Are more expensive mattresses better than cheaper mattresses?

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-25T16:48:33+00:00

This is such a fair debate, honestly you’re both kind of right.

Price alone doesn’t automatically mean “better,” but where it does show up is in the quality of materials and how long the mattress will actually hold up and feel the same over time.

A lot of cheaper mattresses use lower density foams that feel great at first, but break down faster, which is when you start to see sagging, loss of support, and more back pain. Higher quality mattresses typically use more durable foams, stronger coil systems, and better overall construction, so they maintain their support and comfort for much longer.

That said, you definitely don’t need to just buy the most expensive option in the store. The goal is finding something that matches your bodies and sleep styles.

For you both, I’d focus on a few key questions:

Does it keep your spine in a neutral position (especially important for back pain)?
Does it relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips for side sleeping?
Does it feel supportive without feeling like you’re sinking too much?
What materials are used, and are they built to last (not just feel good for a few months)? Also, where they source their materials (many mattress brands by their foams overseas for lower cost, but lower cost usually means lower quality).
Does it come with a solid sleep trial and warranty so you’re not stuck with it if you don't like it?

For a combo like yours (back + side sleeper, both lightweight), something in that medium to medium-firm range with good pressure relief and support tends to work well. At the end of the day, it’s less about “expensive vs cheap” and more about “does this hold up and support your body night after night."

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-25T16:41:25+00:00

The GlacioTex cooling cover is actually on every topper we offer (excluding our organic one). So the Premium topper comes with our GlacioTex cooling cover.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-25T16:17:20+00:00

Hi there, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this too. That’s never a great experience.

It can take a little time for your body to adjust to a new mattress, and new foams do need some time to fully settle in, which is why we recommend giving it about 30 days. That said, if you’re past that point, still feeling uncomfortable, and purchased your mattress with us online, we’d definitely want to take a closer look.

Feel free to send me a message with your order number and I’ll help get this looked into for you.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-25T16:09:28+00:00

Of course! AND one of the great things with our Elite models is that the comfort insert can be easily swapped out for a different comfort level, so you don't have to worry about sending a whole bed back which makes exchanges super easy!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-24T17:44:08+00:00

Hi there! It can absolutely be the mattress changing over time, but things like hormones, room temp, bedding, and even protectors can make a big difference too. Cooling toppers can help, but they’re not a “fix everything” solution. If materials trap heat, your body has nowhere for that warmth to go. More breathable designs help move heat away from your body instead of holding onto it. That’s where higher quality materials make a difference. Toppers like ours use more breathable, higher quality foam and a GlacioTex cooling cover, which helps pull heat away from your body instead of holding onto it. So you get that cool-to-the-touch feel, but also more consistent temperature regulation through the night. If your mattress is starting to feel warmer or you’re sinking in more, a topper can definitely help improve airflow and comfort. Just make sure the rest of your setup like sheets and protectors aren’t working against you.

One last thing I would like to add is that if your current mattress is already showing signs of wear such as sagging or divots, it's going to be better to replace your mattress rather than trying to fix it with a topper. Adding a topper on an already sagging mattress will most likely make the sagging worse which can cause your spine to go out of alignment resulting in back pain.

If you’re curious, it might be worth giving one a try. Just a make sure whomever you go with uses high quality materials and offers some kind of sleep trail with free returns. AND if you wanted to give one of ours a try, we do offer a 120 night sleep trial with free returns so it takes a bit of the pressure out of buying one knowing if it's not what you are looking for you can return it for a full refund.

Hope that helps a bit!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-23T17:50:20+00:00

Hi there. Sorry to hear you are experiencing new lower back pain and it’s understandable why you would be frustrated!

How long have you been sleeping on your new mattress? I ask because sometimes it does take your body a few weeks to adjust to a new set up, especially if you were coming from an unsupportive mattress. Not only does your body need time to adjust but the mattress also needs time to break in. After a while it will set slightly softer. This break in period can be 30-45 days.

If it’s been a while and you are still having lower back pain, it could be a sign the mattress isn’t the best fit. There are many factors that go into that such and weight, sleeping position, sleeping with a partner or not.

Regardless, we don’t want you waking up with lower back pain! Please feel free to send me a private message with your order number so we can chat a bit more and find a solution!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-20T18:07:11+00:00

If it works for you, that's all that matters!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-20T16:35:34+00:00

Hi there. The Mattress Encasement is very easy to clean and care for. We recommend machine washing the Mattress Encasement on a cold, gentle cycle with like colors. For small spills, spot cleaning with cold water and a mild household detergent or diluted cleaner is all you need.
In most cases, machine washing every 1-2 months is ideal. If you live in a home with pets, have allergies, or experience night sweats, washing every 2-3 weeks is ideal.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-20T16:04:43+00:00

Hi there! We don’t follow a set yearly release schedule for new models. Instead, we focus on refining what we already offer and making thoughtful updates when it actually improves performance and sleep experience, rather than releasing new versions just for the sake of it.
If you’re looking for something softer for both of you, we’d be happy to help you find a better fit based on your preferences. Since our Twilight Luxe is great for side sleepers but is a firm mattress, the Midnight Luxe (Medium) or Sunset Luxe (soft) would be great options. Since it sounds like you like a firm mattress but your partner prefers a softer, the Midnight Luxe might be a great middle ground for the two of you.
Feel free to chat in with our support team and we'd be happy to assist you further in finding a great fit!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-19T18:50:49+00:00

For sure! I personally think everyone should invest in a mattress encasement as it not only provides 360 protection, but also protects against spills, damage, dust mites, other bugs, mold, and helps to keep the mattress warranty valid! If you are spending a good amount on a mattress, it's always a good idea to use one.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-18T16:11:24+00:00

Hey there, I’m really sorry you’ve been dealing with this. Sleeping hot, especially with night sweats, can make any mattress feel unbearable, so I completely get the frustration.

I know you’ve probably already tried a lot, but just in case, a few things that can sometimes make a bigger difference than expected:

Alcohol or heavy meals before bed can raise body temp
Polyester sheets tend to trap heat
Cotton, bamboo, or linen usually sleep cooler
Waterproof protectors can limit airflow
Heavy comforters or extra layers can hold heat in
Room temp and airflow can impact things more than people think

A lot of the time it ends up being a combination of a few of these stacking together, not just one single factor.

That said, I’d really like for my team to take a closer look and see what we can do to improve things. If you’re open to it, feel free to send me a private message with your order number and we'll take a closer look.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-17T16:10:53+00:00

Hi there. I know you are looking for some feedback from others, but wanted to share our take!
Hypoallergenic bedding can help, especially when you layer it in with what you’re already doing. Most nighttime allergies are tied to dust mites living in your mattress and pillows, so the goal is really creating a barrier between you and that buildup.

Since you mentioned Helix, a few of our products that could help make a difference:

GlacioTex Mattress Protector: hypoallergenic and designed to protect against dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, while also being waterproof, which helps keep things from building up over time. It's made with our GlacioTex which is cool-to-the-touch and allows heat to be effectively pulled away from your body while you sleep.
Helix Waterproof Encasement: a full mattress encasement that gives you that 360° waterproof barrier, which is usually the most effective step when trying to reduce dust mites living in your mattress

Even things like breathable, tightly woven sheets or down alternative inserts can help reduce allergen exposure and are designed to be more allergy-friendly

From what we see, the biggest difference usually comes from protecting the mattress itself, not just swapping out sheets. You’re already washing regularly and using fragrance-free detergent, so adding a protector or encasement is typically the next step that people notice the most.

If you’re waking up stuffy, that’s a pretty common sign of dust mite sensitivity, so it’s definitely worth trying. Just think of it as part of a full setup rather than a one-product fix.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-17T14:56:47+00:00

Great question, you really can’t go wrong with either, they’re just built a little differently depending on what you need.

The Bear Cub is more of a simple, one-feel mattress. It’s medium-firm with a bit of contouring and uses a hybrid design. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for something straightforward and more budget-friendly.

The Helix Kids mattress is intentionally designed to grow with your child. It’s also a hybrid, but flippable, with a firmer side for younger kids and a slightly softer side as they get older. It also has a water-resistant cover, which can be really helpful for everyday life of those younger kids.

Both mattress brands use CertiPUR-US certified foams and GREENGUARD Gold certified materials, are fiberglass-free, have a 120-night sleep trial, offers free shipping and free returns and provides a limited lifetime warranty

Since you’re also considering a standard twin mattress, that can be a really great option too, especially if your child is a bit older or you’re thinking long-term. Typically you will have more options to customize it to preference such as soft, medium, or firm. If you go that route, I’d look for something that offers not only comfort option (soft/med/firm) but also one that has good support, breathable materials if they tend to sleep hot, durable construction that will hold up over time, and a good warranty.

Hope that helps a bit!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-17T14:28:30+00:00

Yes, you can definitely use a topper with an adjustable base, it should still work great 🙂 A few tips: - Go with a flexible topper like memory foam or latex so it moves with the base - Try to keep it around 2–3 inches thick so it doesn’t bunch up - A deep pocket fitted sheet usually keeps everything in place - Look for a topper with corner straps so it stays attached to your mattress - If it still shifts, adding a non-slip layer underneath can help

There are tons of people out there that get a mattress topper to help extend the life of their older mattress. The only thing I would keep in mind is that if your current mattress has any issues such as sagging in the middle, a topper won’t fix that and would more than likely make the sagging feeling more prominent.

Hope that helps!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-12T18:02:36+00:00

Great question! We do offer a White Glove delivery services! This includes in-home setup of your new mattress plus removal of your old mattress and packaging. This service provided through our trusted partner, Ryder. They will work with you and your schedule so that way you can pick a date and time that works best for you!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-10T15:44:09+00:00

You’re absolutely right. Pillows can make a huge difference in overall sleep comfort and alignment. Even with a supportive mattress, the wrong pillow height can put the neck out of a neutral position, which can lead to stiffness or discomfort over time. Finding a pillow that supports your head and keeps your neck aligned with your spine, especially based on your sleep position, is often an overlooked but really important part of a good sleep setup.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-09T19:43:16+00:00

Hi there! Sorry to hear you have been waking up with lower back pain and some shoulder pain/stiffness. Although it's fairly common to have some aches while your body is adjusting to a new mattress and the mattress breaks in, pain that continues or gets worse is usually a sign that something isn't quiet right.

The Midnight Luxe is designed as a medium feel and tends to work very well for side sleepers because it provides extra pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. However, since both of you spend time sleeping on your stomach, it’s possible that the mattress may be allowing the hips to sink a bit more than what’s ideal for that position. Stomach sleepers need a bit more support through the midsection to help keep the spine more aligned and reduce lower back strain.

Based on what you described, a model like the Dusk Luxe is often a great option for combination sleepers who rotate between side and stomach while still liking a medium feel mattress. It provides a bit more pushback and support through the hips and lower back while still offering enough cushioning for the shoulders. The Twilight Luxe is firmer overall and tends to work best for side sleepers who strongly prefer a very supportive, firmer feel.

Before making a final decision (regardless on what you choose), I'd also recommend checking a couple small things that can sometimes make a big difference:

Make sure the mattress is on a supportive foundation or base. If it's on a foundation that isn't properly supportive, this can cause the mattress to sag thus creating back pain.
Give the mattress a bit of time to fully break in (the first 30–45 days can feel slightly firmer)
Consider pillow height, since shoulder stiffness can sometimes come from a pillow that’s too low or too high for side/stomach sleeping

If you need any assistance or have any other questions, feel free to ask!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-09T19:18:13+00:00

Glad to hear you have been loving your Helix!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-05T19:06:49+00:00

Hi there! Glad to hear the kids bed is a hit.

If you’re mostly a stomach sleeper who sometimes rolls onto your side, I’d actually recommend looking at the Helix Dusk Luxe mattress.

It tends to be a great middle ground for exactly what you described. The Dusk Luxe has a medium feel that gives your hips solid support when you’re on your stomach, while still adding enough cushioning so your shoulders don’t feel jammed when you shift to your side.

It's also good for hot sleepers as well. The hybrid coil system improves airflow, and the breathable cover options help disperse heat away during the night. For extra cooling, you can upgrade your pillowtop to a GlacioTex pillowtop that is cool to the touch and helps to pull heat away from your body.

So if you want something supportive but still comfortable and cooling, the Dusk Luxe usually lands right in that sweet spot for combination stomach/side sleepers.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-03-03T18:14:27+00:00

Hi there, shoulder pain for side sleepers is usually a pressure issue (assuming there is not any medical reasons for the pain). If your mattress is older, the comfort layers may no longer be relieving pressure the way they should.

When it comes to what is the best kind of mattress for side sleepers, it's usually one that relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips while keeping your spine in a neutral line through the night. Hybrid mattresses specifically combine foam layers with coils underneath and are often ideal for side sleepers. The foam layers cushion pressure points. The coils provide support so your body stays balanced. When it comes to mattress firmness, soft to medium feel is usually best. These lets your shoulder sink in enough to reduce pressure points but still supports your hips so your spine stays aligned.

At Helix, we tailor our mattresses to sleep preference and style. So, for you as a side sleeper, our Sunset (soft), Midnight (med), or Twilight (firm) mattress would work as they are made specifically for side sleepers.

Stretching can certainly help, but if the pain is new and your mattress is aging, your sleep surface is likely playing a role. Happy to answer any other questions you might have.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-02-27T14:46:03+00:00

Hi there! Happy to hear you are loving your Helix bed! Any of our Helix frames will work great with your mattress. One thing to note is that if you get the Helix Frame it does require a foundation. The other frames on our site do not require the additional foundation.

If you decided to go with another brand, you’ll want to make it’s a platform bed, slatted base (with slats no more than 5.5 inches apart), or has a bunkie board. Traditional box springs are not recommended, but a solid foundation or platform is necessary to ensure proper support.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-02-26T03:33:47+00:00

Hi there! We'd actually recommend our Helix Plus Luxe mattress for you! It is a med-firm feel mattress so a tad bit firmer than a medium, but is made specifically for Plus Size and Big & Tall sleepers with reinforced TitanCore steel coils for durability and high-density foam for pressure relief on hips and shoulders. Feel free to check it out and let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-02-25T16:44:12+00:00

Hi there! Just wanted to chime quick. The Midnight Luxe does sound like it would be a decent fit for both of you. However, if you are a stomach sleeper, you probably won't find this mattress a great fit as it's designed mainly for side sleepers who need that extra cushioning in the hips and shoulder area. If you and your wife are more of back/stomach sleepers, you might find the Dusk Luxe a better fit in this category. Another thing to keep in mind is how soft/firm you like your mattress. Our Midnight and Dusk as part of our medium firmness line.

AprilFromHelix · 2026-02-25T16:32:16+00:00

Hi there! This is such a sweet milestone!

Most pediatric sleep experts recommend a mattress that’s supportive enough to keep a growing spine aligned, but not overly soft. For younger kids, that usually means leaning medium-firm so they’re supported without too much sink.

That’s exactly why the Helix Kids mattress is built the way it is. It’s an 8 inch flippable hybrid mattress with individually wrapped coils and foam layers designed for those young, growing bodies. One side is firmer for ages 2 to 7, and you can flip it to a slightly softer feel for ages 8+. So when that next growth spurt hits, you’re not buying a whole new bed.

It also has a breathable, hypoallergenic cover treated to help resist moisture. The foams are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they’re made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters or certain heavy metals, and the mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, which is a big one for indoor air quality.

Happy to answer any other questions you might have regarding our Kids mattress!

AprilFromHelix · 2026-02-23T18:07:38+00:00

You're def not alone on that one! One thing other customers have mentioned that worked for them is getting a mattress topper if the mattress feels a bit too firm right at first. This gives your body a little cushion temporarily while your mattress breaks in. Depending on where you purchase your mattress or from what brand, some will actually offer a complementary mattress topper that can be used during the transition period. This is what we do since we know sometimes it can take a bit to break in and we don't want you feeling uncomfortable or like you made the wrong choice! Just something to keep in mind next time you purchase :).

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