Tempur-Pedic vs. Helix Mattress Comparison
Wondering whether a memory foam or a hybrid mattress is a better pick for you? In this review, we’re seeing how the TEMPUR-Cloud from Tempur-Pedic compares to the hybrid Midnight mattress from Helix.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Overview
The TEMPUR-Cloud is one of the more affordable Tempur-Pedic mattresses, with slow-moving foams for the quintessential “sunken” feel of this mattress type. The Helix Midnight is a hybrid design with a medium-firm feel and plenty of cradling support – plus a smaller price tag.
| TEMPUR-Cloud is best for… | Helix Midnight is best for… |
| Couples | Couples |
| Sleepers with back pain | Shoppers on a budget |
| Sleepers who don’t run hot | Back and side sleepers in light to average weight ranges |
Who Should Choose the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress?
- Couples. Memory foam offers impressive motion isolation, so this is a good pick for people who don’t sleep alone.
- Sleepers with back pain. It runs to the firmer side of medium, so it’s a good choice for back and stomach sleepers who need a dense mattress to minimize pain.
- Sleepers who don’t run hot. Memory foam retains heat, so very hot sleepers should steer clear. If sweaty sleep isn’t an issue, you should be good.
Who Should Choose the Helix Midnight Mattress?
- Couples. This is a hybrid pick, but the dense memory foam layer means very little motion transfer.
- Shoppers on a budget. This is a reasonably priced hybrid, so that’s good news for people looking to save.
- Back and side sleepers in light to average weight ranges. The layers in this mattress are well-suited to back and side sleepers in an average weight range.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix: Top Similarities
- Firmness level. Both the TEMPUR-Cloud and the Helix Midnight mattresses are medium-firm, so they have a comfortably balanced feel for most sleepers.
- Warranty. Both mattresses come with a 10-year warranty.
- Sleep position. The medium firmness of both mattresses will support most back and side sleepers.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix: Top Differences
- Mattress type. The TEMPUR-Cloud is a memory foam pick, while the Helix Midnight is a hybrid with a memory foam comfort layer.
- Trial window. The TEMPUR-Cloud has a 90-day trial window. Helix is slightly more generous with the Midnight mattress, which comes with a 100-day trial.
- Price point. Tempur-Pedic is a pricey mattress company, and the TEMPUR-Cloud is no exception. The Helix Midnight, on the other hand, is pretty affordable.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix: Firmness & Feel Differences
While the TEMPUR-Cloud and the Helix Midnight are both medium-firm mattresses, they have different feels.
What’s the Firmness Of the TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Mattresses?
With a rating of 7 on the 1 to 10 firmness scale (10 is the firmest), “Cloud” seems to be a misleading name for this mattress. It’s denser than many others, which means lightweight sleepers could find it too firm. Average-weight and heavyweight sleepers should fare a little better, particularly if they sleep on their backs or stomachs.
The Helix Midnight is a slightly softer mattress – we rate it as a 6 on the 10 scale, so it has a middle-of-the-road feel. Lightweight sleepers will find it a little firmer than people with average or heavy body weights.
What Do the TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Mattresses Feel Like?
The TEMPUR-Cloud is quite firm at first, but the slow-moving foams do give way after a minute or two for that sunken-in sensation. The Helix Midnight has a more cushioning feel right off the bat, with springy support. You’ll sink in slightly, but the coil layer has an uplifting effect.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Mattresses?
Back and stomach sleepers will find the TEMPUR-Cloud firm but supportive in all the right places. The memory foam is cradling for most side sleepers as well. Combination sleepers may find this mattress a little tricky to move around on.
The same is true on the Helix Midnight because of its memory foam top layer. Side sleepers will find it contouring, however, and back and stomach sleepers should also find it balances support and comfort nicely.
The TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Mattresses By Body Type
TEMPUR-Cloud Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Helix Midnight Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 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)
Back sleepers of an average weight should enjoy even pressure distribution on the TEMPUR-Cloud. Side and stomach sleepers in this weight range will find it soft yet supportive. But combination sleepers may want to look for a more responsive mattress so they can switch positions more easily.
On the Helix Midnight, average-weight back and stomach sleepers should find themselves nicely supported, but side sleepers will be especially comfortable. This mattress was designed to accommodate side sleepers of all weights. Combination sleepers in this weight range may find it a little challenging to change positions, since the memory foam top layer is slow to respond.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
While heavyweight back sleepers often benefit from hybrid or innerspring mattresses, the TEMPUR-Cloud delivers all the support they need. Side sleepers will also find the cushioning layers supportive but soft. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may find that they need more hip support than this mattress delivers. It may also be a lot of work for combination sleepers in this weight range to move easily from one position to another.
The Helix Midnight should work just fine for heavyweight back sleepers, but the company does offer a specific mattress for heavier sleepers (the Helix Plus) that may be worth exploring. Stomach sleepers may find too much hip sinkage on the Midnight, but side sleepers should be nicely supported since this mattress is really made for this sleep position. Heavyweight combination sleepers, unfortunately, won’t find it very easy to switch positions throughout the night on the Midnight.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Lightweight back and stomach sleepers may find the TEMPUR-Cloud firm, but it still delivers even pressure distribution for comfortable, supported sleep. Side sleepers in this weight range, on the other hand, may find that it’s just too firm for a soft, cradling feel on the hips and shoulders. Lightweight combination sleepers should find it pretty easy to maneuver.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The TEMPUR-Cloud is a 10” memory foam mattress made with the company’s proprietary Tempur material. The Helix Midnight is a 13.5” hybrid mattress that combines a memory foam comfort layer with supportive wrapped coils.
| TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress Materials | Helix Midnight Mattress Materials |
| Stretchy cover similar to dri-fit fabric | Soft touch cover |
| Tempur foam | Proprietary Memory Plus Foam |
| Firmer, denser Tempur foam | Polyfoam |
| Thick base foam layer | Wrapped coils |
| DuraDense foam base layer |
Cover
The covers on both the TEMPUR-Cloud and the Helix Midnight have some stretch. On the TEMPUR-Cloud, it feels similar to dri-fit material and the brand says it has moisture-wicking properties. The cover on the Helix Midnight is soft to the touch and optimized for airflow.
Comfort Layers
The comfort layer in the TEMPUR-Cloud is made with its proprietary Tempur foam. It’s made to support the body with that signature “sunken” feel. On the Helix Midnight mattress, the support layer is two inches of the company’s proprietary Memory Foam Plush. It has a medium firmness that’s designed to relieve pressure.
Support Layers
The Tempur support layer is a denser, firmer foam for cradling support. On the Helix Midnight, two support layers – one made with polyfoam and another featuring hundreds of individually wrapped coils – offer ergonomic support, cushioning, and durability.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Pricing
| Size | TEMPUR-Cloud Prices | Helix Midnight Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts, see our Helix mattress coupons.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
Memory foam is fairly notorious for trapping body heat and definitely sleeps warmer than innerspring and hybrid mattresses. That means the TEMPUR-Cloud isn’t the best option for hot sleepers.
As a hybrid, the Helix Midnight mattress will help keep you cool at night. The soft, breathable cover encourages airflow, while the coil layer means enhanced breathability. One drawback is that the foam in this mattress isn’t gel-infused, so it’s not the coolest hybrid out there.
Motion Transfer
Both mattresses will work well for those who share their bed. Memory foam limits motion transfer quite well.
Edge Support
The TEMPUR-Cloud comes up surprisingly short in this category. The edges of this mattress collapse quite steeply, which limits usable surface area for sleep and poses a hazard for seniors with mobility issues.
The Helix Midnight, on the other hand, is reinforced around the perimeter for excellent edge support.
Pressure Relief
Both mattresses fared well for pressure relief, thanks to their cushioning memory foam layers.
Pain Relief
This is another category where both mattresses perform well. Both offer the sort of medium-firm feel and support people need to minimize aches and pains and ensure proper spinal alignment.
Durability
While memory foam in general can have durability issues, the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress is made with dense, high-quality memory foam that should outlast the typical 7-year mattress lifespan.
The Helix Midnight should have a similar lifespan. Hybrid mattresses, with their combination of pocketed coils and comfort layers, tend to be quite durable.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Tempur-Pedic
The TEMPUR-Cloud is vacuum-packed and shipped via UPS Ground for free to all 48 contiguous states. They’ll ship to Hawaii and Alaska, but not for free. You can test it out at home with a 90-day trial window, but you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs. It has a 10-year full replacement limited warranty.
Helix
Helix mattresses, including the Midnight, ship free anywhere in the U.S. They have a 100-night sleep trial that begins upon delivery, along with a 10-year limited warranty.
Other Models Available
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.
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
Tempur-Pedic mattresses aren’t cheap, and the TEMPUR-Cloud will set you back. Still, it’s a great pick for back and stomach sleepers, and couples will find it dampens motion transfer nicely. The Helix Midnight is a more affordable pick, but it’s not well suited to heavyweight sleepers.
TEMPUR-Cloud vs. Helix FAQs
What are the cons of a Tempur-Pedic mattress?
Memory foam tends to sleep quite warm, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses are no exception. The foams are often slow-moving, so they aren’t the most responsive pick for combination sleepers. Another big drawback is the expensive price point and the fact that the company says it doesn’t offer sales.
Are Helix mattresses healthy?
Helix mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for improved indoor air quality. They’re also CertiPUR-US certified, which means the foams are considered safe for you and for the environment. All Helix mattresses are made at the company’s Arizona facility.
How long do Helix beds last?
As a hybrid, the Helix Midnight mattress should have a lifespan of seven to eight years. Innersprings tend to make for a durable layer, but memory foam may develop impressions over time. If that happens, you can reach out to Helix directly to discuss a replacement.
