Helix vs Purple (2026): Which Mattress Should You Buy?

The short answer

For most side sleepers weighing Helix vs Purple, the Helix Midnight is the better buy: it's a coil hybrid built for side sleeping, with stronger edges, and it costs less, around $1,183 vs about $1,599 for a queen. Choose Purple if you want its unique GelFlex Grid feel, which cushions pressure points and rebounds instantly, or if you've disliked memory foam before. Back and stomach sleepers should compare the firmer Helix Dawn, and coil fans who love the grid should look at the Purple Restore Hybrid.

Key differences at a glance

Helix Midnight is firmer (6.5 vs 6.0/10). Purple Mattress will feel more cushioned at the shoulders and hips; Helix Midnight keeps hips more level for back and stomach sleeping.
Different constructions: Helix Midnight is hybrid, Purple Mattress is memory foam. Expect the foam bed to feel more “in” the mattress and the other to feel more “on top”.
Helix Midnight costs about $416 less for a queen at typical prices ($1,183 vs $1,599).

Firmness compared

Helix Midnight

Soft6.5/10 · Medium-firmFirm

Purple Mattress

Soft6.0/10 · Medium-firmFirm

Performance head to head

Helix MidnightPurple Mattress

Pressure relief
4 vs 4

Cooling
4 vs 4

Motion isolation
4 vs 4

Edge support
4 vs 3

Bounce
3 vs 3

Specs side by side

Spec	Helix Midnight	Purple Mattress
Type	Hybrid	Memory foam
Firmness	6.5/10 (Medium-firm)	6.0/10 (Medium-firm)
Queen price (approx.)	$1,183	$1,599
Height	11.5″	9.3″
Sleep trial	100 nights	100 nights
Warranty	10 years	10 years
Pressure relief	4/5	4/5
Cooling	4/5	4/5
Motion isolation	4/5	4/5
Edge support	4/5	3/5
Price check	See today’s price	See today’s price

Prices are approximate queen prices when we last checked and change often. Ratings are 1-5 from published specs and independent test results: see how we score.

How they feel: foam over coils vs the GelFlex Grid

The Helix Midnight layers gel memory foam and responsive foam over pocketed coils. It's a medium, about 6.5 out of 10 by independent testers, with a gentle contour and supportive spring underneath. It scores 4 out of 5 across edge support, motion isolation, cooling and pressure relief in our review-based ratings.

The Purple Mattress is all-foam with a 2-inch GelFlex Grid on top. It's a medium-firm, about 6 out of 10. The grid feels squishy under pressure points, then springs back, so there's no slow sink. It matches Helix on motion isolation, cooling and pressure relief (4 out of 5 each) but has weaker edges (3 vs 4). It's also slim at 9.25 inches, versus 11.5 for Helix.

Who should pick each: Purple vs Helix by sleeper

Pick Helix if you sleep on your side, want the support and edge strength of coils, or want a familiar memory foam feel at a lower price. Skip it if you dislike memory foam altogether.

Pick Purple if memory foam has felt too warm or too sticky for you, if you change positions often, or if you want something that feels different from a standard foam bed. Skip it if you need strong edges or want a tall mattress.

The second models matter here. The Helix Dawn is firm, about 7 out of 10, with reinforced edges, for back and stomach sleepers. The Purple Restore Hybrid puts the grid over 8-inch coils with stronger edges, but at around $2,399 on sale it's about twice the Midnight's price.

Value and policies: Helix costs less for the same terms

The Helix Midnight lists at about $1,478 and is often around $1,183 for a queen. The Purple Mattress lists at about $1,599, with periodic discounts. Both list a 100-night trial and 10-year limited warranty, though some reviewers cite longer Helix terms. With policies equal, Helix gives you coils for less money.

Compare more in Helix vs Nectar, Casper vs Purple, our Helix and Purple guides, or take the mattress quiz.

Frequently asked questions

Is Helix or Purple better for side sleepers?

On paper, the Helix Midnight. It's designed for side sleepers, adds coil support and stronger edges, and costs less. Both score 4 out of 5 for pressure relief in our review-based ratings, so Purple is still a solid side-sleeper choice if you prefer its grid feel over memory foam.

Which is firmer, Helix Midnight or Purple?

They're close. Independent testers rate the Helix Midnight about 6.5 out of 10 and the Purple Mattress about 6. The bigger difference is feel: Helix contours with memory foam over coils, while Purple's grid cushions and rebounds instantly. Back and stomach sleepers wanting firmer should look at the Helix Dawn.

Does Purple sleep cooler than Helix?

Not by much. Both score 4 out of 5 for cooling in our review-based ratings. Purple's grid has open channels for airflow, while the Helix Midnight's coils let air move through the mattress. If cooling is your top priority, the Purple Restore Hybrid combines both and carries a cooling-focused cover.

Helix vs Purple: which mattress should you buy?

Helix Midnight

Purple Mattress