
Brooklyn Bedding
Signature Hybrid
Durable, comfortable, adjustable firmness; excellent value.

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The midnight elite layers are not supportive enough for my 230 lb body. I have plus elite comfort layers coming soon because I’m still in my trial Period. More to come!
Funny enough, I received my midnight elite and I can’t wait to go to sleep !!! ❤️❤️❤️ https://preview.redd.it/3o16zk2ebteg1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33c739b369c86db2e61ed4469c0caa602c18a591 I will report back in 30 days! Update: Helix matched me with the midnight elite. I am a 230 pound side sleeper with lower back issues. After two weeks, my lower back was starting to hurt even more because the midnight sinks in very deeply with someone of my size. You don’t even notice because it is so very comfortable however, as your sinking, you realize that it is throwing you out of alignment. I swapped out the layers for the Plus because it is more of a medium firm, and definitely a noticeable difference. The center of the mattress keeps me more Lifted and it is somewhat more sturdy while being comfortable at the same time. I remember seeing on the website that the plus model had Titan Coils in their detailed description of the layers. I inquired with helix and they told me that all elite models have the same coil base system including the plus, but never addressed whether or not they were Titan coils, which I definitely saw on the website. It has me wondering whether the foundation is sturdy enough to last. And nowhere on the website does it say that the coil system is the same for all elite models. It’s leaving a sour taste in my mouth and I probably will be returning the mattress because paying over $3000 for a bed that may not have a solid coil system bothers me. In addition, the agent told me that she was getting her information from internal sources, but not appearing on the website is odd to me. I was looking to have this information confirmed by a production manager, but yet the same employee who gave me these details responded yet again with the same answers. Still not answering the question about the Titan coils. I would think that helix would use a stronger coil system for the plus model; therefore swapping out the base. If you google this information online, you will see the confliction. coils are designed especially for sleepers
I am a 230 pound side sleeper with back pain and a hip replacement. I tried both models today. I am still on trial and first started with the midnight elite, which was way too soft because of the memory foam which threw me out of alignment. I next tried the helix plus elite which was still too soft and had too much sinkage which threw me out of alignment; again because of the memory foam. Today I tried both the twilight and the dawn elite. The twilight elite was definitely firmer than both the midnight and plus, however, it still uses the memory foam, and I was still out of alignment sinking in too far. Surprisingly enough I landed on the dawn elite and I was in complete heaven. This mattress held my torso up perfectly, allowing me to relax, yet the memory foam cover, as well as the top comfort foam layers were enough for me to be comfortable on my side. I was completely in shock. My shoulder even felt OK as I laid there for 15 minutes. I was in total peace laying there amongst all the people around me. LOL the Dawn elite is more buoyant and will keep you lifted while having a slight cushion feeling on top…. minimal sinkage. This is my experience being a heavier side sleeper so it may be different for other people, but thought I would share. My dawn comfort layers will be arriving soon. ❤️
I tried the helix midnight elite, plus elite and Dawn elite. All of these mattresses have zoning in the coils and the comfort layers …they did not align with my 6‘4“ 230 lb body and was pressing up against my ribs, causing pain, as well as syncing my body too far because of the dense memory foam, throwing me out of alignment. i’m assuming that the helix mattresses you’re referring to are the Luxe? I can help you with the winked luxury firm mattress – I tried this for 30 days and it was too firm for me because I am a side sleeper and found that it was rolling me onto my back in the middle of the night because of the pressure on my hips. Not sure how the helix Luxe models fair for pressure relief.
Do you sink far into the Nolah evolution comfort plus? I feel like that mattress would sag and throw me out of alignment.
This struggle is very real and I’m going through this right now. I am 6 foot four 230 pound side sleeper. I started on a water bed with baffles. Then had latex hand tied, medium firm, tufted bed that lasted 20 years….medium firm, buoyant, responsive, amazing comfort. It needed to be replaced because there was a dip in the center from me sleeping in the middle all of the time. I then went with a purple restore plus, which had an ergo alignment layer… after 30 days there was not enough pressure relief for my shoulders and my ribs were hurting. I could feel that alignment layer on my body (below my ribs). Next I tried the purple restore premiere because I ❤️ the grid…. this did not have the ergo alignment support layer. It was amazing for the first 30 days…. slept for many many hours comfortably because It was the very familiar buoyant feel & was supportive but shortly after a month, it started to dip in my torso area, throwing me out of alignment. I next went to the winked luxury firm which I thought was amazing. However, there was not enough pressure relief. The mattress was 13 inches tall and in my opinion did not have enough comfort layers. …and probably because of my weight it rolled me onto my back in the middle of the night. I am currently on the helix elite series. The midnight did not have enough support, and I sunk in too deep due to the memory foam; tried the plus elite layers and the same thing too much sinkage throwing me out of alignment. I’m learning that when you’re older and have lower back pain or back issues, you need to be very cautious of memory foam because it can easily throw you out of alignment and I believe the OP is correct in which a medium firm to slightly firmer is the key firmness depending on your weight. I was able to try the helix Dawn elite in a showroom yesterday and my back felt like heaven. It was somewhat buoyant and very supportive yet this line mattress had very little memory foam and more support forward foams. It is very important to remember that if you’re looking for pressure relief you need either latex or any buoyant foam! If the Dawn elite doesn’t work, I am gonna go back to a latex hybrid. I bumped into engineered sleep mattress company which incorporates latex in many of their models: https://engineeredsleep.com/products/duo-latex-mattress I am intrigued with the design with the comfort layers right on top with a cling technology that holds it in place …very cool… this is my next adventure. I really need to find a comfortable bed soon my back is killing me!
# 🛏️ Helix Plus Elite Review (Big Guy, Side Sleeper, Real-World Test) I was in the market for a new bed as a big guy, a former lineman who still exercises daily, but now I’m up against man’s mutual enemy, Father Time. My body just isn’t what it used to be (especially lower back/hips), so I needed better support for real nighttime recovery. Back in 2021, I picked up a high-end all-foam memory mattress from Sealy, and it was great at first, but over time the support, especially in the hip area, started to break down. That’s when I realized I needed something with both coils and foam for long-term structure and support. So for context, I’m 6’1, 275 pounds, a side sleeper, a light sleeper, and most importantly, a HOT sleeper ( I cannot sleep unless I'm cool). After doing a lot of research, I landed on Helix. Luckily, not too far from my home, [there’s a store that specializes in bed-in-a-box brands where you can try them](https://sleepytownusa.com/) in person in Troy, MI. I tested the Titan, Helix, Purple, and Nectar mattresses and both my girlfriend and I kept coming back to the Helix Plus Elite. She’s 5’4, 130 pounds, more of a dancer build, and it worked for both of us, which was important. This is going to be an in-depth review of the Helix Plus Elite, what I would consider one of the best beds for a bigger person, especially if you sleep on your side. I’ll also be doing updates every 30 days to share how sleep quality evolves and how it impacts my body, especially my lower back. + For reference, we travel a lot for work and vacations and stay in high-end hotels like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Marriott Luxury Collection properties, and high-end boutique hotels, so I know what a good bed feels like, and I know what a bad one feels like. The Helix Plus Elite is definitely in that high-end tier. [following sub rules](https://preview.redd.it/qt3rg53p0yyg1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8180f928636c6dadb95ae7389c4d43bc5e62d8a5) # 📦 Unboxing & Setup The [unboxing and setup process ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOopEU2nYs)was pretty straightforward, but the king-size box is heavy. It comes in two boxes, one for the memory foam topper and one for the mattress itself. The topper was easy, around 50 pounds, I just threw it on my shoulder and carried it upstairs. The mattress box is around 140 pounds, and while it’s not impossible, it’s more awkward than anything because of the size, but I got it upstairs. Setup itself took me about 15 minutes. Getting everything out, positioning it, and inserting the foam layer into the cover is a little trickier than you’d expect with a king-size. After that, we let it decompress for about three hours, and then we were feeling great when it came time to go to sleep. There is that “new product” smell when you first open it, a little strong at first, but nothing a little Febreze couldn’t handle. [instant coil decompression ](https://i.redd.it/7aygfkmq0yyg1.gif) # 🧠 Feel of the Bed The bed has a true medium-firm feel, built with Titan coils, a 3-inch memory foam layer, and a 2-inch cooling topper, making it about 16 inches thick overall. For me, it’s been really good, not life-altering in the way I initially hyped it up in my head, but definitely back-altering in a very real way. [banana for scale](https://preview.redd.it/zs4q270c0yyg1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90f0e5795faf72dc5afa7d51a887c0c3e475880f) [memory foam mattress and cooling topper ](https://preview.redd.it/fltvuiqv0yyg1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=337386bacf75c919faf05a90d85e619109f1fbf3) As a side sleeper with big shoulders and deltoids, alignment is always my biggest issue. On the wrong mattress, especially my previous all-foam one, my hips would sink too far, and I’d wake up feeling like my **body was shaped like a “V”** or a check mark. That led to consistent lower back pain and hip misalignment every morning. With the Helix, my shoulder sinks just enough to align properly with my pillow, while my hips and lower back stay supported and don’t drop too low, which keeps me aligned. After three weeks on this mattress, I now wake up feeling aligned and normal, which honestly feels strange after years of waking up slightly off. My morning stretching and warm-up routine has been cut in half, and my lower half, especially my hips and back, feels significantly better. I’d say my lower body feels like I’m 27 again (im 40) when I wake up. My shoulders feel better than they were on memory foam, but not completely life-changing, and that’s more about my build than the mattress itself. My girlfriend, who sleeps on her stomach, has a completely different experience in a good way. She describes it as a halo-supported, cloud-like feel where she just settles in and drifts off. For her size and weight, this mattress is basically perfect. # 🔇 Motion, Bounce & Edge Support The motion transfer on this bed is very good. I can barely feel my gf moving or getting out of bed unless she’s right next to me, and she says she only feels a little movement from me when I get up. It’s not quite at that Tempur-Pedic “wine glass doesn’t move while you jump” level, but it’s very close without spending $20k. The bounce on this bed is solid, and the responsiveness is noticeably better, especially compared to a pure memory foam mattress for sex. With memory foam, you’re doing most of the work yourself, it takes more core and leg effort since there’s no natural pushback with sex. The Helix Plus Elite, on the other hand, has enough bounce from the coil system to make movement feel much more natural and bounce it back for you lol. The mattress is built with around 1,000 Titan coils, and since they’re individually wrapped, it stays extremely quiet. There’s no squeaking or noise at all, even with more aggressive movement, which is something you don’t always get with hybrid beds. Edge support is another standout. At 275 pounds, when I sit on the edge, I feel fully supported, no collapsing feeling, and it snaps right back when I stand up. # ❄️ Cooling Performance Cooling has been really good so far, which is big for me as a hot sleeper. The mattress stays cool through the night, which is a huge plus. We have had a couple of warmer Michigan nights so far, where it was 85 all day and around 70 degrees outside at night. After the house has been warm all day, it still performs well. The GlacioTex Elite Cooling Cover actually seems to work. I’ll need to test it in the middle of summer to give a final verdict, but early impressions are strong. # 📊 Overall Thoughts & Scores Overall, this is an excellent mattress, especially for a larger person. It supports your hips, contours well to your body, and keeps you cool. If you’re a side sleeper with large shoulders, that will always be a tricky area on any mattress, but this does a better job than most. **Scores:** * Cooling: 9 * Bounce/Response: 7.58 * Medium Firm Support: 10 * Side Sleeping: 7.5 * Back/Stomach Sleeping (especially for smaller people): 10 * Motion Transfer: 10 * Overall Support for a big person: 10 (especially hips and lower back) * Working/Sitting in bed with a laptop: 10 # 🔄 30-Day Update Coming Overall, this is an excellent bed, and right now we are sleeping like the people in the commercials. I’ll be reporting back in 30 days to share how my back continues to improve and Key strengths: * Elite hip and lower back support * Strong structure with coil + foam combo * Sleeps cool * Great for couples If you’re a bigger side sleeper, especially with broader shoulders, you’ll *always* have some trade-offs, but this handles it better than most. https://preview.redd.it/gvbgksoj1yyg1.jpg?width=3802&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b31f203b341f8c2dc02ebd378336e07deea999f
I think you both would like this then, especially if he doesnt have super broad shoulders and deltoids as I do. But as the weeks are going on, it's getting better for me, so I think it was being sore from my previous mattress. But for your size difference, it's pretty much the same as ours, so you will like this mattress. Let me know if y'all try it out, as I would be interested to hear your feedback as well, and I will be updating my post in 30 days on how we are feeling.
[Bed all setup and fully decompressed \(mattress in 16 inches thick\)](https://preview.redd.it/bywp81fzk60h1.jpg?width=3802&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2e7818a61b06b6ab63db85b8d7f86bb2bfc9e23) # I was in the market for a new bed as a big guy, a former lineman who still exercises daily, but now I’m up against all of our mutual enemy, Father Time. My body isn’t what it used to be (especially lower back/hips), so I needed something for better support. Back in 2021, I picked up a high-end all-foam memory mattress from Sealy, and it was great at first, but over time, the support, especially in the hip area, started to break down and sink in. So, for context, I’m 6’1, 275 pounds, a side sleeper, a light sleeper, and, most importantly, I run HOT when I sleep (I cannot sleep unless I'm cool). Not too far from my home, [there’s a store that specializes in bed-in-a-box brands where you can try them](https://sleepytownusa.com/) in person in Troy, MI. I went and tested the Titan, Helix, Purple, and Nectar mattresses and both my girlfriend and I kept coming back to the Helix Plus Elite. She’s 5’4, 130 pounds, more of a dancer build, and it worked for both of us, which was important. This is going to be an in-depth review of the Helix Plus Elite, what I would consider one of the best beds for a bigger person, especially if you sleep on your side. This mattress was a CONSIDERABLE investment, but for 10-15 years (hopefully) of good sleep, it was worth it. For reference, we travel a lot for work and vacations and stay in high-end hotels like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Marriott Luxury Collection properties, and high-end boutique hotels, so I know what a good bed feels like, and I know what a bad one feels like. and the Helix is definitely in that high tier. [](https://preview.redd.it/helix-plus-elite-review-big-guy-real-world-test-v0-qt3rg53p0yyg1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1115199b1b6a53662d97d27cb636dfaef5f239b) # 📦 Unboxing & Setup The [unboxing and setup process ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOopEU2nYs)was pretty straightforward, but the king-size box is heavy. It comes in two boxes, one for the memory foam topper and one for the mattress itself. The topper was easy, around 50 pounds, I just threw it on my shoulder and carried it upstairs. The mattress box is around 140 pounds, and while it’s not impossible, it’s more awkward than anything because of the size, but I got it upstairs. Setup itself took me about 15 minutes. Getting everything out, positioning it, and inserting the foam layer into the cover is a little more difficult than you would expect with a king-size. There is that “new product/car” smell when you first open it, a little strong at first, but nothing some Febreze couldn’t handle. [](https://preview.redd.it/helix-plus-elite-review-big-guy-real-world-test-v0-7aygfkmq0yyg1.gif?width=854&auto=webp&s=9761bf40d73bf0c41a2a0f63d753840f7afc8b13) [instant decompression](https://i.redd.it/fwhjqbb2l60h1.gif) # 🧠 Feel of the Bed The bed has a true medium-firm feel, built with Titan coils, a 3-inch memory foam layer, and a 2-inch cooling topper, making it about 16 inches thick overall. For me, it’s been really good, not life-altering in the way I initially hyped it up in my head, but definitely back and hip-altering in a very real way. [](https://preview.redd.it/helix-plus-elite-review-big-guy-real-world-test-v0-zs4q270c0yyg1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cdedf2539bd69089e16134a8d66e13eb264c8801) As a side sleeper with big shoulders and deltoids, alignment is always my biggest issue. On the wrong mattress, especially my previous all-foam one, my hips would sink too far, and I’d wake up feeling like my **body was shaped like a “V”** or a check mark. That led to consistent lower back pain and hip misalignment every morning. With the Helix, my shoulder sinks just enough to align properly with my pillow, while my hips and lower back stay supported and don’t drop too low, which keeps me aligned. After a month on this mattress, I wake up now feeling aligned and normal, which honestly feels strange after years of waking up slightly off. My morning stretching and warm-up routine has been cut in half, and my lower half, especially my hips and lower back, feels like I’m 27 again (im 40) when I wake up. My shoulders feel better than they were on memory foam, but not completely life-changing, but that’s more about my build than the mattress itself. My girlfriend, who sleeps on her stomach, has a completely different experience in a good way. She describes it as a halo-supported, cloud-like feel where she just settles in and drifts off. For her size and weight, this mattress is basically perfect. https://preview.redd.it/mt40anabl60h1.jpg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96012ccf4d659b19e7f592fb04265b327c4aa146 # Motion, Bounce & Edge Support The motion transfer on this bed is very good. I can barely feel my gf moving or getting out of bed unless she’s right next to me, and she says she only feels a little movement from me when I get up. It’s not quite at that Tempur-Pedic “wine glass doesn’t move while you jump” level, but it’s very close without spending $20k. The bounce on this bed is good, and the responsiveness is noticeably better, especially compared to a pure memory foam mattress for sex. With memory foam, you’re doing most of the work yourself, it takes more core and leg effort since there’s no natural push and bounce back with sex. The Helix Plus Elite, on the other hand, has good enough bounce from the coils to make movement feel much more natural and bounce it back for you lol. The mattress is built with around 1,000 Titan coils, and since they’re individually wrapped, it stays extremely quiet. There’s no squeaking or noise at all, even with aggressive movement, which is something you don’t always get with hybrid beds. Edge support is another standout. At 275 pounds, when I sit on the edge, I feel fully supported, no collapsing feeling, and it snaps right back when I stand up. # Cooling Performance Cooling has been really good so far, which is big for me as a hot sleeper. The mattress stays cool through the night, which is a huge plus. We have had a couple of warmer Michigan nights so far, where it was 85 all day and around 70 degrees outside at night. After the house has been warm all day, it still performs well. The GlacioTex Elite Cooling Cover actually seems to work. I’ll need to test it in the middle of summer to give a final verdict, but early impressions are strong. # Overall Thoughts This is an excellent mattress, especially for a larger person, so I'd say we are happy with the investment. It supports your hips, contours well to your body, and keeps you cool. If you’re a side sleeper with large shoulders, that will always be a tricky area on any mattress, but this does a better job than most. **Scores:** * Cooling: 9 * Bounce/Response: 7.5 * Medium Firm Support: 10 * Side Sleeping: 7.5 * Back/Stomach Sleeping (especially for smaller people): 10 * Motion Transfer: 10 * Overall Support for a big person: 10 (especially hips and lower back) * Working/Sitting in bed with a laptop: 10 #
I say that as we have slept on a lot of nice beds, but of course we don't always look and see exactly what the bed is. Sometimes we can see the manufacturer but not the exact model, and of course housekeeping never knows. But a couple months ago we stayed at the Fidelity hotel in downtown Cleveland, and they had some type of either downed or feather stuffed beds that was amazing, and again they didn't know they exact match.
I was over 250 when I bought my mattress, now 220. A Brooklyn Bedding Plank Luxe, I am 6' wife is 5'4 135, we lover the firmer side. The mattress still looks like the day we got it over 3 years ago. We have had great luck with it. We have a Titan Plus Elite in the guestroom, a ThermoBalance Elite Firm in the other guest room and a GlacierSleep Apex in the other room. Coincidentally, all of the Brooklyn Beddings use their 13.5 gauge support coil system, although the Plank Luxe is 6" while the TitanPlus Eite and the ThermoBalance Elite Firm are 8", I really like the Helix Plus Elite too, it was a great feel and comfortable mattress.
I was 6' 250+ when I got my mattress 3 yesterday ago. 220 now and still great. The new helix plus elite is excellent. But a bit pricier.
I’ve had a lot of real-world exposure to Helix, including touring their factory in Arizona and personally testing just about every mattress they and 3z makes, and it’s definitely not just a quiz or a marketing gimmick. Seeing how they’re actually built and how the materials are used made a big difference and left quite an impression. The newer Luxe and Elite models are designed around how mattresses really break in over time, not just how they feel in a showroom. Foams soften during the first several months, so choosing something that feels slightly firmer at first often ends up being the better long-term move. A good example is my daughter and her fiancé. They tested mattresses in a showroom and were initially drawn to a Midnight Luxe because it felt slightly firmer but still comfortable. Right next to it was a Twilight Luxe that had been on the floor for a while and had already softened from months of people testing it, even though the Twilight is the firmer mattress. It just did not feel that way do to the length of time on the floor. Looking a the law label is an easy way to capture that information. Knowing how new foams relax during the first year, I chose to buy them the Twilight Luxe anyway even though it starts out firmer when new. He loved it right away, and it took her a few weeks to adjust since her old mattress was about seven years old, worn out, and had softened quite a bit, which is pretty normal. After the break-in, the Twilight landed right where she wanted. Keep in mind that split comfort is not always necessary, even when you think you should look in that direction. My wife and I are what I like to call “against the rule sleepers.” We both sleep on our sides, but we’re on one of the firmest mattresses out there, the Plank Luxe. I’m 6’ and around 220 (formerly over 250), and my wife is 5’4 and 135, so you’d think a firm mattress would be a nightmare for side sleeping. For us, that is our comfort zone. For couples with opposite sleep styles, Helix can actually work without one person fully compromising. Not every couple needs split firmness, but the option is there if you do. One big advantage, especially when buying through an authorized dealer, such as Yawnder or any other authorized dealer, is that if you miss the mark you can swap comfort layers instead of returning an entire mattress and dealing with the hassle of moving it again. That flexibility is huge for couples who are nervous about getting it right the first time. Remember, Helix is not the only mattress with this featured option, but in this category of mattress, Helix is one of the more credible options. You may find that they Helix Plus Elite, although marketed for Plus sized folks, is actually a medium-firm feel, rather than a super firm feel. It does have a more robust spring support layer, which is designed for plus sized sleepers, but you would almost never know it when testing it. Additionally, the spring support layer on the Plus is not zoned. So, now we get into you and your significant other characteristics. Size, weight, height. Your side sleeping can easily be accommodated with the Helix Elite Plus, and your partners back and stomach is no worry either with the ergoalign layer. Personally, aside from our Plank Luxe, I loved the Helix Elite Plus. It has the kind of firm, stable support that is designed to hold up over time, and the ErgoAlign layer standard in the Elite line, it really does help prevent that midsection sinking that ruins a lot of mattresses long term. If you’re looking at the Elite models, you can probably skip the cooling strips. They do work, but not enough to justify the added cost, especially since the overall design already sleeps fairly temperature neutral with the included microcoil layer as part of the comfort layer. It’s not a magic solution, but it’s also not hype. If you understand break-in and take advantage of the adjustability, Helix Elite Series can be a very nice option. Keep in mind that helix makes a split comfort topper, that is firm on one side and softer on the other, if you need a bit more softness that the medium-medium firm Plus might offer. I know this is long, but hopefully you will gain some insight.
I know we talked about things, but if you feel the Helix Plus Elite is not firm enough, if MW carries the new Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance Elite it is a tad firmer than the Plus Elite, More like the Twilight/Dawn. Remember, just because the Helix Plus is for Larger Plus sized folks, that is about more concentrated support not firmness. It is on the firmer side, but not like the dawn or the Plank Luxe. The ThermoBalance Elite firm is on the firmer side, more so than the Helix Plus Elite, and the ThermoBalance Elite Firm version uses their 13.5 gauge coil system.
I am 6' 220 (formerly 250+). Currently sleep on the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Luxe firmer side. Have a Titan Plus Elite in our guestroom, A Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance Elite in another guest room. A GlacierSleep Apex, in yet another room, and have tested the Helix Plus Elite among a host of other "plus" sized mattresses. I have had several herniated and bulging discs, and I had a month last April where I was unable to walk as a result of my back. So there are some things you need to consider. Foundation! If you do not purchase a robust foundation, you are asking for a short lived mattress, regardless of how great a mattress you purchase. I would even follow more strict guidelines than 3z suggests in their FAQ's. Big Fig's foundation is an example of a very good foundation. The titan plus elite is a great choice for side sleepers and back sleepers who like a medium-firm mattress with a great support system, the helix plus Elite, is a bit firmer as is the ThermoBalance Elite Firm. Big Fig makes a decent mattress and now has several versions, but most of the complaints on the original Fig was that it was too hard feeling for side sleepers. Many folks comment that the Wink starts out great initially, but tends to fall flat about a year into it. When it comes to traditional legacy mattresses, also know as the S brands, like BR, S&F, Sealy and Serta, they tend to pile too much foam over their fairly robust spring support systems, which then starts to fail 14-18 months into it. They exact situation happened to my MiL. Bought a BR from a local furniture store abut 4 years or so ago, and like clockwork, the mattress developed a sizable sag in the mattress like a pothole. I ended up buying her a DLX Premier Hybrid which she used for the final couple years of her life, and the mattress not only performed flawlessly, but the foams showed no signs of wear, even in the spot where her artificial hip rested in the mattress. You can also work with most local manufacturers who can craft an old fashioned innerspring mattress that would easily handle both of you. If this route is not convenient, then back to the Helix Plus Elite, ThermoBalance Elite Firm or Helix Plus elite are great choices. The DLX premier hybrid or Latexlux is another great choice. The BackScience2, is another customizable mattress that offers a lumbar-flex option that offers great support and multi position sleep position accommodations.
At 6'6” 230, you might actually be better served looking at the Saatva HD over the RX and the Helix Twilight over the Midnight. Not saying the Midnight won’t work, but you’re right on that line where a slightly more robust support system will hold up better over time. Not a big Tempur-Pedic fan for bigger guys, not because they’re bad, but I’ve just seen and read too many cases/reviews where the foam starts to give and you lose support. They feel great in store, but that doesn’t always translate a year or two in. They are another company that has changed their foam formula, and most would say not for the better, although the attempt is to reduce the heat retention of their formerly more dense foam. So the choice was to reduce density to cool the mattress down in exchange for less longevity of the mattress. If you like a softer feel for side sleeping, then the Helix Plus Elite is probably the best balanced mattress of the bunch. It gives you that pressure relief without giving up the kind of support you’re going to need at your size. In the Plus series from helix, they do have that microcoil layer which is good for cooling and airflow, but the Plus uses a more robust spring support layer. I actually have the Brooklyn Bedding Thermobalance Elite in my guest room and it’s a very solid mattress, but the firm definitely leans firm. My other guest room has the Titan Plus Elite, and that thing is built. Very robust support layer, similar to the Helix Plus and Thermobalance Elite, but with a slightly softer comfort layer and great airflow from the microcoil setup. At your height and weight, the biggest issue isn’t how the mattress feels on day one, it’s what happens over time. You’re going to put more stress into the comfort layers, so if the support system underneath isn’t strong enough, that’s when you start seeing sagging and body impressions. The better-built mattresses don’t eliminate impressions completely, but they rebound instead of collapsing with you due to a more robust spring support layer. Also, don’t overlook your foundation. People spend all this time picking a mattress and then throw it on something that can’t support it. A solid foundation like the Big Fig HD or Mattress Foundations Terra makes a real difference, especially for bigger framed sleepers, and heavier total weight on top of the foundation.
If you’re tall and heavier, like 6’6” and 230 lbs, the first thing to realize is that day-one feel isn’t the whole story. Softer memory foam beds like the Tempur-Pedic Luxe or ProAdapt feel amazing in-store, but over time the foam can give way under heavier weight, causing sagging and loss of support. Hybrids with robust coil layers, like Helix Plus Elite, Titan Plus Elite, or even Brooklyn Bedding Thermo Balance Elite, tend to hold up better because they rebound instead of collapsing. Saatva RX is solid too, but keep in mind hybrids move more with your partner than all-foam options. Sleep trial matters—always try it yourself because marketing rarely matches long-term performance. Don’t ignore your foundation: a sturdy base like Big Fig HD or Mattress Foundations Terra makes a huge difference for heavier sleepers. Cooling is another consideration; beds with microcoil or hybrid designs usually sleep cooler than dense foam. Personally, I landed on a Helix Elite with adjustable comfort layers—being able to tweak the top layer made a big difference for pressure relief without sacrificing support. For bigger side sleepers, prioritize strong support layers, durable construction, and a foundation that can handle your weight.
Finding the right mattress can be tricky, especially if you’re plus-size or need a mix of support and cushion. Not every premium mattress suits everyone, and firmness ratings don’t always translate to comfort in real life. I ran into this recently with the Helix Plus Elite. It was supposed to support heavier folks like me, but it ended up digging into my ribs and making sleep uncomfortable. Even a topper only helped a bit. That’s when I realized I needed to explore other options before my sleep trial expired. **Here’s what’s helpful to know if your mattress is too firm:** * **Try a different comfort layer:** Some brands, like Helix, let you swap just the top layer instead of returning the whole mattress. This can save time and hassle. * **Consider alternative models built for plus-size support:** Mattresses like WinkBed Plus or Big Fig offer a balance of support and cushioning designed for heavier sleepers. * **Understand firmness ratings:** Numbers on a scale (6–10, for example) aren’t universal. Lying on the mattress in person often tells you more than any spec sheet. * **Look into hybrid options:** Pocket coils with foam or latex layers can give support without feeling rock-hard. * **Check sleep trials and return policies:** Make sure you know your options before committing, especially if you’re unsure about firmness. Comfort isn’t just about price or hype—**personal fit, support, and adjustability** matter most. For some, a slightly softer mattress or a swapped comfort layer can make all the difference.
We have been sleeping on the Helix Plus Elite for 30 days now and at first, I thought it might be a little too soft. I was used to a firm inner coil traditional mattress. By week three though, I am now loving the comfort. I would not want to go back to what I had.
Do you have any thoughts on the Helix Twilight Elite mattress? The reason I ask is that I bought the Helix Plus Elite a week ago from Sleepare and it may be too soft. I am used to a more traditional coil mattress. This is the first biab for me and my wife. The thing is the mattress feels a little softer than the one in the store.
For me it's taken a lot longer than it should have (got it in mid-August), but I'm going to put that mostly down to my reluctance in dealing with reality after thirteen months+ of pain. I just came back from a trip where I slept like a baby for a week on a "plush firm" mattress (made by a local company that is very unfortunately 2k km away). So I'm finally facing the fact I can't do this with the Saatva any longer. I don't think it's changed noticeably in feel past the first two months at the longest, to be honest. I probably could have broken it in sooner if I hadn't been tinkering with various toppers trying to deal with the discomfort. The Classic luxury firm does have its strengths for me: The support is so much better than my first, greatly mis-/ill-informed attempts (Sealy's Medium Spring and a Stearns & Foster Studio). I do love the responsiveness of the Saatva's springs, which I had been hoping for when I first set out to replace the much-beloved '90s Sertapedic Grand Master I had to give up a year ago because it began to leave me in agony all day every day for weeks. But I think the lack of contouring with the Saatva is doing me in. My hip hurts when I sleep on my side. My lower back hurts when I sleep on my back. It ranges from moderate to severe discomfort and even pain. While I'm not technically "heavyweight" the way mattress companies and sites categorize it (230+), I'm average height (5'9"), solid, and have (alas) not the narrowest hips. I'm also a bit of a furnace, my partner lovingly adds, so the breathability of the coil-on-coil design helps. But the comfort layer doesn't seem to be working for me. I'm not sure how much of that is due to the thinness/lower density of the polyfoam above the 4" microcoils, the effect of the memory foam they use in the center for zoning (see the comments on the Helix models below), or the combination. Saatva was great about sending their polyfoam topper a while back, and that does mitigate at least some of the firmness. My hip hurts less with it, and my back pain is generally better but some days just different. The topper feels like it keeps a bit more heat trapped, though, and it deadens the responsiveness of the springs, which defeats the purpose (for me) of going with the Saatva Classic over another model or brand. I also don't think I've got great alignment with the topper. The longer I use it the flatter it feels, so the less it helps. I don't recall the density of the polyfoam they use in this topper, but it doesn't feel above average - so, being solid, I probably don't benefit from it as much as someone lighter/less dense. Last week I looked into that "plush firm" mattress that seemed to work really well for me on my trip. The maker lists its specs as 2.0mm gauge 8" pocket coils under 2" medium-firm foam with a further 1" plush foam layer on top. The mix of strong support but plusher top I feel with that mattress isn't something I've found anywhere in the mainstream models on the showroom floors at big box stores, or even in much of the online segment. Unfortunately the majority of the models I've seen make support and plushness vary inversely so that I can't get the support I need to keep my hips from sinking in too much without going up to a firmness level that prevents my hips from sinking in enough. Looking for coils of a similar gauge led me to plus size mattresses, which I hadn't considered before. The comments here and on Mattress Underground suggest that some models labeled "plus size" may still be great for people not 230+. It's also very appealing that the materials used in these models are likely to be more durable. Thanks to these comments I found the Titan Plus Elite, and I drove an hour each way to test it at a small store last weekend. For me it compared favorably to the Helix Plus Elite (too firm for me for side sleeping) and the Helix Midnight Elite (hips sank while I was on my back). I had already tried the Helix Midnight Luxe elsewhere: the one without the ErgoAlign layer seemed plush enough for side sleeping but my hips sank just a bit too much, whereas the one with the ErgoAlign layer provided somewhat better alignment but did so by being too firm in the middle for comfort on my side. (It reminded me of the very artificial-feeling "anti-sag" hump in the middle of the Sealy's Spring Medium and even the memory foam zone in the Saatva.) The Titan Plus Elite gave me the support I was looking for - the gentleman in the shop said there was perfect alignment on my side, which I could really feel - and while I did feel pressure while lying on my side, it didn't seem to be translating to the discomfort I've felt quite distinctly on these firmer/zoned models. On my back I seemed to feel that comfort layer filling in the lower back in the way that feels lacking on the Saatva. I wonder if the pressure relief is due to the softer top inch of pillow top, the supportively pliant TitanFlex layer below, the microcoils helping to distribute weight, or the entire package. (Naplab's testing also shows a lighter and more even distribution of pressure on the Titan Plus Elite compared to the Saatva Classic luxury firm, which has a pronounced hotspot on the hip that I'm definitely feeling.) I also liked the cushiness of the Aurora Luxe (medium pillow top), but I was not quite as confident that it was going to keep my hips up as well as the Titan. I ordered the Titan this past weekend, so it should hopefully be on its way soon. I heard from the shop owner and see from other posters here that it should soften up quite a bit over the four month trial. It seemed worth the $99 return fee to try it out.

Brooklyn Bedding
Signature Hybrid
Durable, comfortable, adjustable firmness; excellent value.

Sleep EZ
Organic Latex Mattress
Highly customizable layers, durable; but extremely heavy.

Helix
Midnight Luxe
Pain relief, side sleeper support; but some find too soft.

Purple
The Purple Mattress
Unique grid feel, cool; but heavy, expensive, polarizing.

Brooklyn Bedding
Aurora Luxe Cooling
Excellent cooling, zoned support for heavier sleepers.

Ranked #1
Novaform - Platinum 16.5" Luxury Hybrid Mattress

Ranked #1
Brooklyn Bedding - Titan Plus Luxe

Ranked #1
Purple - The Purple Mattress

Ranked #1
Sleep EZ - Organic Latex Mattress

Ranked #1
Helix - Midnight Luxe

Ranked #1
Sleep EZ - Organic Latex Mattress