Helix Twilight Mattress Review

Written by Loren Bullock, Editor & Tester

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more. Learn more.

In This Article

We’re reviewing the Helix Twilight, a great option for couples and side sleepers. Read on to see if it’s right for you!

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Is the Helix Twilight Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love It

• Back and stomach sleepers requiring pressure relief
• Hot sleepers looking for a temperature-neutral mattress
• Average-weight and heavyweight sleepers

Who Should Steer Clear

• Memory foam purists who enjoy sleeping “in” their mattress—instead, consider the Nectar memory foam mattress.
• Lightweight sleepers—instead, go with something with a little more cushion, like the Helix Midnight mattress.
• Those who prefer a soft mattress—instead, the Sapira Hybrid mattress has a softer feel that’s closer to medium on the firmness scale.

Helix Twilight Mattress Video Review

Are you more of a visual learner? Join our sleep expert and editor, Adrienne, as she takes you on a deep dive through the standard Helix mattresses.

Helix Mattress Firmness and Feel

Helix Mattress Firmness

Compared to the other Helix standard models, the Twilight is a super-firm mattress, coming in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale (10 being the firmest). This level of support makes the Twilight a great option for average-weight or heavyweight back sleepers who need more lift in the lumbar area.

The Twilight should also work well for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers who require extra support. While the top layer of the Twilight feels contouring, it’s still quite firm and doesn’t allow you to sink down, so it’s not a good fit for side sleepers—despite Helix calling it their firm mattress for side sleepers.

What Does the Helix Twilight Feel Like?

The Twilight feels like a distinctly firm mattress, so expect to feel “on top” of the mattress with minimal cushioning. Once you lie down, the memory foam top layer will begin to contour around your curves, but you shouldn’t sink into the foam. The supportive coils give the mattress a springy, supportive feel.

What Sleeping Position is the Helix Twilight Mattress Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	3	5	1
Average weight (130–230 lbs):	5	4	2
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	4	3	3

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

Back Sleepers

Of all the sleeping positions, the Helix Twilight works best for average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers. Why? It’s so firm that it easily keeps the hips elevated and the spine in its optimal “S” curve—meaning less back pain in the morning.

Since this mattress is a 7.5/10 on the firmness scale, it may feel too firm for lightweight back sleepers, who may fare better on one of the softer Helix models. For more recommendations, check out our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

For lightweight folks, stomach sleeping is most compatible with the Helix Twilight. It’s also firm enough for most average-weight stomach sleepers. Heavyweight stomach sleepers still may not get enough support to keep their hips lifted in line with their shoulders. The result is an arched lower back that’s prone to developing chronic pain.

Instead heavyweight stomach sleepers will want to check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

While the Twilight is engineered specifically to provide pressure-point relief for side sleepers, we would not include it as one of our top picks for best mattresses for side sleepers.

In our sleep lab, we found that even our average-weight tester felt too much pressure at his shoulders, meaning the bed could be too firm for average-weight side sleepers, and certainly too solid for lightweight side sleepers.

However, heavyweight side sleepers may fare just fine atop the Twilight, as they’ll sink deeper into the comfort layers than lighter weight folks.

Combination Sleepers

Since the Helix Twilight features only one layer of Memory Plus Foam up top, it allows combination sleepers—those who change positions frequently throughout the night—to move from one position to the next without feeling too “stuck” in the mattress. In addition, the individually wrapped coils at the base give the bed some extra bounce.

Overall, our testers felt that the Twilight lived up to its claim to be good for tossers and turners regardless of whether they’re lightweight, average-weight, or heavyweight. For our take on the most responsive mattresses, check out our best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Helix Twilight Mattress Performance

Is the Helix Twilight Mattress Cooling?

We wouldn’t consider the Twilight one of the best cooling mattresses, but we would give it high marks for temperature regulation. Like most hybrid beds, the Twilight’s individually wrapped coils allow for airflow throughout the mattress. In addition, its breathable cover improves to its temperature neutrality.

While the Twilight doesn’t include any additional cooling features (such as gel-infused foam), it should keep average sleepers feeling refreshed throughout the night. 

Edge Support

The Twilight has a firm enough construction to ensure above-average edge support, or the mattress’s ability to support people who like to sit or lie along its edges. This is especially helpful for those sharing a smaller-sized mattress or those with mobility issues.

Responsiveness

Hybrid mattresses have buoyant coils that help sleepers change positions while they sleep. That’s true for the Twilight, as well. Even the memory foam layer is modified to be more responsive.

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

Those who share their mattress need as little motion transfer as possible for quality sleep. The Twilight does a good job of isolating motion, though the coils do allow a little movement to reverberate across the mattress. This shouldn’t be an issue for most couples, but it’s worth consideration if you are a particularly light sleeper.

See More: Best Mattresses for Couples

Noise

We didn’t notice any noise coming from our Helix Twilight mattress, so we consider it to be very quiet.

Pain Relief

Thanks to its extra firmness, the Helix Twilight scores high on support. This is especially important for back and stomach sleepers, who need to maintain a neutral posture to avoid lower back pain. Remember, we recommend the Twilight to back sleepers over 130 lbs and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.

Those with shoulder or hip pain should look for a mattress with better pressure relief. Softness doesn’t always equate to pressure relief; make sure you choose a bed that evenly distributes your body weight, so you aren’t supporting all your weight on your shoulders or hips.

Related: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Sex

The Twilight is a good mattress for sex. Why? Pretty simple. It’s springy, stays temperature neutral, is quiet, and easy to move around on.

Off-Gassing

You’re likely to notice a little off-gassing from the foam in your Helix mattress. This is normal, non-toxic, and temporary. It’s similar to a new car smell. Give your mattress a full day (or two) to air out before adding your bed sheets.

Durability

Since this mattress has a mix of high-quality foam and steel coils, it should last longer than an all-foam mattress. We predict the Twilight will have a lifespan of seven to 10 years.

Helix Twilight Construction: What’s Under the Surface?

The Twilight features contouring foam as its top layer, then transitions to supportive coils at its base. This hybrid design works well for those who change sleeping positions and like a firm, supportive sleeping surface. It’s also much more breathable than mattresses made entirely of foam.

Layer #1 Soft, Stretchy Mattress Cover: Every Helix mattress comes with their proprietary “Breathe Knit” cover, which has a light, stretchy feel. The fabric is also optimized for airflow, which should appeal to hot sleepers looking for extra cooling capabilities in their new mattress. You can upgrade to a cooling cover or pillow top as well.

Layer #2 Copper Gel Memory Foam Layer: Beneath the cover, you’ll find a layer of firm, high density foam with a copper gel infusion, which helps prevent body heat retention so you can stay cool while sleeping. While this layer is firm, it still delivers nice pressure relief.

Layer #3 Responsive Foam: Below the initial foam layer, there’s another layer of firm foam that aids in responsiveness so that you stay buoyant and elevated on the mattress surface, instead of feeling like you’re sinking into the middle.

Layer #4 Transition Layer: The last layer of foam is a transition layer, between the comfort foams the coil support core, for added stability and elevation.

Layer #5 Individually Wrapped Coils: Hundreds of individual coils cradle your body’s curves while limiting motion transfer. This layer also features a reinforced perimeter for added edge support.

Layer #6 Base Layer: To preserve the integrity of the mattress, the Twilight features a base layer of DuraDense foam. This base layer provides stability and helps to extend the life of the mattress.

How Much Does the Helix Twilight Mattress Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$936	38” x 75”	11.5”	50–60 lbs
Twin XL	$1,061	38” x 80”	11.5”	50–60 lbs
Full	$1,249	54” x 75”	11.5”	80–90 lbs
Queen	$1,374	60” x 80”	11.5”	90–100 lbs
King	$1,749	76” x 80”	11.5”	100–110 lbs
California King	$1,749	72” x 84”	11.5”	100–110 lbs

Our Helix mattress coupons keep you up-to-date on seasonal Helix mattress discounts. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, see our picks for the best mattresses under $500.

How Do the Helix Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Helix Sleep makes their mattresses in the U.S. and ships them for free to all 50 states. There’s an additional $250 charge to Canada. After placing your order, you can expect your new mattress to arrive within seven to 14 business days. The mattress will be compressed and rolled in a box and delivered to your doorstep.

It took our team only one minute and 30 seconds to unbox the Helix Twilight and set it up on our bed frame. We also detected very little off-gassing smells. The best online mattress brands have similar shipping and unboxing procedures.

Warranty

Each standard Helix mattress is covered by a 10-year warranty. Customers can qualify for a free replacement mattress or repairs if there’s a manufacturing error with their original mattress. Covered defects include permanent body impressions over 1″ and cracks or splits in the foam. Make sure to keep a copy of your receipt of purchase, and remember that the warranty applies only to the original owner. 

For more information, read our full Helix mattress warranty breakdown.

Trial Period & Returns

Starting the day that your Helix Twilight arrives at your door, you’ll have 100 nights to try out the mattress. This amount of time is standard in the online mattress industry. Note that it takes your body up to 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, especially if you’ve had your old bed for a long time.

Still don’t like it after a month? You can send the mattress back for a full refund after the 30-day break-in period, but before the 100-day trial period is over. If you like the Helix brand but aren’t sure which mattress is right for you, check out our Helix Mattress Comparison.

Addressing Helix Twilight Mattress Complaints

Too Firm

Several customers mentioned that the Twilight was much firmer than they expected. We agree that the Twilight is a firm mattress that’s not ideal for side sleepers—despite what Helix says on their website. Helix offers mattresses at every firmness level, so don’t opt for the Twilight unless you really like a firm mattress.

Causes Back Pain

A couple of reviewers complained of back and shoulder pain after sleeping on the Twilight. We aren’t sure if they had pre-existing pain or if they developed new pain, but it’s safe to say that the Twilight isn’t a good fit for those with shoulder or hip pain. It’s supportive enough to keep back sleepers’ spines aligned, but heavier stomach sleepers may need an even firmer mattress.

Comparing Different Helix Mattresses

Helix Twilight vs. Helix Dawn

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Helix Dawn Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Firm Mattress
Back and Stomach Sleepers	Combination Sleepers
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Couples

The Helix Twilight and Dawn are sister mattresses in Helix’s standard collection. They are the firmest mattresses in the lineup, with the Twilight ranking a 7.5/10 on the firmness scale, and the Dawn coming in at a full 8/10. 

Both beds work well for back and stomach sleepers, but the Dawn is best for combination sleepers, and the Twilight is best for those who want to feel cradled by their mattress. Neither mattress is great for side sleepers, but between the two, go with the Twilight.

Read our full Helix Dawn Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Twilight vs. Helix Midnight

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Helix Midnight Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Softer Mattress
Back and Stomach Sleepers	Combination and Side Sleepers
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Memory Foam Lovers

The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular mattress. It has a medium-firmness (6/10) that works for all sleep positions, and is by far the better choice for side sleepers. The Midnight balances a classic memory foam feel with the responsiveness of a coil core. 

The Helix Twilight is more of a niche mattress for individuals who prefer a firmer surface. It works best for average-weight to heavyweight back and stomach sleepers, as well as some side sleepers who prefer a firmer surface. However, we feel the Twilight may feel too firm for lightweight folks, who will fare better atop the Midnight.

See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more. 

Helix Twilight vs. Helix Plus 

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Helix Plus Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Heavyweight Sleepers
Back and Stomach Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a More Supportive Mattress
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Shoppers Seeking a Firmer Mattress

The Helix Plus mattress is designed to support bigger bodies. It incorporates extra durable foams and steel coils, and it has a firmer, more supportive feel. The Twilight can also accommodate heavyweight sleepers, especially those who are strict back sleepers and require extra support.

Still, the Twilight falls short for heavyweight side sleepers, who may feel too much pressure on their hips and shoulders, as well as plus-size (> 300 lbs) stomach sleepers, who may not get enough support in this standard model.

Check out our full Helix Plus Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Helix to the Competition

Helix Twilight vs. Purple

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Purple Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Shoppers Looking Innovative Technology
Back and Stomach Sleepers	Sleepers Wanting a “Floating Feel” Mattress
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Side Sleepers

It’s almost unfair to compare the Purple mattress to any other bed because of its proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid, which gives it a unique feel unlike any other mattress. Some folks love its squishy, floating sensation, but for others, it’s just too new and different.

Traditionalists will prefer the Helix Twilight, with its classic construction of premium foams atop a supportive coil core. As to firmness, the Twilight is firmer than the Purple and better for stomach sleepers, but the Purple is better for side sleepers. Hot sleepers are likely to prefer the temperature regulation and air channels in the Purple Grid.

See our Helix vs. Purple Mattress Comparison for a deeper comparison of the brands. You can also read our full Purple Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Twilight vs. Brooklyn Signature

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Brooklyn Signature Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for Multiple Firmness Options
Stomach Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Combination Sleepers

Both the Helix Twilight and the Brooklyn Signature mattresses are high-quality hybrid beds, but they have different firmness levels: The Twilight is firm, while the Brooklyn Signature is available in three customizable firmness options—soft, medium, or firm.

Both beds work for back sleepers, but the Twilight is better for stomach sleepers, and the Signature is better for side sleepers. While the Twilight scores higher for motion isolation, making it better for couples, the Brooklyn Signature appeals to a wider range of sleeping positions.

Read our full Brooklyn Signature Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Twilight vs. Nectar

Helix Twilight Mattress is Best For:	Nectar Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Softer Mattress
Back and Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers
Shoppers Seeking Pressure Relief	Memory Foam Lovers

The Nectar is a popular memory foam mattress with some similarities to the Helix Twilight. Since they both have a memory foam top layer, both possess a slower-moving feel on the surface. The main difference is that the Twilight is a hybrid bed made of both foam and coils, whereas the Nectar is an all-foam bed. Also, the Twilight is firmer, at 7.5/10, and the Nectar is slightly softer, with a 6.5/10 firmness.

Both beds work for back sleepers, but the Nectar is much better for side sleepers. Stomach sleepers and those with heavyweight body types should go with the Twilight. The Nectar costs a couple hundred dollars more, so those who are on a budget will save with Helix.

Read our full Nectar 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 Mattress FAQs

What’s the Bottom Line?

Helix Sleep claims that its Twilight mattress is designed for side sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress. To the contrary, we find that this bed works best for average-weight to heavyweight back sleepers. It’s also supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.

Other benefits include excellent responsiveness and solid motion isolation to keep couples resting peacefully through the night. As for hot sleepers, the breathable cover and enhanced airflow from the coils should keep them cool and comfy.

Finally, the feel of the Twilight strikes a nice balance between slower-moving memory foam and bouncy coils at the base of the mattress. Take the plunge on this bed if you like a firm, supportive feel, but also want some gentle contouring.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Helix Twilight Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	4
Pressure Relief	2
Ease of Movement	4.5
Edge Support	5
Temperature Control	4
Durability	4.5

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