Helix Dawn Review

In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and feel of the mattress. We then take the results of those tests and compare them to every mattress we’ve tested to date.

Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:

Factor	Helix Dawn	Average
Overall Score	8.66	8.55
Price (Queen)	$999	$1,538 (Hybrid only)
Cooling – Score	9.0	8.6
Sinkage – Depth	2.05″	2.21″
Sinkage – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	7.7	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	10.21 m/s²	8.81 m/s²
Response Time – Score	8.9	8.8
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	1.1 sec.	1.0 sec.
Bounce – Height	10.23″	8.96″
Bounce – Feel	High	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	9.6	8.7
Edge Support – Sitting	3.75″	3.95″
Edge Support – Lying	Outstanding	Excellent
Sex – Score	9.0	8.3
Pressure Relief – Score	8.0	8.6
Comfort Layer Thickness	3.5″	4.3″
Mattress Thickness	11.5″	12.2″
Off-Gassing – Score	8.3	8.1
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	6 days	7 days
Company – Score	9.4	8.8
Trial	100 nights	169 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	41% have lifetime warranties, average of other 59% of mattresses is 13 years

How is Helix Dawn Different?

The Helix Dawn is a 11.5″ hybrid mattress with an overall performance level that is higher than average and a price tag that is also significantly less than average, a savings of 35% (over $500) compared to the average hybrid mattress.

Advantages

Advantages of the Helix Dawn include better cooling performance, a faster material response time, and great edge support (both for sitting or lying at or near the edge of the mattress).

Neutral Factors

This mattress has moderate sinkage and high levels of bounce. Both of these factors are considered preferential factors and different sleepers may have different opinions here.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of the Helix Dawn include higher levels of motion transfer and less-impressive pressure relief. The Dawn only has a 3.5″ comfort layer, whereas the average comfort layer is 4.3″ thick.

This mattress’s firmness would also be a disadvantage for side sleepers, as it is too firm for most sleepers to find comfortable.

The Helix Dawn has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.

The Helix Dawn is a hybrid, which means we have a support base of pocketed coils. Those coils bring air into the mattress and help to recycle heat. In addition, the mattress is equipped with high performance, high quality foams that all seem to breathe well and avoid excess heat retention.

• 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 (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

Notably, this mattress has an optional cooling cover that you can add for $300. Our version of the mattress did not include the cooling cover. We’ve tested other Helix models that include the cooling cover and found it makes a notable improvement to cooling performance. So if you are a hot sleeper it’s definitely worth adding.

In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 90.9° F. This is 1.0° more than the average of 89.9° F, based on all of our tests to date.

After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 6.2 degrees from minutes 0 to 1, which is 1.5 degrees cooler than the average 0 to 1 minute decline of 4.7 degrees.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

When we consider the combination of objective data, my subjective experiences, and an analysis of the materials, I’m confident in my view that cooling is excellent.

The Helix Dawn has moderate sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.05″. This is 0.16″ less sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.21″, based on all of our tests to date.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The mattress creates only a slight level of body contouring. The hug is more restrained due to the more limited sinkage, firm feel, and thinner-than-average comfort layer.

This type of feel can be ideal for those who prefer the firmer feel and don’t want a mattress that overly hugs or envelops the body. Despite the more restrained hug, there is still some hug.

This is in contrast to many firm mattresses that create so little hug it instead feels that you are sleeping more “on” the mattress as opposed to sinking down “in” the mattress.

The Helix Dawn has a moderate level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.21 m/s². This is 16% more motion transfer than the average of 8.81 m/s².

When we look at the materials, design, and feel, this increase in motion is not unexpected. The firm feel, more restrained hug, and more restrained sinkage are all creating the right material conditions to deliver increased motion and higher bounce.

The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.

The Dawn creates more bounce than average, which also sets the stage for more motion transfer. This is not an issue with the Dawn specifically, but rather most firm mattresses in general. Firmer mattresses tend to create more bounce and more motion transfer.

In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.14 seconds. There is a small, but notable, secondary motion spike from 0.50 to 0.65 seconds and by 1.01 seconds, we return to near-zero levels of energy.

Motion duration is slightly worse than average. Overall, motion transfer isn’t bad, but certainly it leaves something to be desired as well.

The Helix Dawn is a mixed bag for material responsiveness, with a very fast mostly recovered response time and a moderate fully recovered response time.

In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.3 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the average of 0.4 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.

In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 1.1 seconds, which is 0.11 seconds slower than the average of 0.99 seconds.

The Helix Dawn is a tale of two material types. First, we have the highly responsive poly foams and pocketed coil. These layers are rebounding back to shape effectively instantly. Second, we have a layer of memory foam quilted within the cover.

This layer is slower to recover to its original size after it’s been compressed. It’s this 0.75” memory foam layer that is slowing down the fully recovered response time.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

All that said, even though the mostly recovered response time is slower than average, it’s only slightly worse than average.

Absolutely, we hope to see faster material response than what we measured here and yet, these speeds are fast enough to create good ease of movement, especially when combined with the Dawn’s firm feel. Overall, I don’t expect response will be an issue for most sleepers.

The Helix Dawn has a high level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.23″. This is 1.27″ more bounce than the average of 8.96″, based on all of our tests to date.

The Helix Dawn’s firm feel is the primary driver of the higher-than-average bounce. In addition, the thinner-than-average comfort layer, more restrained sinkage, and limited use of memory foam are all helping to create higher bounce.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

Higher bounce greatly improves sex performance and also improves ease of movement, both being areas that the Dawn excels in. However, the higher bounce is also the reason for the increased motion transfer.

As a result, there are pros and cons to consider when it comes to bounce. All that said, I do like to see bounce around 10” as the benefits for ease of movement and sex performance are significant.

The Helix Dawn has excellent sitting edge support and outstanding lying edge support.

In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.75″. This is 0.2″ less sitting sinkage than the average of 3.95″, based on all of our tests to date.

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was outstanding in all sleeping positions. Certainly the biggest factor helping to improve edge support is the firm feel.

Firmer mattresses typically create more robust edge support and that’s exactly what we measured and experienced here. The Dawn is equipped with 2 rows of reinforced edge support coils along the left and right sides of the mattress.

The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.

Notably, the mattress does not have reinforced edge support coils along the head and the foot, so the head and foot of the mattress are notably worse for edge support.

That choice to only have reinforced coils along the left and right edge is likely a cost-saving measure. Beyond the firmer feel and edge coils, we have an 11.5” total profile and high-quality foams, all of which are helping to create outstanding edge support.

The Helix Dawn has excellent sex performance. Normally, this is the section where we talk about the pros and cons impacting sex performance. However, in the case of the Helix Dawn there are no notable cons for amorous activities.

Noise is minimal, cooling is excellent, and pressure relief is good. Edge support is quite robust with just 3.75” of sitting edge support.

The highly supportive edge helps to extend the usable surface area of the mattress. Last, we have bounce, with 10.23” of total bounce height, which is notably higher than the average bounce.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	8.9	High
Edge Support	20%	9.1	Excellent
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	8.0	Good
Cooling	5%	9.0	Excellent

More bounce is almost always better for sex performance, as the increase in bounce makes amorous activities easier, less strenuous, and more fun. Overall, sex performance on the Helix Dawn is fantastic and I expect most couples will find it more than satisfactory.

The Helix Dawn has a good level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no significant pressure points and yet, it’s clear to me that pressure relief performance doesn’t rise to the excellent or outstanding level.

The mattress is equipped with 3.5″ of comfort material, which is 0.76″ less comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.26″, based on all of our tests to date.

Firm mattresses don’t always struggle to create sufficient pressure relief, but that can often be the case, especially in the more budget-friendly price tier.

Certainly, the Helix Dawn is within that budget-friendly price and it has a firm feel. It also has a thinner-than-average comfort layer and material choices that, while budget-friendly, are limiting the pressure relief performance.

Pressure Map – Side Sleepers

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Side Sleepers	0.13	0.52

Pressure Map – Back Sleepers

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Back Sleepers	0.09	0.85

Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Stomach Sleepers	0.09	0.66

In our pressure mapping tests, we measured a max PSI of 0.85. Ideally, we want to see PSI within 1.0, but lower is better. Suffice to say, Helix Dawn is within the PSI range that we want to see.

When I consider our objective pressure mapping tests, material thickness, material quality, and my subjective experience on the mattress, I’m confident most sleepers will find the pressure relief to be good.

The Helix Dawn had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 6 days. This is 0.8 days shorter than the average smell duration of 6.8 days.

Helix mattresses come with a 100-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping and returns are both free.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Returns	40%	10	$0
Trial Period	30%	8.0	100 nights
Warranty	20%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	10%	10	$0
Country of Origin	0%		USA

Comparing 102+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 169 nights, 69 nights more than Helix offers. Helix also offers a lifetime warranty, an advantage only offered by 41% of all mattresses we test.

The Helix Dawn is available in a single firmness, 8 out of 10, which gives the mattress a Firm feel.

This firm feel is best suited to the needs of stomach and back sleepers. Most side sleepers should avoid the Dawn and firm mattresses in general.

Support on the Helix Dawn is excellent. During our tests, I felt well supported on my stomach and back, though the firm feel created a little too much pushback on my side.

The mattress is equipped with an 8.0″ support layer. This is 0.08″ thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.92″, based on all of our tests to date. The most important thing to know about the Helix Dawn is the firm feel.

It’s an 8 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. Firm mattresses work well for many back and stomach sleepers. However, most side sleepers typically need a medium to medium-firm feel.

Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleeper	Side Sleeper	Back Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	No	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	No	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	No	Yes

The firm feel can create too much pushback, which causes the hips to be pushed out of alignment with the shoulders and neck, which can then create pressure relief and support issues. The thinner-than-average 3.5” comfort layer further makes it a less-than-great choice for side sleepers.

Moving on, this mattress is not zoned, meaning we have a consistent support feel from top to bottom.

Based on all of my tests to date, an analysis of the materials, and my subjective experiences, I’m confident that most sleepers will find support on the Helix Dawn to be excellent.

Design

The Helix Dawn is a 11.5″ hybrid mattress that comes in a single firmness option—Firm. This mattress is a part of Helix’s standard Core Collection.

There are three main collections within the Helix lineup. There is the Core Collection, the Luxe Collection, and the Elite Collection. There is also a Helix Plus mattress for heavier-weighted sleepers (which has a Core, Luxe, and Elite version within it).

Materials

The Helix Dawn is 11.5″ thick and contains a combination of different foam types with a pocketed coil support base. From top to bottom, here is a full list of the materials used in this mattress:

• 0.75” quilted cover
• 1.0” poly foam
• 0.75” poly foam
• 1.0” poly foam
• 8.0 pocketed coils

The table below shows a more detailed look at the exact specifications of the materials used in the Dawn, according to the manufacturer.

Thickness	Layer Type	Density
0.75″	Gel Memory Foam	1.8 PCF
1.0″	Poly Foam	2.5 PCF
0.75″	Poly Foam	1.8 PCF
0.75″	Poly Foam	1.5 PCF
8.0″	Pocketed Coils	N/A
0.25″	Support Foam	N/A

There are some discrepancies in how Helix measures materials and how materials were measured in the NapLap Studio. According to Helix, the Dawn is an 11.5″ mattress, but our measurements showed it closer to 11.75″-12″ total height.

The Cover

The Helix Dawn has a thin cover. It is breathable and has a simple design. This mattress also has the option to upgrade to a cooling cover, coined by the name “GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top” on Helix’s website.

This upgraded cover does increase cooling performance, as we’ve seen across our tests, but it also adds extra cost. The cooling cover has a pillow top design and adds an additional $299 to the total price.

For reference, the Helix Dawn we tested had the standard cover and earned a cooling score of 9/10. Other Helix mattresses that we’ve tested with the GlacioTex cooling cover (ie: Helix Midnight Luxe) earned a cooling score of 10/10 with the advanced cover.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer is 3.5″ thick and made of a few different types of foam. At the top, we see a 1.0″ poly foam (white) followed by two 0.75″ poly foam layers (one light green, and one white).

These three layers work together to provide comfort and transitional support as sleepers engage more deeply with the support material below.

Helix also offers an optional support layer that you can add, the ErgoAlign support layer. This layer is designed to support spinal alignment, especially along the midsection.

This layer sits directly below the cover and is designed as a supportive foam that helps to reinforce support along the mid-section, thereby allowing less sinkage in the middle of the mattress.

I will say, this layer is quite firm and will not be right for all sleepers. We’ve already heard from some of our readers / viewers who purchased this optional foam upgrade that it made their mattress way too firm, creating an uncomfortable support dynamic.

However, if you really struggle with discomfort caused by too much sinkage in the middle of your mattress, then adding this layer can help. This optional layer costs an additional $199 and is available in the Core and Luxe mattresses.

The Support Layer

The support layer is 8″ thick and made of an 8.0″ pocketed coil support base. Each coil is individually encased in a thin fabric that allows each one to move independently of each other.

If you’re looking for zoned coils and even better pressure relief, you may want to make the jump up to the Dawn Luxe. The Dawn Luxe uses zoned coils, which can provide more pushback for certain areas of the body that may need more support, namely the midsection.

Product Evolution

The Helix Dawn has undergone a series of changes over the years, but NapLab has been around for multiple iterations, continuing to test the newest version of this mattress.

Earlier versions of the Helix Dawn hybrid had slightly different materials but retained a consistent firmness and similar feel.

Here’s a comparison of the 2021-2024 version compared to the 2025 version.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions on the Helix Dawn, check out our list of FAQs below and get some answers!