Helix Plus Mattress Review for 2024 – Ideal for Heavy Sleepers

The Helix Plus is a firmer mattress, so people often assume it offers no pressure relief. Although this may be true for some people, it’s important to remember that this mattress is made specifically for heavier people. With that said, I think there’s enough relief for heavy people sleeping on their backs. Side sleepers might feel some buildup around their shoulders. As you can see in my pressure map images, there was definitely some pressure in my shoulder and hip. However, I am an average-weight sleeper. Our plus-size tester, Spencer, didn’t show as much pressure while side sleeping, and it was mostly in his shoulder.

If you need more pressure relief, I suggest you try the Plus with a GlacioTex™ pillow top.

Is the Helix Plus Good for Pressure Relief?

Sleepers with pain should like the balance of support and pressure relief the Helix Plus provides. However, how much you’ll sink depends on how much you weigh. So, if you’re a lighter sleeper or even average-weight, you might not get as much relief from the Helix Plus. 

Back Pain

Some lightweight back sleepers might feel some pain in the lower back when using the Helix Plus mattress. However, I think average-weight and heavy sleepers should be just fine, feeling nice contouring and plenty of support in the lumbar area.

Hip Pain

I think the Helix Plus should do a good job of helping with hip pain in plus-size sleepers. However, it’ll likely be too firm for side sleepers under 230 pounds, potentially worsening their hip pain.

Shoulder Pain

Although this bed is on the firmer side, it provides a soft touch on the narrow shoulder area for those weighing over 230 pounds. As with lighter and average-weight people experiencing hip pain, though, I don’t think these groups will get much shoulder pain relief from this firmer bed, especially if they sleep on their side.

Firm mattresses generally do a good job of supporting the body so it stays in a healthy alignment. The Helix Plus is designed specifically for heavy people, so it provides considerable support in the transition layer made from firmer memory foam. The innerspring coils are there for extra support, ensuring the upper layers perform well. 

The coils provide excellent spine alignment while cradling the body just enough so that the foam layers can relieve pressure. On top of that, there’s the DuraDense Foam at the base, ensuring the upper layers don’t dip under the weight. 

In my opinion, it’s not the best support for stomach sleepers, especially those over 230 pounds.

I don’t think the Helix Plus mattress is the right one for you if motion isolation is your number one priority. I tested its motion-isolating capabilities with a seismograph, and movements big and small were all felt. The mattress surface does nearly nothing to absorb the motion, so I’m pretty sure you’ll feel most of your partner’s tossing and turning. 

Right off the bat, it’s important to say that this bed isn’t cool to the touch with the original cover it comes with. I tested its cooling capabilities with a temperature gun before and after lying on the bed for five minutes. The temperature started at 68.9 degrees Fahrenheit. After five minutes, the temperature bumped up to 80.5 degrees. After the five-minute test, the Helix Plus returned to its initial temperature within two minutes. 

I like that it cools off quickly, and although it’s not cool to the touch, it does a solid job of regulating temperature.

The Helix Plus mattress has a responsive construction, with quite some bounce near the surface. The foam layers are quite responsive, so the feel is overall pretty bouncy, which is expected from a hybrid. This is excellent news for people with mobility issues as it can help them with moving around the mattress. The bounce is also good for sexually active couples who need a bit of pushback support. 

The Helix Plus has reinforced foam around the perimeter, so I was pretty surprised that it did nothing to keep me up when sitting in this area. The reinforcement does a good job of keeping you secure when lying near the edge, but sitting here will make you feel like you’re about to slide off. It leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to edge support. 

I think heavier sleeping partners should find that the Helix Plus is a solid choice for them. The mattress offers good bounce and excellent weight capacity, so even heavy co-sleepers can share the bed. However, it doesn’t have the best edge support or even motion isolation, both of which are important for couples. 

Preference-Based Features

Free Delivery & Quick to Expand

The brand offers free delivery within the U.S. They also ship to Canada but for a fee. On top of that, I was impressed by how quickly it comes to shape, needing only about 45 minutes to fully expand. 

Longer Warranty

All Standard Helix mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty. However, Helix went above and beyond with this model, offering a warranty of 15 years for the Helix Plus. Additionally, Helix’s Luxe line of mattresses comes with a 15-year warranty. 

Made in the USA

If you’re after an American-made mattress, I suggest trying Helix, as the company makes all its mattresses in the United States. 

Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Plus?

The Helix Plus stands a total of 11.25 inches tall and is designed to deliver dynamic support and pressure relief for people over 230 pounds. The construction has multiple foam layers combined with individually wrapped coils and a reinforced perimeter. Although the edge support didn’t impress me when sitting on the edge of the bed, it’s not half-bad when lying in this area.

• The Tencel™ cover is ultra-breathable and created specifically to increase airflow and keep sleepers cool. If you’re an extra-hot sleeper, you can upgrade to a GlacioTex™ cooling cover for a cool-to-the-touch feel because the original Tencel™ isn’t cool to the touch.
• For the comfort layer, the company combined Dynamic Foam with Ultra-Dense Memory Foam. The innovative combination offers contouring and pressure relief, but it really depends on your weight because lighter-weight people might still feel some buildup.
• Moving to the transition layer, this hybrid has firm memory foam for a cushy transition to the coils. The transition layer eases you into the firm support offered by the coils while providing a sufficient ergonomic element and a higher IFD (Indentation Force Deflection) to accommodate heavier frames.
• The innerspring layer features individually wrapped, tall coils for support and cradling. The coils sit on top of a durable base for an elevated design that bolsters support under heavier pressure. Additionally, the edges are reinforced in this layer.
• The base layer is made from DuraDense Foam, providing durability and structure to the layers above.

Unboxing & Off-Gassing

Helix offers free delivery, and your bed will arrive on your doorstep in a box. I found the box really heavy, so it’s best to have someone help you with moving it around. Once you move it to the bedroom, pull the mattress out and place it on a foundation of your choice. Cut through the plastic and allow the mattress to expand. The entire process is fairly simple and takes only a few minutes. 

On top of that, the Helix Plus needs only about 45 minutes to expand, so you don’t have to wait too long before enjoying your new mattress.

Certifications

• GREENGUARD Gold
  This mattress has a GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure it meets strict health and safety standards for low chemical emissions.
• CertiPUR-US®
  The CertiPUR-US® certification promises a product is created without harmful additives like ozone depleters, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, or phthalates, and with a safe level of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emissions for indoor air quality.

Noteworthy Updates:

• Helix once offered white glove delivery but this was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping

• Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States, but there’s a fee for shipping to Canada. 
• White Glove Delivery – Helix offers old mattress removal for California residents, but their white glove delivery service remains suspended. 
• Trial – The company gives you 100 nights to test how the Helix Plus fits your needs. If you don’t like it, you can return it before the trial is up, and they’ll refund your money. 
• Warranty – There is a warranty on this brand for 15 years.
• Return Policy – Returns are free and easy, but you’re required to keep the mattress for 30 days before returning it. Once those 30 days are up and before the 100-night trial has ended, you can return it for a full refund. 

Helix Plus Sizes & Prices

Helix Plus FAQs

Helix Plus vs. Other Brands

	Helix Plus Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe	WinkBed Plus Mattress
Rating	4.7/5	4.7/5	4.5/5
Firmness	Firm: 7/10	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
Cooling	—	—
Warranty	15-year warranty	10-year warranty	Lifetime warranty
Shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping minus HI and AK	Free shipping
Trial Period	100 nights	120 nights	120 nights
Best For	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Who I Recommend the Titan Plus Luxe For

• Sexually active couples
• Consumers who value durability
• Heavier sleepers

Interested? Read our full Titan Plus Luxe Mattress Review.

Who I Recommend the WinkBed Plus For

• People over 300 pounds
• Those looking for pressure relief
• Sleepers who want more customization

Read our Winkbed Plus Mattress Review if you think the Winkbed is right for you.

Helix Plus vs. Other Helix Models

	Helix Plus Mattress	Helix Midnight Mattress	Helix Dawn Mattress
Rating	4.7/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Firmness	Firm: 7/10	Medium-firm: 6/10	Firm: 7.5/10
Material	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
Cooling	—	—	—
Warranty	15-year warranty	10-year warranty	10-year warranty
Shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping
Trial Period	100 nights	100 nights	100 nights
Best For	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers	Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For

• Light to average-weight back and side sleepers
• Co-sleepers
• People with orthopedic issues

Learn more in our Helix Midnight Mattress Review.

Who I Recommend the Helix Dawn For

• Stomach sleepers
• Those who prefer a firmer mattress
• Sleepers who want more bounce

Learn more in our Helix Dawn Mattress Review.

The Helix Plus mattress feels durable and sturdy, offering everything you need for support and pressure relief. I gave it an overall score of 4 out of 5.

Testing it was an enjoyable experience as it combines premium materials reflected in its high-quality construction. The Tencel™ cover makes a difference in comfort and freshness, easing you into the comfort layers. 

Because it’s designed for heavier people, I wouldn’t recommend it to lighter-weight sleepers, especially those who enjoy sleeping on their side. Some average-weight sleepers may enjoy its firmness if they typically love sleeping on firmer mattresses and strictly lie on their stomach or back. 

In my opinion, the Helix Plus is worth the attention if you’re after a sturdy, well-made bed that’ll last for years.