Hello! I’m in the process of shopping for a new mattress and trying my best to find something that will be comfortable and durable for myself. My main question is in the title - would something like the Helix Elite Plus be appropriate for my height/weight?
Other considerations: I’m a side sleeper. My main goals are pressure relief and spinal alignment. My biggest challenge seems to be the spinal alignment, because many of the mattresses I’ve tried in showrooms do not seem to support my waist when I’m laying on my side. I have fairly wide hips compared to my waist, so even though my hips sink into the mattress, there is often still a space between my waist and the top of the mattress. If this isn’t filled/supported, I feel like my lumbar region is sagging. Due to this, I think I’ve tended towards soft/plush mattresses when testing, because I’m able to sink in more to the pillow top. This preference is at odds with what I’ve heard is best for plus size sleepers like myself, because soft/plush designs wear out faster.
Some mattresses I’ve liked the initial feel of in store were the Kingsdown Wilcrest and Sleepy’s by Sealy Spring Plush Euro Top. The Kingsdown is very expensive, and I’m concerned about the quality/longevity of the Sleepy’s. The Sleepy’s has zoned coils, and I’m thinking that may be why I felt perfectly aligned when laying on it?
I plan to go to another showroom tomorrow to test out some Helix mattresses. Unfortunately, they don’t have the Plus Elite on the floor, but they do have the Sunset and Midnight Elite.
Thoughts on my main question and any others are appreciated. Thank you!!
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It’s a common misconception that “plus” mattresses are only for plus size sleepers, but that’s not really the point of their design. A better way to think about them is that they’re built with a more robust support system. It’s kind of like the police interceptor version of a car compared to the regular street model. Both will get you where you need to go, but the interceptor is engineered with heavier duty components to handle more demanding use. Same idea with something like an Alienware computer compared to a standard Dell. They both get the job done, but one is built with upgraded, more durable components. Mattresses labeled “plus” are usually built the same way, with stronger coil systems, denser foams, and materials meant to hold up longer.
Because of that, they can be a good option for anyone who wants better support and durability, not just heavier sleepers. If the cost is similar, I tend to lean toward the plus version simply because it’s usually built tougher. Plus sized mattresses also don’t automatically mean super firm or hard. Most of the time the difference is really about the support system underneath, not just the surface feel. So you can still have pressure relief and cushioning, but with a sturdier foundation that helps keep things aligned and holds up better over time.
Regarding the Helix Plus Elite, I personally loved it when I tried it. Right now I sleep on a Plank Luxe, and interestingly the Helix and the Plank use the same 13.5 gauge spring support system. The Helix uses an 8" coil unit because it’s a single sided mattress, while the Plank uses a 6" unit since it’s a flippable, two sided mattress. I also just picked up the Thermobalance Elite Firm for my guest room, and in my opinion it has a very similar design mindset to the Helix. The overall construction is a bit different, but the general feel and approach are pretty familiar.
The main difference between the Helix Elite line and the Helix Plus Elite really comes down to the support system. The Plus uses a single zone coil system that runs edge to edge, while the rest of the Elite series uses zoned coils. If you end up liking the Midnight, there’s a good chance you’ll like the Plus as well. In my view it’s the more robust and durable option, especially for someone in your weight range. Also, at 5’4" you may actually appreciate the uniform feel of the Plus instead of worrying about whether the zoning lines up perfectly with your body. For what it’s worth, I chose the Titan Plus Elite for another guest room for a similar reason. It also uses a single zone support system, just with an even more heavy duty build. I am 6’ 220 and my wife is 5’4 135. And yes, she loves the extra firm side of the Plank Luxe.
Maverick.
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Thanks so much for the information! The analogy that it’s like getting a computer with better specs vs a standard Dell helped a lot. I’m excited to try the Elite’s in store tomorrow, and I’m hoping I like them.
I read that the Elite Plus also has the zippered area to swap out the comfort layers. If I end up ordering one but find it too firm, do you think it would be a simple matter to switch out those layers to something softer?
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You would want to order from someone like @yawnder. Because they can order individual inserts where ordering direct does not always happen. Particularly on a king if you wanted to order with split comfort for each sleeper. You would have to ask the store where you intend to purchase, what they would be willing to do.
Maverick