Helix Kids Mattress Review 2024

Shopping for the best kids mattress can be overwhelming—there are just so many choices. I scanned all the best Walmart twin mattresses and affordable toddler mattress options to pick a bed for my son before finding the Helix youth mattress. It's a decision I'm so happy with, which is why I'm writing this Helix kids mattress review.

What is the Helix Kids mattress?

Whether you're already a fan of Helix mattresses or new to this bestselling bed brand, you'll be thrilled to know the Helix Kids mattress is easily one of the best options on the market for children ages three to 12 years old.

The brand's clever flippable design features an 8" hybrid style with 6" innersprings. Comforting and supportive foam layers provide the right safety and durability for growing kids through a variety of ages and stages. This hybrid mattress offers pressure relief and motion isolation no matter what their preferred sleep position is.

My sons are side sleepers, but when I crawl into this wondrous bed I tend to sleep on my back—and it's just as great. It's even ideal for stomach sleepers thanks to a naturally hypoallergenic, soft and breathable included mattress cover. This provides plenty of airflow and protection.

For kids with sensory issues, this special construction and added comfort layer promises an itch-free sleep experience. The Helix Kids mattress also features an eco-friendly, plant-based water-repellent finish. For occasional bed-wetters, droolers and mess makers, this protects the mattress from stains.

It also guards against water damage without impacting the fabric’s breathability. Miracles, amirite?

Another standout bonus: this mattress uses a special microbe shield that is actually a permanent fiber treatment on the mattress cover. It's non-toxic and combats odor-causing bacteria. It's safe for you, your little one and the environment while promising a stink-free sleep. That's especially important if you have a night sweater on your hands.

Helix Kids mattress features

The Helix youth mattress comes in two sizes—twin or full—perfect for all the stages of childhood sleep. It's made in the USA and ships fast. My mattress arrived in just three days from the time the order was placed.

One of the coolest features, by far, is the clear labeling on this bed. There's no guesswork involved when you're figuring out which side to use.

• Flippable design features both a softer side and a firmer side
• Naturally hypoallergenic materials
• 100-night sleep trial
• Non-toxic materials and a breathable, itch-free TENCEL cover
• Stain and water-repellent
• Supports shoulders and hips
• Antimicrobial odor-fighting shield (because hey, kids grow up to be teenagers eventually)

My Helix Kids mattress review

Overall, I love the Helix mattress and so does my six-year-old son. Off the record (this is just between us, okay?), so does his big brother who may/may not have fallen asleep there more than a few times on spooky story night.

I opted for the full-size Helix mattress because my sons sleep on bunk beds with the lower one being my younger son's and a sort of makeshift storytime zone. On more than one occasion, I—a fully grown woman in her 30s—have also fallen asleep on this mattress and found myself shocked at how easily it lulled me to sleep.

Pocketed coils, non-toxic memory foam and edge support make it a total winner.

Update after a year of testing

My son is now seven years old, and he's still sleeping incredibly well on this bed. I've also fallen asleep on this bed with him reading stories and snuggling more times than I can count. I've never woken up with a backache or the weird shoulder pain that came with resting on his previous kid-friendly mattress.

We've also encountered a handful of winter nosebleeds. The stains came up easily with a little Oxi and steam. After a full year of testing, I'm more enthusiastic about this mattress than ever.

Things I love about the Helix mattress

• Non-toxic materials make me feel good about my kiddos curling up on this thing for roughly a third of their childhood hours (OMG!)
• It's made in the USA (Arizona, more specifically) and I feel good about supporting local businesses and craftspeople
• Holy moly, it's legit so comfy
• 100-night sleep trial makes it a safe-feeling purchase without worry
• Quick shipping
• Limited motion transfer, if any
• Breathable TENCEL cover that repels water, pee and stains
• No funky odor that so many bed-in-a-box companies are plagued by
• Comes with an option for free pillows (woohoo!)

Some things to consider

• It's pricier than other full and twin beds for kids on the market, but worth every penny if you're committing to years of healthy sleep for your little one
• Sleeps kids up to about the teen years, when they may want to move to a more weight-supportive model designed for adult bodies

Where to buy a Helix Kids mattress

For now, the best place to buy a Helix Kids bed is on the Helix website where you can also take the brand's sleep quiz. It's a bit pricey with a twin ringing in at about $750, but the brand routinely offers special discount codes and promos for as much as 20% off retail. Plus, shipping is totally free.

Do kids really need varying mattress firmness levels?

Yes. A firm sleeping surface supports developing bones and muscles. A soft mattress may contour to the shape of the child's body, which can result in a lack of support for their developing bones and muscles. A firm mattress, on the other hand, provides the necessary support.

Firm mattresses may also be more hygienic and easier to clean (and that's a win!). A firm mattress typically won't trap dust and allergens quite as easily as softer counterparts, making it easier to keep clean. This may also reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Soft mattresses may also be more prone to bacteria and allergen buildup.

Older children, on the other hand, can sleep on a softer mattress if necessary, but this depends on their individual needs and preferences. Unlike infants and toddlers, older children have stronger muscles and bones, and they require a different level of support and comfort. The cleaning and hygiene issues remain the same, though.

FAQs

Can you finance a Helix mattress?

Yes! Helix sleep offers two types of available financing with as little as 0% APR for 18 months with Affirm. If you have low or no credit, the company offers another financing through a program called Katapult.

You can do the same with the Helix Midnight mattress and Helix Dawn models.

What's the difference between the Helix Kids mattress vs Saatva Youth Mattress?

To be frank—they're both excellent options. The Helix Kids mattress is a bit more affordable than the Saatva model. The Saatva Youth mattress also focuses on certified organic materials rather than Helix's emphasis on non-toxic and American-made. The Saatva Youth mattress also offers a Twin XL size option in addition to standard twin and full sizes.

Does Helix make adult mattresses and beds for older teens as well?

Helix sure does, and they're some of the best-rated beds on the market. You can browse the entire lineup of Helix beds here. Most models fit neatly in your fave trendy loft beds for kids, too.

Is the Helix kids mattress hypoallergenic?

The Helix Kids Mattress is made with a breathable, hypoallergenic cover that helps regulate temperature and keeps allergens at bay. This means that children are less likely to wake up sweaty or with allergy symptoms. Parents rave about it, and we loved this feature for our own spring allergy-prone kids.

Does a Helix Kids mattress require a box spring?

You can throw this brilliant bed right onto a platform, although you're welcome to use a box spring if you really want. Put it directly on top of a bunk bed frame, attach it to a tufted headboard or buy it with one of the brand's bestselling basis.

Are Helix mattresses sold in stores?

The best place to buy a Helix of your own is online through the Helix website. The brand sells, ships and delivers around North America at ultra-affordable prices in a jiffy. Beds arrive in compact boxes that are easy to unwrap and cart to your preferred room.

Where to buy a Helix mattress in Canada

If you're based in Canada, there's good news—Helix ships right to your door. Purchase online and expect a healthy, reliable new mattress to arrive in a matter of days.

How fast to Helix mattresses ship?

The Helix website says orders are processed and shipped within "three to eight business days," but our mattress arrived even sooner. Within two business days the full-size Helix Youth mattress arrived at our door in New York.