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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Helix Dawn vs Plank Firm: which firm mattress should you buy?
Type: HybridFirmness: FirmHeight: 11.5"Sizes: 8Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $1,099 at Helix Type: Memory foamFirmness: Firm, Extra FirmHeight: 10"Sizes: 14Sleep trial: 120 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $561.75 at Plank It's the battle of the firm mattresses, as we pit the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm against each other. If you need the enhanced support of a firm bed, this guide explores if the Helix Dawn or Plank Firm mattress is right for you. Our sleep experts have spent combined months sleeping on the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm and we rate them among the best mattresses we've tested. As well as a firm feel, the two share a mid-range price point and a supportive build that suits back and stomach sleepers. Here we're comparing the support, comfort and price of the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses to help you decide which of our favorite firm mattresses suits your sleep needs. It's a close head to head between the Helix Dawn and Plank, with both ranking among the best mattresses in a box we've tested. Below, we'll give a full rundown of how these mattresses stack up but here's a quick overview. The Dawn is a hybrid design and like the best hybrid mattresses we've tested it delivers support via its spring base. In our Helix Dawn Mattress review we praised its gentle contouring and responsive feel: our tester could move around without losing support (not that they needed to toss and turn to get comfortable.) The Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress and without any springs, it uses a dense foam core for firm support all-round. It's just as firm as you expect from a bed named the 'plank'. Particularly on the Extra Firm side because did we mention? It's a double sided mattress. Firm on one side, Extra Firm on the other, we liked both in our Plank Firm Mattress review but while the Firm side is the crowd pleaser, the niche appeal of the Extra Firm impressed our testers. The Helix Dawn and Plank Firm Mattress are mid-range mattresses and cost around $1,000 for a queen. The Helix Dawn is slightly pricier with a queen $1,099 in the standard Helix Mattress sale but as a queen Plank Firm typically sells for $999, there's not much in it. Both brands offer deals throughout the year — look out for 20% off at Helix and 25% off at Plank — but good timing can help you save more. Around peak sales days, such as Black Friday and Memorial Day, Helix has a tendency to boost the sale to 25%, while Plank offers 30% off on special occasions. The DreamCloud Premier mattress and the CopperFlex Hybrid Pro mattress also fit in this price range. We think the Dawn and Plank offer competitive value. You get a limited lifetime warranty with both the Helix Dawn and Plank but the Plank does have a slightly better trial period: 120 nights, compared to 100. However, it's worth remembering the Plank is a double-sided mattress, so you almost have two beds to test out during that sleep trial. Helix Dawn Mattress: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at Helix SleepYou can always save 20% at Helix but right now is the time to buy as you can score 27% off with our code TOMS27. This reduces a queen from $1,332 to $972 which is the best mattress sale we think you're going to get. Plank Firm Mattress: twin was $749 now $561.75 at PlankAs a double-sided and extra firm mattress, the Plank Firm is a niche entry to the sleep market and we think the mid-range price is a good deal. In the standard sale a queen is $999 (was $1,332). We have seen 30% off in recent weeks reducing a queen to $932 but we think it might be a while before that deal reappears. The Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses share a firm feel and we'll explore what that's like to sleep on below. For now, we're focusing on how they achieve this firmness. When it comes to design, these mattresses couldn't be more different. To be fair, the Plank Firm is different to most mattresses. While we rank it among the best memory foam mattresses we've tested, it doesn't have the traditional build we'd expect from an all-foam bed. First, it's double-sided. Flipped one way, the Plank is Firm. Flipped the other, it's Extra Firm. To create this, the Plank Firm features a dense six-inch support core that sits in the middle of the mattress. This is largely responsible for the feel of the mattress and on the Extra firm side, it's topped only by .75" of foam. On the Firm side there's a bit more padding: two more inches of foam, plus the .75" of the quilted cover. The Helix Dawn is a hybrid mattress and unlike the Plank, it sticks to tradition. Four foam layers, including a layer of latex-alternative dynamic foam and two layers of firm response foam, sit on top of a spring base with a final layer of base foam for durability. We've tested both the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses and we consider them among the best mattresses for stomach sleepers you can buy online. Mattresses for stomach sleepers are typically firm with plenty of support. Stomach sleeping places the back at an awkward angle but a firm mattress keeps the spine straight to limit twisting and prevent pain. The Helix Dawn is a classic stomach sleeper mattress: firm with ample support from a spring base. Our testers agreed it was an 8 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, 10 indicating rock hard. We found the upper foam layers contoured gently around the body to prevent pressure build up, impressing our back sleeping testers. Side sleeping was also comfortable on the Dawn, mostly in short bursts. Dedicated side sleepers should consider a softer mattress, such as the Helix Midnight Mattress, which has more cushioning at the shoulders. Our lead tester spent multiple weeks sleeping on both sides of the Plank Firm to build up a full picture of the comfort. Across our testing panel, one thing immediately stood out when lying on the Extra Firm side: it's really firm. While it shouldn't be a surprise, we were taken aback by the hard feel, rating it 9 out of 10. But it took only a few minutes for the back and stomach sleepers to appreciate how supportive it is. Side sleepers, however, should avoid the Extra Firm side. There's not enough cushioning at the pressure points, resulting in aching arms and hips. The Firm side does have more cushioning, partly due to the added foam but also because the looser quilting gives more bounce to sink into. This side is better for side sleepers although as with the Dawn, mostly in short bursts. Like the Dawn, we rated the Firm side 8 out of 10 for firmness. Our lead tester is a stomach sleeper and while she loved the Extra Firm side sometimes it pressed too hard against the stomach. For example, after a late dinner. The Extra Firm side divided our testers with some (primarily the side sleepers) unable to find comfort. The Firm is more of a crowd pleaser. Overheating can disrupt sleep but for the most part, both the Dawn and the Plank remain a neutral temperature overnight. Our testers did feel the beds could, on warm nights, trap some heat, with the problem more pronounced in the Plank Firm. We think this will only impact hot sleepers and both Helix and Plank offer a GlacioTex cover upgrade. GlacioTex is used in many top cooling mattresses so we recommend the add-on if you experience night sweats or hot flashes. Hybrid mattresses tend to have better edge support than their all-foam equivalents and with reinforced springs on the lengthwise sides, the Helix Dawn is sturdy at the edges (if a little weak at the corners.) The Plank, however, surprised us with its firm feel from corner to corner: we awarded edge support full marks. Both mattresses also have good motion isolation, although the Plank just takes the win (those thick foams deaden movement.) But if you share a bed, both mattresses should minimize disruption from a restless partner. ✅ You prefer a traditional feel: With tall springs and a bouncy response foam, the Helix Dawn moves when you move for consistent support and comfort. A more traditional innerspring feel than the all-foam Plank. ✅ You want to customize the bed: The Helix Dawn comes with optional cooling and support add ons, plus Helix Luxe and Elite upgrades. The Plank Firm does have some optional upgrades but not as many as the Dawn. (You can see how the Dawn performs against an upgraded model in our Helix Dawn vs Dusk Luxe mattress head to head.) ✅ You're a combination sleeper: We found the Dawn comfortable in most sleep positions, even if dedicated side sleepers might want a few more layers of cushioning, making it a good choice for those who move around in the night. ✅ You can never find a firm mattress that's firm enough: If you like the feel of Japanese floor mattresses and find standard beds never provide the support you need, the Plank Firm delivers reliable, consistent firmness. ✅ Your comfort needs change: Double sided mattresses, like the Plank, are best for those who need different support levels on different nights. For example, those with reoccurring injuries or occasional bed sharers. ✅ You like the added support of strong edges: The Dawn has good edge support but the Plank Firm is exceptional. You can sit and press against the side of the mattress without it sinking beneath you, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Helix Dawn vs Helix Dusk Luxe: which mattress for back and stomach sleepers is right for you?
Type: HybridFirmness: FirmHeight: 11.5"Sizes: 8Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $1,099 at Helix Type: HybridFirmness: Medium / Medium-firmHeight: 13.5"Sizes: 8Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $1,899 at Helix The Helix line-up features a mattress for every sleep style: the Dawn and Dusk Luxe come from the back and stomach sleeper collection. If you lie prone or supine and need a new bed, these mattresses should be at the top of your list. So is the Helix Dawn or the Dusk Luxe mattress right for you? We've put them to the test and after our rigorous review process it was the incredible support that stood out in both beds, comparable to the best mattresses for all sleep styles. Below we'll be weighing up the price, design, comfort and performance of the Dawn and Dusk Luxe to decide which you should buy in the mattress sales. Some of the best mattresses in a box we've tested have come from Helix and that includes the Dawn and Dusk Luxe we're pitting against each other here. Our full comparison is below, but here are the headlines if you're short on time. Both the Dawn and Dusk Luxe mattresses have been designed to appeal to stomach and back sleepers. Both also feature a comparable build, with the foam and springs combo you'll find in the best hybrid mattresses. Despite that, these mattresses have some significant differences, particularly in feel and comfort. Here we'll be digging deeper into those characteristics. Our Helix Dawn mattress review team agreed this bed is all about firm support. The flat surface has minimal sink to keep the body lifted from head to toe. Our Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review team, on the other hand, found this bed a touch softer and much more cushioned (but still hugely supportive.) It's also more luxurious and, no coincidence, more expensive. The Dawn and the Dusk Luxe are both made by Helix Sleep so they have a lot in common. When it comes to benefits, they're identical: both mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. Both are also subject to the same Helix mattress sales... most of the time. The standard Helix sale takes 20% off all mattresses, including both the Dawn and the Dusk Luxe. But on rare occasions, Helix boosts the sale to 25% and even 27% off. Again, this typically applies sitewide. But sometimes Luxe and Elite mattresses (like the Dusk Luxe) come with perks the Core mattresses (like the Dawn) miss out on. For example, over Memorial Day 2025, if you opted Luxe or Elite, you got a free bedding gift, something excluded from Core purchases. When it comes to price, the difference is more significant. The Dawn is part of the mid-range Core collection and typically sells for $1,099 a queen. It's a close competitor of the Plank Firm mattress and the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid. But the Dusk Luxe comes from the upgraded Luxe collection at Helix. In the standard sale, a queen Dusk Luxe sells for around $1,899, similar to the premium Saatva Classic mattress and the Purple Plus mattress. Helix Dawn Mattress: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at HelixThe Core collection from Helix features mid-range mattresses for all sleep styles, including the firm Dawn for back and stomach sleeping. There's normally 20% off but for a limited time you can use code TOMS27 for a 27% saving, reducing a queen to $972.30 (was $1,332.) Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress: twin was $1,436 now $1,048.28 at HelixHelix's Luxe mattress line-up is more luxurious than its Core collection and more expensive. You'll often get a Dusk Luxe for $1,899 in the 20% off sale but in the extended Memorial Day deal you can use code TOMS27 to save 27% and reduce a queen to $1,732,54 (was $2,373.33.) And you'll get a free bedding bundle as well. There are some basic similarities to the design of the Helix Dawn and the Helix Dusk Luxe, beyond the distinctive colored stripe of Helix branding. Let's start at the base, as both mattresses sit on a layer of DuraDense foam to provide stability. From here, things diverge. As hybrid mattresses both feature a coil base made with individually wrapped springs, to enhance support while reducing motion transfer. But the Dusk Luxe builds on this support with stronger coils around the entire perimeter of the mattress and across the central third. The Dawn is only reinforced at the lengthwise sides. Next are the foams. The Dawn features four layers of foams: two firm response foams, topped by a latex-style dynamic foam (the best organic mattresses use latex foam to create buoyant pressure relief.) It's finished with a layer of gel memory foam for targeted relief. You'll find a similar construction on the Dusk Luxe but with softer foams. The two response layers have a medium feel while the dynamic foam is replaced with an adaptive foam for more pressure relief. The Dusk Luxe is also topped with a gel memory foam. In addition, the Dusk Luxe features a quilted pillow top, while the Dawn has a flatter cover. Helix creates mattresses for sleep styles. For example, the Helix Midnight Luxe is designed for side sleepers and this targeted comfort landed it the top spot among the best mattresses for side sleepers we've tested. The Dawn and Dusk Luxe are both designed for back and stomach sleepers, so we expect them to excel in one area in particular: lumbar support. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers support the lower back to prevent the hips from sinking into the bed, as this causes the spine to twist uncomfortably. Both the Dawn and Dusk Luxe perform strongly in this aspect, although they take different approaches. The Dawn is a firm mattress; we rated it 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale (10 indicating rock hard.) Like the best firm mattresses it keeps the body lifted, while the layer of dynamic response foam bounces into place whenever you move to ensure you never miss out on support. The Dusk Luxe is softer then the Dawn (we rated it medium-firm) but that doesn't result in the sink of soft beds. You lie on top of the dense cushioning and the zoned lumbar support holds your lower back up — the reinforced coils coming into effect. While the Dusk Luxe features multiple memory foam layers and a quilted pillow top, it doesn't hug the body (you should consider one of the best memory foam mattresses, if that's what you're after.) But you can feel this cushioning, primarily at the shoulders and hips. That means side sleepers, particularly those with a heavier build, should find some comfort on the Dusk Luxe. The Dawn, on the other hand, sacrifices cushioning for firmness. While you can feel the foams yielding beneath pressure points, there's not much contouring. Lie on your side and you might find your shoulder aches by morning. Neither the Dawn or the Dusk Luxe rank among our favorite cooling mattresses but both largely retain a neutral temperature when sleeping. However, our testers found both mattresses could hold onto warmth during particularly hot nights. Hot sleepers should consider the cooling upgrades offered by Helix. The Dawn comes with an optional GlacioTex pillow top, while you can add a cooling cover or a cooling cover plus heat wicking CoolForce bands to the Dusk Luxe. In terms of motion isolation, it's impossible to choose between the two. Both do a good job at absorbing movement. Bed sharers shouldn't be disturbed by tossing and turning. We expected the Dusk Luxe to come out on top when it comes to edge support, as it features reinforcement around the perimeter (the Dawn is only reinforced lengthwise.) However, the quilted cushioning of the Dusk Luxe means when you sit on the side there is a slight sinking sensation. The firm feel of the Dawn offers good support all round — another category we'd call a draw. ✅ You have a smaller budget: The Helix Dawn is excellent value for money. If you have a mid-range budget, this bed delivers full-body support and a reliable, high-quality finish. ✅ You want a flat finish: While you can upgrade to a quilted pillow top, the standard Dawn comes with a flat top to ensure even support and comfort from head to toe. ✅ You value firm support: Stomach and back sleepers often prefer a firm mattress to keep the entire spine supported. The firm Dawn holds the entire body in alignment to minimize aches and pain. ✅ You want cushioning at the hips and shoulders: With multiple layers of memory foam and a quilted pillow top, the Dusk Luxe has better pressure relief than the Dawn — you can feel it most at the hips and shoulders. ✅ You spend some of the night sleeping on your side: While we wouldn't recommend this mattress for most dedicated side sleepers, combination sleepers will appreciate the support (when back or front lying) and the cushioning (when you're on your side.) ✅ You like a luxurious finish: As a Luxe model, the Helix Dusk Luxe is a step up from the Core collection when it comes to look and finish. It's also taller, creating an indulgent feel.
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
"The support is unbelievable" — save 30% on my favorite firm mattress this Memorial Day
The Plank Firm is a dual-sided all-foam mattress with an extra firm feel that delivers superior support to front and back sleepers. It has returned to the lowest price we've seen it at this Memorial Day, with 30% off the Plank Firm mattress at Plank. That means a queen is now $932.40 (was $1,332.) When I tested the Plank Firm Mattress, I was skeptical. It doesn't have the 'cozy' feel I'd always associated with comfort and it was hard at first to appreciate anything but the firmness. But after a few minutes of lying quietly, I could feel what made the Plank Firm mattress stand out: support. The Plank Firm has exceptional support that can compete with the best mattresses we've tested, beating even some premium models — all at a mid-range price. It's not a feel everyone will love — I recommend the Helix Dawn if you want firm, but not that firm — but with 30% off, here's why it's one of my top picks of the Memorial Day mattress sales 2025. If you are looking for an excellent price on a top rated mattress but not sold on the Plank, we're also tracking the latest deals as they happen in our Memorial Day mattress sales live blog. Plank Firm Mattress: twin was $749 now $524.30 at PlankWe cover a wide range of mattresses here at Tom's Guide but there are few like the Plank Firm. As well as being double-sided (a rarity) the Plank Firm feels harder than the majority of beds we've tried — the Extra Firm side is the firmest mattress we've tested. The primary benefit of this is support. In my Plank Firm Mattress review I described the support as "unbelievable" and praised how the dense foams held my spine straight, avoiding the uncomfortable sinking feeling that can occur on even the best memory foam mattresses. The Firm side is more of a crowd-pleaser, with an added layer of quilted foam to cushion the joints. A queen is currently $932.40 (was $1,332) and I'd be very surprised to see a better deal on the Plank Firm — 30% off is the same discount we saw for Black Friday 2024 (as well as President's Day 2025.) A 120-night trial, free shipping and limited lifetime warranty are included. Our review: ★★★★½ The thing about the Plank Firm being an Extra Firm mattress is, and excuse me for stating the obvious, that it's a hard mattress. That means it won't appeal to everyone and even firm mattress fans might prefer something with a little more of that 'cozy' feeling. For you, I recommend the Helix Dawn Mattress... Helix Dawn Mattress: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at HelixThe Helix Dawn is one of our favorite hybrid mattresses and as I discovered during our Helix Dawn mattress review, it's ideal for for back and stomach sleepers. Although softer than the Plank, it's still too firm for most side sleepers. But when I slept on my side on this mattress, I did appreciate how the responsive foams gave way beneath the hips and knees to prevent any achiness in the morning. Use code TOMS27 at checkout to save 27% on all sizes of the Dawn in the Helix Memorial Day sale, reducing a queen to $972.36 (was $1,332.) It comes with a 100-night trial and lifetime warranty. Our review: ★★★★½ More top mattress sales to consider
Tom's Guide
17-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I prefer firm mattresses — 3 I'd buy in Memorial Day sales after sleeping on them
Some of my favorite firm mattresses are on sale today, including 27% off the Helix Dawn at Helix when you use the code TOMS27 at checkout. I've been sleeping on this mattress for the past month and the support is exceptional. The best mattress for your sleep style will help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed, and that's what firm mattresses do for me. The increased support means I don't have to toss and turn to get comfortable, and once I'm asleep my spine stays lifted and straight, helping to keep back pain at bay. This year's Memorial Day mattress sales are now underway and if it's a firm bed you want, here are three great options to consider... 1. Helix Dawn: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at HelixThe Helix Dawn suits those who like firm support. I loved the way it lifted my body, preventing my hips from dipping out of alignment with my spine. As I reported during my Helix Dawn Mattress review the multiple foam layers provide good pressure relief, although not enough for most side sleepers. Using code TOMS27 at checkout you can save 27% on the Dawn in the Helix Memorial Day sale with a queen down to $972.36 (was $1,332). It comes with a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty. We saw this same saving during every major holiday sale in the last year, so you're getting the biggest discount possible here. Our review: ★★★★½User score: ★★★★½ (1,300+ reviews) 2. The Plank Firm: twin was $749 now $524.30 at PlankMattresses rarely come much firmer than the Plank, a double-sided all-foam mattress that claims to be the 'firmest' in the US. While all of this year's top memory foam mattresses are cushioned and contouring the Plank delivers hard support via dense foams. Our tester with back pain praised the lumbar support in our Plank Firm mattress review and as a stomach sleeper, I loved how the Firm side cushioned the hips while maintaining better spinal alignment. There's an evergreen 25% off sale at Plank but that's been bumped to 30% off this week with a queen down to $932.40 (was $1,332). Our review: ★★★★½User score: ★★★★½ (3,600+ reviews) 3. Siena Memory Foam Mattress: twin $179 at SienaThe Siena is one of the comfiest cheap mattresses we've tested, delivering reliable support and a high quality build at under $400 for a queen ($359, to be precise.) It's firmer than expected and our Siena Memory Foam Mattress review team rated it among our favorite mattresses for stomach sleepers, but there is some pressure relief due to the all-foam build. Siena sales are evergreen but $359 for a queen is great value for money, so this is still a deal worth your time. If you aren't in a rush to buy, keep an eye on the Siena Amazon store as I've seen cheaper prices there lately. Our review: ★★★★User score: ★★★★½ (2,900+ reviews)
