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Helix vs. Purple – 17 Mattresses Tested & Compared

Derek Hales

Written by: Derek Hales

Updated On:

Both Purple and Helix have a range of mattress options in varying types. The collections offer varied thicknesses and price points as well. Wondering which mattress is the best pick for you? Let’s find out in this side-by-side comparison of Helix vs. Purple.

Helix

Helix Twilight mattress design
9.53 Average Score

Purple

Purple Hybrid Premier 4 edge elastic polymer
9.38 Average Score
Tested With Scoring System 1.1

Helix Mattresses

Helix MattressesScoreRead ReviewCheck Price
Helix Dawn9.22Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Dusk9.35Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Dusk Luxe9.70Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Kids9.37Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Midnight9.46Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Midnight Elite9.81Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Midnight Luxe9.76Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Moonlight9.39Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Plus9.72Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Sunset9.57Read ReviewCheck Price
Helix Twilight9.48Read ReviewCheck Price

Purple Mattresses

Purple MattressesScoreRead ReviewCheck Price
Purple Restore9.32Read ReviewCheck Price
Purple Restore Plus9.57Read ReviewCheck Price
Purple Newday9.05Read ReviewCheck Price
Purple Plus9.40Read ReviewCheck Price
Purple Restore Premier9.47Read ReviewCheck Price
Purple9.47Read ReviewCheck Price
Learn how we test & score here.

Our Verdict

Both Purple and Helix make great mattresses, but they each take a unique approach. Helix creates more typical hybrid mattresses, whereas Purple’s use of their patented gel grid creates a more unique feel.

In our tests, both Helix and Purple had some good scores, some okay scores, and some great scores, depending on the model. On average, Helix mattresses scored better and were also less expensive compared to Purple.

In our view, the Helix mattress line is a far better value than Purple mattresses.

That said, the Purple gel grid is a unique material that is not emulated by any Helix model. If you’ve laid on the Purple grid and simply love that feel then there really is no other choice than Purple.

However, for most people, the huge range of firmnesses and affordability of Helix makes it the clear choice over Purple.

Our Testing & Selection Process

17

Mattresses Tested
In Comparison

35

Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress

6

In-Depth Mattress Analyses

This guide highlights the most important factors in determining if Helix or Purple offers the right mattress for you.

In This Comparison
Compare the Models | Performance Tests | Firmness | Support

30-Second Summary

  • Performance: On average, Helix mattresses have better performance than Purple mattresses. Helix has an average score of 9.53 and Purple has an average of 9.38 (out of 10).
  • Price: On average, Helix mattresses are more affordable than Purple mattresses. For a queen-sized mattress, the average cost for Purple is $2,079 and the average cost for Helix is $1,358.
  • Cooling: Both Helix and Purple have the exact same cooling average—9.67 out of 10 and offer excellent performance.
  • Sinkage: Helix had deeper sinkage than Purple, with an average sinkage of 2.25″. The average sinkage on Purple mattresses is 2.03″.
  • Motion Transfer: Motion transfer levels are lower on Helix mattresses (7.16 m/s² brand average) than Purple mattresses (8.62 m/s² brand average).
  • Response: Both Helix and Purple mattresses have a perfect 10 out of 10 score across the board with very fast material response time.
  • Bounce: Comparing Helix to Purple, Purple (9.46″) has notably higher bounce on average compared to Helix (7.47″). However, it does vary by model. For highest bounce, opt for the Purple Restore (14.42″ of bounce). For lowest bounce, go with the Helix Midnight Luxe (7.47″ of bounce).
  • Edge Support: On average, Helix has better edge support than Purple. Helix’s average edge support sinkage was 4.0″, while Purple’s average sinkage came in at 5.17″.
  • Sex: Purple has better sex performance (9.8 score average), but Helix was still good (9.6 average).
  • Pressure Relief: Both Helix and Purple have great pressure relief, but technically the average pressure relief for Helix is better (9.83) than the average on Purple mattresses (9.50).
  • Off-Gassing: Off-gassing is shorter and less strong on Helix mattresses compared to Purple mattresses.
  • Company: Helix standard mattresses and al Purple have the same trial length and warranty length. If you opt for the Helix Luxe or Elite collection, the warranty length increases to 15 years (compared to 10 years).
  • Firmness: Helix has a wider range of firmnesses (3.5-8) than Purple (4-7).
  • Design: Helix exclusively manufactures hybrid mattresses and Purple offers both hybrid and foam mattresses (topped with their Purple grid). Purple is also the only brand to use its patented Purple gel pad.

Compare the Models

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We score each mattress using a series of performance tests. Here is a full comparison of all current models we’ve tested between Helix vs. Purple.

This first table shows the factor scoring of all current models that we have tested:

Compare Helix Scores

FactorHelix DawnHelix DuskHelix Dusk LuxeHelix KidsHelix MidnightHelix Midnight EliteHelix Midnight LuxeHelix MoonlightHelix PlusHelix SunsetHelix Twilight
Cooling9.59.59.59.59.5109.59.09.59.59.5
Motion Transfer7.27.78.58.49.48.7108.09.78.68.7
Response1010109.79.5101010101010
Edge Support9.08.9109.59.0109.59.6109.89.1
Sex9.69.69.79.79.79.79.49.79.69.69.7
Pressure Relief9.09.5109.09.510109.59.59.59.5
Off-Gassing9.89.89.89.89.89.59.89.89.89.79.8
Company9.89.89.89.89.89.89.89.89.89.89.8

Compare Purple Scores

FactorPurplePurple NewdayPurple PlusPurple RestorePurple Restore PlusPurple Restore Premier
Cooling109.09.59.59.59.5
Motion Transfer108.18.37.88.48.2
Response101010101010
Edge Support7.69.39.09.5109.9
Sex9.59.79.89.8109.9
Pressure Relief9.58.09.59.09.59.5
Off-Gassing9.79.79.18.99.27.9
Company9.89.89.89.89.89.8

This second table shows the testing data from each test. In many cases, the difference between scores can be minimal, but this table helps to highlight these differences.

Compare Helix Data

FactorHelix DawnHelix DuskHelix Dusk LuxeHelix KidsHelix MidnightHelix Midnight EliteHelix Midnight LuxeHelix MoonlightHelix PlusHelix SunsetHelix Twilight
Overall9.229.359.709.379.469.819.769.399.729.579.48
Max Temp.91.9° F90.7° F87.3° F90.5° F90.7° F91.3° F91.0° F92.0° F91.8° F91.9° F91.2° F
Max Sinkage2.36″2.28″2.14″1.95″1.98″2.64″2.15″2.36″1.50″3.07″1.94″
Total Motion Transfer16.03 m/s²14.13 m/s²11.15 m/s²11.38 m/s²7.25 m/s²10.21 m/s²4.03 m/s²13.20 m/s²6.31 m/s²10.60 m/s²10.28 m/s²
Response Time0.3 sec.0.3 sec.0.3 sec.0.8 sec.1.0 sec.0.3 sec.0.3 sec.0.5 sec.0.2 sec.0.4 sec.0.3 sec.
Total Bounce13.64″10.24″8.21″9.21″10.19″8.08″7.47″17.15″9.38″8.57″9.10″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage5.00″5.25″3.00″4.00″5.00″3.00″4.00″3.75″3.00″3.50″4.75″
Edge Support – Lying SupportExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentVery GoodExcellentExcellentExcellentExceptionalExcellentVery Good
Sex Overall9.69.69.79.79.79.79.49.79.69.69.7
Comfort Material3.00″3.00″5.00″1.75″3.00″6.00″5.00″3.00″5.00″3.00″4.00″
Off-Gassing – SmellModerateModerateStrongMinimalModerateStrongModerateModerateModerateStrongModerate
Off-Gassing – Days2 days2 days3 days2 days2 days6 days3 days2 days2 days4 days2 days
Trial100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days
Warranty10 years10 years15 years10 years10 years10 years15 years10 years10 years10 years10 years

Compare Purple Data

FactorPurplePurple NewdayPurple PlusPurple RestorePurple Restore PlusPurple Restore Premier
Overall9.479.059.409.329.579.47
Max Temp.89.2° F90.7° F91.2° F89.4° F91.7° F91.3° F
Max Sinkage2.24″1.66″2.03″1.90″1.99″1.82″
Total Motion Transfer2.23 m/s²12.72 m/s²11.62 m/s²13.90 m/s²11.27 m/s²12.36 m/s²
Response Time0.2 sec.0.2 sec.0.2 sec.0.2 sec.0.2 sec.0.2 sec.
Total Bounce12.79″11.29″11.28″14.42″12.20″9.46″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage7.75″4.50″5.00″4.00″2.75″3.25″
Edge Support – Lying SupportFairFairGoodExcellentExceptionalExceptional
Sex Overall9.59.79.89.8109.9
Comfort Material5.50″2.00″4.00″3.00″5.00″3.00″
Off-Gassing – SmellStrongStrongStrongStrongStrongStrong
Off-Gassing – Days4 days4 days11 days14 days10 days26 days
Trial100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days100 days
Warranty10 years10 years10 years10 years10 years10 years

Best Mattress For

Before diving into the specific tests, let’s highlight some of the best models for specific needs. The table below marks some honorable mentions for several factors that may be important to you.

Depending on what exactly you’re looking for, you may find Helix or Purple to be best suited for your needs.

FactorWinnerValue
Best OverallHelix Midnight Elite9.81
Best CoolingHelix Midnight Elite, Purple10
Most SinkageHelix Sunset3.07″
Least SinkageHelix Plus1.50″
Lowest Motion TransferPurple2.23 m/s²
Fastest Response TimeHelix Plus, Purple, Purple Newday, Purple Plus, Purple Restore, Purple Restore Plus, Purple Restore Premier0.2 sec
Slowest Response TimeHelix Midnight1.0 sec
Most BounceHelix Moonlight17.15″
Least BounceHelix Midnight Luxe7.47″
Best Edge SupportPurple Restore Plus2.75″ max sinkage
Best for SexPurple Restore Plus10
Best Pressure ReliefHelix Dusk Luxe, Helix Midnight Elite, Helix Midnight Luxe10
Least Off-GassingHelix Dawn, Helix Dusk, Helix Kids, Helix Midnight, Helix Moonlight, Helix Plus, Helix TwilightModerate, 2 days
Best CompanyHelixLonger Trial + Warranty (Luxe or Elite mattresses only)

Performance Tests

We test 10 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress, as well as assess the company as a whole. Testing categories include:

  1. Cooling
  2. Sinkage
  3. Motion Transfer
  4. Response
  5. Bounce
  6. Edge Support
  7. Sex
  8. Pressure Relief
  9. Off-Gassing
  10. Company

Which Mattresses Are We Comparing?

Helix offers a mix of hybrids in varying firmnesses and with varying comfort materials and covers. Most all of their mattresses come in three varieties—Standard, Luxe, and Elite.

For this comparison, we’ll be looking at the:

The Midnight collection is a well-rounded mattress that is suitable for a wide range of sleepers in any sleeping position.

Purple manufactures a mix of foam and hybrid options, all of which include their patented Purple gel pad. In this comparison, we’ll be looking at the following models:

  1. Purple Original (foam + Purple gel pad)
  2. Purple Restore Plus (hybrid + Purple gel pad)
  3. Purple Restore Premier (hybrid + Purple gel pad)

The Purple Original is a foam + Purple gel pad mattress and the Restore mattresses are both hybrids.

Lower-scoring mattresses including the Purple Plus, Purple Restore, and Purple Newday were excluded based on their lower overall performance scores.

So with that context in mind, let’s get started.

Cooling Test

Both Helix and Purple had identical average cooling performance scores—an average of 9.66 out of 10. Both brands had limited heat retention and great breathability.

Cooling TestScoreBaselineMax TempEnding Temp
Helix Midnight9.583.6°90.7°-5.2°
Helix Midnight Elite1080.1°91.3°-7.3°
Helix Midnight Luxe9.583.8°91.0°-4.4°
Purple1079.7°89.2°-5.2°
Purple Restore Plus9.581.7°91.7°-7.0°
Purple Restore Premier9.583.0°91.3°-5.1°
  • Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
  • Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
  • Ending Temperature (after 5 minutes) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

One mattress from each brand earned a perfect 10 out of 10 score—the Helix Midnight Elite and the Purple Original.

Below, you can watch a video of how the heat dissipates on each mattress during our cooling test. For this test, we lie on the mattress for 15 minutes, get off the mattress, and then take periodic surface-level temperature measurements.

Helix Midnight

Purple Original

Helix Midnight Luxe

Purple Restore Plus

Helix Midnight Elite

Purple Restore Premier

Sinkage Test

On average, Helix had deeper sinkage than Purple. Helix mattresses had a range of Minimal to Very Deep sinkage, with an average sinkage of 2.25″. Purple sinkage was more restrictive—Minimal to Moderate sinkage, with an average sinkage of 2.03″.

For reference, the average level of sinkage across all mattresses tested to date is 2.18″.

Sinkage TestSinkage DepthMax Sinkage
Helix MidnightMinimal1.98″
Helix Midnight EliteVery Deep2.64″
Helix Midnight LuxeModerate2.15″
PurpleModerate2.24″
Purple Restore PlusMinimal1.99″
Purple Restore PremierMinimal1.82″

For the deepest sinkage, opt for the Helix Midnight Elite (2.64″), or for minimal sinkage, the Purple Restore Premier (1.82″) is a great pick.

The level of sinkage for each mattress is documented in the images below.

Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight Sinkage Test
Helix Midnight Sinkage Test

Purple Original

Purple regular sinkage test
Purple Original Sinkage Test

Helix Midnight Luxe

Helix Midnight Luxe Sinkage Test
Helix Midnight Luxe Sinkage Test

Purple Restore Plus

Purple Restore Plus Sinkage Test
Purple Restore Plus Sinkage Test

Helix Midnight Elite

Helix Midnight Elite Sinkage Test
Helix Midnight Elite Sinkage Test

Purple Restore Premier

Purple Restore Premier Sinkage Test
Purple Restore Premier Sinkage Test

Deeper sinkage can be beneficial for side sleepers or those looking for a bit more contour and dramatic hug.

Motion Transfer Test

Motion transfer levels are lower on Helix mattresses compared to Purple mattresses. The average motion transfer level on Helix is 7.16 m/s² and the Purple average is 8.62 m/s².

Across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, the average motion transfer is 8.50 m/s². Anything below 5.00 m/s² could be considered low motion, but that doesn’t mean that a lower number wouldn’t be better.

Motion Transfer TestScoreAcc. Range
Helix Midnight9.47.25 m/s²
Helix Midnight Elite8.710.21 m/s²
Helix Midnight Luxe104.03 m/s²
Purple102.23 m/s²
Purple Restore Plus8.411.27 m/s²
Purple Restore Premier8.212.36 m/s²

That being said, the Purple Original had the lowest levels of motion transfer among all mattresses in this comparison (2.23 m/s²) with the Helix Midnight Luxe close behind at 4.03 m/s².

The mattress with the highest motion transfer is the Purple Restore Premier at 12.36 m/s².

The level of motion transfer on the Helix vs. Purple mattresses is shown in the videos below.

Helix Midnight

Purple Original

Helix Midnight Luxe

Purple Restore Plus

Helix Midnight Elite

Purple Restore Premier

Response Test

Regarding response time, both the Helix and Purple mattresses have mattresses with perfect 10 out of 10s. The majority of these mattresses are mostly recovered by 0.2 seconds and fully recovered by 0.3 seconds—incredibly fast.

Response TestScoreMostly RecoveredCompletely Recovered
Helix Midnight9.51.0 seconds1.2 seconds
Helix Midnight Elite100.3 seconds1.0 seconds
Helix Midnight Luxe100.3 seconds0.4 seconds
Purple100.2 seconds0.3 seconds
Purple Restore Plus100.2 seconds0.3 seconds
Purple Restore Premier100.2 seconds0.3 seconds

The one exception is the Helix Midnight, which had a response score of 9.5 out of 10—being mostly recovered by 1.0 second and fully recovered by 1.2 seconds.

On average, we see a mostly recovered response time of 0.4 seconds and a fully recovered time of 0.8 seconds.

All Purple mattresses in this comparison are significantly better than the average (as well as the Helix Midnight Luxe).

A closer visual of the level of responsiveness for each mattress is documented in the videos below.

Helix Midnight

Purple Original

Helix Midnight Luxe

Purple Restore Plus

Helix Midnight Elite

Purple Restore Premier

Bounce Test

Talking through bounce, it’s important to mention that bounce is largely preferential. Some sleepers will enjoy higher levels of bounce while others are looking for more subdued bounce. There is no right or wrong answer here.

Bounce TestBounce HeightBounce Range
Helix MidnightHigh10.19″
Helix Midnight EliteModerate8.08″
Helix Midnight LuxeLow7.47″
PurpleVery High12.79″
Purple Restore PlusVery High12.20″
Purple Restore PremierModerate9.46″

Comparing Helix to Purple, Purple has a wider range of bounce (3.33″) compared to Helix’s range of bounce (2.72″).

The videos below illustrate bounce levels via a ball bouncing on the mattress.

Helix Midnight

Purple Original

Helix Midnight Luxe

Purple Restore Plus

Helix Midnight Elite

Purple Restore Premier

The average level of bounce across all mattresses tested to date is 9.61″.

The Helix Midnight Luxe has the lowest level of bounce at 7.47″ with the Helix Midnight Elite close behind at 8.08″. Both of these mattresses have less bounce than average.

The Purple Restore Premier (9.46″) and Helix Midnight (10.19″) are just slightly more bounce than average.

And the Purple Original (12.79″) and Purple Restore Plus (12.20″) have significantly higher levels of bounce than average.

Edge Support Test

Between Helix and Purple, Helix had better edge support on average.

Helix’s average edge support sinkage was 4.0″, while Purple’s average sinkage came in at 5.17″. This is compared to the average edge support sinkage on all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 4.10″.

When it comes to edge support, being average isn’t where you want to be. 4.0″ or less is what I would call great edge support. Much worse than that and it starts to feel less than great when it comes to both support and comfort.

Check out the table below for a full rundown of edge support on the complete collection:

Edge Support TestScoreMax SinkageLying Support
Helix Midnight9.05.00″Very Good
Helix Midnight Elite103.00″Excellent
Helix Midnight Luxe9.54.00″Excellent
Purple7.67.75″Fair
Purple Restore Plus102.75″Exceptional
Purple Restore Premier9.93.25″Exceptional

The best performers here are the Helix Midnight Elite, Purple Restore Plus and the Purple Restore Premier. All three of these mattresses have less edge sinkage than average.

Check out the images below for a visual of edge support when seated on each mattress.

Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight Edge Support2

Purple Original

Purple regular edge support test

Helix Midnight Luxe

Helix Midnight Luxe Edge Support

Purple Restore Plus

Purple Restore Plus Edge Support Test

Helix Midnight Elite

Helix Midnight Elite Edge Support Test

Purple Restore Premier

Purple Restore Premier Edge Support Test

Sex Test

This part of our scoring looks at the expected sex performance based on several performance factors.

The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.

These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score and from these factors, we can generate a sex score for each mattress.

The table below shows how sex performance varies between these two brands, with Purple outperforming Helix and being the better mattress choice for sex.

Sex TestSex ScoreBounceEdge SupportNoisePressure ReliefCooling
Helix Midnight9.7109.09.09.59.5
Helix Midnight Elite9.79.510101010
Helix Midnight Luxe9.49.49.59.0109.5
Purple9.5107.6109.510
Purple Restore Plus101010109.59.5
Purple Restore Premier9.99.99.9109.59.5

Helix has a sex average of 9.6 and Purple has an average of 9.8 out of 10.

Helix is not a bad performer, but certain mattresses do lose points for lower bounce levels and lacking edge support.

The only mattress in this comparison to early a perfect sex score is the Purple Restore Plus with a 10 out of 10.

Pressure Relief Test

Pressure relief is good on all of these mattresses in this comparison, with consistent scores between 9.5 – 10 out of 10. That being said, the average pressure relief for Helix mattresses is better (9.83) than the average on Purple mattresses (9.50).

Pressure Relief TestScoreComfort LayerSupport Layer
Helix Midnight9.53.0″9.0″
Helix Midnight Elite106.0″10.0″
Helix Midnight Luxe105.0″9.0″
Purple9.55.5″4.0″
Purple Restore Plus9.55.0″8.0″
Purple Restore Premier9.53.0″10.0″

When thinking about the overall pressure relief of a mattress, we mainly consider the thickness of the comfort layer compared to the total thickness of the mattress.

Purple Restore Plus Material Corner
Purple Restore Plus Material Corner

Generally, we want to see at least 3.0″ of comfort material and at least 9-10″ of mattress thickness (for adults). Mattresses with a thicker comfort layer (like the Purple Original) can sometimes get away with a thinner total thickness without it significantly negatively affecting pressure relief.

But for fantastic pressure relief, you will usually need to opt for thicker options like the Helix Midnight Luxe or Helix Midnight Elite, both of which scored a perfect 10 out of 10.

Helix Midnight Elite Top Layers Removed Cover
Helix Midnight Elite Top Layers Removed Cover

The amount of comfort material and total mattress thickness are two of the most important factors when considering pressure relief.

Off-Gassing Test

Off-gassing is less strong with the Helix Midnight and Helix Midnight Luxe than it was on the Helix Midnight Elite as well as all Purple mattresses.

Off-Gassing TestScoreInitial SmellOff-Gassing Period
Helix Midnight9.8Moderate2 days
Helix Midnight Elite9.5Strong6 days
Helix Midnight Luxe9.8Moderate3 days
Purple9.7Strong4 days
Purple Restore Plus9.2Strong10 days
Purple Restore Premier7.9Strong26 days

All Helix mattresses in this comparison off-gas between 3-6 days. Purple mattresses range from 4-26 days to fully dissipate any odors.

For reference, the average off-gassing period is 5 days. If you’re sensitive to strong odors, this could be an issue for you.

Company

When it comes to company policy, Helix standard mattresses and all Purple mattresses are similar. They both have the same length of trial and a 10-year warranty.

Shipping and returns are both free as well and both brands manufacture mattresses from within the US.

CompanyHelixHelix (Luxe and Elite Only)Purple
Trial Period100 nights100 nights100 nights
Warranty10 years15 years10 years
Shipping$0$0$0
Returns$0$0$0
Country of OriginUSAUSAUSA

If you opt for the Helix Luxe or Helix Elite collection, the warranty extends to 15 years, which can definitely be a benefit for sleepers thinking about the long haul.

For comparison, the average trial period is 165 nights and the average warranty is 14 years (excluding 23% of all mattresses that offer lifetime warranties.)

Firmness

Both Helix and Purple offer a range of firmnesses. The table below lists the firmness of all tested mattresses from each brand.

The firmness range of Helix spans from 3.5 – 8 out of 10 and Purple has a firmness range of 4 – 7 (out of 10, where 10 is the most firm).

FirmnessRatingLabelRead Review
Helix Dawn8FirmRead Review
Helix Dusk6Medium-FirmRead Review
Helix Dusk Luxe6Medium-FirmRead Review
Helix Kids7Slightly FirmRead Review
Helix Midnight6Medium-FirmRead Review
Helix Midnight Elite5.5MediumRead Review
Helix Midnight Luxe6Medium-FirmRead Review
Helix Moonlight3.5Very SoftRead Review
Helix Plus7Slightly FirmRead Review
Helix Sunset4SoftRead Review
Helix Twilight8FirmRead Review
Purple5MediumRead Review
Purple Newday6.5Medium-FirmRead Review
Purple Plus6Medium-FirmRead Review
Purple Restore5, 7Medium, Slightly FirmRead Review
Purple Restore Plus5, 7Medium, Slightly FirmRead Review
Purple Restore Premier4, 6Soft, Medium-FirmRead Review

Not sure which firmness is right for you?

Use the table below to better determine the firmness range that may be best suited for you, based on your personal weight and preferred sleeping position.

What Firmness Is Right For You2

Support & Sleeping Positions

Depending on your sleeping position, body weight, and other personal preferences, you may find any of the mattresses above to be best for you.

Check the following sleeper profile charts below. This table would be accurate for any sleeper looking primarily at the 6 main mattresses we’re highlighting in this comparison.

Sleeper WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-250 lbs.Yes YesYes
250-300 lbs.YesYesYes

People who may not like this firmness include:

  • Lightweight side sleepers: If you are a lightweight side sleeper the Purple Original is likely the best option from Purple. The Helix Moonlight or Helix Sunset are also very supportive and comfortable. To a lighter sleeper, the slightly softer feel allows for easier contour that better supports your body on its side.
  • Heavy weight back or stomach sleepers: If you are a heavier-weighted back or stomach sleeper the best models are going to be the Purple Restore, Purple Restore Plus, Helix Twilight or Helix Dawn. These have a medium to firm feel, which has the best chance of creating the ideal support dynamic.
  • Plus sleepers: Plus-sized sleepers would be best with the Helix Plus.

Design

Both Helix and Purple offer a mix of hybrids, although Purple is the only brand to include the Purple gel pad.

That being said, the Purple gel pad doesn’t always necessarily mean better performance. The average Purple overall score is 9.38, lower than Helix’s average overall score of 9.53.

Here’s a quick overview of the mattresses covered in this comparison:

DesignTypeThickness
Helix MidnightHybrid12″
Helix Midnight EliteHybrid16″
Helix Midnight LuxeHybrid14″
PurpleFoam + Purple Gel Pad9.5″
Purple Restore PlusHybrid + Purpe Gel Pad13″
Purple Restore PremierHybrid + Purpe Gel Pad13″

Materials

Here is a breakdown of the insides of Helix vs. Purple:

Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight Foam Layers
  • 2.0″ memory foam
  • 1.0″ poly foam
  • 8.0″ pocketed coils
  • 1.0″ support foam

Purple Original

Purple Original Material Layers
  • 2.0″ Purple gel pad
  • 3.5″ poly foam
  • 4.0″ poly foam

Helix Midnight Luxe

Helix Midnight Luxe Foam Layers
  • 2.0″ memory foam
  • 2.0″ gel memory foam
  • 1.0″ poly foam
  • 8.0″ pocketed coils
  • 1.0″ support foam

Purple Restore Plus

Purple Restore Plus Material Layers
  • 3.0″ Purple gel pad
  • 2.0″ poly foam
  • 8.0″ pocketed coils

Helix Midnight Elite

Helix Midnight Elite Material Layers
  • 1.0″ quilted cover
  • 1.0″ poly foam
  • 1.0″ pocketed micro coils
  • 1.5″ poly foam
  • 1.0″ pocketed micro coils
  • 1.0″ poly foam
  • 1.0″ support foam
  • 8.0″ pocketed coils
  • 1.0″ support foam

Purple Restore Plus

Purple Restore Premier Material Layers
  • 3.0″ Purple gel pad
  • 10.0″ pocketed coils

Helix vs. Purple: Which Should You Buy?

So bottom line, between Helix and Purple, which mattress is right for you? Here is a recap of each mattress score as well as our recommendation

Helix Mattresses

Helix MattressesScoreBest ForFirmnessCheck Price
Helix Midnight9.46Budget Pick, 12″ ThicknessMedium-Firm (6)Check Price
Helix Midnight Luxe9.762nd best performance, best value pickMedium-Firm (6)Check Price
Helix Midnight Elite9.81Best overall performanceMedium (5.5)Check Price

Purple Mattresses

Purple MattressesScoreBest ForFirmnessCheck Price
Purple Original9.47Least Expensive (Good) PurpleMedium (5)Check Price
Purple Restore Plus9.57Best Performance from Purple, Arguably Best Value from PurpleMedium (5) or Slightly Firm (7)Check Price
Purple Restore Premier9.47The best soft mattress from PurpleSoft (4) or Medium-Firm (6)Check Price

About Derek Hales

Derek Hales

Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast CompanyReader's DigestBusiness InsiderRealtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. Derek has personally tested over 320+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

More Purple Reviews & Guides

More Helix Reviews & Guides