Mattress Review
Helix Kids Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Full
Price Range: $599 – $799
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Flippable construction extends its usable life
- Performs best for kids under 130 pounds
- 100-night sleep trial helps to ensure that kids love their new mattress
Drawbacks
- Not designed for children over the age of 12
- Adolescents over 230 pounds may not get adequate support
- Only available in twin and full sizes
Sleep Doctor’s Take: Helix Kids Mattress
The dual-sided, flippable Helix Kids Mattress offers two firmness levels, designed with growing kids and their changing sleep preferences in mind. A combination of pocketed coils, polyfoam, gel-infused memory foam, and a Tencel are engineered to help children stay cool and comfortable regardless of their sleeping position.
Helix Kids Mattress: An Introduction
Helix Sleep is a mattress and bedding brand founded in 2015. Helix offers a full line of mattresses for adults, as well as bedding and mattress bases. The Helix Kids Mattress is the brand’s first and only mattress developed for young sleepers.
The Helix Kids Mattress is flippable, with one side rated medium soft (4) on our 10-point firmness scale and the other as medium firm (6). Helix suggests the medium firm side for children ages 3 to 7 and the medium soft side for children ages 8 to 12. The mattress comes only in twin and full sizes.
This hybrid mattress includes a 5-inch support core of pocketed steel coils. The firmer side has a comfort system that consists of a layer of dense polyfoam, while the softer side uses a layer of gel-infused memory foam. The Helix Kids is encased in a Tencel cover that is treated to resist both moisture and bacteria.
We’ll cover how this mattress performed during our in-house tests. We’ll also review the cost, shipping, and return policies of this versatile kid’s mattress. If you’re looking for an adult mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses of 2024.
What’s It Like to Sleep on the Helix Kids Mattress?
How it feels to sleep on the Helix Kids Mattress depends on which side your child uses. The medium firm (6) side offers support from polyfoam designed for spinal alignment. The medium soft (4) side includes gel-infused memory foam in the comfort layer that is intended to offer more contouring and enhanced cooling effects.
In the bed’s support core, the pocketed coils have a reinforced perimeter that promotes a strong edge. This can help sleepers use more of the bed’s surface. The coils also give the bed a sturdy surface that allows kids to easily change positions and get in and out of bed.
Helix Kids Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dual-sided design allows the mattress to adapt to a child’s growth
- Gel-infused memory foam gives kids a plush, cozy feel
- High-density polyfoam layer on the firmer side helps with spinal alignment
Cons
- Limited size options may not suit taller adolescents
- May not be firm enough for sleepers over 230 pounds
- Coil support core allows for some motion transfer
Sleeping Positions, Body Weight, and Firmness
One side of the Helix Kids Mattress rates medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale, while the other is medium soft (4). Because it’s a flippable mattress, your child can decide which side is most comfortable and the bed can accommodate their sleep preferences as they grow.
In general, sleep position and body weight influence which firmness level will be most comfortable and provide the best support. The Helix Kids Mattress performs best for side and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Adolescents between 130 and 230 pounds may also find the bed comfortable, while those over 230 pounds will probably need a firmer bed in order to get proper support.
Helix Kids Mattress Sleeper Ratings
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers under 130 pounds are the most likely to get good support from the Helix Kids Mattress. A side sleeper needs both cushioning and support at the shoulders and hips to keep the spine in alignment. Both sides of this mattress provide enough contour in these areas. As your child grows, they can transition from the firmer side to the softer side for added comfort.
Back Sleepers
Typically, children who sleep on their back need a firmer bed that promotes good posture and offers adequate support at the hips. This makes the Helix Kids Mattress perfect for children under 130 pounds. But as your child grows, they will likely need a firmer sleep surface.
Stomach Sleepers
The Helix Kids Mattress performs well for children who weigh less than 130 pounds and sleep on their stomach. These sleepers are light enough not to sink too deeply into the bed’s surface. Stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds should find the bed comfortable, while those over 230 pounds should look for a firmer option.
Our Performance Ratings
We rate each mattress we review in several performance categories using a 5-point scale, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent.
Pressure Relief
Rating: 4/5
The Helix Kids Mattress uses a combination of pocketed coils and foam to provide a high level of pressure relief. The coils offer a sturdy surface that supports the sleeper’s body weight, while the memory foam on the medium soft (4) side contours to the body and provides good cushioning. On the medium firm (6) side, the polyfoam layer promotes spinal alignment for younger children.
Temperature Neutrality
Rating: 4/5
This mattress has several features designed to promote temperature neutrality. The pocketed coils in the support core allow for ample airflow, helping to prevent heat from building up in the mattress. Additionally, the Tencel mattress cover is cool to the touch and provides extra comfort for children who sleep hot.
Motion Isolation
Rating: 3/5
The medium soft (4) side of the Helix Kids Mattress may be more effective at reducing motion transfer than the medium firm (6) side. Memory foam tends to absorb vibrations, while polyfoam is bouncier and more responsive. If your child sleeps with a sibling or pet, they may feel some movement from the other side of the bed, but the mattress should prevent significant motion transfer.
Edge Support
Rating: 4/5
The Helix Kids Mattress has a reinforced perimeter designed to prevent compression at the edges of the bed. This allows your child to use more of the bed’s surface, and it can also make it easier to get in and out of bed by minimizing sagging.
Durability
Rating: 3/5
The Helix Kids Mattress is double-sided, and its design includes high-quality materials, like high-density foam, pocketed steel coils, and memory foam. This construction makes for a durable mattress that is likely to last about as long as similar hybrids, which is usually between six and eight years.
Ease of Movement
Rating: 4/5
Changing positions and getting in and out of bed should be relatively easy with the Helix Kids Mattress. The pocketed coils provide sturdy support that keeps the sleeper’s body from sinking too far into the mattress.
On the medium firm (6) side, the layer of polyfoam provides stability and makes movement easier. Sleepers may sink further into the medium soft (4) side, but the pocketed coils still provide enough support to make movements easy.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 4/5
Mattresses that have been compressed for shipping often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they are first unboxed. This is particularly true of beds with foam components. VOCs are generally considered harmless in small quantities, but they can give off a temporary, unpleasant smell.
The Helix Kids Mattress does produce some off-gassing upon opening. However, the smell should dissipate quickly. It’s also worth noting that the foams used in this mattress have CertiPUR-US certification, which means they’ve been tested and found not to contain a wide range of potentially harmful substances.
What Is the Helix Kids Mattress Made Of?
The hybrid Helix Kids Mattress uses a flippable design intended for children ages 3 to 12 years old. On the medium soft (4) side, the comfort layer includes memory foam infused with gel. This foam is engineered to contour to the sleeper’s body while wicking away heat.
The comfort layer of the medium firm (6) side includes dense polyfoam intended to support the spine. Both sides have a fire-resistant layer designed for the sleeper’s safety.
The support core includes a 5-inch layer of pocketed steel coils, manufactured to reduce vibrations and encourage airflow within the mattress. This layer also has a reinforced perimeter that helps keep the mattress edges sturdy.
The Tencel cover undergoes two treatments especially helpful with children: a RUCO-DRY BIO NPE water-repellent finish and an AEGIS Microbe Shield fiber treatment designed to reduce odor-causing bacteria.
| Mattress Construction Layers | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover Material | Tencel |
| Comfort Layers | Polyfoam Gel-infused Memory Foam |
| Support Core | 5” Pocketed Coils with a Reinforced Perimeter |
How Much Does the Helix Kids Mattress Cost?
Whether it’s designed for an adult or a child, the price of a mattress varies widely, depending on construction and brand. In general, the Helix Kids Mattress is reasonably priced compared to similar hybrids, but it will likely cost more than a budget kids mattress.
The Helix Kids Mattress price reflects its features, which aren’t usually found in a typical child’s mattress. For example, the flippable design provides two firmness options for children as they grow. It also includes a water-resistant and antimicrobial cover, as well as a reinforced perimeter designed for enhanced edge support.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $749 | 39” x 75” | 8″ | 60 lbs. |
| Full | $999 | 54” x 75” | 8” | 75 lbs. |
Discounts and Coupons
Helix offers various discounts throughout the year and around holidays. The company also provides year-round discounts for first responders, students, teachers, and military families.
Where Can You Buy the Helix Kids Mattress?
The Helix Kids Mattress is available on Helix’s website. Select Helix models are also available in showrooms and retail locations across the country, but not all stores carry the Helix Kids model. You can check the list of showrooms on Helix’s website to see which models are available at each location.
| Buying Information and Customer Policies | |
|---|---|
Availability | When purchased from the Helix website, the Helix Kids Mattress can be shipped to the U.S. and most of Canada. |
Shipping | Helix ships U.S. orders free, while orders to Canada incur a $250 shipping fee. Your mattress arrives compressed in a box. Place it where you’d like to position the bed, and remove the mattress from the box and plastic wrap. It takes about two hours to fully decompress. |
Additional Services | Helix provides old mattress removal only for residents of California in compliance with state laws. |
Sleep Trial | A 100-night sleep trial allows your child to try out the bed with the option to return it for a full refund if they’re unsatisfied. A 30-night break-in period is required before initiating a return. |
Warranty | The Helix Kids Mattress is covered by a 10-year limited warranty that protects against manufacturing defects and some physical flaws, like excessive sagging. It does not cover normal wear and tear or issues caused by improper use. |
Helix Kids Mattress FAQ
What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Children?
Once a child grows into an adult bed, the ideal level of firmness depends on factors like their size, weight, sleep position, and individual preferences. In general, children who weigh less tend to sink less into a mattress’ surface, while older children who weigh more sink more deeply.
Is the Helix Kids Mattress Easy to Clean?
The mattress cover can be spot cleaned but should not be removed. The Helix Kids Mattress’ cover includes a water-repellent finish and antimicrobial treatment designed to help it resist buildup of germs and moisture. Parents and caregivers concerned about nighttime accidents may want to consider adding a mattress protector.
Does the Helix Kids Mattress Fit Bunk Beds?
The Helix Kids Mattress should fit most standard bunk beds. To be sure, check the bunk bed’s size to ensure that it works with a twin or full sized mattress with an 8-inch profile.
How Thick Is the Helix Kids Mattress?
The Helix Kids Mattress is 8 inches thick. It includes 5 inches of pocketed coils, one layer of gel-infused memory foam, one layer of polyfoam, two layers of fire resistant material, and a Tencel cover.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Products
Katie is a writer, editor, and researcher based in Englewood, Colorado. With a doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has written and edited for Peterson’s and Innerbody Research as well as been a writing professor. Katie is passionate about helping consumers make more informed choices.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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