Helix Sunset 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 Sunset, a great option for couples and side sleepers. Read on to see if it’s right for you!

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Is the Helix Sunset Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love the Helix Sunset Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Back sleepers with a lightweight (< 130 lbs) body type
• Those who want a plush, cloud-like mattress
• Couples

Who Should Steer Clear of the Helix Sunset Mattress

• Stomach sleepers—instead, opt for a firm mattress, like the Brooklyn Bedding Plank.
• Back sleepers with average-weight (130–230 lbs) and heavyweight (> 230 lbs) body types—instead, the Saatva Classic mattress has a more supportive construction that’s popular with back sleepers.
• Combination sleepers—instead, opt for a mattress that’s easier to move around on, like the DreamCloud.

Helix Mattress Video Review

Our editor, Adrianne, shows you how the Helix mattresses look and feel in real life in this video review.

Helix Sunset Mattress Firmness and Feel

Helix Sunset Mattress Firmness

The Helix Sunset is rated at 4/10 on our 1–10 firmness scale, where 10 is the firmest and 1 is the softest. That means it’s a medium-soft mattress. While some people (especially heavier folks) want more support than the Helix Sunset offers, others are specifically searching for a soft feel.

Side sleepers do especially well with softer mattresses like this one, because it allows for adequate pressure relief around joints like the hips and shoulders. Those struggling with arthritis or other joint pain might benefit from the soft, cradling feel of the Sunset.

What Does the Helix Sunset Feel Like?

Since the Sunset is topped with a soft, thick layer of memory foam, you’ll sink down into the mattress. Instead of feeling “on top” of your bed, you’ll feel hugged by it. Helix has modified their memory foam to be more responsive, so the foam returns to its original form fairly quickly after you change positions (unlike traditional memory foam). The coils give the mattress a subtle springiness.

What Sleeping Position Is Helix Sunset Mattress Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	4	3	5
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	3	2	5
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	2	2	4

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

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a secure and supportive surface that keeps the body from sinking down too far into the bed. The best mattress for back sleepers is not too soft and facilitates good spinal alignment (AKA sleeping posture). 

Because the Helix Sunset is a softer mattress, it won’t be the best fit for average-weight or heavyweight sleepers who spend most of the night on their backs; however, it should be supportive enough for lightweight back sleepers. 

If you’re looking for a firmer, more supportive mattress, check out the best mattress for heavy people.

Stomach Sleepers

Like back sleepers, stomach sleepers require a supportive surface that keeps their hips elevated and aligned with their shoulders. Because the Sunset is so soft, we don’t think it will work well stomach sleepers of any body type—lightweight, average-weight or heavyweight.

Lightweight folks who spend only part of the night on their stomachs could fare well, but if you have any pre-existing back pain just go for a firmer mattress. For better options, see the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers will love the Helix Sunset mattress because its soft construction allows the hips and shoulders to sink deep into the foam. That cradling around the hips and shoulders is important to ensure lateral spinal alignment.

While heavyweight side sleepers might experience the Helix Sunset as a bit softer than smaller body sizes, it should still be a good fit. Lightweight and average-weight side sleepers should also experience pressure relief in the bed’s soft comfort layers.  For other contouring mattresses, see our picks for the best mattress for side sleepers.

Combination Sleepers

When choosing a mattress, it’s helpful for combination sleepers to think through the positions they sleep in most often. For example, if you’re a heavyweight person who splits time between your back and stomach, the Helix Sunset won’t work for you; however, it is a good fit for lightweight or average-weight folks who alternate between their back and sides.

Additionally, the best mattresses for combination sleepers allow them to easily change positions on top of the mattress. The Sunset is so soft that it will take some effort to move around.

Helix Sunset Mattress Performance

Is the Helix Sunset Mattress Cooling? 

We understand the struggle for hot sleepers who just want a cool night of rest: It’s no fun to settle down into a fluffy bed and realize you’re beginning to feel stifled. Unfortunately, that’s the story with the Helix Sunset. It includes a soft and breathable cover, but the bed tends to envelop the body too much to ensure a breezy night of sleep.

The individually wrapped coils in this bed offer some breathability, but neither the memory foam nor polyfoam are gel-infused, which means they aren’t great for ultra-hot sleepers. For those of you who can’t seem to get cool, check out our best cooling mattresses.

Edge Support 

The Helix Sunset comes with reinforced edges to help provide extra bolstering and support around the perimeter of the bed. During our edge support test, we found that the Sunset’s support layer kept the bed from sagging too much when a tester sat right on the edge. The edge support was even better when one of them “slept” along the perimeter.

If your sleep partner stretches out too far and leaves you stranded all the way along the edge of your mattress, the Helix Sunset will make sure you don’t feel unstable in that position. 

Responsiveness 

When we tested the Helix Sunset in our mattress lab, the plush comfort layers made it more difficult to move around and maneuver on this mattress than, say, a pillow top mattress.

When you get into the bed it’s easy to settle into and feel comfortable, but it’s difficult to switch positions. It’s also a bit difficult to lift yourself out of the mattress when it’s time to rise in the morning. That means the Sunset may not be the best choice for combination sleepers or those with mobility issues. 

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

Motion isolation is where this coil and foam mattress stands out from the competition. When two mattress testers tried out the Helix Sunset in our in-house motion transfer test, they almost couldn’t detect another “sleeper” getting in and out of bed.

That’s great news for people who sleep with a partner or a pet and awake easily from feeling movement. The cushioning provided by the layers of soft foam means that motion transfer is kept to a minimum. For more mattresses that isolate motion well, see the best mattress for couples.

Noise

The Sunset is very quiet, thanks to dense absorbent foams and individually wrapped coils.

Pain Relief

Spinal alignment and pressure relief are the two most important factors in preventing or alleviating pain while sleeping. The spine’s natural curve tends to be very slight, so an exacerbated curve caused by a too-soft or too-firm mattress could cause pain in your lower back. As a soft mattress, the Sunset isn’t good for back or stomach sleepers with lower back pain.

The Sunset is a good mattress for shoulder pain or hip pain, thanks to lots of cushioning and pressure relief. It could also be a match for those with arthritis, but who don’t have trouble with mobility. For more supportive, pressure-relieving options, see the best mattresses for back pain.

Sex

If you’re looking for a mattress for sex, consider temperature, noise, and ease of movement. The Sunset is very quiet, but it can absorb some body heat, and it isn’t the easiest to move around on.

Off-Gassing

We noticed a slight off-gassing odor when we unboxed our Helix Sunset. Off-gassing is the process of new foam airing out—similar to a new car smell. The odor is non-toxic, and it should be gone in 24 hours or so.

Durability

The Sunset is a hybrid mattress (both foam and coils), which is a more durable type of mattress construction. The steel coils will hold up well over time, but the memory foam may form permanent body impressions over time.

Helix Sunset Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?

The Helix Sunset uses several layers of foam atop its system of individually wrapped coils, making it great for those with joint pain who need a soft and cradling top layer in their mattress. The bed is also good for side sleepers, but it won’t work as well for stomach sleepers and anyone looking for an ultra-firm feel. 

Layer #1 “Soft Touch Design” Mattress Cover: Each Helix mattress, including the Helix Sunset, comes with a cover that feels a bit stretchy when you lift it with your hand. It doesn’t feel cool to the touch, but it is breathable and airy. You can upgrade to a cooling cover or pillow top as well.

Layer #2 Copper Gel Memory Foam Layer: Beneath the cover, you’ll find a layer of high density foam with a copper gel infusion, which helps prevent body heat retention so you can stay cool while sleeping.

Layer #3 Responsive Foam: Below the initial foam layer, there’s another layer of soft foam that aids in responsiveness so that you stay buoyant and elevated on the mattress surface, instead of feeling like you’re sinking into the middle. 

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 Coil Support Layer: The Helix Sunset, like other mattresses in the Helix line, uses pocketed coils for support, stability, and bounce. Because the coils are individually wrapped, motion transfer is kept at a minimum. If you are looking for a bouncy mattress with coils, check out the best innerspring mattresses.

Layer #6 Foam Base Layer: Helix uses a layer of “DuraDense” foam at the bottom of the mattress to stabilize the coils at the bottom of the bed. 

How Much Does the Helix Sunset Mattress Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$936	38” x 75”	11. 5”	60 lbs
Twin XL	$1,061	38” x 80”	11. 5”	60 lbs
Full	$1,249	54” x 75”	11. 5”	90 lbs
Queen	$1,374	60” x 80”	11. 5”	100 lbs
King	$1,749	76” x 80”	11. 5”	110 lbs
California King	$1,749	72” x 84”	11. 5”	110 lbs

Check out our Helix mattress coupons for the lowest Helix mattress prices. For other great mattress options, see the best affordable mattresses.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Helix ships its mattresses to all 50 states for free, and to most Canadian provinces for a $250 charge. After placing your order, you can expect to receive your mattress within three to 15 business days.

Our team unboxed the Helix Sunset in under two minutes, and noticed that it seemed to inflate to its full size almost immediately. There was a slight off-gassing smell, but nothing that would bother most sleepers. 

Warranty

All standard Helix mattresses have a 10-year warranty that protects against material and workmanship defects. Helix Luxe models—the more deluxe version of each bed—come with a 15-year warranty. Compared to the rest of the mattress industry, the Helix warranty is standard. Warranty coverage includes indentations greater than 1” deep, as well as any manufacturing defects in the mattress cover.

Looking for more info? Make sure to check out our Helix Warranty Page!

Trial Period & Returns

All Helix mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial, meaning you can test them out for up to 100 days to see if they’re right for you. You can return the mattress within that period for a full refund.

However, customers must keep the mattress for at leasts 30 days, starting from the date of delivery, before they can initiate a return. This is the “break-in period,” and it’s intended to give your body enough time to adjust to a new surface.

Addressing Helix Mattress Complaints

Sagging

A few customers mentioned that their Helix Sunset began sagging in the middle. If you notice your Helix sagging, you may not have a supportive enough bed frame. Make sure you’re using a box spring, adjustable base, or foundation that’s fully functional. Slatted mattresses shouldn’t have gaps wider than 3″.

If you have a supportive bed frame and your mattress is still sagging, you may have a defective mattress that could be eligible for a warranty claim.

Causes Lower Back Pain

Several customers complained that the Helix Sunset mattress lacked support, and in some cases, caused low back pain. As a medium-soft mattress, the Sunset prioritizes plush cushioning over support. If you’re a stomach sleeper, back sleeper over 130 lbs, or have lower back pain, look for a firmer mattress. You can request a return or exchange during the 100-night sleep trial window.

Comparing Different Helix Mattresses

Customers looking for a more elevated feel in their Helix mattress can turn to the Helix Luxe line, a sister collection to the standard mattresses. Each Luxe mattress features a taller profile with more comfort materials and a moisture-wicking TENCEL cover. The Helix Sunset Luxe feels just as soft as the Helix Sunset, but its TENCEL cover offers extra breathability, and the added zoned support bolsters the hips as you sleep. 

Helix Sunset vs. Helix Moonlight

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Helix Moonlight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-soft: 4/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Moonlight Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Helix Moonlight Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Softer Mattress
Lightweight Back Sleepers	Sleepers Seeking a Plush Feel Mattress
Couples	Those Looking for a Responsive Mattress

The Helix Moonlight mattress is rated 4/10 on our mattress firmness scale. This bed is for those who know they need softness, but want a more responsive, breathable alternative to memory foam. This is accomplished by using a Helix Dynamic Foam top layer instead of Memory Plus Foam.

Both the Sunset and the Moonlight work well for side sleepers and lightweight back sleepers. The main difference between the Sunset and the Moonlight is that the Moonlight feels more buoyant, while the Sunset has the close contouring of memory foam. You’ll pay the same for both beds, and get the same 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.

See our full Helix Moonlight Mattress Review to learn more. 

Helix Sunset vs. Helix Midnight

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Helix Midnight Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Midnight Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Helix Midnight Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Firmer Mattress
Lightweight Back Sleepers	Sleepers with Back Pain
Couples	Those of All Body Types

The Helix Midnight has a similar construction to the Sunset—memory foam over polyfoam and coils—but it has a slightly firmer feel than the Sunset. This makes it a better option for those with back pain, since it offers more support.

While the Sunset works best for side sleepers under 230 lbs and lightweight back sleepers, the Midnight can accommodate side sleepers of all body types and back or stomach sleepers under 230 lbs. Both beds cost the same and come with a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.

See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more. 

Helix Sunset vs. Helix Plus

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Helix Plus Mattress

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Score

4.7 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Plus Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Helix Plus Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Heavyweight Sleepers
Lightweight Back Sleepers	All Sleeping Positions
Couples	Hot Sleepers

Designed specifically for folks who weigh over 230 lbs, the Helix Plus mattress is a thick and supportive bed made with three layers of foam and supportive innerspring coils. Lightweight sleepers should go with the Helix Sunset because of its softer feel, but the Helix Plus is great for heavier folks of any primary sleeping position.

The Plus also includes a breathable, cooling TENCEL cover and extra tall 13″ loft. It costs more than the Sunset, but it’s made with extra durable materials and has a 15-year warranty. You’ll get a 100-night trial period with either bed.

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

Comparing Helix to the Competition

Helix Sunset vs. Nectar

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Nectar Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.0 / 5

Check Price

Read Nectar Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Nectar Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Lifetime Warranty
Lightweight Back Sleepers	Sleepers Seeking a Plush Feel Mattress
Couples	Memory Foam Lovers

While the Helix Sunset is a hybrid mattress made with coils and foam layers, the Nectar is an all-foam mattress that includes a top layer of gel memory foam, a foam transition layer, and foam base layer. The cooling gel in the Nectar helps to regulate the temperature of the foam, but it still sleeps warmer than the Sunset.

These mattresses performed similarly during our testing process, so choosing between the two comes down to your preferred feel. If you want some bounce, choose the Sunset. If you want the conforming feel of dense foam, go with the Nectar. Pricewise, the Nectar costs a little more, but you get a 365-night trial period and Lifetime warranty.

Read our full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Sunset vs. Casper

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Casper Original Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Casper Original Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Casper Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Shoppers Looking for a Medium-Firm Mattress
Lightweight Back Sleepers	Sleepers Seeking a Pressure Relief
Couples	All Sleeping Positions

Chances are, when you think “bed-in-a-box mattress,” Casper is one of the first brands that comes to mind. This medium-firm memory foam mattress is designed to accommodate all kinds of sleep positions, combining support and pressure relief. 

If you’re set on a soft mattress or hybrid mattress with coils, the Helix Sunset is the obvious option. But if you’re willing to try an all-foam bed, the Casper is priced similarly to the Helix and offers Zoned Support, meaning one foam layer provides more support and firmness to the hips and extra cushion to the shoulders.

Read our full Helix vs. Casper Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix Sunset vs. Nolah

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Helix Sunset Mattress

Firmness

Score

3.8 / 5

Check Price

Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review

Product

Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Score

4.7 / 5

Check Price

Read Nolah Original 10″ Mattress Review

Helix Sunset Mattress is Best For:	Nolah Mattress is Best For:
Side Sleepers	Back and Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight Back Sleepers	Memory Foam Lovers
Couples	Hot Sleepers

The Nolah Original mattress has a lower profile than the Helix Sunset, standing just 10” tall. It includes cooling AirFoam in the top layer as well as a springy foam transition layer, and a high-density foam base layer. While the Helix Sunset is made with a mixture of coils and foam, the Nolah is made completely of foam layers. 

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper looking for support, the medium-firm Nolah will have more to offer than the softer Helix Sunset. But if you’re a side sleeper who wants both a soft feel and the bounce of coils, the Sunset is your best bet. The Nolah and Sunset are priced similarly, though the Nolah has a 120-night trial period and Lifetime warranty.

Read our full Nolah Mattress Review to learn more.

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

Helix Comparisons	Helix Reviews
Helix vs. Bear	Helix Moonlight Mattress Review
Helix vs. Brooklyn Bedding	Helix Dusk Mattress Review
Helix vs. Casper	Helix Dawn Mattress Review
Helix vs. Leesa	Helix Plus Mattress Review
Helix vs. Purple	Helix Luxe Mattress Review
Helix vs. Tuft & Needle	Helix Sunset Mattress Review
Helix vs. WinkBed	Helix Pillow Review

Helix Mattress FAQs

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Helix Sunset is a competitively priced hybrid mattress with a medium-soft firmness level. It’s one of the softest mattresses made by Helix, and is designed for side sleepers and couples who value motion isolation. We just wouldn’t recommend this bed for stomach sleepers or heavier back sleepers.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Helix Sunset Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	5
Pressure Relief	4
Ease of Movement	3
Edge Support	4
Temperature Control	2.5
Durability	4.5

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