Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe: Which mattress should you buy?

Since most of our shopping and research for big purchases happens online, choosing a product where comfort is key, like a mattress , can be tricky. And while product descriptions can be helpful, choosing from all that the internet has to offer can be overwhelming, to say the least. So if your research has brought you to the Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe debate, this review is for you.

Both brands take different approaches to design and construction, and those differences can ultimately have a big impact on your sleep. While Saatva leans into a traditional innerspring, customizable firmness, and premium delivery services, Helix offers a true medium-feel mattress with lots of optional upgrades. 

Ahead, we'll take a closer look at the Helix Midnight Luxe vs. Saatva Classic exchange to help you decide which mattress is worth your investment and your zzz's.

Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe at a glance

Saatva Classic vs Helix Midnight Luxe: What's the difference?

Like all mattresses, the biggest differences between the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight Luxe lie in construction, feel and firmness. 

Mattress construction and feel

From the top down, the Saatva Classic features a pillow top cover followed by a comfort layer of pocketed coils. Both of which sit on a layer of 13-gauge steel coils that form the mattress's stable foundation. Overall, the Saatva Classic offers more balanced support and only moderate sinkage. 

Meanwhile, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress composed of six layers (a plush quilted pillow top, multiple foam comfort layers and an eight-inch base of individually wrapped steel coils). Designed with side sleepers in mind, the Helix Midnight Luxe's memory foam layers contour to the body and cushion pressure points, especially around the shoulders and hips. 

The zoned coil system provides lumbar support, and reinforced edges offer improved stability. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a true medium feel, making it a good choice for sleepers who prefer to sleep on their mattress rather than in it. 

Firmness and customization

Overall, Saatva offers buyers a little more customization and flexibility in their purchase. While shoppers can choose between two heights (11.5" and 14.5"), they can also choose from three firmness options: Plush soft, luxury firm and firm options easily accommodate side, back and combination sleepers. For those who like sleeping on their mattress rather than in it, Saatva Classic answers that nicely.

The Helix Midnight Luxe, on the other hand, has a more defined medium feel; it too is a good choice for sleepers who prefer to sleep on their mattress rather than in it. While the Helix Midnight Luxe offers optional cooling upgrades, buyers don't have a choice in firmness. 

That distinction matters because firmness can make or break your overall comfort and sleep experience. "Firmness matters because it affects how your body settles into the mattress and where pressure develops during sleep," says Dr. Danielle Wall , a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical reviewer for Sit' n Sleep. "A mattress that's too firm may cause discomfort at the shoulders or hips, while one that's too soft may let the pelvis or midsection sink more than is comfortable." 

Wall also emphasizes that firmness and support aren't the same thing. "A softer mattress can still have a supportive core, and a firm mattress isn't automatically better for your back," she says. "Sleep position, body weight and individual comfort all influence which firmness feels right." Rather than choosing the firmest mattress available, Wall recommends looking for one that distributes pressure comfortably and supports your body in your typical sleeping position.

Which mattress is better for your sleep position?

The Helix Midnight Luxe is generally the better choice for side sleepers, while the Saatva Classic is more versatile for back and stomach sleepers. Here's a closer look. 

• Side sleepers:Helix Midnight Luxe because it offers more cushioning around the shoulders and hips to help relieve pressure.

• Back sleepers:Saatva Classic — Luxury Firm is the best option for back sleepers because it has buoyant support and a more traditional, lifted feel.

• Stomach sleepers:Saatva Classic — Firm should be your go-to because of its firmer surface that helps prevent excessive hip sinking.

• Combination sleepers:Combo sleepers can go for either the Saatva Classic or Helix Midnight Luxe. Saatva has a springier feel that makes it easy to change positions. Helix's Midnight Luxe is responsive, making frequent position changes easy. 

Shop Helix Midnight Luxe mattress deals

Which mattress is better for couples?

Drew Miller , the vice president of marketing at Sit 'n Sleep, says, "When two people share a mattress, they should evaluate how it performs together, not just how it feels individually. Motion isolation is a big consideration, especially if one person moves frequently or gets up earlier than the other." 

To limit how much movement travels across the bed, Miller suggests memory foam and hybrids with individually wrapped coils. "Edge support is another feature worth testing because it makes more of the mattress surface usable," Miller adds.  

As for which mattress is better for couples, it's really a matter of what matters most to you both. 

Saatva's coil-on-coil design, paired with less foam, makes the Classic less effective at isolating motion, but it also makes the mattress bouncy. This means that you're more likely to feel your partner toss and turn throughout the night, but the mattress is better for intimacy. 

Moreover, Saatva's dual-coil construction paired with a reinforced perimeter yields better edge support than most, ultimately increasing the usable space on the surface and making it easy to enter and exit the bed. 

On the other hand, the wrapped coil construction that extends to the perimeter of the Helix Midnight Luxe does two things that couples should note: it boosts the usable sleep space and absorbs movement without sacrificing responsiveness. Essentially, you're sleeping on the mattress, not "in" it, so it's easy to change positions, and you're less likely to disturb your partner on a restless night. 

Which mattress sleeps cooler?

The Saatva Classic sleeps cooler overall courtesy of its dual-coil construction, breathable materials, and fewer comfort layers that let air circulate more freely. 

And while the Helix Midnight Luxe also promotes airflow through its coil system, its thicker foam layers and quilted pillow top may retain more heat, especially for sleepers who sink deeper into the mattress. However, to capture this segment of the market, Helix offers optional cooling upgrades for shoppers who tend to sleep hot. Cooling upgrades include a GlacioTex Cooling Cover and GlacioTex Cooling Cover with a CoolForce Layer, priced at $199 and $399, respectively. 

Saatva Classic vs Helix Midnight Luxe: Cost comparison

Comparing the two mattresses (using queen-size pricing) without promotions or optional upgrades, the Saatva Classic is approximately $270 cheaper than the Helix Midnight Luxe ($2,249 and $2,499, respectively). However, prices vary by mattress height (Saatva), cooling upgrades (Helix Midnight Luxe) and current promotions. 

More: How much should you spend on a mattress? Experts reveal the sweet spot

Delivery, sleep trial, returns and warranty

One notable point in the price comparison is delivery options, trial periods, and warranties.

Saatva offers free white-glove service (delivery, setup and removal of your old mattress) at no additional cost. Additionally, the brand offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, meaning if you're not happy with your new mattress, Saatva will arrange a return or exchange and schedule a pickup, but there is a $99 processing fee. 

Saatva also offers a lifetime warranty, though with some notable fine print. For the first two years, Saatva will replace your mattress at no charge. In year three, Saatva will repair and recover your mattress, but a $149 processing fee applies.  

Comparatively, the Helix Midnight Luxe typically ships via FedEx Ground, and while in-home setup and removal of your old mattress are available, Helix charges $219 for the service. The brand offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, and if you're not satisfied, they will arrange for an exchange or free return. 

Helix also offers an attractive limited lifetime warranty. For the first 10 years, they will repair or replace a defective mattress at no cost to you (the original purchaser). For mattresses 10 years and older, Helix will replace a defective mattress for a prorated charge based on the mattress's age. 

As with any contract or promise of service, always read the fine print before buying a mattress. 

Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe: Which should you buy?

When choosing between the Saatva Classic and Helix Midnight Luxe , both mattresses offer premium comfort and support. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your preferred feel, sleep position and delivery preferences. 

Here's a brief recap to help you decide which mattress may be a better fit.

Choose Saatva Classic if you:

• Want to choose between multiple firmness levels

• Prefer a mattress that sleeps cooler simply by design

• Want a mattress that can accommodate a wider range of sleep positions 

• Prefer in-room delivery and setup 

Choose Helix Midnight Luxe if you:

• Prefer a medium-feel mattress with more contouring

• Sleep primarily on your side and want cushioning around common pressure points (i.e., shoulders and hips)

• Are fine with a boxed mattress delivery option

• Looking for additional cooling upgrades 

Frequently asked questions

Is Saatva better than Helix?

Neither mattress is universally better in a Helix vs. Saatva showdown. Ultimately, the best mattress depends on your firmness preference, sleep position and delivery expectations.

Which mattress is firmer, Saatva or Helix?

The Saatva Classic has three firmness options; the Luxury Firm and Firm options offer a firmer mattress and sleep experience. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a true medium feel, and it's the only option for the Midnight Luxe mattress. 

How long do Saatva and Helix mattresses last?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your mattress every seven to 10 years, but construction, materials, the sleeper's weight and maintenance all affect a mattress's longevity. Sagging, noises and waking up with pain are all signs that your mattress may need to be replaced. 

Which is more affordable, Saatva or Helix? 

When comparing the regular price of the queen-size mattress for both brands, the Saatva Classic is priced approximately $270 lower than the Helix Midnight Luxe. However, mattress pricing is fluid, and the price you pay often depends on the upgrades you choose and current brand promotions.  

This article originally appeared on Money Group Affiliate: Saatva Classic vs. Helix Midnight Luxe: Which mattress should you buy?

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