Helix Moonlight 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 Moonlight mattress. If you’re a side sleeper looking for a plush, cooling bed, read on to find out if this is the one for you!

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Is The Helix Moonlight Mattress Best For You?

Who’s Going to Love the Helix Moonlight Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers (< 130 lbs)
• Side sleepers with lightweight and average-weight (130–230 lbs) body types
• Those who enjoy the feel of a plush mattress
• Hot sleepers

Who Should Steer Clear of the Helix Moonlight Mattress

• Heavyweight (> 230 lbs) and plus size (> 300 lbs) sleepers—instead, the Big Fig mattress is a better fit for those with bigger bodies.
• Couples concerned about motion transfer—instead, the Casper Wave Hybrid mattress is much better at isolating motion.
• Stomach sleepers of all body types—instead, consider the firmer Saatva Classic mattress.

Helix Mattress Video Review

Do you prefer watching to reading? Join our sleep expert, Adrianne, as she walks you through our hot takes on each of Helix’s standard mattress models, including the Helix Moonlight.

Helix Moonlight Mattress Firmness and Feel

Helix Moonlight Mattress Firmness

The Helix Moonlight has a firmness level of 4/10 on the firmness scale (with 10 being the most firm); in other words, the Moonlight is a medium-soft mattress. This firmness level is typically good for lightweight back and side sleepers and average-weight back sleepers who enjoy a soft feel. For similar mattresses, check out the best soft mattresses.

What does the Helix Moonlight Mattress Feel Like?

The Moonlight feels soft to the touch, which aligns with how Helix Sleep advertises it on the company’s website. The top layer feels plush and soft, but it doesn’t have the viscous, sinking-sand feeling that’s associated with memory foam. You’ll feel cushioned, but not unable to move around, thanks to the latex-like nature of the “Helix Dynamic Foam” top layer. 

What Sleeping Position Is the Helix Moonlight Best For?

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

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

Back Sleepers

The Helix Moonlight can work well for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers who prefer a softer mattress. Though the comfort layer is bouncy, it has a soft feel that contours gently around the shoulders and lower back. The foam transition layer and coil support layer help provide support to keep the spine aligned in this position.

Heavyweight back sleepers should explore the firmer models in the Helix lineup—like the Twilight and the Dawn—or even better, the Helix Plus designed for plus size sleepers. For other supportive mattresses, that protect the spine, see the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

The Moonlight will be too soft for most average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers. These folks require a bed with noticeable lift at the hips and torso to prevent the lower back pain that results from poor spinal alignment.

Strict stomach sleepers will fare better on a firmer mattress from Helix Sleep, but some lightweight stomach sleepers who are on the petite side may find it comfortable. Also check out the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for our top picks.

Side Sleepers

The Moonlight is a good mattress for side sleepers with lightweight and average-weight body types—especially those who need contouring at the hips and shoulders, but don’t enjoy the sinking feeling of memory foam. The foam top layer gives the bed a plush feel overall, but it’s less conforming when compared to memory foam.

As with back sleeping, heavyweight sleepers may not find the spinal alignment required for comfortable side sleeping on the Moonlight. Instead, heavyweight side sleepers should look for a more supportive bed.

Combination Sleepers

The Moonlight is a great mattress for combination sleepers with lightweight and average-weight body types. Specifically, we recommend it to those who switch between their back and sides—and don’t spend much time on their stomach.

The coil layer gives the mattress springiness and mobility, and its reinforced perimeter lends it good edge support. These qualities should make it easy to change positions throughout the night. Heavyweight combination sleepers should steer clear of the Helix Moonlight if they spend any amount of the night on their stomach.

If you aren’t sure that the Moonlight is supportive enough for you, see our picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.

Helix Moonlight Mattress Performance

Is The Helix Moonlight Mattress Cooling?

The Helix Moonlight contains a few materials that help it sleep cool, and hot sleepers shouldn’t struggle with overheating on this mattress. The mattress cover has a breathable feel, and the coil support system has lots of space for air to move through the mattress. Also, it contains no memory foam, which is known for trapping body heat. If you’re looking for a mattress that actively cools, see the best cooling mattresses.

Edge Support

The Moonlight has a layer of coils around the perimeter that reinforce the edges of the bed. This means that you can sleep or sit near the edges of the mattress without feeling like you’re falling off. Check out the best queen size mattresses if you are a couple looking to maximize the space and support of your mattress.

Responsiveness 

The combination of latex-like Helix Dynamic Foam with springy coils gives the Moonlight quite a bit of bounce. This is good for combination sleepers who want to move around easily on the mattress. However, those who sleep with a partner may notice one another’s movements throughout the night.

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

Given that the Helix Moonlight has responsive foams, bouncy coils, and doesn’t contain any memory foam (which distills motion), you’re going to feel some movement on this mattress. This is especially true for average-weight sleepers who choose to share this bed. 

Still, if you and your partner stay in one position throughout the night, the disturbances may not bother you. If motion isolation is very important to you, consider a Helix model with memory foam, like the Helix Sunset, the Helix Midnight, or the Helix Twilight—or check our list on the best mattress for couples.

Noise

We didn’t notice any noise while testing the Helix Moonlight, so we consider it to be a reliably quiet mattress. 

Pain Relief

With a 4/10 medium-soft firmness level, the Moonlight excels at pressure relief rather than support. As such, it’s not a good fit for stomach sleepers with back pain. These folks need a firmer mattress that keeps their hips elevated, otherwise they could develop lower back pain. The same is true for back sleepers over 130 lbs.

The Moonlight’s softness makes it a good fit for those with joint pain, as well as side sleepers under 230 lbs who are looking to eliminate jamming near their shoulders and hips.

Sex

The Moonlight is quiet, responsive, and should stay fairly cool, making it a good mattress for sex.

Off-Gassing

Mattresses with foam sometimes emit a “new mattress” smell after being unboxed. This is similar to how a bedroom smells for a few days after a fresh coat of paint. Just like the paint smell dissipates (especially with the help of fans and open windows), any off-gassing odors should be gone within 24–72 hours. The smell in non-toxic, so it shouldn’t be a problem for those with no respiratory issues or severe allergies. 

Durability

The Moonlight earns a high score for durability, thanks mostly to the coil base layer. Hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils tend to last longer than all-foam mattresses. Plus, Helix Sleep will repair or replace your mattress for up to 10 years if it develops covered defects covered by the warranty.

Helix Moonlight Mattress Construction: What’s it Made of?

The Helix Moonlight is a hybrid mattress with foam layers and a coil base. It also has a reinforced perimeter, which provides added edge support. Although it’s a soft mattress, the Moonlight has more support than other plush mattresses thanks to latex-like foam and durable coils.

Layer #1 “Soft Touch Design” Mattress Cover: The mattress cover is made with polyester, so it has a breathable feel that helps with temperature neutrality and airflow.

Layer #2 “Helix Dynamic Foam” Comfort Layer: The comfort portion of the mattress is made of the brand’s proprietary Helix Dynamic Foam. This foam is cushioning and has some latex-like properties, including responsiveness, breathability, and gentle contouring. You won’t feel like you’re sinking into it, but it should feel soft.

Layer #3 Responsive Foam Layer: The thickest foam layer is a responsive foam that helps keep the surface bouncy enough for moving along the mattress surface without feeling like you’re sinking into the bed, while still getting proper cushion for comfort.

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 Coil Support Layer: The core of the mattress contains pocketed coils that are individually wrapped, which helps to limit some motion transfer, although you’ll still feel some movement across the mattress. This layer also has a reinforced perimeter to enhance edge support.

Layer #6 “DuraDense” Foam: The base layer of the mattress is made of a thin slab of high-density DuraDense foam, which supports the entire mattress and improves durability.

How Much Does the Helix Moonlight Mattress Cost?

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

Check out our Helix mattress coupons for the latest Helix discounts. If you’re looking for a great mattress on a budget, see the best mattresses under $500.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Helix mattresses ship free to all 50 states. Most mattresses ship within six to 10 days of your order with safe, no-contact delivery. The mattress will arrive compressed and rolled as a bed-in-a-box, so you’ll need to remove it, unroll it onto the bed frame, and allow it to return to its normal size over a 24–48 hour period. 

Warranty

Helix Sleep offers a 10-year warranty for all of their standard (not Luxe) hybrid mattresses. During this period, the company will replace or repair mattresses with defects at their sole discretion. Covered defects include sagging and indentations deeper than 1”, flaws associated with the cover, and defects that cause the materials to split or crack.

If you notice a flaw, you’ll be responsible for shipping the mattress back to Helix. Once the team inspects it, if they confirm the defect, they’ll replace or repair the mattress, ship it back to you at no cost, and reimburse you up to $100 for the initial shipping costs.

Trial Period & Returns

The Moonlight comes with Helix Sleep’s 100-night trial period. The sleep trial begins the day you receive your mattress, and you can initiate a return for a full refund at any point after you’ve had the bed in your home for at least 30 nights. This 30-night break-in period is designed to allow your body enough time to adjust to the mattress.

If you’re not satisfied, you can contact Helix Sleep to begin the return process. Helix will arrange for the mattress to be picked up from your home. These policies line up with the industry standard followed by the best online mattress brands.

Addressing Helix Moonlight Mattress Complaints

Too Soft

Some reviewers didn’t like the firmness level of the Helix Moonlight. They felt it was too soft for comfort and complained that it caused lower back pain. It’s true that the Moonlight is a softer mattress. We recommend a firmer mattress to stomach sleepers, back sleepers with lower back pain, and those with heavyweight body types.

Too Firm

On the flip side, a few people said the Helix Moonlight was too firm for their comfort. The only way to truly know if an online mattress meets your comfort preferences is to try it, so if you aren’t happy with the firmness level of your Moonlight, you can always return it or exchange it during the trial period.

Body Impressions

A couple of customers were disappointed that their Helix Moonlight developed permanent indentations where they slept. Mattresses with soft foam layers are at risk of forming body impressions, but those over 1″ are covered by the Helix mattress warranty.

Comparing Different Helix Mattresses

Helix Sleep offers an entire line of Luxe mattresses to complement its six standard mattresses. The Helix Luxe mattresses build on the success of the standard beds by adding pillow tops, 2″ of extra loft, zoned support coils, and moisture-wicking TENCEL covers. If you’re looking for a more luxurious feel, the Helix Moonlight Luxe could be a great option.

Helix Moonlight vs. Helix Dusk

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Helix Dusk Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Dusk Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Helix Dusk is best for:
Lightweight sleepers	Average-weight sleepers
Soft mattress lovers	Medium-firm mattress lovers
Side sleepers	Stomach sleepers

The Dusk is one of Helix Sleep’s medium-firm models, and, like the Moonlight, it contains a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam in the comfort portion. However, the Dusk has a memory foam transition layer that gives it a more supportive feel—making it a better choice for back sleepers and some stomach sleepers.

If you’re deciding between the two, we recommend the Moonlight if you’re a side sleeper or enjoy a soft mattress with added bounce. The Dusk is a better choice for strict back sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers who need lift at the hips and shoulders as opposed to contouring.

See our full Helix Dusk Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Moonlight vs. Helix Sunset

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Helix Sunset is best for:
Soft mattress lovers	Lightweight back sleepers
Combination sleepers	Couples
Plush mattress sleepers	Side sleepers

The Helix Sunset is the “sister” mattress of the Moonlight in Helix’s standard collection. It has a soft feel that’s designed to cater to side sleepers who need pressure relief. Like all the mattresses in the Helix standard line, the Moonlight and Sunset share a hybrid design, and they are also priced similarly.

The Sunset features a comfort layer of Memory Plus Foam followed by a Helix Dynamic Foam layer, while the Moonlight has two layers of Helix Dynamic Foam at the top. This distinction makes the Sunset a better choice for lightweight sleepers and side sleepers who prefer a soft, contouring feel and the sensation of sleeping “in” their mattress. The Moonlight is also good for side sleepers, but you’ll likely prefer it to the Sunset if you need more responsiveness.

See our full Helix Sunset Mattress Review to learn more. 

Helix Moonlight vs. Helix Midnight

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Helix Midnight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Midnight Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Helix Midnight is best for:
Lightweight sleepers	Heavier side sleepers
Soft mattress lovers	Medium-firm mattress lovers
Combination sleepers	Couples

The Helix Midnight is Helix Sleep’s medium-firm mattress in the standard collection that’s designed for side sleepers. Its construction layers Memory Plus Foam over high-grade polyfoam, giving sleepers a balanced feel of contouring, responsiveness, and support.

The Midnight’s firmness and feel make it a great all-purpose bed for a wide variety of sleepers, and we recommend it for those who are lightweight or average-weight combination sleepers. It’s also a good choice for a guest bedroom.

The Moonlight, which is softer, has a gentle yet buoyant feel. It’s a better choice for side sleepers who enjoy bounce and back sleepers who enjoy a soft feel.

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

Comparing Helix to the Competition

Helix Moonlight vs. Saatva Classic

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Saatva Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Saatva Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Saatva Classic is best for:
Budget shoppers	Luxury shoppers
Soft mattress lovers	Multiple firmness options
Side sleepers	Back sleepers

The Saatva is a luxury innerspring mattress that’s available in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Both beds share a pocketed coil core, sleep relatively cool, and are similarly priced. Of the three firmness options, the Saatva Classic Plush Soft is most similar to the Moonlight.

The Saatva has less foam and more springs; overall, it feels more like an innerspring mattress with a pillow top than a balanced hybrid mattress. As you push into its layers, you’ll feel a gentle cradle from the top layer of foam, but will quickly experience pushback and bounciness from the springs.

Both the Plush Soft Saatva and Moonlight work well for side sleepers and lightweight individuals, but we recommend the Moonlight for those who enjoy the feel of a responsive hybrid bed and the Saatva for those who like a more supportive feel.

Read our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Moonlight vs. Layla

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Layla Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.6 / 5

Check Price

Read Layla Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Layla is best for:
Side sleepers	Back sleepers
Hot sleepers	Memory foam lovers
Soft mattress lovers	Those who want both firm and soft

The Layla is a flippable foam mattress that gives sleepers a choice between “Soft” and “Firm” firmness levels, depending on their sleeping position and personal preferences. The soft side, which has a firmness level of 4/10, is most similar to the Moonlight. This side is made with 3” of copper-infused memory foam, which gives the bed a cradling feel that lets you sink deeply into the mattress rather than rest on top of it.

The feel of the Layla is ideal for lightweight sleepers who enjoy feeling hugged by memory foam and spend a significant portion of the night on their sides. However, even though the foam is infused with copper, it may sleep warm for those who struggle to stay cool at night.

Overall, we recommend the Layla for lightweight folks who are set on a memory foam feel. The Moonlight is better for hot sleepers, average-weight sleepers who need some cushioning, and lightweight sleepers who want a soft bed with a responsive, bouncy surface.

Read our full Layla Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Moonlight vs. Nectar

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Product

Nectar Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Nectar Mattress Review

Helix Moonlight is best for:	Nectar is best for:
Combination sleepers	Couples
Side sleepers	Back sleepers
Hot sleepers	Hot sleepers who want memory foam

The Nectar is a popular bed-in-a-box mattress that has an all-foam construction and a hugging, memory foam feel. It has a 6/10 firmness level, making it firmer than the Moonlight and more versatile for a variety of sleeping positions and body types. It’s built with top layers of cradling memory foam, so you’ll primarily feel softness and deep pressure relief when you lie down on it.

Anyone who really loves memory foam should enjoy the Nectar over the Moonlight. We also recommend it for shoppers on a strict budget, as every size of the Nectar typically costs less than $1,000 after coupons and discounts are applied.

The Moonlight has a more responsive, bouncy feel, better edge support, and more breathability. It’s a better choice for lightweight people who sleep hot and side sleepers who enjoy a responsive feel rather than a memory foam feel.

Read our full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more.

Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these comparisons:

• Comparing Helix Sleep Mattresses
• Comparing Helix Luxe Mattresses
• Helix vs. Bear
• Helix vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• Helix vs. Casper
• Helix vs. Leesa
• Helix vs. Purple
• Helix vs. Tuft & Needle
• Helix vs. WinkBed

Helix Mattress FAQs

Will Helix mattresses sag?

Most Helix mattresses should last seven to 10 years without sagging. Softer mattress models, like the Moonlight, tend to deteriorate more quickly, so it may be on the shorter side of that range. Rotate your mattress head to foot (180 degrees) so that it wears it more evenly.

What’s the difference between the Helix Moonlight and the Helix Moonlight Luxe?

The Helix Moonlight Luxe is an upgraded version of the original. In addition to Memory Plus Foam and responsive pocketed coils, you also get a plush pillow top, breathable TENCEL cover, and extra layer of gel-infused foam. The Luxe is pricier, but it also comes with a 15-year warranty.

Are Helix mattresses any good?

Yes, we think so. Helix Sleep is committed to high-quality mattresses with value for the cost. They have a large collection of beds that meet the needs of a wide variety of sleepers. Each bed comes with free shipping in the U.S., a 100-night sleep trial, and warranty coverage.

Plus, those looking for a slightly leveled-up take on Helix mattresses should consider the Helix Luxe version of their preferred model. For a few extra hundred dollars, the Luxe mattresses incorporate luxury upgrades like pillow tops and extra cooling features.

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

The Helix Moonlight’s soft feel works well for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers who want pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. The foam comfort layers give it a more supportive feel, meaning that, even though it’s plush, lightweight back sleepers who prefer a softer bed may find it comfortable.

Unlike a traditional memory foam mattress, the Moonlight is bouncy, so if you like a gentle cradle and want mobility that makes it easy to change positions, this could be a nice new mattress for you. Stomach sleepers and most back sleepers above 130 lbs will likely find this mattress to be too soft.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Helix Moonlight Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	2.5
Pressure Relief	4
Ease of Movement	4.5
Edge Support	4
Temperature Control	4.5
Durability	4.5

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