Latest news with #Birch
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Best Man Rents Suit—Unpacks It and Realizes Mistake Just Before Wedding
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A best man has gone viral online after he discovered a problem with his suit, just days before the wedding. A Wisconsin resident, who goes by the name Birch, had his suit ordered for the upcoming wedding from GenerationTux, along with the rest of the group. But when the 28-year-old finally tried it on, just two days before the big day, he realized a problem—half of it was missing. His rental package included only the button-up shirt, vest, shoes, and belt, omitting the essential pants and jacket. "I noticed it was lighter than I expected," Birch told Newsweek. "Turns out I was missing over half of the wardrobe." A picture of the pieces of the outfit that arrived, missing some key elements. A picture of the pieces of the outfit that arrived, missing some key elements. Birchtri/Reddit Birch had been busy and overlooked the task earlier in the week, but when he donned the incomplete attire and shared a photo with the bridal party's group chat, laughter ensued—followed by growing concern. He called GenerationTux who were sympathetic and explained that there had been a mistake. They agreed to send out the rest of the suit to the hotel the wedding party was staying at, with just two days to save the outfit. Newsweek reached out to GenerationTux via email for comment. "I'm hoping it shows up, if it doesn't, well... The bride and I are looking for a white dress for me to wear because of her idea that she has. She's convinced I'm going to somehow replace her at the wedding, so when they have their first look, when the groom turns around it is going to be me in a white dress. I could simply wear that for the entire wedding. The groom and bride are both easy going," Birch said. While waiting nervously, he shared the ensemble on Reddit's r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit earlier this week, where it has gained over 56,000 views and prompted plenty of responses. "I'm the best man in a wedding. I rented a suit and they didn't send all of it," the post was captioned. "Have you asked if it could be a zoom meeting?" joked one Redditor. While another said: "A birthday suit is technically still a suit..." While another detail captured the attention of thousands, as one commenter pointed out: "You have a face on your left kneecap." "The reactions were great, I didn't realize that my knee would become a celebrity," Birch said. After a nerve-wracking day or so, thankfully the rest of the suit did arrive just in time, the night before the wedding, and it all fit perfectly. For Birch, he hopes that the viral moment will serve as a lesson for others: "I shared this to hopefully make sure people don't make the same mistake I did, and wait two days before the wedding to try on the tux rental," he said. This is far from the first time wedding attire has gained viral attention, from debate about what wedding guests should wear dividing the internet to unexpected outfits like a Pokémon-themed suit.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
‘Amazing' brunch loved by Nigella Lawson coming to Scottish city
Speciality coffee roastery, Birch, has launched a sit in brunch menu at their Inverness cafe. Located at 21 High Street in Inverness city centre, Birch will now offer a weekly changing menu of brunch and lunch dishes made with local Scottish ingredients and foraged Isle of Skye produce. Founded by Skye local, Niall Munro, in 2020, Birch was inspired by trips to coffee mecca, Melbourne. Niall wanted to replicate the Melbourne café style back in his hometown, but with beautiful, locally sourced products from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and with a firm focus on coffee. The Portree cafe opened in 2020, and Inverness in 2024. Earlier this year Birch opened their third site, Birch Bakery and Roastery, a speciality Viennoiserie, on the outskirts of Portree. The brunch and lunch menu will change weekly and focus on seasonal produce, mainly sourced from Scotland and the Highlands, with everything from the sourdough and granola to the lacto-fermented chilli made in-house. It will include Birch's scrambled eggs on sourdough with chorizo, lacto-fermented chilli and parmesan, which was a personal favourite of Nigella's when she visited Birch's cafe in Portree. The Birch scrambled eggs The new menu will be available for both sit-in or takeaway, with espresso-based drinks available, alongside a refined, monthly changing pour-over menu. The High Street cafe will continue to sell its popular specialty pastries, including almond croissants and pastel de nata, and coffee beans and merchandise is also available to purchase. Some dishes from the current brunch menu include: Birch Granola with blueberry and orange, and Black Isle Dairy yoghurt Sourdough toast with homemade preserves Scrambled eggs on sourdough with chorizo, lacto-fermented chilli and parmesan Avocado on sourdough with baked feta, confit tomato, sesame and lime Topped focaccias: Great Glen Charcuterie venison salami, baked goats cheese, rocket and pine nuts Roasted butternut squash, whipped feta and basil oil A selection of cold drinks, made in-house, is also available, including freshly squeezed orange juice, iced blueberry matcha and Skye foraged rhubarb iced tea. Niall Munro, founder of Birch, said: 'Having recently celebrated one year of Birch in Inverness, we're changing things up a bit with the addition of brunch to our coffee shop on the mainland. "Our brunch has been hugely popular at our Portree cafe, and we're excited to bring this to Inverness, and be a part of the city's already flourishing food and drink scene.' Birch is open Monday-Saturday from 07:30-17:00, and Sundays from 09:00-17:00, and operates a walk-in only policy. For more information and updates, please visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clive Birch, publisher whose books on British towns reinvigorated the field of local history
Clive Birch, who has died aged 93, was an innovative publisher in the field of local history, his 'Town Books' providing readers with an authoritative and entertaining guide to the lore of their neighbourhoods. A former journalist, Birch founded an independent publishing firm, Barracuda Books, in 1974. Operating at first from an attic office in Soho, Barracuda became particularly well-known for its books on British towns: crisply written and abundantly illustrated, they were received as a breath of fresh air in the local history genre, which at the time largely comprised either dry-as-dust tomes or cheap catchpenny volumes. Having settled in Buckinghamshire – in a 17th-century farmhouse he had restored – Birch wrote many of the volumes on Bucks towns himself. Several members of the Royal family were fans of the 'Town Books'. Prince Charles wrote the forewords to three of the volumes and once lent Birch a Royal barge for a launch party. One memorable day saw Birch do the rounds of 10 Downing Street, Lambeth Place and Clarence House to present volumes to Mrs Thatcher (on Grantham), the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother's aide Sir Martin Gilliat greeted him with the words 'Hello Barracuda, have a little drink-o' and instructed him that the correct etiquette was to inscribe the book 'from your faithful servant'. Clive Birch was born in Edgware on December 22 1931. His father, Raymond Birch CBE, ran Birch Bros, the family bus and coach operating business that had begun by running horse-drawn cabs in 1837. His mother Valerie (née Fry) was a performer who sang with Ivor Novello. After Uppingham School his National Service with the RAF amounted to 'undistinguished service stopping planes hitting mountains' in radar. His plans to go on to university were thwarted by the expectation that he would join the family firm, but he rebelled by heading north to work as a teaboy on a local newspaper in Manchester. He went on to be appointed editor of the Bucks Examiner aged 24. Birch yo-yoed for many years between the worlds of journalism and public relations. He was credited with doubling the circulation of Shooting Times as publishing manager of its parent company; when the editor, Philip Brown, chided him for his ignorance of field sports, Birch immediately took up game shooting, which he enjoyed into his 80s. In the 1970s Birch was appointed editor of the ailing Illustrated London News, the venerable magazine that had been purchased by the press magnate Lord Thomson of Fleet. 'The Times is my flagship, the ILN my pinnace,' Roy Thomson told Birch. 'They're both sinking. Save the ILN in 15 months or you're fired.' Birch reversed the circulation decline, but Lord Thomson fired him anyway in 1972 during a cost-cutting drive and although he almost immediately tried to rehire him, Birch decided to strike out on his own and launch Barracuda Books. He maintained an interest in the family transport business and in 1984 served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, as his father had been before him. He was a driving force in establishing the Carmen's Research Fellowship in vehicle design at the Royal College of Art, and in his 70s he became a visiting lecturer and tutor at the RCA, relishing involvement with university life, which he had been denied as a young man. He finally retired at 87. In 1985 he founded the Buckingham Heritage Trust, which, among other projects, bought and restored Buckingham Old Gaol and refashioned it as a museum. He was appointed MBE in 2000 for services to local heritage. His numerous books included a novel, A Decent Man, and a history of his family's firm, A World of Wheels, published when he was 92. After two marriages that ended in divorce, Clive Birch was married for more than 40 years to his third wife, Carolyn, who survives him with four children and three stepchildren. Clive Birch, born December 22 1931, died April 29 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Hate replacing your mattress? Bear might change your mind
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Let's be honest, it's easy to get complacent when it comes to the mattress in your life. Once you've forked over heaps of cash, had the bulky thing delivered, and flopped it onto the bed base, you'll likely never want to go through the process again. Who cares if you don't sleep well? Going through all that nonsense a second time sounds like an absolute nightmare. At least, that was my naive thought process — I'm a layperson when it came to lying down — until I tried Bear Mattress for the first time. I have since seen the light. The delivery and unboxing of my new, queen-sized, medium firmness elite hybrid mattress was so simple that I didn't mind the hassle at all. In fact, against all odds, I actually enjoyed the process. Plus, it doesn't hurt that its mattresses just might be the closest approximation to a plush hotel bed I've ever slept on that didn't come with a nightly charge. It's robust, contours my body in ways I never thought possible, and basically just feels like upgrading from coach to first class. Memorial Day Mattress sales Looking for the best Memorial Day Mattress sales of 2025? Check out these incredible deals: Helix: 25% off sitewide + a free bedding bundle with any Luxe or Elite mattress order with the code MEMDAY25 25% off sitewide + a free bedding bundle with any Luxe or Elite mattress order with the code Birch: 25% off sitewide with the code MEMDAY25 25% off sitewide with the code Leesa: 30% off select mattresses 30% off select mattresses Saatva : Save up to $600 off any mattress, no code needed : Save up to $600 off any mattress, no code needed Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off the entire website with the code MEMORIAL30 30% off the entire website with the code Bear: 35% off, plus two free pillows with the code MEMORIALDAY 35% off, plus two free pillows with the code Nolah: 35% off sitewide, plus get two free pillows 35% off sitewide, plus get two free pillows Cocoon by Sealy : 35% off all Mattresses + Free Sealy Sleep bundle : 35% off all Mattresses + Free Sealy Sleep bundle Dreamcloud : Save up to 60% on mattresses — Prices start at $299 : Save up to 60% on mattresses — Prices start at $299 Necter : Save up to 50% on mattresses + 66% on bundles : Save up to 50% on mattresses + 66% on bundles Sleep Number: Up to 50% off the new iLE smart bed, free premium delivery + 10% off all bases About Bear Mattress The company, which has been around for over ten years, prides itself on its high-quality products. Just a few of its top-sellers include the world-class luxury Elite Hybrid, premium pillow top Star Hybrid, signature comfort Pro Hybrid and all-foam Bear Original. What makes these stand out from the rest of the pack, though, is its advanced cooling, five-zoned support technology, and gel foam and coils. Yes, I'm aware that might all sound like mumbo jumbo, but what the company is really trying to say is that Bear Mattresses 'accommodate all body types, sleep positions and personal feel preferences,' according to its blog. Also, its proprietary five-zone support coil system Triple-Stranded Pocketed Coil Technology, 'provides just the right amount of support in all the right places. Each zone in the Elite Hybrid specializes in specific pressure points, offering up to 4x the relief. The high gauge coils in the center provide the added lumbar support for where sleepers need it most.' Having slept on the bed for over a month now, I can confirm that I've never had such a positive home sleep experience. Why is that? Let's discuss. The mattress I procured was a queen-sized, medium-firmness Elite hybrid. Just a few perks Bear provides include its fiberglass-free promise, a 120-night trial period (not a bad return policy), a limited lifetime warranty, world-class customer service, and free shipping. Not too shabby, considering that every time you lay down, your life is already a little better. This particular make and model, which happens to be Bear's most popular, typically runs customers $2,427 before discounts apply. Pros: Incredible support for side and back sleepers Easy setup They threw in two free pillows. Seriously! Cons: Unboxing is easy but the mattress is heavy. Be prepared to invite a friend over to help lift Be prepared to invite a friend over to help lift The mattress is quite tall so prepare to climb Mattress type: Hybrid (foam and coils) | Feel: Luxury Plush (medium), Luxury Firm (medium-firm) and Firm | Material: Quilted cover with phase-change material (optional Celliant fabric), copper-infused memory foam, polyfoam, zoned pocketed coils with reinforced perimeter, high-density polyfoam base | Height: 14 inches | Number of layers: Five-layer construction | Sleep trial: 120 nights (free returns after a 30-night break-in period) | Free Shipping: Yes (within the contiguous U.S.) | Warranty: limited lifetime warranty Bear mattress review Before we go to bed, we need to talk about Bear's ingenious step-by-step unboxing order of operations that ensure you don't miss a thing. Once the heavy Bear box arrived in my apartment building, I carried the 110-pound behemoth to the bedroom and got right to work. Luckily, I had a partner in Bear's box, which wisely had instructions listed on each flap instead of on some small slip of paper buried deep under the mattress. So, I followed these simple instructions, and once the product was free from its elaborately wrapped tape, I let the queen-sized, medium firmness elite hybrid mattress breathe. The Unboxing Slowly but surely, the Bear aired out and unfurled itself. The process was truly a sight to unfold… or rather, behold. For around a minute, the beast stretched its metaphorical legs and found shape. Honestly, this short show was almost worth the price of admission, and I didn't smell any off-putting gas scents. Now that the mattress was set in place, all that was left was the most important part: lying down. Matt Levy That night, my side-sleeping wife and I flopped onto the bed, and a wave of elation washed over me. 'This is my bed?' I thought. I honestly couldn't believe it. Yes, I know that may sound false, but believe me when I tell you that I'm speaking my honest truth here. As a lifelong side sleeper, I can say with full confidence that the Bear mattress is as supportive and forgiving on your back as advertised. Additionally, the motion transfer between my wife and I is almost nonexistent; movement barely registers, and even with over a month on the mattress, sleep is still more exciting than ever. If you dig a little deeper, it's easy to see why the Bear mattress is so special. Its 'cool to the touch, hand-quilted cushion cover' is made from phase-change material or PCM fabric for all-night cooling while also providing lush comfort without that sinking-in feeling. Matt Levy PCM fabric is designed to absorb, store, and release heat as needed to help regulate body temperature. By responding to shifts in body heat, it creates a more consistent and comfortable sleep climate, something brands use to enhance cooling performance. Simply put, you'll feel spring fresh all night. Below that, you'll find copper-infused memory foam that eliminates unwanted body heat and individually encased coils that offer balanced support. The fact that the company throws in two soft yet sturdy Cirrus Cloud Pillows is icing on the cake. It doesn't make sense, but they're fluffy and firm, which is something I didn't know I needed, but they have since become essential. My only real gripe is that the mattress is quite high. It's a small complaint but one that should be noted. If you're on a Bear, you'll likely be a bit more elevated than you were before. Thankfully, though, Bear has plenty of support around the edges should you find yourself hugging the sides. Also, my wife noted that you may want to buy longer and/or wider sheets for the Bear since it's fuller than your average mattress. Plan accordingly. Here's the finished product: Matt Levy The final verdict This mattress is 1000% worth the hassle, the money, and any other roadblocks that may be preventing you from purchasing. The setup is more straightforward (and more fun?) than it has any right to be, prices are generously discounted at the moment, and the sleep experience is heavenly. If you're debating a mattress upgrade, Bear is an excellent option. How we tested We don't take our deep sleep lightly. To give you an idea of how we tested the Bear hybrid mattress, here's the criteria we deployed each sleep cycle: Comfort Level : I assessed how the mattress felt in various sleeping positions like back, side, and stomach. : I assessed how the mattress felt in various sleeping positions like back, side, and stomach. Pressure Relief : I paid close attention to any pressure points, particularly in areas like the shoulders, hips and lower back. : I paid close attention to any pressure points, particularly in areas like the shoulders, hips and lower back. Motion Isolation : If you sleep with a partner, this is a biggie. I tested how well the mattress absorbed movement, which is crucial to ensuring sound sleep without midnight wake-ups by your sleep partner. : If you sleep with a partner, this is a biggie. I tested how well the mattress absorbed movement, which is crucial to ensuring sound sleep without midnight wake-ups by your sleep partner. Edge Support : I sat and lay down on the edge of the mattress to see if it felt stable and secure. For the record, the Elite hybrid has reinforced edge coils that ensure the strength and overall integrity of your mattress, so sleepers feel supported lying near the side. : I sat and lay down on the edge of the mattress to see if it felt stable and secure. For the record, the Elite hybrid has reinforced edge coils that ensure the strength and overall integrity of your mattress, so sleepers feel supported lying near the side. Temperature Regulation : Depending on the make of the mattress, I took note of how warm or cool the mattress felt. : Depending on the make of the mattress, I took note of how warm or cool the mattress felt. Durability : I considered the materials used to ensure the mattresses would maintain its shape and comfort level. : I considered the materials used to ensure the mattresses would maintain its shape and comfort level. Trial Period and Warranty: I made sure to check the length of the trial period and warranty terms. A key strategy I used is as follows: the longer the sleep trial, the more confident the brand is in its product. FAQs The New York Post's Victoria Giardina penned a comprehensive roundup of a number of mattress brands — including Bear — and addressed concerns sleepers may have. Here's what she wrote: 'It's important to consider your build (height/weight) and your sleep position (side, back, stomach, combination) when choosing a mattress,' said Logan Foley, Sleep Science Coach and Managing Editor at the Sleep Foundation. 'For instance, a sleeper who is 5-feet-1-inch and weighs less than 130 pounds could find a mattress more firm than someone who is 6-feet-1-inch and over 230 pounds.' 'When buying online, a consumer won't have access to a customer service representative to help them with their specific sleep needs,' Foley said. 'This means they need to be more aware of what they want in a mattress than someone who shops in-store.' Overall: The Sleep Foundation suggests a medium soft firmness level for sleepers under 130 pounds, medium firmness between 130 and 230 pounds, and extra-firm for sleepers over 230 pounds. How to choose a mattress firmness based on sleep position Side sleepers should look for a medium-firm mattress made of polyfoam or memory foam, providing above-average contouring to the body and also helping those who wake up with body aches. should look for a medium-firm mattress made of polyfoam or memory foam, providing above-average contouring to the body and also helping those who wake up with body aches. Back and stomach sleepers may consider a firmer latex mattress that offers less contouring and more bounce. and may consider a firmer latex mattress that offers less contouring and more bounce. Combination sleepers are looking for a medium to medium-firm mattress found in hybrid mattresses that combine innerspring support and the comfort of foam. How often should you replace a mattress? Typically, it's recommended to replace your mattress every seven to 10 years, but this can vary based on several factors. For instance, different materials have different lifespans. Innerspring mattresses may need replacement sooner than memory foam or latex mattresses, and pillowtop mattresses cannot be flipped, limiting their versatility. Additionally, if you're noticing your sleep quality starting to dwindle, it may be time for a replacement. If you start waking up with aches and pains or not feeling rested, it may indicate your mattress is no longer supportive. Weight changes or shifts in sleeping position can also affect how well a mattress works for you. Curious what else is out there? Check out the New York Post's best mattress sales and deals. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
12 Years on the wrong mattress — the Helix Midnight Luxe was the cure
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Like many big-ticket home purchases these days, shopping for a new mattress no longer requires trekking to a furniture store, awkwardly lying on a dozen beds under fluorescent lights, or fielding pushy sales pitches. Now, you can do your research from your couch, click 'order,' and have a luxury mattress show up at your front door in a box. But with so many brands promising the 'perfect' night's sleep, how do you know which one actually delivers? That's where reviews like this come in. I tested the Helix Midnight Luxe for four weeks — through hot nights, restless kids, and early alarms — to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it just might be the best mattress we've ever owned. Memorial Day Mattress sales Looking for the best Memorial Day Mattress sales of 2025? Check out these incredible deals: Helix: 25% off sitewide + a free bedding bundle with any Luxe or Elite mattress order with the code MEMDAY25 25% off sitewide + a free bedding bundle with any Luxe or Elite mattress order with the code Birch: 25% off sitewide with the code MEMDAY25 25% off sitewide with the code Leesa: 30% off select mattresses 30% off select mattresses Brooklyn Bedding: 30% off the entire website with the code MEMORIAL30 30% off the entire website with the code Bear: 35% off, plus two free pillows with the code MEMORIALDAY 35% off, plus two free pillows with the code Nolah: 35% off sitewide, plus get two free pillows About the Brand Launched in 2015, Helix Sleep is a New York City-based direct-to-consumer mattress brand that quickly made a name for itself by putting personalization at the forefront. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all bed-in-a-box, Helix was one of the first to create a sleep quiz that matches users to the mattress model best suited to their body type, sleeping position, and firmness preference. Their lineup includes a collection of standard hybrid models and upgraded Luxe models, which include features like zoned lumbar support, quilted pillow tops, and advanced cooling technology. And for those who run warm at night (Hi, it's me!), Helix also offers models with a GlacioTex Cooling Cover — a high-tech fabric that draws heat away from your body for a more temperature-regulated sleep experience. In short, Helix cuts through the noise with a truly customized approach to mattress shopping. All Helix mattresses are designed and assembled in the U.S., shipped for free, and backed by a 100-night sleep trial and generous warranties. RELATED: Experts share the four toppers that will extend the life of your mattress Helix Pros: Great for side sleepers Excellent motion isolation Effective cooling, even for hot sleepers Plush comfort with strong support Long trial period and limited lifetime warranty Cons: Heavy and tricky to move alone Slight edge sloping On the pricier side (though worth it) The bestselling Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress has a medium firmness and is available in sizes twin through California king, plus a short queen and an RV king. Let's talk prices. While the brand is currently offering 25% off everything (plus a free bedding bundle with select mattresses) ahead of Memorial Day with the promo code MEMDAY25, prices for this mattress range from $1,436 to $2,873.33 before discounts. The Helix Midnight Luxe is built specifically for side sleepers who crave pressure relief without losing support, one of the main reasons my wife and I chose this option. It features a plush quilted pillow top, multiple layers of responsive memory foam, and a zoned coil system that targets lumbar support — ideal for keeping your spine aligned through the night. Add the GlacioTex Cooling Cover, and you've got a mattress that feels cool to the touch and stays that way, even for the hottest of sleepers. Designed and assembled right here in the United States (Arizona to be exact) using CertiPUR-US certified foams (meaning it's free of harmful chemicals and made with durability in mind) and zero chance of buyer's remorse thanks to the brand's 100-night trial. Plus, enjoy a limited lifetime warranty. Yes, you read that right. Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam layers + individually wrapped coils) | Firmness: Medium | Sleeper Type: Best for side sleepers | Cooling tech: GlacioTex Cooling Cover & CoolForce Layer Upgrade Option | Sizes available: Twin – California King | Weight (Cali King): Over 100 lbs | Warranty: Limited Lifetime | Trial Period: 100 nights | Shipping: Free, compressed in a box Our Review Twelve years ago, my wife and I made a questionable decision: we went mattress shopping right after a long, mimosa-fueled brunch. Maybe we should've tried a few more options. Maybe we shouldn't have bought the very first high-end memory foam mattress we flopped onto. Either way, we ended up with something completely wrong for the way we sleep. After years of tossing, turning, and regretting our hasty decision, we finally had the opportunity to try the Helix Midnight Luxe—and it couldn't have come soon enough. Even the initial step, their online sleep quiz, felt like a revelation. It asked all the right questions about how we sleep, what we like, and what we don't. For the first time, it felt like a mattress was being chosen for us, not just sold to us. The Unboxing Unboxing the mattress was straightforward, but be warned — this California King mattress is heavy. It arrives tightly rolled and securely packed in a durable box, so you'll definitely want two people on hand to move it. One tip from experience: make sure you're unrolling it right-side up. My wife and I accidentally laid it out upside down, and flipping it afterward in our tight space was no small feat. Once in place, the mattress began to expand immediately and was fully decompressed within about three hours. As for any off-gassing, there was only a faint 'new mattress' scent that disappeared by the end of the first day — nothing overpowering or unpleasant. Al Murrilo How We Tested We've been sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress for more than four weeks and I'm happy to share that it has not lost its initial firmness. Since we were switching from a firm Tempurpedic mattress, we noticed the difference immediately. There was a plush comfort to the pillow top layer, but without causing a sinking effect and the mattress provided the balanced combination of sturdy support and cloud-like softness. More importantly, neither one of us woke up with the usual back pain that we used to experience with our previous mattress. The cooling effect of the GlacioTex Cooling cover was also evident from the very first touch. Its breathable fabric far outperforms the cooling mattress protector that we used on our old memory foam mattress. To provide a comprehensive review of the mattress, I evaluated it based on the following criteria: the overall comfort, support, heat level, and motion transfer. Comfort: One of the standout features of the Midnight Luxe is its luxuriously soft pillow top layer. It strikes a perfect balance between plush comfort and gentle support, making it an ideal retreat, especially on those days when the kids take over the living room for their Sunday cartoon marathon. It cradles you just enough to feel cozy without sinking in too far, and it stays refreshingly cool, even on warmer days. Support: The mattress delivers steady, full-body support with gentle contouring and minimal motion transfer, but the edge support isn't quite as firm as the center. If you tend to sleep near the perimeter — like I do when my daughters sneak into bed and slowly nudge me to the side — you might notice a bit of sloping. That said, it's subtle and never made the mattress feel unstable or unsupportive overall. For a plush hybrid, the performance around the edges still holds up surprisingly well. Al Murrilo Heat Level: As a hot sleeper, I've spent countless nights kicking off covers, flipping pillows, and even sweating through supposedly breathable sheets. My old memory foam mattress only made things worse, trapping heat and intensifying the discomfort as the night wore on. I even resorted to buying special cooling sheets just to make it tolerable. So when it came time to test the Helix Midnight Luxe (specifically its GlacioTex Cooling Cover) I knew I'd be putting it through a real-world challenge. The difference was immediate. Even while setting it up on a warm March day in Los Angeles, I could feel the cool-to-the-touch sensation right away. The GlacioTex layer is designed to pull heat away from your body, and paired with the mattress's breathable hybrid construction, it actually works. For once, I didn't wake up in a sweat — and that alone felt like a win. Motion Transfer: One of the few things I genuinely liked about our old memory foam mattress was its excellent motion isolation — it absorbed every toss, turn, and midnight bed invasion. With my wife and I shifting around, kids climbing in unannounced, and our dog leaping on and off like it's his personal playground (hence the need for a Cal King), uninterrupted sleep was rare. Fortunately, the Helix Midnight Luxe really shines in this area. It does an impressive job of minimizing motion transfer, allowing both of us to sleep through the usual chaos without constantly waking each other up. Al Murrilo How It Compares to Other Mattresses on the Market The Helix Midnight Luxe has completely changed the way my wife and I sleep. We originally invested in a firm Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress, not realizing it was the source of our lingering discomfort and occasional back pain. For years, we just assumed the problem was us, not the bed. Eventually, we upgraded to a Serta hybrid, which offered a slight support improvement but still lacked the cooling comfort and motion isolation we needed. It wasn't until we tested the Helix Midnight Luxe that we realized what truly restful sleep could feel like. It's everything we didn't know we were missing. The Final Verdict After years of sleeping on the wrong mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe has been a game changer. It strikes an ideal balance of support and softness, keeps us cool through the night, and absorbs movement better than any mattress we've tried. From the personalized sleep quiz to the first night's rest, it's clear this mattress was designed with real-life sleepers in mind — even ones with kids, dogs, and a long history of bad mattress decisions. Simply put, it's the best sleep we've had in years. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
