Hi BabsNMK,
Welcome to the community!
It’s interesting that you’re experiencing heat and back pain with the Helix Twilight Luxe mattress, especially after switching from your old Sealy. That said, the Sealy was probably a spring and polyfoam mattress, which tends to sleep relatively cool.
The Twilight is the firmer version in its Helix category, just below the Plus, but the Luxe version has more foam in the comfort layer and cover panel, than the standard one. With the additional 2" of foam, you might be sinking in a bit, and the extra lumbar support from the spring layer may be kicking in, which you’re not used to. The slight sinking from the pillow top in the Luxe could be enveloping your body and causing some heat buildup. Another factor to consider is that any new mattress will feel different from your old one, so your body might still be adjusting. While the Glaciotex top is designed to “cool,” I wouldn’t rely too heavily on cooling fabrics. They generally absorb the room’s ambient temperature, so when you first touch the fabric, it feels cool. But that coolness only lasts about 10-15 minutes until your body temperature equalizes out with the mattress. Personally, I have a BB mattress with Glaciotex, and I find it more helpful for making it easier to rotate the mattress, rather than for cooling. Plus, adding a mattress protector, sheets and bedding, make that cooling cover sewn in a moot point.
The heat issue you’re describing is concerning, especially if you’re worried it might get worse over time. Given your physical conditions, it’s crucial to find a mattress that helps you wake up without pain and discomfort. I’m not sure, in this scenario, a topper would solve this issue. Toppers are typically used to maintain firmness, soften the comfort layer, add pressure relief, or extend the lifespan of a mattress.
Most authorized dealers and manufacturers charge a restocking fee, usually around $99, though it can vary. I’m not sure if you bought from an independent authorized dealer or a store that only carries 3Z brands. But if the return fee is minimal, that seems to be fair and reasonable, and many independent dealers offer better pricing than buying directly from the manufacturer. so the return fee if minimal, should not be much of an issue. So, you shouldn’t worry too much about the cost of returning the mattress, should it not work out.
Since you’ve only had the mattress for two weeks, most companies offer a 100-day trial period for exactly this reason. The heat issue is separate, as I mentioned earlier. Mattresses that allow you to sleep more on top of the surface (such as firmer hybrids) or use microcoils rather than memory foam in the comfort layer tend to be cooler. Mattresses made with natural fibers and foams are also typically less hot, especially when engineered and constructed logically. Your Sealy was probably an innerspring with polyfoam, and though it was 14 years old, it was likely cooler than your new mattress because of its different construction.
At this point, it comes down to whether you believe this mattress will work long-term, after your body adjusts and the mattress breaks in. It’s really about whether you feel confident in the mattress and whether the adjustments you’re experiencing are temporary. Helix is a good brand, but it’s possible that the thicker comfort layer and zoned support might just not be the right fit for your body. By the way, how does your husband feel about the mattress?
Visiting a local showroom, like @ShovlinMattress, could give you some helpful insight, even if their prices are higher than you’re expecting. They manufacture their own mattresses, so they have control over the entire process. They could create something similar to the Sealy or even the Helix, but tailored to your specifications at a price that might surprise you. So, if you have not investigated them, dont prejudge. My coworker purchased a custom sized mattress from @ShovlinMattress this past summer, and it was half the price of the typical S or legacy brand, and there is no comparison in quality. The Shovlin will outlast and out perform most all of those retail legacy brands. The key is working with a mattress professional, who sees day in and day out, folks like yourself, and solving similar issues that you are experiencing.
While @DLX may not have a showroom in NJ, they also offer mattresses with split comfort and even split comfort foam layers. For example, your husband might prefer firm latex, while you might prefer medium HD polyfoam.
Ultimately, getting the right balance of support and temperature regulation is key. If the Helix doesn’t meet those needs, it might be worth returning it and exploring other options within your budget—provided you’ve given it a fair trial.
Hope this helps, and feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Best,
Maverick