In-Depth Helix Midnight Elite Mattress Review for 2024

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

In this comprehensive review, we will take you through all the details of the Midnight Elite so that you can see if this bed is a good fit for you.

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The Helix Midnight Elite is a hybrid mattress standing a total of 16 inches tall, making it one of the tallest mattresses on the market. As part of Helix’s Elite line, this mattress builds off the design of the Helix Midnight with the aim of providing an exceptionally luxurious bed space.

After testing this mattress out, I am thinking about petitioning Helix to change the name from Elite to Enormous. However, is the larger height all that this mattress has to offer? Let’s dive in and see. In this comprehensive review, I am going to take you through all the details of the Midnight Elite so that you will have a solid understanding of whether or not this bed is a good fit for you.

My Helix Midnight Elite Video Review

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For:

• Side sleepers – The multiple layers of foam and coils provide an excellent combination of pressure relief and support for side sleepers. Given that this bed has so many layers, I expected it may be overly soft but was pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Midnight Elite was.
  

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• People who sleep hot – The pillowtop is covered with GlacioTex™, Helix’s specialty cooling fabric. It keeps the bed cool to the touch and actively draws away your body heat when sleeping on it.
  

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• Heavier back sleepers – I think that the Elite is a good fit for heavier back sleepers because the multiple layers of coils should provide spinal support and they will likely enjoy how the memory foam contours around their body.

Who I Don’t Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For:

• Budget shoppers – The Helix Midnight Elite is a luxury mattress that uses top-notch materials — and a lot of them. This means that this bed comes at a higher price than other more budget-friendly beds on the market.
  

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• Consumers who want white-glove delivery – The Helix Midnight Elite comes in two boxes, and you have to install the top layer. This isn’t a deal breaker for this bed, but given the price tag, I would like Helix to at least offer white-glove delivery.
  

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• Stomach sleepers – People who sleep on their stomach will likely need more support around their hips. The Midnight Elite is probably too soft to prevent sagging for many stomach sleepers.

First Impressions: Firmness & Feel

Firmness Scale: 6/10 (Medium Firm)

Sleep Advisor measures mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, in which 10 is the firmest. The Elite falls right in the middle of the scale, coming in at a 6 out of 10 for firmness. This firmness level can be appealing as most people won’t find it too soft or too hard, and I thought this bed really nailed this feature.

Additionally, this may make it a good compromise for couples who like different firmness levels. When I tested it, it felt a little firmer in a full recline, and I found it was at its cushiest when I was on my side.

How Does It Feel?

When I ran my hand across the top of the Helix Midnight Elite I immediately noticed that it was cool to the touch. The pillow top also had a soft, luxurious feel. When I settled into the bed, I enjoyed the soft cushioning, especially when I was on my side, but I was also impressed with how supportive it felt when I tested it on my back and side.

What I Like About the Helix Midnight Elite

• Cooling properties – Helix uses their specialty cooling fabric, GlacioTex™, to pull heat away from you and keep you comfortable while you sleep.
  

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• Targeted pressure relief – This mattress uses multiple layers of alternating coils and memory foam to provide targeted pressure relief and spinal alignment.
  

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• Support for heavyweight sleepers – Although this mattress isn’t specifically designed for plus-size sleepers, the multitude of layers should yield plenty of support for these sleepers.

My Helix Midnight Elite Complaints

• Some assembly required – This mattress is delivered in two boxes and you will need to attach the top layer. This isn’t particularly hard, but it can be frustrating, especially given the price.
  

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• Lack of delivery options – Given that this is a more expensive mattress and requires consumers to attach the top layer to the bottom, I would like to see Helix at least offer white-glove delivery.
  

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• Price – This mattress has a multitude of layers and uses quality materials. Therefore, it is understandable that it is pricey. However, this may put it outside of many people’s budgets.

Testing the Helix Midnight Elite: How it Performed

As Sleep Advisor’s lead reviewer, I was able to do some hands-on testing in our mattress studio. I tried out different sleep positions and also evaluated how the bed performs in categories such as responsiveness, cooling, and motion isolation, to name a few. Additionally, I was able to cut a section of the outer side cover away (though you should never do this yourself because it will void your warranty) to show you exactly what this bed is made of.

For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.

Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types

According to the Helix website, all Helix mattresses can support up to 1,000 pounds of combined weight and up to 500 pounds for an individual sleeper.

Side Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – Most lightweight side sleepers should feel fairly cushioned and their spine should stay well-aligned. However, I still don’t consider this a standout option for these sleepers.
• Average Weight Sleepers – These sleepers are likely to notice an abundance of cushioning that should deliver pressure relief to the shoulders and hips. Further, the Midnight Elite should also provide these sleepers with a decent amount of spine alignment.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight side sleepers should find some pressure relief thanks to the memory foam layers. Additionally, their spine should stay in a fairly neutral position thanks to the multiple coil layers. However, there are better Helix mattresses for these sleepers.

Back Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – If you’re a lightweight back sleeper, this mattress will likely feel overly firm. However, it should still provide you with good spinal support.
• Average Weight Sleepers – This bed should provide average-weight back sleepers an even-keeled feel. However, it still seems, for lack of a better word, “thick” and some sleepers may find this off-putting.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – The Helix Midnight Elite provides an approachable firmness level for heavyweight back sleepers. Most heavier sleepers should also feel supported.

Stomach Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – While I think that this mattress is okay for lightweight stomach sleepers because it will keep their hips supported, it would not be my go-to recommendation for them.
• Average Weight Sleepers – If you sleep on your stomach, your mattress needs to keep your hips elevated. Although average-weight stomach sleepers will likely only notice a slight dip in their midsection, I think there are better mattresses for these sleepers.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – These sleepers will likely not be supported enough on the Midnight Elite. Heavier folks’ hips will probably sag too far into the mattress, which would leave their spine in a compromising position.

Pressure Relief & Pain 4/5

By combining alternating layers of foam and coils, the Helix Midnight Elite provides ample cushioning and support. There is targeted support around the areas of that body, such as the hips, shoulders, and midsection, that are frequently in contact with the mattress. These characteristics should deliver excellent pressure relief for a variety of sleepers.

I was particularly impressed with the amount of pressure relief that this mattress gave me around the lower back region.

Is the Helix Midnight Elite Mattress Good for Pain Relief?”

Sleep should leave us restored and rejuvenated. In order to accomplish this, your mattress should help alleviate any aches and pains that have built up during the day. Overall, I believe that the Helix Midnight Elite is good for pain relief. There are alternating layers of coils and foam that should support and cushion many sleepers to help alleviate pain.

Back Pain – I was particularly impressed with the lumbar spine relief that this mattress provides. The combination of targeted support and cushioning around this area should be great for those experiencing back pain.

Read More: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Hip Pain – While I think that the cushioning in this mattress should alleviate hip pain for many side sleepers, I don’t think that it will provide a lot of relief for those who sleep on their stomachs. These sleepers will likely sag too far down in the mattress, which can cause pressure buildup.

Shoulder Pain – Many average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers who experience shoulder pain should receive plenty of support and cushioning that should help prevent and alleviate shoulder pain.

Read More: Best Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pain

Support 3/5

This mattress provides great support for many side and back sleeping. Helix has constructed a mattress with an impressive amount of layers that alternate between supportive coils and cushioning foam.

I think that side and back sleepers will benefit the most from the Midnight Elite’s supportiveness. This is particularly true for average-weight and heavyweight sleepers. Lightweight sleepers are likely to be supported but this mattress may be a little too firm for them.

Stomach sleepers, particularly heavier individuals, will probably find that their hips dip too far into the mattress to prevent their lower back from curving.

Motion Isolation 4/5

If you are frequently woken up by a partner or pet’s restlessness, this is a good indication that your mattress doesn’t isolate motion well. Mattresses that prevent motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other can help ensure that all sleepmates get adequate sleep.

I noticed little to no motion transfer on the Helix Midnight Elite. The foam layers do a great job of absorbing movements from repositioning or getting in and out of bed. Couples and other co-sleepers are likely to find that this mattress allows everyone to sleep undisturbed.

Temperature Regulation / Cooling 4/5

The Sleep Advisor studio where I test out mattresses can get very hot, and I immediately noticed how cool the Helix Midnight Elite felt. The top layer of this mattress uses Helix’s specialty cooling fabric, GlacioTex™. This material pulls heat away from you, which helps regulate your body temperature and keep you from overheating.

Considering that it’s not feasible for me to test these mattresses over an extended period of time, I can’t say if this one will maintain its cool temperature over time. However, I am not overly concerned that it will cause you to sleep hot.

Learn more about cooling mattresses here.

Bounce 4/5

Combination sleepers and sexually-active people tend to benefit from a bed with good bounce. The Helix Midnight Elite’s combination of coils and foam allows the mattress to react quickly. This means that if you’re changing positions, this bed should snap back to its original shape quickly.

Therefore, if you are sleeping on this mattress, you shouldn’t have to worry about the sensation of feeling stuck down in the bed.

Edge Support 2/5

If the side of your bed significantly sags when you’re sitting on the edge or makes you feel like you’re going to fall off if you sleep along the perimeter, then it lacks good edge support. Despite the Helix Midnight Elite’s reinforced coils and thick construction, I was not impressed with the amount of edge support that it provided. When it came to testing edge support, the soft, topmost layers squished too far down and detracted from the supportiveness of the bottom ones.

Performance for Couples 3/5

Couples often have different needs and wants when it comes to their mattress, and sometimes, they have to compromise. I think that Helix Midnight Elite is a very suitable mattress for couples.

Many mattresses don’t have both good responsiveness and excellent motion isolation, but the Midnight Elite excels at both. By providing good bounce, sexually-active couples will be able to reposition easily, while the lack of motion transfer will mean that one restless partner’s movements aren’t likely to disturb the other.

However, it lost points for the lack of edge support and a slightly lower support rating.

Preference-based Features

Taller Profile

Helix states that their Elite series contains the tallest mattresses on the internet. While this height is certainly taller than most, it’s not the tallest out there since DreamCloud’s Premier Rest bed also boasts a 16-inch profile. That being said, if you love the idea of a thicker bed, then you’ll likely appreciate this quality in the Midnight Elite.

Pillow Top

Helix ships the Midnight Elite’s pillow top in a separate box, and you then attach it to the bottom portion of the mattress. While this may be slightly frustrating to do, the pillow top provides a soft cushion that transitions you into the more supportive layers below.

Adjustable Base Compatible

The individually-wrapped coils in the Midnight Elite allow it to maintain support and durability if you choose to use it with an adjustable base.

Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Midnight Elite?

Coming in at 16 inches tall, the Helix Midnight Elite is one of the tallest mattresses we’ve tested here at Sleep Advisor. It arrives in two boxes, and you will need to attach the pillow top to the rest of the mattress.

• The pillow top is covered in Helix’s proprietary material, GlacioTex™. This makes the mattress cool to the touch and helps regulate body temperature.
• Directly below the pillow top, you’ll find a responsive memory foam layer for comfortable relief around your pressure points.
• The first layer of microcoils can be found under the memory foam of the pillow top. These coils are designed to react to your body’s key pressure-bearing areas.
• Moving further down, Helix alternates a layer of memory foam and then another layer of microcoils. These two layers help with spinal alignment and pressure relief.
• Two more foam layers named the Dynamic and Responsive Foams are up next. These layers act like latex and provide additional support to the top layers.
• The coil core, or the main support coils, can be found under the Dynamic and Responsive Foams. These coils are individually wrapped. There’s also zoned support with a focus on firmly supporting your lower back, along with extra reinforcement at the edges.
• At the bottom of the mattress, you’ll see the final foam layer. This layer is very dense and provides support and stability.

Unboxing & Off-Gassing

The Midnight Elite will arrive in two boxes, with one containing the pillow top upper portion and the other housing the bottom part of the mattress. You will have to put these two portions together after you unbox them.

As with most beds-in-a-box, you may notice a slight chemical smell. This is known as off-gassing. The smell should dissipate in a few hours but could take up to a couple of days. Placing the mattress in a well-ventilated area can help speed up this process.

Certifications

• Eco-Friendly Certifications – The Helix Midnight Elite has a GREENGUARD Gold certification that reflects the product’s ability to meet some of the world’s most rigorous emissions standards.
• CertiPUR-US® – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping

• Shipping – You’ll receive free shipping on your Helix Midnight Elite Mattress, which will arrive in two boxes.
• Trial – You will have 100 nights to sleep on this mattress to make sure it’s a great fit for you.
• Warranty – You will get a 15-year warranty on the Helix Midnight Elite.
• Return Policy – Helix provides free returns on all of its mattresses.

Sizes & Prices

Size	Dimensions (inches)	Price (w/o discount)
Twin	38” x 75” x 16”	$2,498.80
Twin XL	38” x 80” x 16”	$2,748.80
Full	54” x 75” x 16”	$3,311.30
Queen	60” x 80” x 16”	$3,748.80
King	76” x 80” x 16”	$4,498.80
Cal King	72” x 84” x 16”	$4,498.80

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helix Midnight Elite worth it?

The Helix Midnight Elite is a luxury mattress, which means it comes with a hefty price tag. However, it has many beneficial features such as a universally-appealing medium firmness, good cooling, and a higher profile. Therefore, if you have the budget for this mattress, you may find it to be a solid choice for your bedroom.

How long can you keep a Helix mattress in a box?

Helix recommends that you unbox and unroll your mattress in four weeks or less. This should help it keep its shape and allow it to perform as intended.

How long does a Helix Midnight Elite mattress last?

Given the construction and materials of the Helix Midnight Elite, it should last 8-10 years depending on how often it is used. The Helix Midnight Elite mattress comes with a 15-year warranty.

Helix Midnight Elite vs Other Brands

Helix Midnight Elite vs Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For

• People who want a very thick mattress
• Back and side sleepers
• Sexually-active couples

Who I Recommend the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid For

• Budget shoppers
• Extra-hot sleepers
• Couples

Read our Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid review if you think this Nectar bed is right for you.

Helix Midnight Elite vs DreamCloud Premier Rest

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For

• Back and side sleepers
• People with limited mobility
• Hot sleepers

Who I Recommend the DreamCloud Premier Rest For

• Lightweight sleepers
• Side sleepers
• People looking for a slightly softer bed

For more on the Premier Rest, visit our DreamCloud Premier Rest review.

Helix Midnight Elite vs Other Helix Models

Helix Midnight Elite vs Helix Midnight Luxe

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For

• Shoppers who prefer a very tall mattress
• Solo sleepers
• Hot sleepers

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe For

• Couples who want strong edge support to spread out
• People who want luxury at a more affordable price
• Sleepers who want a bit of extra height but not too much

For more on the Midnight Luxe, visit our Helix Midnight Luxe review.

Helix Midnight Elite vs Helix Midnight

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight Elite For

• Luxury shoppers
• Extra-hot sleepers
• Back and side sleepers

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For

• Budget shoppers
• People who don’t need a tall mattress
• Shoppers looking for a more traditional hybrid design

If you think the Helix Midnight is right for you, visit our Helix Midnight mattress review.

My Verdict

With 16 inches worth of foam and coils, the Helix Midnight Elite is a giant of a mattress. It concentrates on providing targeted support and pressure relief, and I found that it did an excellent job on both.

I was also impressed with how this mattress isolated motion while still offering good responsiveness. Those are not characteristics that you see in tandem very often. Although this bed is expensive, it is less pricey than some other luxury mattresses, and I think that it is a solid choice if it is in your budget. Overall, the Midnight Elite received a final score of 3.5 out of 5.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper