Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
The Helix Midnight Elite is a 16-inch tall hybrid mattress, 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 to provide 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.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Elite Performance Ratings
How the Helix Midnight Elite Compares
Here at Sleep Advisor, we’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The Helix Midnight Elite outperforms other mattresses we’ve tested in pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling. It also has a much higher profile at 16 inches tall.
| Test | Helix Midnight Elite | Average |
| Overall | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 16″ | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $3,748.80 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 4 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 4 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 2 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 3 | 3.9 |
Watch 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 to be overly soft but was pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Midnight Elite was.
- People who sleep hot – The pillow top 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight Elite
The Helix Midnight Elite mattress scores 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on a little over 200 reviews on Helix’s official website. Customers appreciate the Helix Midnight Elite mattress for its excellent balance of comfort and support, but some report it to be less suitable for those who prefer a very firm mattress.
Testing the Helix Midnight Elite
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
I tested the Helix Midnight Elite in our mattress studio. I tried out different sleep positions and also evaluated how the bed performs in categories such as bounce, cooling, and motion isolation, to name a few. I used my testing to then score the Elite in each performance category.
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.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6/10
Sleep Advisor measures mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, in which 10 is the firmest. The Elite falls in the middle, coming in at a 6 out of 10 for firmness. This medium-firm feel can be appealing as most people won’t find it too soft or too hard, and I thought this bed really nailed this feature.
How Does the Helix Midnight Elite Feel?
I ran my hand across the top of the Helix Midnight Elite and 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.
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
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | 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 | 130-230 pounds | 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 | More than 230 pounds | 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. That said, I think there are better Helix mattresses for these sleepers, such as the Helix Plus. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | If you’re a lightweight back sleeper, this mattress will likely feel very firm, but it should still provide you with good spinal support. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | 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 | More than 230 pounds | The Helix Midnight Elite provides an approachable firmness level for heavyweight back sleepers. Most heavier sleepers should also feel supported. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | 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 | 130-230 pounds | 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 | More than 230 pounds | 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
4.5/5
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. We took off a half-point because the most petite sleepers might prefer a softer bed with even more pressure relief.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Helix Midnight Elite Good for Pain Relief?
Overall, I believe that the Helix Midnight Elite could be 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 about mattresses for back pain here. |
| 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. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| 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. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
4.5/5
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, which is why I took off a half-point here.
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.
The only reason it didn’t get a perfect 5 is because of the coils, which may produce a bit of motion transfer, but I don’t expect you’ll notice much — or even anything.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4/5
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.
I took off a point because I don’t know how effective this cover will be overnight, but 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 and not leave you feeling stuck.
Nonetheless, it got a 4 instead of 5 because it’s simply not as bouncy as hybrids typically are, most likely because of all the foam on top of the coils.
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, earning it just a 2 in this category. When it came to testing edge support, the soft, topmost layers squished too far down and detracted from the supportiveness of the bottom ones.
Accessibility
4.5/5
Helix Midnight Elite is the highest upgrade to the Helix Midnight. As an ‘elite’ model, it has zoned support, a plush pillow top, a built-in cooling cover, and a considerably higher profile. I also like that Heix’s Eite beds come with a 15-year warranty, which is five years longer than those in the core collection. However, I deducted a half-point here because some sleepers might prefer better edge support because of how expensive this bed is.
Customer Service
5/5
Helix is easy to work with, making shipping and returns as easy as possible. You can also reach them via email, phone, and online chat in case you have any questions regarding their policies, products, shipping, and other details. The company offers a 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 15-year warranty.
Performance for Couples
3/5
Many mattresses don’t have both good responsiveness and excellent motion isolation, but the Midnight Elite did well at both. By providing good bounce, sexually active couples will be able to reposition easily, while the lack of motion transfer means that one restless partner’s movements aren’t likely to disturb the other. It also has an adaptive medium-firm feel and a high weight capacity.
However, it lost two points for how low its edge support score was, which means couples may not be able to comfortably spread out when they sleep.
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 an inconvenience for some folks, 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. Read our list of expert-reviewed adjustable bed frames to find the right one for you.
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. This bed 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 micro coils 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 micro coils. 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
- 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.
- GREENGUARD Gold – 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.
Noteworthy Updates
According to their website, Helix mattresses have been recommended by multiple doctors of sleep medicine as a way to improve sleep.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | You’ll receive free shipping on your Helix Midnight Elite Mattress, which will arrive in two boxes. |
| White Glove Delivery | Helix offers in-home setup and removal for those who live in the USA. |
| 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 their mattresses. |
Helix Midnight Elite 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 |
Helix Midnight Elite FAQs
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 eight to 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 Mattress Brands
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| Helix Midnight Elite | Saatva Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Rest | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium: 5.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | ||
| Warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples, Hip Pain |
Who I Recommend the Saatva For
- Affordable luxury shoppers
- Extra-hot sleepers
- Couples
Read our Saatva review if you think this bed is right for you.
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
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| Helix Midnight Elite | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | |
| Warranty | 15-year warranty | 15-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, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side 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.
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 of the Helix Midnight Elite Mattress
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 4 out of 5.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Elite
This luxurious model uses a combination of foam and coils to provide ample pressure relief and spinal support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester 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
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach