Helix vs Leesa Mattress Comparison

Helix and Leesa are both bed-in-a-box mattress companies with highly-rated mattress models. Leesa started with a hugely successful memory foam mattress that led to a partnership with over 400 West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Macy’s stores. They donate one mattress to a child in need for every 10 sold. Helix Sleep has a more customizable approach—their mattresses are catered to a diverse array of sleepers by mixing and matching memory foam layers, innerspring systems, and temperature regulation technology.

In this Leesa vs Helix comparison, we’ll cover the ins and outs of eight different mattresses to help you choose which is best for you. Each head-to-head matchup was chosen because of certain similarities between the two mattresses.

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Helix vs Leesa At a Glance

	Helix	Leesa
Best For	Side sleepers, plus-sized sleepers, shoppers who prefer all-natural beds, hot sleepers, those who want longer warranty periods	All sleeping positions, budget-conscious shoppers, memory foam lovers, combo sleepers
Price Range	$649 –$2,499	$549 – $2,699
Special Features	Pressure-relieving Memory Plus Foam, breathable Tencel cover, all-natural materials (Birch mattress), gel-infused foams	Plush memory foam, Merino wool (Leesa Legend), breathable perforated layers of foam, supportive coil systems

Key Similarities

• Price Range: Helix and Leesa mattresses cost at least $600 and no more than $2,500, making them available for those on a budget and shoppers looking for a luxury mattress.
• Breathability: Both companies provide breathability by packing their mattresses full of cooling mattress technologies, including breathable coil layers, open-cell foam, and temperature regulating covers.
• Edge Support: With the exception of the Helix Plus, all of these mattresses support you across the entire mattress surface so that you don’t have to worry about falling out of bed.

Key Differences

• Sleeper Compatibility: Leesa mattresses work for the average sleeper, while Helix mattresses are designed for every type of sleeper, including hot sleepers, heavy sleepers, all-natural mattress shoppers, and even kids.
• Dimensions: Helix mattresses are generally thicker than Leesa mattresses, which is important to remember when buying sheet sets or mattress foundations.
• Warranty: Leesa mattresses are all covered by a 10-year limited warranty, but Helix mattresses have different warranty periods ranging from 10–25 years.

Helix Midnight vs Studio by Leesa

Helix Midnight Review Highlights

• Most Popular: Customers with all body types and sleeping positions choose the Helix Midnight because its medium firmness offers a comfy balance of cushion and support.
• Cooling: The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress with a breathable coil layer. Warm air has ample space to move, so it doesn’t get trapped in the foam under your body. The mattress cover is also breathable, enabling heat to escape from the mattress core.
• Motion Transfer: We gave the Helix Midnight a near-perfect score for motion transfer because it did such a good job of isolating movement. It performed well in both our blindfold test, where a person gets on and off the mattress while the tester is blindfolded, and the wine glass test, where we roll around with a glass of wine on the bed.
• Edge Support: The supportive construction of the Helix Midnight extends all the way to the edges of the bed. Our testers felt very stable, whether sitting or lying near the edge of the bed. This is a great feature for couples, seniors, or those who stretch out a lot at night.

Studio by Leesa Review Highlights

• Responsiveness: The Studio by Leesa does a great job of keeping up with combination sleepers. For example, when you move from your back to your side, the Leesa comfort layers quickly conform to your body, so you don’t feel like you’re rolling back in an old body impression.
• Spinal Alignment: We give the Studio mattress a 9/10 for spine alignment because we noticed almost no curves in our testers’ spines. The cloud-like foam contours so well to your curves that each curve is equally supported, resulting in little or no back pain.
• Motion Transfer: All-foam mattresses generally isolate motion well, thanks to the ability of foam to dampen or absorb movement. The Studio mattress keeps motion transfer to a minimum, so you’re less likely to feel a partner or pet get up or change positions.
• Universal Firmness: The Studio mattress is medium firm, which works for all sleeping positions. Side sleepers get sufficient pressure relief, back sleepers are well supported, and stomach sleepers experience both cushion and support for their spine.

Compare Mattress Construction

The primary difference in construction between the Helix Midnight and Studio by Leesa is that the Helix is a hybrid mattress and the Studio is made entirely of foam. You’ll also notice that the Helix Midnight is a fraction softer than the Studio, most likely because the Helix comfort layer is slightly softer than the Studio comfort layer.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each mattress’s construction:

The Helix Midnight has an extra soft, breathable cover over the entire mattress. The top layer, which Helix calls Memory Plus Foam, is medium in firmness, giving it a relatively plush feel without compromising support. A transition layer of high-grade polyfoam adds extra pressure relief. The support layer is hundreds of individually wrapped coils atop a base layer of durable support foam. The coil layers help the Helix Midnight to sleep cooler than the Studio.

The Studio by Leesa is covered with breathable twill fabric. It has a simple three-layer construction. The comfort layer is made from buoyant, pressure-relieving memory foam. The second layer of foam is denser and more contouring. At the base is a thick layer of support foam that keeps you from sinking too far into the mattress core. As an all-foam bed, you will probably notice a little more off-gassing from the Studio, but this should be gone within a few hours.

Compare Prices

The Studio by Leesa was designed to be a budget-friendly mattress, so it’s no surprise that it has lower price points than the Helix Midnight. The Helix Midnight costs about $150-$450 more than the Studio.

You can finance with both companies. Leesa offers financing through Affirm, and Helix offers financing on orders $499–$2,400 through Klarna and Katapult.

	Helix Midnight	Studio by Leesa
Twin	$799	$549
Twin XL	$899	$599
Full	$1,049	$699
Queen	$1,199	$799
King	$1,549	$999
California King	$1,549	$999

Helix Plus vs Leesa Original

Helix Plus (Nightfall) Review Highlights

• Durability: The Helix Plus, formally known as the Nightfall, is designed specially for those with larger body types, and can support a combined weight of 1,000 lbs. Plus-sized sleepers often notice sagging or body impressions on low-quality mattresses, but the Helix Plus is constructed with supportive high-density foams and extra tall coils. We voted the Helix Plus one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
• Pressure Relief: Heavier sleepers need extra pressure point relief since they sink deeper into the mattress. In our lab testing, we noticed very little stress on our testers’ shoulders and hips.
• Spine Alignment: We gave the Helix Plus an extra high score for spine alignment, since it kept our testers’ backs in a neutral position. This category is especially important for side and stomach sleepers, who put additional stress on the upper and lower back.
• Cooling: Regardless of your size, a hot mattress can prevent you from falling and staying asleep. We gave the Helix Plus an above-average score for cooling because its breathable layers and Tencel cover keep the mattress relatively cool.

Leesa Original Mattress Review Highlights

• Highly Rated: The Leesa Original mattress is one of the highest-scoring beds that we’ve tested. It earned a score of 8.5/10 or higher in every category, so you can count on well-rounded comfort when you sleep on this mattress.
• Responsiveness: The Leesa comfort layers are conforming, but not suffocating. You can easily change position without having to wait for the mattress to catch up to you, which is why we gave the Leesa Original a 9.5/10 for responsiveness.
• Motion Transfer: The all-foam construction of the Leesa Original isolates motion at its source, so you won’t feel jostled or disrupted by sleeping partners or pets moving around.
• Pressure Relief: The foam comfort layers are designed to feel like sleeping on a cloud, which our reviewers could attest to. They noticed little pressure on their shoulders and hips.

Compare Mattress Construction

The most distinct difference in the feel of these mattresses is firmness. The Helix Plus is a firm mattress, or 7–8/10 on the firmness scale. This is ideal for bigger sleepers, since they tend to sink too far into medium or plush mattresses. The Leesa Original is a medium-firm mattress, which best suits those with average body types. The Leesa is also an all-foam bed, whereas the Helix Plus has a hybrid construction.

The Helix Plus is topped with extra dense memory foam and a special latex foam designed to support the curves of heavier sleepers. A third layer of transitional memory foam adds extra support above the coil layer. Helix uses hundreds of XL pocket coils and DuraDense support foam at the base of the Helix Plus. Both of these layers can bear extra weight and add durability to the mattress.

The Leesa Original has a 3 layer construction encased in Leesa’s signature twill mattress cover. The top foam layer feels plush and buoyant, while the denser second layer is more contouring. The base layer is made with supportive, high-density foam. Leesa designed all of these foam layers to be extra breathable, which is why it can earn such a high score for cooling despite being an all-foam mattress.

Compare Prices

The Helix Plus is the more expensive mattress, likely due to its hybrid construction and extra durable materials. You’ll pay $100–$800 more for the Helix Plus, though the added cost is worthwhile for shoppers who need an extra supportive, long-lasting mattress. Keep in mind that the price difference is smaller for twin, twin XL, and full size mattresses, and you can finance either bed and take advantage of our exclusive discounts.

	Helix Plus (Nightfall)	Leesa Original
Twin	$949	$849
Twin XL	$1,049	$899
Full	$1,249	$1,099
Queen	$1,749	$1,199
King	$2,199	$1,399
California King	$2,199	$1,399

 

Helix Midnight Luxe vs Leesa Legend

Helix Midnight Luxe Review Highlights

• Pressure Relief: The Helix Midnight Luxe takes the comfort features of the Helix Midnight to the next level; specifically, the gel-infused memory foam provides better pressure relief and weight distribution.
• Spinal Alignment: Our testers had almost perfect posture while lying on the Helix Midnight Luxe. Good spinal alignment at night ensures that you wake up with no back pain or stiffness.
• Responsiveness: The Midnight Luxe combines Helix’s adaptive Memory Plus Foam with two additional foam layers that respond to your movements in real time. You won’t feel “trapped” in the mattress surface.
• Cooling: We gave the Midnight Luxe a 9.5/10 for cooling. In other words, you won’t overheat on this mattress. Helix throws all of their cooling tech at this bed: a temperature-regulating Tencel cover, cool-to-touch pillow top, gel-infused foam, and a breathable coil system.

Leesa Legend Mattress Review Highlights

• Spinal Alignment: You’ll have near-perfect posture while sleeping on the Leesa Legend Mattress, thanks to the contouring foam layers that evenly distribute your body weight. Good posture is a sure-fire way to eliminate back, neck, and shoulder pain.
• Edge Support: If you like to stretch out at night, take note of this feature. The Leesa Legend supports your full body weight all the way to the edges of the bed, so you never need to worry about rolling off.
• Cooling: Our testers gave the Legend an extra high score for cooling. Leesa uses open-cell memory foam that allows body heat to escape, rather than pooling under your body. Additionally, this Leesa model has a coil layer that is extra breathable.
• Responsiveness: The Legend performed well in our responsiveness test, which measures how quickly the mattress adjusts to changes in position. This category is especially important for combo sleepers who change position at night.

Compare Mattress Construction

The Helix Midnight Luxe and Leesa Legend both have medium to medium-firm firmness levels, and both are hybrid mattresses. However, they have noticeably different feels. The Midnight Luxe is topped with a plush pillow top, whereas the Legend has a foam top layer. We think the Midnight Luxe has a more luxurious feel, though both are pressure relieving.

The Midnight Luxe cover is designed to be extra breathable and keep mattress surface temperature neutral. Its quilted pillow top and Memory Plus Foam provide immediate pressure relief, while the gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam transition layers keep your body supported. The base layer of 1,000+ pocket coils and high-density foam improve motion isolation and keep the mattress feeling like new for longer.

The Leesa Legend mattress cover is made from Merino wool, organic cotton, and fiber derived from recycled water bottles. Merino wool is famous for being soft, moisture-wicking, and odor neutralizing. The top layer is made with responsive foam that is hole-punched for added breathability, and a layer of memory foam provides pressure relief. The coil layer supports your body weight and improves edge support. Finally, the support foam base adds durability.

Compare Prices

The Leesa Legend and Helix Midnight Luxe are both considered luxury mattresses, and their prices reflect that high-end status. You’ll spend $250–$550 more for the Legend, which is a generally small price difference if you’re already willing to pay a luxury price point.

	Helix Midnight Luxe	Leesa Legend
Twin	$1,199	N/A
Twin XL	$1,449	$1,899
Full	$1,749	$2,199
Queen	$2,049	$2,399
King	$2,499	$2,699
California King	$2,499	$2,699

Birch by Helix vs Leesa Hybrid

Birch by Helix Review Highlights

• Natural Materials: The Birch mattress by Helix is constructed with high quality, all-natural materials like non-toxic foams and organic wool. It was voted one of our best natural organic mattresses.
• Motion Isolation: We gave the Birch a 9/10 score for motion isolation because it does such a good job of keeping movement in its place of origin. Whether from a sleeping partner, child, or pet, you’ll sleep undisrupted through the night.
• Spine Alignment: You need good sleeping posture to wake up feeling fresh and limber. The Birch keeps your spinal curves in a neutral position, which can improve nervous system function and gut health.
• Durable: All Birch mattresses are protected against defects by a 25-year warranty. The mattresses are also hand-crafted, so you can rest well knowing that lots of intentional care went into making your bed as durable as possible.

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress Review Highlights

• Spine Alignment: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattress received a perfect 10/10 for spinal alignment during our review process. A mattress that supports sleeping posture helps you to wake feeling well-rested and pain-free. Check out our article on why spine alignment is important for choosing a mattress.
• Pressure Relief: We gave the Leesa Sapira Hybrid a near-perfect score for pressure relief since we found our testers had very little stress on their shoulders and hips when they lay on a pressure map.
• Responsiveness: This category measures how quickly a mattress adjusts when you change position. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid did an exceptionally good job, making it a top choice for combo sleepers.
• Motion Transfer: A mattress with good motion transfer helps you to sleep without disruptions or jostling from sleeping partners. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid earned a 9/10 in this category, so it does a good job of isolating motion at its source.

Compare Mattress Construction

The key difference between these two mattresses is that the Birch is made with all-natural materials. It also has a medium-firm feel compared to the medium feel of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. If you’re shopping for a natural mattress, the Birch is the clear choice. Both are hybrid beds, but the Birch uses organic wool, natural latex, and steel coils, while the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is made with polyfoam, memory foam, and pocket coils.

The Birch mattress cover is made from soft, breathable GOTS certified organic cotton. Natural wool fibers and rayon are used as a chemical-free fire retardant. The comfort layer is also made with Birch wool, designed to regulate your temperature and keep its shape. The next layer is OEKO-TEX certified Talalay latex, which is smoother and more consistent than other forms of latex. Finally, a layer of steel coils wool batting base layer adds support and durability.

The Leesa Hybrid pairs signature foam comfort layers with 1,000+ bouncy pocket coils, all encased in a soft, seamless cover. The top foam layer is plush, perforated polyfoam, designed to enhance comfort and breathability. Next, a layer of memory foam contours around your body’s curves, and a high-density transition foam layer ensures that you never feel the coils below. The coil layer and high-density foam base layer provide extra support.

Compare Prices

The Birch and Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattress prices don’t differ a whole lot, but the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is slightly more affordable for smaller sizes. Since their cost is around the same, price shouldn’t be the deciding factor between these two mattresses.

	Birch	Leesa Sapira Hybrid
Twin	$1,349	$1,199
Twin XL	$1,399	$1,299
Full	$1,599	$1,599
Queen	$1,799	$1,899
King	$2,099	$2,099
California King	$2,099	$2,099

Compare Helix vs Leesa Sizes

The Helix and Leesa mattresses have similar dimensions, although the Helix is a bit thicker than the Leesa, and the Full size is 1” wider.

	Helix	Leesa
Thickness	11” – 14”	10” – 12”
Twin	38”–39” x 75”	38”–39″ x 75″
Twin XL	38”–39” x 80”	38”–39″ x 80″
Full	54” x 75”	53″ x 75″
Queen	60” x 80”	60″ x 80″
King	76” x 80”	76″ x 80″
California King	72” x 84”	72″ x 84″

Learn more about mattress sizes.

Trial Period

Helix and Leesa customers both get a 100-night sleep trial. You must sleep on your new mattress for at least 30 nights, the average break-in period, before requesting a return.

Returns are free for Helix and Leesa customers, although Leesa customers in Alaska and Hawaii will be responsible for a $100 return fee.

If the top layer of your Helix mattress doesn’t feel right, call their customer care team, and they’ll ship you a free mattress topper that will increase the softness or firmness of your mattress.

Warranty

All Leesa mattresses are protected by a 10-year limited warranty, while Helix mattresses have different warranty periods. The Helix Midnight is covered for 10 years, the Helix Midnight Luxe and Helix Plus are covered for 15 years, and the Birch is covered for 25 years.

Summary

Leesa will appeal to the average sleeper who needs pressure relief, support, and reasonable prices. Helix offers unique mattress choices, ranging from the all-natural Birch mattress to the plus-size friendly Helix Plus and the ultra-cooling Helix Midnight Luxe.

We had a great time reviewing all of these mattresses, and have rounded up our recommendations below.

• Best for side sleepers: The Leesa Hybrid offers amazing pressure relief and spinal alignment, so side sleepers can wake up feeling well-rested and pain-free.
• Best for stomach sleepers: The Leesa Legend performed remarkably well in spinal alignment and also has a medium-firm feel, so stomach sleepers get the lumbar support and pressure relief that they need for quality sleep.
• Best for plus-sized sleepers: The Helix Plus is created especially for plus-sized sleepers, and incorporates high-density foams and extra tall spring coils.
• Best for budget shoppers: The Studio by Leesa is the lowest cost mattress, closely followed by the Helix Midnight.
• Best for couples: The Helix Midnight received top marks for motion isolation and has a medium feel that strikes a balance between soft and firm comfort preferences.
• Best for combo sleepers: The Leesa Original mattress earned a nearly perfect score for responsiveness, so it will keep up with your changes in position.
• Best for hot sleepers: The Helix Midnight Luxe is the coolest mattress in this comparison, thanks to phase change material, cooling foam, and breathable coils.