Saatva HD vs. Helix Plus Mattress Comparison
The Saatva HD and Helix Plus, which are both designed for heavyweight sleepers, have a lot of similarities. But these mattresses might not be right for everyone. We’re breaking down the details and dishing on what we found when we put them to the test.
Saatva HD vs. Helix Plus Overview
Both the Saatva HD and Helix Plus are recommended for heavyweight sleepers. The Saatva HD also provides good pain relief while the Helix can help back sleepers of any size stay comfortable.
| Saatva HD is best for… | Helix Plus is best for… |
| Combination sleepers | Back sleepers |
| People looking for a luxury mattress | People on a budget |
| Sleepers with back pain | High-density foam |
Who Should Choose the Saatva HD Mattress?
- Combination sleepers. The Saatva HD is good for heavyweight combination sleepers thanks to its responsiveness.
- People looking for a luxury mattress. This luxury mattress features impressive performance, but it does come with a high price tag.
- Sleepers with back pain. The Saatva HD’s design promotes proper spinal alignment, which could help relieve pain.
Who Should Choose the Helix Plus Mattress?
- Back sleepers. Back sleepers of all shapes and sizes should have proper comfort and support on the Helix Plus.
- People on a budget. Unlike the Saatva, the Helix Plus is available at a more budget-friendly price point.
- High-density foam. The Helix Plus uses “Ultra-Dense Memory Foam” in its construction for folks who prefer that type of feel.
Saatva vs. Helix: Top Similarities
- Hot sleepers. Both mattresses are made with breathable materials to keep you cool all night.
- Heavyweight sleepers. The Saatva HD and Helix Plus are designed with plus-size or taller individuals in mind.
- Stomach sleepers. Finally, both mattresses are ideal for average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Saatva vs. Helix: Top Differences
- Mattress cover. The Saatva HD mattress has an organic cotton cover with a 3” foam pillow top. The Helix Plus mattress cover is made from TENCEL.
- Edge support. In this category, the Saatva HD scored a 5 out of 5 and the Helix Plus only got a 3.5.
- Sleep trial. The Helix Plus has a 100-night sleep trial, while the Saatva HD gives you a full 365 nights to try it out.
Saatva HD vs. Helix Plus: Firmness & Feel Differences
The Saatva and Helix are both medium-firm mattresses that provide good contouring and support.
What’s the Firmness Of the Saatva HD & Helix Plus Mattresses?
On our 1-10 firmness scale, the Saatva HD receives a 7/10. This qualifies it as a medium-firm mattress. The Helix Plus gets a 7.5/10, so the firmness level of these two mattresses is very similar.
What Do the Saatva HD & Helix Plus Mattresses Feel Like?
If you’re considered an average-weight sleeper (130-230 lbs), the Saatva HD will feel medium-firm. However, if you weigh 300 lbs or more, this mattress will feel softer to you.
The Helix Plus is similar. For heavier folks, the Helix will feel softer. This is because more weight makes the comfort layers in the mattress compress. So the exact feel of the mattress may vary depending on your weight.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Saatva HD & Helix Plus Mattresses?
The support and contouring of the Saatva HD should work well for people who sleep in all different positions. However, keep in mind that the bed was designed specifically for heavyweight sleepers.
The Helix Plus uses both foam and coils to offer extra support for heavier sleepers (or for anyone who prefers a denser feel). The layer of coils provides a little bounce. Meanwhile, the foam layers on top keep your hips and shoulders comfortable.
The Saatva vs. Helix Mattresses By Body Type
Saatva Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Average weight (130 – 230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Helix Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Average weight (130 – 230 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Average-weight side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers will most likely find the Saatva HD to be too firm. This is especially true for side sleepers, who may have pain at pressure points. The top foam layers of the mattress are also too firm for average-weight combination sleepers.
The Helix Plus is not ideal for average-weight side sleepers. However, if you’re an average-weight back or stomach sleeper, the taller-than-average coils should keep you elevated and comfortable. We also recommend this mattress for average-weight combination sleepers.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the cushioning and support provided by the Saatva HD. Side sleepers should have good pressure relief and proper spinal alignment. The Saatva HD is good for heavyweight combination sleepers, too.
Heavyweight back and stomach sleepers will stay elevated and comfortable on the Helix Plus. Side sleepers should have ample cushioning around pressure points, and heavyweight combination sleepers will be sufficiently comfortable, too.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
If you’re a lightweight stomach or back sleeper, the Saatva HD will probably feel too firm for you. The same is true for lightweight side sleepers, who may feel pain at pressure points — and lightweight combination sleepers will also be better suited by another bed.
Lightweight back sleepers will be hit or miss with the Helix Plus, which might feel too firm, but provides good support. The Helix Plus is often a comfortable fit for lightweight stomach sleepers, but not side sleepers. And if you’re a combination sleeper who usually sleeps on your side, the Plus is not your best bet.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Saatva HD is 15.5” tall. The Helix Plus tops out at 13”.
| Saatva HD Materials | Helix Plus Materials |
| Euro Pillow Top with Organic Cotton Cover | TENCEL Mattress Cover |
| Five-Zone Talalay Latex | Ultra Dense Memory Foam |
| Durable Memory Foam | Helix Dynamic Foam |
| High-Density Support Foam | Firm Memory Foam |
| Durable Coil Base | XL Wrapped Coils |
| High-Density Foam Encasement | DuraDense Foam |
Cover
The Saatva HD sports a hand-tufted organic cotton cover and a 3” foam pillow top. The Helix Plus uses TENCEL, a moisture-wicking material, in its fabric cover.
Comfort Layers
The Saatva HD uses highly durable memory foam to provide cushioning and pressure relief. The Helix Plus has a comfort layer of Memory Plus Foam, a foam blend that’s exclusive to the Helix brand.
Support Layers
The Saatva HD is built on a foundation of 12.5-gauge recycled steel coils. These coils are some of the most durable coils on the market. The Helix Plus has hundreds of XL-wrapped coils in its support layer.
Saatva vs. Helix Pricing
| Size | Saatva HD Prices | Helix Plus Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts on both beds, see our Saatva mattress coupons and Helix mattress coupons.
Saatva vs. Helix Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
In this category, the Saatva HD gets a 5 and the Helix Plus gets a 4. The Saatva uses breathable materials like latex and cotton that make it cooler than other hybrid mattresses. The Helix Plus also uses cooling elements in every layer — its cover, foam layers, and coil layers.
Motion Transfer
In this category, the Saatva HD gets a 3 and the Helix Plus gets a 4. The Saatva’s motion isolation is only decent, and the Helix does have some motion transfer from one side to another.
Edge Support
In this category, the Saatva HD gets a 5 and the Helix Plus gets a 3.5. The Saatva HD uses strong, dense foam to reinforce the perimeter. In our testing, however, the Helix did not have great edge support.
Pressure Relief
In this category, the Saatva HD gets a 4 and the Helix Plus gets a 3.5. While both mattresses have decent pressure relief, they don’t have enough cushioning for people who have joint pain or sensitive pressure points.
Pain Relief
The Saatva HD is designed to support proper spinal alignment. This can help people who have back pain. The Helix Plus is very firm and will not exacerbate your pain if you sleep on your back or stomach.
Durability
In this category, the Saatva HD gets a 5 and the Helix Plus gets a 4.5. The Saatva HD uses highly durable materials that help it rank at the top in this category. The Helix has a 15-year warranty if it develops impressions deeper than one inch.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Saatva
The Saatva HD comes with free white glove delivery. Shipping time is between 9-21 days. The mattress includes a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial.
Helix
Helix offers free shipping for customers in all 50 states. The Helix Plus is backed by a 15-year warranty, which covers defects in the mattress such as deep indentations and split or cracked foam. The Helix Plus comes with a 100-night sleep trial.
Other Models Available
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress combines contouring memory foam with supportive coils. It has a medium-firm feel that's best for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs. It's also lower cost than other Saatva beds.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 Nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress combines contouring memory foam with supportive coils. It has a medium-firm feel that's best for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs. It's also lower cost than other Saatva beds.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress combines contouring memory foam with supportive coils. It has a medium-firm feel that's best for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs. It's also lower cost than other Saatva beds.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
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.
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.
Our Final Take
While both the Saatva HD and Helix Plus are good for heavyweight sleepers, we recommend the Saatva if you’re looking for pain relief and the Helix if you’re on a budget.
Saatva & Helix FAQs
How much does the Saatva HD weigh?
The Saatva HD weighs:
- Twin — 80 lbs
- Twin XL — 85 lbs
- Full — 110 lbs
- Queen — 135 lbs
- King — 169 lbs
- California King — 169 lbs
This durable bed is designed for people who weigh between 300 and 500 lbs. You can get white glove delivery when you order the mattress.
What is the weight limit for the Helix Plus?
According to the Helix website, the Helix Plus can support up to 1,000 lbs of combined weight and up to 500 lbs for individual sleepers. The Helix team conducts testing to come up with these numbers — so you can be sure the Plus has met certain standards.
Is the Saatva HD too firm?
The answer to this question will depend on your weight and personal preference. What’s “too firm” for one sleeper might be just right for somebody else. The Saatva HD gets a 7/10 on our 1 to 10 firmness scale, so it’s considered medium-firm. But the heavier you are, the softer the mattress will feel.
