Your mattress doesn’t necessarily come with an expiration date, but there are signs that tell you when it’s time.
Maybe you’ve started waking up feeling tired, tossing and turning more at night, or noticing that your mattress just doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to. Sometimes, it’s not immediately obvious that your mattress is the reason.
And when you do decide it’s time for a new one, choosing the right mattress can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, firmness levels, materials, and features to consider.
So, What Should You Look for in a Mattress?
There’s more to choosing a comfortable mattress than simply picking the softest one in the store.
Think about:
- Your sleeping position
- Your preferred firmness
- The level of support you need
- Pressure relief
- How warm or cool you sleep
- Whether you share your bed with someone
Once you know what matters most to you, it becomes much easier to compare different mattresses.
Looking for a mattress that fits your sleep style?
Helix is one option to explore if you’re shopping for a new mattress. Their collection includes different mattress feels and designs, so you can look for an option that matches your preferences instead of trying to make yourself fit a single mattress.
Which Helix Mattress Might Be Right For You?
Once you know what you want from a mattress, choosing between different options becomes a lot easier. Helix has different mattress feels for different sleeping styles, so I’d narrow it down based on how you sleep and how firm you like your mattress.
If You’re a Side Sleeper I'd recommend
Helix Midnight
The Midnight has a medium feel and is designed for side sleepers, with pressure point relief around areas like the shoulders and hips. If you want something that feels balanced rather than very soft or very firm, this is the one I’d look at first.
Want a more premium version?
The Midnight Luxe has the same medium feel with a premium pillow top and enhanced lumbar support. Helix currently describes it as its most popular mattress.
If You Want the More Premium Side-Sleeper Option
Helix Midnight Elite
If you’re a side sleeper who wants a medium feel but are looking at Helix’s most premium options, the Midnight Elite is worth considering. It adds features such as advanced cooling, microcoil comfort layers, and zoned support.
Best suited for: side sleepers looking for a more luxurious mattress with a medium feel.
If You Like a Softer Mattress I'd recommend
Helix Sunset
The Sunset has a soft feel and is designed for side sleepers. It gives you more cushioning around pressure points, so it makes sense if you prefer a mattress that feels softer when you get into bed.
If you want the upgraded version, Sunset Luxe keeps the soft feel while adding the extra features of the Luxe collection.
If You Sleep on Your Back or Stomach I'd recommend
Helix Dusk
Dusk has a medium feel and is designed specifically for back and stomach sleepers. It gives you a balance between cushioning and support without going all the way to a firm mattress.
For a more premium option, Dusk Luxe adds a premium pillow top and enhanced lumbar support.
If You Prefer a Firm Mattress I'd recommend
Helix Dawn
Dawn is one of Helix's firmest standard options, with an 8 to 9 out of 10 firmness rating. It's designed for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.
There is also Twilight for side sleepers who prefer a firm mattress.
Not sure where to start? Take the Helix Sleep Quiz to help narrow down your options.
And if your mattress has been on your “I’ll replace it later” list for a while, maybe it’s time to take another look.
What actually makes a mattress comfortable? Here are 6 things worth looking at before you buy.
1. The Right Firmness
Firmness is one of the first things to think about when choosing a mattress. A mattress that feels too soft may not give you enough support, while one that feels too firm can leave you feeling uncomfortable.
There isn’t one firmness level that works for everyone. Your sleeping position, body type, and personal preference all play a part.
If you sleep mostly on your side, you may prefer a softer feel that gives your shoulders and hips more cushioning. Back and stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer surface with more support.
The goal is to find a mattress that feels comfortable while still giving your body the support it needs.
2. Good Support
Comfort isn’t just about how soft a mattress feels when you first lie down. Support matters too.
A supportive mattress should help keep your body in a comfortable position while you sleep. If your mattress has started sagging or you find yourself sinking into certain areas, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
When comparing mattresses, look at how they are designed to support your body rather than choosing based only on how soft or firm they feel.
3. Your Sleeping Position
The way you sleep can make a big difference in which mattress feels comfortable to you.
Side sleepers usually need good pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers often look for a balance between cushioning and support.
Stomach sleepers generally need enough support to keep their body from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
And if you move between different positions throughout the night, a mattress with a balanced feel may work better.
Knowing your usual sleeping position can make mattress shopping much easier because you can narrow down your choices from the start.
4. Pressure Relief
Have you ever woken up with a sore shoulder, hip, or other uncomfortable pressure point?
The amount of pressure relief a mattress provides can affect how comfortable you feel throughout the night. This is especially important for people who sleep on their sides, since more pressure can be placed on the shoulders and hips.
Different mattress materials and designs provide different levels of cushioning. When shopping, pay attention to how the mattress is designed to distribute your weight and relieve pressure.
5. Temperature
Some people naturally sleep warmer than others, and your mattress can play a role in how comfortable you feel during the night.
If you often wake up feeling too warm, look for a mattress designed with cooling or breathable materials. The construction of the mattress can affect how well air moves through it and how much heat is retained.
Your sheets and bedding matter too, but choosing a mattress that suits your temperature preferences is a good place to start.
6. Motion Isolation
If you share your bed with a partner, motion isolation is something you’ll want to consider.
A mattress with good motion isolation can reduce how much movement travels across the bed. That means if your partner turns over or gets out of bed, you may be less likely to feel every movement.
This can make a noticeable difference if one person is a light sleeper or if you have different sleep schedules.
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