Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Many Helix models have names associated with times when most of us are asleep—Dusk, Sunset, Twilight, and Midnight. So, I wondered why they flipped the script and named one of their mattresses for the time when folks typically bid adieu to their beds.
The Helix Dawn incorporates a hybrid design that combines firmness and contouring. It was constructed with back and stomach sleepers in mind, and these claims were among the many I wanted to test out. Let’s jump in and find out if we will be welcoming the Dawn.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value)
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Performance Ratings
How the Helix Dawn Compares
Here at Sleep Advisor, we’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The budget-conscious Helix Dawn will cost less than most of its competitors and provide you with fantastic cooling and bounce.
| Test | Helix Dawn | Average |
| Overall | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 11.5 | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 100 | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $1,373.75 | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 3.5 | 4.3 |
| Support | 4 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 4.5 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 3.5 | 3.9 |
Who I Recommend the Helix Dawn For:
- Fans of firm beds – The Helix Dawn is a firm bed and should be a great fit for those who appreciate this feature.
- Back and stomach sleepers – This bed’s firm support makes it great for back and stomach sleepers. The contouring foam provides some cushioning, while the firmer support layers help keep back and stomach sleepers’ hips elevated and their spines aligned.
- Sexually active couples – You won’t have to worry much about getting awkwardly stuck during sex. Even with the foam at the top, the Helix Dawn has enough bounce to keep you from feeling stuck in the mattress.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Helix Dawn For:
- Side sleepers – I felt a fair amount of pressure around my shoulder and hip while testing this bed for side sleeping. Also, this mattress was just uncomfortable in this position, and side sleepers would be better off with one of these mattresses for side sleeping.
- Older adults with mobility issues – I noticed a lot of sinkage when I sat on the edge of this bed and found it difficult to bend over like I would if I were putting on socks or shoes. I think that this could lead to precarious situations for seniors with mobility issues.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn has an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Helix website based on over 1,200 reviews. Negative reviews say that the mattress seems to get softer over time, but the majority of positive reviews claim the bed is comfortable and has helped with aches and pains.
Testing the Helix Dawn
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
We believe the most accurate mattress testing results come from a combination of subjective hands-on experiences and quantitative tests. So, not only did I spend time on the Helix Dawn to let you know how it felt to me in areas like support, cooling, motion isolation, and others, but I also used tech devices such as a pressure map, temperature gun, and seismograph app to provide data-driven information on a variety of features.
Also, since people prefer different sleep positions, I tested this bed on my back, side, and stomach to see who would benefit the most from the Helix Dawn. Considering that I am an average-weight sleeper, I will provide my first-hand experience for that body type and bring you recommendations for lightweight and heavyweight sleepers as well.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 7.5/10
The Helix Dawn is a hybrid bed that uses supportive steel coils to provide a firm feel. After spending time on it, I decided it is a 7.5 out of 10, making it a hard bed according to our firmness scale. This level of firmness is usually good for plus-size, back, and stomach sleepers.
How Does the Helix Dawn Feel?
Given the firmness level, I expected the Helix Dawn to feel utilitarian, but I was met with a pleasant plushness that I immediately appreciated. The foam layers were covered in comfortable knit. While it wasn’t cool to the touch, it had a cooler feel than others with similar covers. The upper foam layers contoured my body, but the steel coils quickly kicked in for support and alignment.
Although it was firmer than the beds I’m normally drawn to, I enjoyed how the foam and coils combined to make me feel cozy and secure.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to Helix, the Dawn mattress can support up to 500 pounds on each side of the bed, or 1,000 pounds total.
Side Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight side sleepers will most likely find this to be way too firm. Pressure could easily build up around the smaller joints of their shoulders and hips when sleeping on it. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I didn’t find the Helix Dawn comfortable when I was sleeping on my side. I felt a good deal of pressure around my shoulders and hips, and the pressure maps showed a lot of pressure around these areas. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | A heavyweight colleague also tested this bed out and found that the Helix Dawn will likely be too firm for plus-sized side sleepers. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | While this bed will likely give lightweight back sleepers adequate support, it will certainly be too firm for this group to find it comfortable. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I loved this bed on my back. Thanks to the contouring foams and supportive coils, I could feel it pulling tension away from my lower back. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Our heavyweight tester said that those who come in close to 230 pounds will likely find this bed comfortable for back sleeping. However, he thinks anyone weighing more than this may be better suited with the Helix Plus. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | This bed could be an excellent match for lightweight stomach sleepers. The foam layers should comfort them as the bed keeps their hips aligned. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | This is one of my favorite beds for stomach sleeping. I loved how it kept my hips elevated and prevented a U-shape in my lower back. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Much like for heavyweight back sleepers, my co-worker said that he thinks folks around 230 pounds should enjoy this bed on their stomachs. However, he advises those who are above that to take a look at the Helix Plus. |
Pressure Relief
3.5/5
I felt like an astronaut when I was on my back because I experienced out-of-this-world pressure relief. The soft foam upper layers and supportive coil base tag teamed to melt the tension in my lower back away. However, it was a vastly different experience when I was on my side. I couldn’t get comfortable in this position and think that most other side sleepers will feel the same way.
The pressure map test confirmed my findings. The reading showed all blue and green, indicating little to no pressure when I was on my back. However, red and yellow, the tell-tale colors of pressure build-up, were present when I rolled to my side. Typically, the reds and yellows would have been a two-point deduction for this category. However, since the high-pressure indicators were minimal and it performed so well for back sleeping, I only deducted 1.5 points.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Helix Dawn Good for Pain Relief?
Yes and no. The Helix Dawn should do an exceptional job of easing back pain because of the contouring foam and supportive base. However, the firmness is likely to exacerbate hip and shoulder pain.
| Back Pain | My lower back is often tight and sore. However, as soon as I lay down on the Helix Dawn, the foam filled that area, and I could feel the tension melting away. I think that others who experience back pain should have a similar experience. Read more about mattresses for back pain here. |
| Hip Pain | Although the foam layers do a good job of providing comfortable contouring, this mattress is too firm to give relief to those with hip pain. I could feel my weight bearing down around my hip when I was on my side. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| Shoulder Pain | Similarly to how I felt about this bed for those with hip pain, the Helix Dawn’s firmness will likely not help those with shoulder pain either. I could feel my shoulder pushing through the softer layers and onto the firm base layer. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
4/5
The Helix Dawn enthusiastically supports back and stomach sleepers. Although I am not typically a fan of beds this firm, I loved how the contouring foams filled my lower back and seemed to absorb the tension I carried there.
When I flipped to my front side, I immediately noticed my hips were elevated and cushioned while my spine was perfectly aligned. Still, I recommend a low-loft pillow when sleeping on your stomach because higher ones could get your spinal alignment out of whack. Also, while the Helix Dawn provided sufficient support and spinal alignment when I was on my side, it wasn’t comfortable.
I deducted a point for support because the Dawn likely won’t offer enough support to back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Motion Isolation
3.5/5
If you, like me, share a bed with someone whose restlessness makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a row boat lost at sea, having a bed that prevents motion from traveling from one side of the bed to the other is paramount.
I used a seismograph app to track how my movement on one side of the bed traveled to the other. Although the app showed some spikes due to my tossing and turning, the upper layers of foam absorbed enough motion to keep it from bothering a partner. However, when I sat on the side of the bed like you would when putting on your socks and shoes, there was a noticeable uptick in the motion that crossed the bed. Considering the motion recorded by the seismograph app, I deducted 1.5 points.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4.5/5
Hybrid beds typically perform well when it comes to cooling because the coils allow air to move freely. So, I was expecting this mattress to have a high score in this category, but I was blown away by how well it did.
I used a temperature gun to take an initial temperature, and then I took two more readings — one after I had been on the bed for five minutes and another after laying on the bed for five more minutes. The Helix Dawn’s temperature only went up about 5 degrees overall. I subtracted half a point because the bed didn’t feel cool to the touch, but you can upgrade to the GlacioTex Pillow Top cover for additional cooling.
Bounce
4.5/5
A bed’s bounce can help you reposition easily, making it beneficial for combination sleepers, seniors with mobility issues, and sexually active folks.
To test the Helix Dawn’s bounce, I dropped a 10-pound medicine ball from shoulder height and jumped up and down on it. I also got onto the bed and repositioned.
During the medicine ball drop, the ball bounced back up and to the side, then after another smaller bounce, settled into the bed. This is typically a good indicator that the bed has good bounce.
I also found it easy to move around on the bed, and I don’t think folks will need to worry about getting awkwardly stuck during sex.
However, I took away a half-point because it was hard to jump on the Dawn. I quickly sank through the layers until I could feel the slats of the base, and I had to put in a lot of effort to propel myself upwards.
Edge Support
2.5/5
How well a bed elevates you along its perimeter, commonly referred to as edge support, is an important feature for couples who like to use the whole sleeping surface and those with mobility issues who may struggle getting in and out of bed.
To test this, I spent a minute sitting on the edge of the bed and bent over as if I was tying my shoes and then another minute lying on the edge of the bed. I felt noticeable sinkage when I was sitting on the bed. I don’t have mobility issues and found getting up from the Helix Dawn a little precarious. When I was bent over, I felt I had to support most of my weight, and maintaining my balance was a little hard.
When I stretched out along the side, I was more secure than when sitting, but I still didn’t feel like the bed was “holding on to me.” Since I didn’t feel adequate support for both sitting and lying near the edge of the bed, it earned a 2.5 score.
Accessibility
4/5
Since consumers have ample mattresses to choose from, manufacturers add extras to make their beds as accessible and appealing as possible. In addition to the mattress’s performance, we like to look at how purchasing a particular bed can make your life easier.
The firm Helix Dawn was designed with back and stomach sleepers in mind, and it delivers. Based on my testing, I think this bed should do an excellent job supporting these folks. It also has top-notch cooling properties that should keep sleepers from overheating. Customers will receive free shipping, and Helix also offers white glove delivery for an extra charge to certain areas (you can enter your zip code on the website to see if you qualify).
I deducted a point because this bed does not have handles, and the knit cover makes it a little hard to grab if you need to move it.
Customer Service
4.5/5
Helix makes it easy to contact them if you have any questions or concerns. You can call, email, text, and chat. I found their representatives to be friendly, knowledgeable, and speedy. I like the texting option, but you agree to automated promotional texts if you use this channel.
I was also a fan of the “Order Status” button at the top of the website. You can enter your email address and order number to check the status. I was very impressed with Helix’s customer service and only deducted half a point for the promotional texts.
Performance for Couples
3.5/5
Sleeping with a partner can be rewarding and frustrating. For those with a bedmate, we like to examine categories like motion isolation, bounce, edge support, overall support, and cooling with a special lens.
Like most relationships, the Helix had its ups and downs when it came to features that benefit couples. It excelled at temperature regulation, had great bounce, and should support most folks well.
However, it was a little lacking in motion isolation, and it scored even lower in the edge support category. Also, this is a firm bed, so it may not work for couples with different sleep preferences. Based on its firmer feel and less-than-thrilling performances in motion isolation and edge support, it only earned a 3.5 here.
Preference-Based Features
Reinforced Edges
This firm mattress is highly supportive across the entire surface, including the edges. The edge support comes from a layer of reinforced coils around the perimeter, ensuring additional support so that this area doesn’t sag.
Made in the USA
Helix manufactures their mattresses in the United States, which is a plus for shoppers looking for an American-made product specifically.
Great Durability
Although we couldn’t test the Dawn over an extended period, we think it’s safe to say this is a durable mattress. Helix is a quality brand, and this mattress has coils, two foam layers, and a high-quality cover. We think all of this should ensure the mattress doesn’t sag or show any signs of wear and tear too quickly.
Construction: What’s Inside the Helix Dawn?
The Helix Dawn measures 11.5 inches tall, regardless of the size you go for. This is a hybrid mattress because it combines coils, foam, and latex. One thing to point out is that the Luxe model is taller, standing at 13.5 inches.
- The Soft Touch Design Cover is a light and breathable polyester material.
- A combination of latex and foam make up the comfort layer, which is designed to contour the body. Unlike memory foam, this material has a bouncier feel to it.
- A high-quality poly foam provides a transition layer that is slightly firmer and should help you ease into the coil unit below it.
- The individually wrapped coils create a supportive yet bouncy feel. These coils are individually wrapped so that they move separately, which is meant to help with motion control. The coils also produce more airflow for temperature regulation.
- The DuraDense Foam makes up the base layer, supporting the entire mattress and giving it structure and durability.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Helix Dawn arrives in a box. After unboxing, you may notice some off-gassing, which is a chemical smell that is normal among many bed-in-a-box mattresses, especially those containing synthetic foams. If you notice a smell, it should dissipate within 24-48 hours, and you can put it in a well-ventilated area to help with this.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® certified – 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.
- GREENGUARD Gold certified – This mattress has a GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure it meets strict health and safety standards for low chemical emissions.
Noteworthy Updates
Helix has a “Refer a Friend” program. When you refer a friend to Helix, you’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card, and they’ll enjoy 22 percent off of their purchase.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | Helix ships their mattresses for free across the U.S. If you’re in Canada, you’ll likely have to pay a customs tax along with a shipping fee of $250 per mattress. |
| White Glove Delivery | Helix offers in-home setup and removal services for additional charges. Mattress setup is $129, and setup and removal of your old mattress is $159. You can also have them set up and remove adjustable bases and foundations. |
| Trial | You can keep this product for 100 nights to test how it performs in the comfort of your home. If it doesn’t meet your needs, you can return it within this period for a refund. |
| Warranty | The Helix Dawn comes with a 10-year warranty. |
| Return Policy | Helix wants you to keep the mattress for at least 30 nights before returning it. Once this period is up, you can return the bed before the 100-night trial expires. Returns are easy since all you have to do is contact Helix and they’ll come pick it up. |
Helix Dawn Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 11.5” | $932 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,061.33 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 11.5” | $1,248 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,332 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 11.5” | $1,732 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 11.5” | $1,732 |
Helix Dawn Mattress FAQs
How much does a Helix Dawn mattress weigh?
The Helix Dawn has different weights depending on what size you get.
Twin: 65 pounds
Twin XL: 65 pounds
Full: 85 pounds
Queen: 100 pounds
King: 120 pounds
CA King: 120 pounds
Why does my Helix mattress smell?
Off-gassing is normal in mattresses, although in some cases, it’s not as intense. Bed-in-a-box mattresses have a strong smell because the chemical byproducts are trapped inside the wrapping until you unpackage the mattress once it arrives. As we said, the materials are certified safe, and the odor is harmless and should dissipate within a day or two.
What is the most popular Helix mattress?
The Helix Midnight is the most popular Helix mattress. The Midnight is a medium-firm mattress that provides a combination of pressure relief and support that should work for many people.
Does the Helix Dawn mattress need a box spring?
Helix doesn’t recommend using a box spring for any of their mattresses unless you use a bunkie board between the mattress and the box spring for support. Instead, the company recommends you use a firm base, like a slatted base, an adjustable bed frame, or a platform bed frame.
Do Helix mattresses sag?
We tested a few Helix mattresses and feel like they’re well-constructed, durable, and resilient. We don’t think these would sag or develop any imperfections for a long time. However, this depends on how you use your bed, so no jumping, and make sure to also use an adequate base.
Helix Dawn vs. Other Mattress Brands
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| Helix Dawn Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | ||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Who I Recommend the DreamCloud For
- Back sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Those who want a lifetime warranty
Check out our Dreamcloud Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For
- Sleepers who prefer a medium-firm mattress
- Those who want to buy eco-friendly
- Fans of emerging technology
Interested? Read our full Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review.
Helix Dawn vs. Other Helix Models
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| Helix Dawn Mattress | Helix Sunset Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — |
| Warranty | 10-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, Stomach Sleepers, Couples | Joint Pain, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Who I Recommend the Helix Sunset For
- Lightweight sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Those who want more contouring and pressure relief
Check out our full Helix Sunset Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Pressure relief seekers
- Average-weight sleepers
- Those who sleep with restless partners
Read our Helix Midnight review if you think it is right for you.
My Verdict of the Helix Dawn
Many back and stomach sleepers will rejoice about the firm, supportive Helix Dawn. In those positions, I loved the spot-on spinal alignment and top-notch pressure relief. I also appreciated the bounce and how cool it remained. However, to bump this bed onto the top shelf, it will need better motion isolation and edge support, both of which are lacking.
If you’re looking for an affordable firm bed that will support you on your back or stomach, the Helix Dawn, which earned a 3.9 overall score, could be a good fit for you.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach