Saatva vs. Helix Midnight Mattress Comparison
If you’re in the market for a new coil mattress, you might have come across the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight. While similar in many ways, each mattress has unique features that make them more suitable for certain types of sleepers.
In this mattress comparison, we’ll break down what makes them different and similar to help you find which of the two fits your needs the most.
To bring you a comprehensive review of each mattress, we put them to the test in our sleep lab. If you want to know more about our testing process, just check out our testing methodology.
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Overview
Here’s a brief overview of the strong points of the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight, as well as which type of sleepers are best suited for them.
| Saatva Classic is best for… | Helix Midnight is best for… |
| Combination sleepers | Side sleepers |
| Hot sleepers | Co-sleepers |
| People suffering from back pain | Memory foam lovers |
Who Should Choose the Saatva Classic Mattress?
- Combination sleepers: The Saatva mattress’s responsive yet supportive coil spring makes it easier for people who toss and turn at night to move around.
- Hot sleepers: Saatva Classic is temperature-neutral since the dual coil layers regulate the airflow that keeps the surface cool for hot sleepers.
- People suffering from back pain: Saatva Classic has two comfort layers dedicated to lumbar support, which could help alleviate back pain throughout the night.
Who Should Choose the Helix Midnight Mattress?
- Side sleepers: The center layer of the Helix Midnight supports the hips and shoulders by allowing them to settle comfortably into the bed.
- Co-sleepers: The Helix Midnight features great motion isolation features so that you or your partner won’t have to worry about sleep disruption.
- Memory foam lovers: Those who prefer the plush feel of memory foam but are worried about overheating will appreciate the Helix Midnight’s ability to sleep cool and comfy.
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Mattress Video Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at the top similarities and differences between the two popular mattress brands.
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight: Top Similarities
- Shipping: Both Saatva and Helix offer free shipping for all their mattresses.
- Pressure relief: We found that both mattresses score well in terms of pressure relief and only cause minimal pressure build-up on the joints.
- Construction: Both the mattresses’ comfort layers are made up of memory foam. They also have coil support systems.
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight: Top Differences
- Mattress thickness: The Saatva mattress is available in two thicknesses: 11.5” or 14.5”. However, the Helix Midnight is only available in 12”.
- Warranty: Saatva offers a Lifetime warranty, while Helix only offers a 10-year warranty.
- Firmness: Saatva classic has multiple firmness variations, while the Helix Midnight is only available in one (medium-firm).
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight: Firmness & Feel Differences
In this section, we’ll discuss more how the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight compare against each other in terms of firmness and feel.
What’s the Firmness Of the Saatva Classic & Helix Midnight Mattresses?
When it comes to investing in a mattress, one of the first things you should consider is its firmness, as different types of sleeping positions require a certain level of firmness for optimal comfort and support.
Based on our firmness scale of 1-10, (with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest), The Saatva Classic offers three firmness levels — Plush Soft with a 3/10 firmness level, the Luxury Firm at 6-6.5/10 (medium soft), and lastly, the Firm option at 8/10 (firm). On the other hand, the Helix Midnight is only offered in one firmness level which scores a 6/10 or medium-firm.
What Do the Saatva Classic & Helix Midnight Mattresses Feel Like?
Since the Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels, your sleeping experience will depend on which option you choose. This makes it a versatile mattress option for different types of sleepers. Generally, the Saatva Classic has a supportive foam feel because of its foam-and-coil construction. It also feels firmer and softer in different parts, thanks to its zoned support system. Its memory foam layer in the center provides good pressure relief on the spine.
On the other hand, the Helix Midnight feels more bouncy and cushioning compared to the Saatva Classic. Lying down on its memory foam top layer, you’ll feel a slight sinking and contouring feel. However, its supportive coil layer prevents excess sinking and keeps you lifted and comfy.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Saatva Classic & Helix Midnight Mattresses?
As mentioned earlier, the Saatva Classic’s multiple firmness options make it a good mattress choice for all sleeping positions. For back sleepers and stomach sleepers who need adequate support for their spine and lower back, the Luxury Firm and Firm are good picks, especially for average-weight to heavyweight sleepers. For side sleepers who want a softer yet supportive sleeping surface, the Plush Soft provides excellent pressure relief. The Saatva’s responsive coil layer also makes it great for combination sleepers who find themselves tossing and turning each night.
As a medium-firm mattress with excellent lumbar support, the Helix Midnight is a great choice for average-weight to heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. The Helix Midnight may also work well for some side sleepers, but we think the majority may feel like it’s a bit too firm. On the other hand, the Helix Midnight also has a bouncy and responsive coil system so combination sleepers likely won’t encounter any issues with it.
The Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Mattresses By Body Type
Saatva Classic Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Helix Midnight Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 3 | 4 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
For average-weight back and stomach sleepers, we highly recommend the Saatva Classic in Luxury Firm or Firm, as it provides more than enough support for the spine and hips to prevent any pressure build-up or discomfort.
But for side sleepers, we think the Helix Midnight is the better option. Although firmer than the Plush Soft Saatva Classic, the Helix Midnight provides adequate pressure relief on the shoulders and hips for a good night’s sleep. Some side sleepers may find the Plush Soft to be too soft and sinking.
As for combination sleepers, it depends. If your dominant sleeping position is on your back or stomach, go for the Saatva Classic. But if it’s on your side, choose the Helix Midnight.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers will feel more supported and comfortable on the Firm variant of the Saatva Classic (though the Luxury Firm option may work better for some) than the softer Helix Midnight.
Side sleepers should also be comfortable with either the Helix Midnight or the Saatva Classic’s Luxury Firm option. Both mattresses can provide good support for the sides as well as pressure relief. Some combination sleepers may feel like they sink a bit too much on both mattresses, but both are still great at being responsive to changing positions.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
For lightweight back and stomach sleepers, the Luxury Firm Saatva Classic is an excellent pick as it’s soft enough for comfort yet firm enough to provide a good level of back and hip support. Side sleepers will definitely appreciate the softness of the Plush Soft Saatva Classic over the much firmer Helix Midnight. For combination sleepers, we think either the Luxury Firm Saatva Classic or the Helix Midnight should be a great match.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Saatva Classic is available in two heights of 11.5” and 14.5” while the Helix Midnight base mattress model has a height of 12”. Here’s a closer look at how each mattress is constructed.
| Saatva Mattress Materials | Helix Midnight Mattress Materials |
| Organic Cotton Cover | “Soft Touch” Cover |
| 3” Euro Top Memory foam Lumbar Support + 4” Pocketed Coil Transition Layer | 2” Memory Plus Foam |
| 0.5” Active Wire Lumbar Support | 1” Polyfoam Transition Layer |
| 4” (Plush Soft) or 7” (Luxury Firm or Firm) Durable Support Coil System | 8” Pocketed Coils System + 1” DuraDense Foam |
Cover
The Saatva Classic has an organic cotton cover that’s coated with a plant-based antimicrobial substance called Guardin®. Helix Midnight’s cover is designed to sleep cool and provide a soft, stretchy feel.
Comfort Layers
The Saatva Classic uses a 3” Euro Top that’s designed to provide great pressure relief and body-cushioning features, while the Helix Midnight uses its patented Memory Plus Foam that’s focused on providing excellent pressure relief.
Support Layers
Both mattresses use individually wrapped coil systems as support layers. The Saatva Classic in Plush Soft has a 4” coil system while the Luxury Firm and Firm variants have a taller 7”. The Helix Midnight’s stands at 8”.
Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Pricing
| Size | Saatva Classic Prices | Helix Midnight 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 Classic vs. Helix Midnight Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
Both mattresses are capable of maintaining a temperature-neutral feel. However, we think that the Helix Midnight’s memory foam layers absorb heat faster than the Saatva Classic. Unlike the Helix Midnight, the Saatva Classic mattress has dual coil layers that provide better airflow and breathability.
Motion Transfer
If you share your bed with someone or if you sleep restlessly during the night, a mattress with minimal motion transfer is essential.
Fortunately, both mattresses are decent at motion isolation, despite having coil support bases. However, we think the Helix Midnight’s single-pocketed coil system performs better at absorbing motion than the Saatva Classic’s two-coil layers.
Edge Support
Edge support is an important factor to consider in a mattress, especially if you want to maximize the space or want to get in and out of bed easily.
Thankfully, both mattresses have great edge support. However, the Saatva Classic has the upper hand in this aspect since its edges are reinforced with high-density foam. This allows you to lie down anywhere on the mattress without much worry.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a mattress’s ability to relieve tension from pressure points in your body. It’s an important factor to consider in a mattress if you want to prevent any body pains or aches from occurring.
After some testing in our sleep lab, we found out that the Saatva Classic didn’t score that well in terms of pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. Our testers noticed that there was build-up around their hips and shoulders, which could eventually lead to discomfort and pain. The same could be said for the Helix Midnight. However, those with back pain may find adequate relief on both mattresses.
Generally, lightweight sleepers may feel more pressure relief from both mattresses, but average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers may feel some discomfort.
Pain Relief
A mattress’s pain-relieving ability is directly tied to its pressure-relieving ability. When there’s pressure build-up, that area will likely develop pains and aches.
For those dealing with back pain, the Saatva Classic is the better pick, thanks to its two layers of lumbar support. The fact that it has three firmness options also makes it more accommodating for all sleeping positions and body sizes. On the other hand, the Helix Midnight is a good choice, but we think it’s only decent when it comes to pain relief for those with back and joint pain.
Durability
The Helix Midnight and Saatva Classic are both known for being durable coil mattresses. In terms of construction, the Saatva Classic excels over the Helix Midnight because of its two layers of durable steel coils. Expect both mattresses to last you around 7 to 10 years. Thankfully, both mattresses have good warranty policies – the Saatva with a Lifetime warranty and the Helix with a 10-year warranty.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Saatva Classic
Saatva ships free across the United States and some parts of Canada. Their mattresses come with a 365-day sleep trial and Lifetime warranty that covers repairs and replacements.
Helix Midnight
Helix provides free shipping in the contiguous U.S. and ships with extra fees for orders to Canada (around $250 + customs tax). Each mattress comes with a 100-day sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
More Mattress to Consider
Our Final Take
All in all, the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight are some of the top choices when it comes to foam-and-coil mattresses.
For back and stomach sleepers who want more firmness options and excellent lumbar support, you can’t go wrong with choosing the Saatva Classic. We also recommend the Saatva for couples who prefer a mattress with good edge support and motion isolation. However, for side sleepers and sleepers who love that hugging memory foam feel, the Helix Midnight should be right up your alley.
Saatva Classic & Helix Midnight FAQs
Is the Saatva Classic good for back pain?
Yes! In fact, we consider it one of the best mattresses for back pain. It’s got two layers dedicated to lumbar support and reinforced edges, which make it a good option for elderly sleepers and those who want relief from back pain.
Is the Helix Midnight good for side sleepers?
Yes. The Helix Midnight is great at providing side support, cushion, and pressure relief for side sleepers of different body sizes. Its polyfoam middle layer contours and conforms to the body’s natural curves to minimize pressure build-up and provide comfort.
Is the Saatva Classic toxic?
No. According to Saatva, they make their mattresses with non-toxic materials such as natural latex, organic cotton, and eco-friendly memory foam. Saatva mattresses are free from hazardous chemicals that can harm people and the environment.
