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Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I tried the 'best mattress for side sleepers' and fell in love — now 27% off for Memorial Day
As a side sleeper, I'm on a quest to find a mattress that cradles my body and keeps my spine aligned, while stopping the dreaded 'dead hip' or achy shoulder. So, when the opportunity came my way to try out the renowned Helix Midnight Luxe, I jumped at the chance. And, with 27% off all Helix mattresses right now with the code TOMS27, this luxury mattress has dropped to just $1,732.54 or a queen (was $2,373.33). The Tom's Guide team has rated the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for side sleepers of 2025, and we're not the only ones. The hybrid pillow-top bed is renowned for its pressure relief, support and comfort, and when I finally got the chance to lie down on it, I wasn't disappointed. So, if you're browsing the Memorial Day mattress sales to refresh your bedroom and treat yourself to some much needed quality sleep, I recommend the Midnight Luxe. And, since the current mattress sales are offering such great value, I'll also share my top alternative for a slightly smaller budget. Helix Midnight Luxe mattress: twin was $1,436 now $1,048.28 at HelixThis Helix Midnight Luxe is made up of seven layers that combine gel memory foam, high-density foams and individually wrapped coils, topped with Tencel pillow-top cover (and the option to pay for an upgraded GlacioTex cooling cover). The result? A medium-firm feel that cushions you enough to relieve pressure but not enough to sink into the mattress. During our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, our lead tester reported 'cloud-like comfort' when sleeping on her side, thanks to the responsive foams and the 'give' in the pillow top. During the Helix Memorial Day mattress sale, you can get a queen for $1,732.54 (was $2,373.33) using the code TOMS27. Plus, you'll get a free mattress protector and sheet set, as well as a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping and a limited lifetime warranty. The Sleep Editor for Tom's Guide, Nicola Appleton, has long been telling me about the wonders of the Helix Midnight Luxe since she reviewed it. It's her favorite mattress by a mile, as well as one of our top picks in this year's best mattress for all sleepers guide so there was a lot of hype to live up to. But when I lay down on it for the first time, it all made sense. The soft, cradling pillow top contoured around my body, offering constant plush support no matter my position. I even tried lying on my back (which I never do because my spine is quite arched) and the mattress moulded to my shape, taking the strain and pressure off my spine. I think this support can also be attributed to the ErgoAlign Layer (which is an optional extra, though in the current sale it's reduced from $249 to $187)— a layer of ultra dense foam that sits above the coils for extra lumbar support. It's no surprise it features in our tried and tested best hybrid mattresses of the sets this mattress apart from others I have tried is the fantastic balance between plush, cozy comfort and responsive, adaptive support. I personally hate the sinking feeling of soft foam mattresses, it makes me feel claustrophobic and I struggle to see how it's supporting my body. But when I tried the Midnight Luxe, I lay on top of the bed rather than within it, and it didn't feel like the mattress was too firm around my shoulders, hips and knees. It's a mattress worth investing in, especially in the current Helix mattress sales. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: twin was $865 now $605.50 with pillow top at Brooklyn BeddingThe Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid shares a similar design to the Midnight Luxe, but it's over $500 cheaper in the current mattress sales. It has five layers featuring high-density foams and innerspring coils, with an optional cooling pillow-top. The benefit of the Signature Hybrid is its customization options, making it suitable for all types of sleepers. You can choose from a soft, medium or firm feel, and from 14 different sizes. For the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review, we tried the firm option with the pillow top, but we'd suggest side sleepers opt for the medium or soft. There's currently a 30% off Brooklyn Bedding mattress sale with the code MEMORIAL30, bringing a queen size with the pillow top down to $1,212.40 (was $1,732). You'll also get a limited lifetime warranty, a 120-night trial and free shipping.
Tom's Guide
06-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Trouble sleeping? These are the 7 products our editors swear by for a good night's sleep
After our fair share of restless nights, mattress testing, bedding shopping and sleep tech reviewing, we're confident we know what it takes to get a good night's sleep. Optimizing our sleep is part of our day job, after all. As well as sleeping on and testing the best mattresses of the year, there are a handful of products our writers and editors simply can't sleep without. From the humble ear plugs and socks to more technical products, like sleep trackers and sleep headbands, this is a list of the gear the Tom's Guide Sleep Team rely on for a good night's sleep. SPONSORED Sealy Posturepedic Elite Hybrid : Getting the sleep you need improves a litany of issues, but you can't get that sleep if you're waking up stiff and sore. The targeted support of a Sealy Posturepedic® Elite Hybrid mattress helps provide relief where you need it most. This bed flexes to your unique shape, making sure you find the personalized support you need to perform your best in the morning. 7 products our editors swear by for better sleep We'll be honest, not all the products we test perform as well as their makers promise they do. But these aren't the products we're focusing on here. Instead, you'll find our favorite, trusty gadgets that have actually sent us to sleep fast and keep us snoozing all night long... 1. Loop Dream Earplugs: $49.95 at Loop Earplugs Be it a busy street outside your bedroom window, noisy neighbours or a snoring partner, noise pollution is a common sleep disruptor. But with the Loop Dream Earplugs, our Sleep Editor Nicola Appleton sleeps soundly. She says: 'After 14 years of sleeping next to someone who snores, I tried the Loop Dream Earplugs — the first sleep-specific option from Loop — and haven't looked back. With a noise reduction rating of 27dB (SNR), they block out my partner's snoring completely — which means I can finally get an undisturbed night's rest. With their ultra-soft silicone and a flat, closed-loop design, they're also ideal for side sleepers like me. And, with four ear tip sizes, they stay securely in place all night. If someone else's snoring is keeping you awake, these ear plugs will save your sleep.' 2. Samsung Galaxy Ring: $399.99 at Samsung While we're aware sleep trackers don't directly improve your sleep, we use them to learn more about our sleep patterns and tendencies. Our Sleep Features Editor Lauren Jeffries has been testing the Samsung Galaxy ring. Here's what she has to say about it's sleep tracking functionality: "I've never used any kind of sleep tracker before the Galaxy Ring. Yes, I had nightmares and probably didn't get enough sleep most nights, but in general, I felt well rested. The Galaxy Ring has educated me so much that I'm now getting better sleep every night. This is mainly because of the sleep score. I love how detailed it is, looking at every aspect that went into calculating it, from sleep duration and my bedtime, to the amount of REM sleep I got and how long it took me to fall asleep. Since using it, my sleep schedule has become more consistent and I prioritize getting quality rest over quantity, which has also helped my nighttime anxiety." 3. Women's Fine Cashmere and Merino Wool Super Soft Socks: $29.99 at Amazon Wearing socks to bed is a disputed topic on our sleep team. While some say it makes them feel claustrophobic, others enjoy their sleep-enhancing benefits, and science suggests the latter group are right. Nicola says: 'Wearing socks to bed is a simple, science-backed habit with a big payoff — falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Instead of making you hot, socks gently warm your feet, triggering vasodilation, which actually helps lower your core temperature — a critical cue for falling asleep. Cold feet, on the other hand, can delay sleep onset and lead to restless tossing and turning. In the warmer summer months always opt for a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton or cashmere.' This pair from Amazon are reasonably priced and come in 14 color options. 4. Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light: $213.22 at Amazon A top sunrise alarm clock is a staple on my bedside table now, no matter the season. As a sleep tech writer, my current favorite is the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light. In winter, it helps me wake up to light. Even though the mornings are naturally light now, I still enjoys using the sunset simulation as part of my wind down routine. Plus the gentle wake up sounds are much better than a jolting iPhone alarm. The Philips is a more expensive sunrise alarm clock option, but functioning as a bedside reading lamp too, I think it's worth the splurge. 5. Elemind sleep headband: $349 at Elemind The Elemind headband is part of the emerging sleep headband market. Placed over your forehead, the headband measures EEG brain signals and delivers precise acoustic stimulation that moves the brain from wakeful patterns into a deeper sleep. I have been using this headband to get more deep sleep while marathon training. I've slept all night long wearing it and can vouch for its efficiency considering I stayed asleep even when my brother came into my bedroom to steal an iPhone charger plugged in next to my bed (though he was slightly confused by my sleep accessory). At $349, this is a premium sleep product, which will only be worth it if you're really struggling to switch off at night. 6. Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray: $17 at Amazon Essential oils like lavender and chamomile are known to calm the nervous system, promoting overall relaxation. Our Senior Sleep Writer, Frances Daniels, uses the Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray to make the most of this relaxation technique. She says: "Spritzing my bedding with lavender pillow spray has become a comforting bedtime ritual for me, and helps me to fall asleep faster. It may just be a placebo effect, but studieshave shown that the soothing scent can increase sleep quality and ease anxiety." At just $17, this is an affordable sleep product. 7. MZOO Sleep Eye Mask: was $28.99 now $22.99 at Amazon Light is a major sleep killer for our Senior Sleep Writer, Ruth Jones, so she relies on a comfy eye mask to create the perfect environment for rest, whether she's on her friend's sofa or a cross-Atlantic airline. She says: "My eye mask blocks the lights that plague my bedroom — like the smoke detector and power strip — and it also helps me put my phone away at night. After all, once my eye mask is on, I can't check my messages any more. Just the action of putting an eye mask on has come to signal to my brain that it's time to go to sleep and I find it's weight on my face strangely comforting now." The MZOO is a great value, great quality sleep mask option with 21% off at Amazon now, bringing the price to $22.99. Yes it's a bit more than your average silk mask, but made with soft fabric, it'll be more durable. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
