Hey @ntm91898, totally get what you mean mattress shopping can really feel like falling down a rabbit hole these days.
I am about your size 6’0, 185 and also a side or back sleeper so I have been through this search recently myself. I actually tried the Helix Midnight and thought it was a solid option a great balance of plush comfort without the stuck in quicksand feeling. It contours nicely for side sleeping but has enough support for back sleeping too.
If you are open to other suggestions, you might also want to look at the **Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid ** that is soft and medium. It is often on sale and can slide under $1000, especially with coupons. It has that soft-but-supportive vibe you are looking for, plus good cooling if you tend to sleep warm.
Also worth checking out: Nolah Original 10" really good pressure relief for side sleepers and surprisingly affordable when it is on promo.
My tip: try to buy directly from the brand websites they often have better discounts than Amazon plus a solid sleep trial in case it is not the right fit.
Hope this helps cut through the noise a bit. Good luck and happy mattress hunting
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