when compared to the WinkBed. Who are combination sleepers? Those who enjoy high levels of bounce from their mattress so they can change positions easily throughout the night.

The WinkBed is a firmer mattress with excellent responsiveness. It’s also made with extra lower back support, which is perfect for sleepers with back pain. For heavyweight sleepers, WinkBeds offers the WinkBed Plus, designed for sleepers weighing over 300 lbs. Not to be outdone, Helix produces the Helix Plus, specifically for the big and tall.

Read our full WinkBed vs. Helix Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Dusk vs. Saatva Classic

Helix Dusk Mattress is Best For:	Saatva Classic Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Sleepers Looking for a Breathable Mattress
Back Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for Multiple Firmness Options
All Body Types	All Sleeping Positions

If you’d like to scale up a bit from a Helix mattress or other bed-in-a-box brands, you might want to try a luxury Saatva mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring bed with a plush pillow top that comes with free white glove delivery. In other words, delivery personnel will come to your home and set up your mattress so that it’s ready to sleep on as soon as they leave.

The Helix Dusk may be a little more work to set up, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, medium-firm mattress that’s great for back and stomach sleepers, the Dusk is a better budget option than the Saatva Classic. Still, the Saatva comes in three firmness options (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) and can accommodate all sleep positions.

Read our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review to learn more.

Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these comparisons:

Helix Comparisons	Helix Reviews
Helix vs. Bear	Helix Moonlight Mattress Review
Helix vs. Brooklyn Bedding	Helix Dusk Mattress Review
Helix vs. Casper	Helix Dawn Mattress Review
Helix vs. Leesa	Helix Plus Mattress Review
Helix vs. Purple	Helix Luxe Mattress Review
Helix vs. Tuft & Needle	Helix Sunset Mattress Review
Helix vs. WinkBed	Helix Pillow Review

 

Helix Dusk Mattress FAQs

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

If you’re a hot sleeper who likes a medium-firm mattress that isn’t too soft or too firm, you should like the Helix Dusk. Note that every mattress in the Helix line has a hybrid construction, so memory foam purists probably won’t find what they’re looking for in the Dusk, which has a more responsive feel that’s good for combination sleepers.

Ultimately, this bed is best suited for lightweight to average-weight back and stomach sleepers who enjoy body contouring with a bit of bounce. 

The Nerd’s Scores for the Helix Dusk Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	2.5
Pressure Relief	3
Ease of Movement	4
Edge Support	5
Temperature Control	4.5
Durability	4.5