Helix vs Tuft & Needle Mattress Review

January 23, 2023

Helix and Tuft & Needle represent two of the most prestigious bed-in-a-box mattress brands on the market. Both are made in the United States and offer premium materials, ample support, as well as excellent value. In this article, we’ll compare both brands and help you determine which is right for your sleep needs.

By clicking on the product links in this article, US-Mattress and Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read the full disclosure statement.

Helix vs Tuft & Needle Side-by-Side Comparison

Helix Mattress Review

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Customizable
• Trial Period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years
• Price: $$
• MA Score: 8.9/10
• Customer Rating: 4.6/5

Read more in our Helix mattress review.

Check price

Tuft & Needle Mattress Review

• Type: Foam blend
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Trial Period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years
• Price: $
• MA Score: 8.7/10
• Customer Rating: 4.6/5

Learn more in our Tuft & Needle mattress review.

Check price

Highlights of Helix vs Tuft & Needle

As you compare each mattress and decide which is best for you, here are some key selling points for each. Please note that for this article, the Helix Midnight model was tested.

The Helix Mattress

• Incredible customization: When you visit the Helix website, you’ll be asked to take a sleep quiz, helping drill down into your sleep preferences. You’ll then be paired with one of 13 different mattress and firmness options, meaning you’ll get a comfortable mattress that’s truly just for you.
• Great for couples: If you share a bed with someone else, the Helix is really an outstanding option for couples. Each person can customize their firmness preferences, and also enjoy exemplary motion isolation abilities.
• Compatible with all sleep positions: Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, you can find a Helix hybrid mattress that offers you a good night’s sleep.

Check price

The Tuft & Needle Mattress

• Exemplary edge support: Do you tend to sleep close to the edge of the bed? If so, you’ll want a mattress that doesn’t sink or sag. The Tuft & Needle more than fits the bill with its sturdy edge support.
• Affordable price point: The Tuft & Needle is known as one of the best budget mattresses on the market. No matter which size you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it for well under $1,000.
• Adaptive foam: The Tuft & Needle is made from highly adaptive memory foam that contours to your body, offering optimal pressure point relief and allowing you to wake up each morning absent any aches or creakiness.

Check price

Compare Features and Materials

Before deciding on your new bed, take a closer look at what the Helix and the Tuft & Needle are both made of.

Helix Mattress	Tuft & Needle Mattress
What’s inside: Soft touch cover: The mattress cover is designed to promote air circulation and keep you cool through the night Memory foam comfort layer: Memory Plus foam offers a cushioning, contouring effect for your joints Polyfoam transition layer: An additional foam layer that offers support and comfort Pocket-coil body shape layer: Individually wrapped innerspring coils adjust and adapt to the shape of your body Dense foam base layer: Supportive foam gives the mattress shape and structure	What’s inside: Top layer: Adaptive foam supports your body and helps disperse body heat Base layer: Dense foam keeps the mattress durable Mattress cover: The Tuft & Needle comes with a cover that’s lightweight, airy, and cool to the touch
Scored best in: Motion transfer Edge support Cooling	Scored best in: Pressure relief Edge support Spine alignment

Size and Specs

Helix	Tuft & Needle
10" Twin: 39” x 75” Twin XL: 39” x 80”  Full: 54” x 75”    Queen: 60” x 80”  King: 76” x 80”            Cal King: 72” x 84”	11" Twin: 39” x 75” Twin XL: 39” x 80”  Full: 54” x 75”    Queen: 60” x 80”  King: 76” x 80”            Cal King: 72” x 84”

Design

There are some key distinctions in the mattress designs. Start with the Helix, which is a line of 13 different mattress products. You’ll be paired with one based on your sleeping position and comfort preferences. When it comes to customization, there’s really nothing that can compare. And, the hybrid design (innerspring plus foam) offers just the right balance of pressure relief, comfort, and cushioning support.

However, the design of the Tuft & Needle mattress is nothing to sneeze at. Its foam layers are carefully structured to maximize pressure relief and edge support, all while keeping you cool throughout the night.

Firmness

How firm would you like your new bed? Helix gives you a wide spectrum of options to choose from. Tuft & Needle, meanwhile, hits the medium-firm sweet spot - about a six on a 1-10 firmness scale.

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer helps you determine how much your movements will or won’t disrupt your partner in the nighttime. The Tuft & Needle gets an above-average score in motion transfer, but the Helix really shines. In fact, the Helix is one of the top-rated mattresses for couples.

Edge Support

Both mattresses get high marks in edge support, which means you’ll be able to sit or sleep on the edge of the bed without fear of sagging or sinkage.

Delivery and Returns

Both mattresses ship for free, in seven business days or fewer, and both offer free returns (so long as you make your return within the 100-day sleep trial window).

FAQ about the Helix Mattress

1. How does the 100-night sleep trial work? When your mattress arrives, you’ll have 100 days to test it out and see how it suits you. You’re welcome to return it within that window for a full refund. Helix will send someone to pick it up for you, so there’s no need to worry about putting it back into the box.
2. Does the Helix mattress need to be flipped? No, it has a clearly marked top and bottom, and is only meant to be used in one direction.

FAQ about the Tuft & Needle Mattress

1. Can I finance my Tuft & Needle mattress? Yes; financing is available through a platform called Affirm. Just select this option at checkout.
2. Does the Tuft & Needle need to be flipped? No. In fact, it has a clearly marked top and bottom, and is only meant to be used in one direction.
3. Is the Tuft & Needle mattress eco-friendly? The Tuft & Needle is certified by the CertiPUR-US board, which means it meets high standards of environmental responsibility.

Summary of Helix vs Tuft & Needle

Mattress Advisor Score Breakdown

Helix	Tuft & Needle
Shipping: 10 Trial Period: 9 Return Policy: 10        Warranty: 9 Set-up Test: 8 Motion Transfer Test: 9 Edge Support Test: 9 Pressure Relief Test: 8 Spinal Alignment Test: 8.25 Responsiveness Test: 8.75 Cooling Evaluation: 9 Durability Evaluation: 9         Customer Service Score: 9     Social Impact Score: 5 TOTAL SCORE: 8.9/10	Shipping: 10 Trial Period: 9 Return Policy: 10        Warranty: 9    Set-up Test: 7 Motion Transfer Test: 7.5 Edge Support Test: 8.5 Pressure Relief Test: 8.5 Spinal Alignment Test: 8.5 Responsiveness Test: 8 Cooling Evaluation: 7 Durability Evaluation: 8         Customer Service Score: 10   Social Impact Score: 8 TOTAL SCORE: 8.7/10

Helix Mattress Summary

With the Helix mattress, customization is king. There’s really no better way to ensure you’re getting exactly the right mattress product to suit your needs. Its hybrid design of foam and coils also help this mattress to sleep cool, which makes it ideal for hot sleepers. Its high motion transfer scores make it a great pick for couples who do not want to be disturbed by their partner moving around. Because the Helix is one of the best customizable mattresses, you will be matched with a bed that has the right firmness level for you. The only drawback is that this mattress is a bit more expensive than the Tuft & Needle. And, for those who prefer a classic memory foam feel, Tuft & Needle may be the better bet. Overall, however, Helix earns a high recommendation for all types of sleepers.

Check price

Tuft & Needle Mattress Summary

Tuft & Needle is rightly regarded as one of the top budget memory foam mattresses available. While it doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles as the Helix, it does offer premium-level comfort, support, and durability for a very modest price point.

Check price

About the Author Josh Hurst

Josh Hurst lives and writes in Knoxville, TN. A recovering insomniac, he has a long-standing appreciation for the power of a good night's sleep.