There are several reasons why someone might like Helix over Nectar and vice versa, considering they’re both comfortable and affordable beds. It all depends on your preferences at the end of day. Do you prefer memory foam beds, or personalized hybrid beds? Don’t worry, you don’t have to know just yet. Keep reading to get a better idea of which one you’ll like most.

Nectar mattress VS. Helix Dawn mattress
$399 – $1,598Price Range$799 – $1,449
$100 Off + $399 In Free AccessoriesOffer $100 Off + 2 Free Pillows Code: SLUMBER100
  • If you want a memory foam mattress
  • People that need a comfy foam bed
  • All sleep styles
Best For
  • If you like firm mattresses
  • People that need a supportive bed
  • If you want a really good value
365 NightsTrial Period100 Nights
ForeverWarranty10 Years
Free Shipping and ReturnsShipping Options Free Shipping and Returns
Shop Now Shop Now

Founded in 2015 and 2016 (respectively), Helix and Nectar are two well-known brands in the bed-in-a-box space. Both companies produce a range of mattresses, bed frames and bedding. While Helix prides itself on having a mattress for any type of sleeper, Nectar specializes in memory foam beds.  In this post, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between Helix and Nectar mattresses so you can decide which one is right for you.

Helix vs. Nectar Mattress Overview

  • Feel: Helix mattresses have a soft foam feel, while Nectar beds have a memory foam feel.
  • Construction: All Helix models are hybrid (coils and foam), whereas Nectar mattresses have an all-foam construction.
  • Firmness: With Helix, you can choose pretty much any firmness level you like and can be matched using a sleep quiz. Nectar is right in between a medium/medium-firm.
  • Honest Helix vs. Nectar Mattress Review Video

We’ll go more into detail about the differences and similarities in these beds to help you decide.

Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight
Why it’s Great
Midnight is the most popular mattress from Helix Sleep. It’s able to accommodate most sleeping positions and body types.
Best for
If you want a really nice mattress for the money
All sleeping styles
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Medium
Type
Mixed Foam
Temp
Neutral
Free Shipping
and returns
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
10 Years
Made in
USA

$100 OFF + 2 FREE PILLOWS CODE: SLUMBER100

0 Off
SLUMBER100

First up, we’ll dive into Helix and its wide variety of mattress models.

Helix Mattress Construction & Design

Helix has six core models (Helix Moonlight, Sunset, Dusk, Midnight, Twilight and Dawn), with similar constructions. The main differences are in firmness and support. All six models are 12” thick hybrid mattresses (beds made with coils and foam), made with:

  • Base layer – 8” of pocketed coils meant to act as a supportive base and provide better motion isolation than typical innersprings 
  • Comfort layers – 4” of foam layers for a soft, neutral feel 
helix mattress reviews construction and layers
Construction of Helix’s flagship mattress Midnight

You’ll find a blend of three or four foams in the mattress, depending on which firmness and support level you choose. The foams inside will contain some combination of memory foam, polyurethane (neutral) foam, Helix Dynamic Foam and Durasense Foam (support foam).

helix nightfall review mattress for heavy people
Inside look at the layers of Helix’s Plus mattress

Helix Mattress Firmness And Feel

Of course all 10+ mattresses across the Helix catalog aren’t going to feel exactly the same, but they all have a general soft foam or neutral foam feel.

You can purchase a Helix mattress in three firmness levels: soft, medium and firm. Here’s how we rated them on our scale:

  • Moonlight and Sunset – Soft
  • Dusk and Midnight – Medium
  • Dawn and Twilight – Firm
helix mattress review firmness and models

Helix’s motto is “mattresses designed for everybody,” so it’s no surprise that all sleeper types (back, side, stomach and combo) can find a mattress that will accommodate them.

Is Helix A Good Mattress For Couples?

Because of the sheer number of options available, Helix mattresses can be a great option for couples of all sizes and sleep styles. 

Motion Isolation

Though the Helix has coils, it’s effective at motion isolation. As a result, one partner moving around won’t disturb the other.

Edge Support

Some of the Helix mattresses provide better edge support than others. Couples who want edge support should choose a firm mattress, such as the Dawn or Twilight. That being said, the edge support on these mattresses is fairly average, and couples may opt for a different mattress if this feature is important to them.

Temperature Regulation

All six Helix models come with a breathable cover and hybrid design that increases airflow to keep the mattress cool. As a result, couples can comfortably sleep on the Helix mattresses without getting too hot.

Other Helix Models

Helix was founded in 2015 and is one of the more well-known bed-in-a-box companies. Helix is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has a B+ rating. The company currently sells its mattresses on its website, but they aren’t available on Amazon.

Helix offers its customers:

  • Free Shipping & Returns
  • 100 Night Trial Period
  • 10 Year Warranty

Helix Luxe Models

Helix also has a Luxe version of each core model. They’re constructed almost the same as the six core models, but they’re 2” thicker thanks to the inclusion of a premium pillow top.

Helix Plus Model

Finally, Helix has a specialty model. The Helix Plus is a mattress that was designed specifically with big and tall folks in mind. This bed contains XL wrapped coils and higher-density foams for added support.

Nectar
Nectar
Why it’s Great
Nectar could be the most popular memory foam mattress online. It’s affordable, comfortable, and usually comes with free pillows. They also have monthly payment options with Affirm.
Best for
If you want a memory foam mattress
People that need a comfy foam bed
All sleep styles
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Medium
Type
Memory Foam
Temp
Neutral
Free Shipping
and returns
Trial Period
365 Nights
Warranty
Forever

$100 OFF + $399 IN FREE ACCESSORIES

$100 Off + $399 In Free Accessories

Now that we’ve taken an in-depth look at Helix, let’s check out Nectar.

Nectar Mattress Construction & Design

While there are over 10 mattresses to choose from with Helix, Nectar just offers one accommodating, comfortable, all-foam mattress. It’s 12” thick, and it has a fairly simple three-layer construction: 

Nectar has three main layers, plus a cooling cover

Starting from the bottom up:

  • Standard Foam Base Support – As the name implies, this 7″ layer serves as the bed’s foundation.
  • Soft Support Foam – The proprietary material is basically a 2″ layer of memory foam that acts as a transition layer from the support foam below.
  • Gel memory foam – A top layer of 3″ gel memory foam.
  • Cooling Cover – This soft cover provides a cooling sensation upon direct contact.
Nectar’s soft and comfy cover

Nectar Mattress Feel And Firmness

A Nectar mattress is made using several layers of memory foam, so it’s easy to assume the overall feel of a Nectar mattress (hint: the answer is memory foam). We wouldn’t say it’s exactly the same as other memory foam beds we’ve seen before because it felt pretty firm to us upon first impression.

Testing out Nectar

On a scale from soft to firm, we rated Nectar in between medium and medium-firm. It finds a good balance between pressure relieving and supportive. Most folks will enjoy sleeping on a Nectar mattress.

Is Nectar A Good Mattress For Couples?

Nectar’s mattress provides features that make it a solid choice for many couples.

Motion Isolation

The Nectar mattress does a good job of limiting motion transfer, so couples can comfortably sleep without disturbing one another with their movement.

Edge Support

For an all-foam bed, Nectar provides solid edge support. Couples won’t have to worry about the sensation of rolling off the bed as they approach the edge (especially if one partner tends to be a bed hog).

Temperature Regulation

Nectar’s mattress is fairly neutral when it comes to temperature regulation. While it doesn’t retain heat the same way that many memory foam beds do, it also doesn’t cool you down. Couples who tend to sleep hot might prefer a different bed.

Other Nectar Models

Founded in 2016, Nectar specializes in providing a high-quality memory foam mattress to its customers. The company isn’t accredited with the Better Business Bureau but has an A rating nonetheless. The mattress has more than 2,200 ratings on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.1 stars. In general, customers thought it was comfortable and enjoyed the free trial period.

Nectar offers:

  • Free Shipping & Returns
  • 365 Night Trial Period
  • Forever Warranty

Nectar Lush Mattress

Nectar offers one specialty mattress, in addition to its original model. The Nectar Lush mattress is 12” thick, slightly thicker than the 11” original. The bed features dual-action cooling, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. The mattress cradles your body and provides support and pressure relief.

Nectar vs. Helix Pricing

If you’re looking at the current retail prices, you’d see Nectar is cheaper than Helix by about $100-$250. Right now, a queen size Helix retails right under $1,100, and Nectar retails for about $900 (after discounts). Plus, Nectar usually offers two free pillows with each mattress purchase as well. If you’re a price-conscious buyer, we think Nectar is the way to go.

Head over to HelixSleep.com or NectarSleep.com to see their current prices and promotions.

SizeHelixNectar (Discount)
Twin$699$599 ($499)
Twin XL$799$669 ($669)
Full$849$799 ($799)
Queen$1,099$899 ($899)
King / Cal King$1,449$1,199 ($1,199)

Helix vs. Nectar Sleeper Analysis

While both the Helix and Nectar mattresses have a lot going for them, finding the right bed for you comes down largely to your weight and sleeper style. What’s best for one person might not work for another. Our mattress reviews are typically based on average body types, but we also call out mattresses that are especially good or bad for heavy and petite individuals.

  • Side Sleepers

    Though the Nectar mattress is more on the firm side, we still think side sleepers will sleep well on this mattress because those top layers soften up as your body heat warms the memory foam.

    Because of the variety of mattresses available, side sleepers will also be able to find a Helix mattress that suits their needs. Side sleepers want a softer mattress because they provide greater pressure relief for the curves of their body. Helix’s Moonlight and Sunset mattresses both fall into that category.

  • Back And Stomach Sleepers

    Back and stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress so their spine stays in proper alignment while they sleep. Helix offers two different firm mattresses — the Dawn and Twilight models — that would be suitable for back and stomach sleepers.

    Because the Nectar mattress is more toward the firm side on our spectrum, it’s also most ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

  • Combination Sleepers

    We think combo sleepers will get a good night’s rest on Helix because it’s pretty responsive, and you won’t feel resistance when you switch positions in your sleep like you would on a memory foam mattress.

    If you’re a combo sleeper, you may or may not like the Nectar mattress. Memory foam is usually slow to respond to pressure, which means it’s a little more difficult to switch positions on.

Body Type Analysis

  • Heavy Individuals

    We think Helix is a better fit for heavier individuals who weigh 250+ pounds because all the mattresses are hybrids. Why is this significant? Beds with innerspring/coils are usually thicker, more durable, and they provide bi-directional support.

    We don’t think Nectar is the best option for heavier folks. In general, we find that hybrid mattresses (like Helix) are preferable for heavier individuals since they’re more durable and supportive.

  • Petite Individuals

    Nectar should be fine for most petite and average-sized sleepers (although extra petite side sleepers under 100 lbs might not get enough pressure relief).

Helix vs. Nectar Mattress Review Verdict

By now, you’re practically an expert on Helix and Nectar, but we have full-length reviews on each one if you’re looking for more information. If it was tough to retain all this information at once, here’s a few key questions you should ask yourself:

  • Do you want a mattress that was seemingly customized for you? Helix has over 10 mattresses to choose from, and a helpful Sleep Quiz to match you with the right one.
  • Do you love memory foam? Nectar is an affordable memory foam mattress we think you’ll like.
  • Are you 250+ lbs? We think you should look into Helix’s hybrid mattresses.
  • Do you want a mattress with a longer-than-average warranty policy? Nectar goes above and beyond with their company policies.

We hope this comparison was helpful. If you have more questions, check out our mattress comparisons and our mattress deals page where we post the recent promotions from different brands.

why trust us icon

Why Trust Us

Get the kind of sleep you’ve only dreamed of with some help from our team of mattress experts. We personally test more than 175 of the best sleep solutions from over 60 leading brands on site, so you can be sure you’re getting unbiased reviews, fair comparisons and personalized recommendations.


The Review Team

  • kenzie

    McKenzie Dillon

    Combo Sleeper

  • Lauren Thomas

    Stomach Sleeper

  • Owen Poole

    Side Sleeper

  • JD

    JD Christison

    Combo Sleeper

Company Policies

Both companies have generous policies to make your mattress buying experience easier:

  • Trial period length: Helix offers a 100-night trial period. Nectar is more generous, allowing customers to try out their new bed for 365 nights.
  • Warranty policy: In line with industry-standard, Helix provides a 10-year warranty. On the other hand, Nectar mattresses come with a lifetime warranty.
  • Delivery information: Both companies offer free shipping and returns. With Nectar, you can add on White Glove Service for $149 if you’d like someone to set up your mattress for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Helix and Nectar mattresses made?

Helix mattresses are made in the USA. Nectar doesn’t specify where their mattresses are made, but they ship from the United States.

How do I know which Helix mattress is right for me?

Helix has a super helpful Sleep Quiz to match you with the best mattress for you, depending on your preferences.

Are Helix and Nectar made from safe materials?

Both Helix and Nectar use materials that are certified by the CertiPUR-US® program, so they’re free from ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals.