Welcome to the wonderful world of mattress shopping: where no rule is permanent and buying decisions are more subjective than ever. Before reviewing mattresses for a living, I thought that buying bed meant following some simple set of guidelines. The truth of the matter is, a mattress can absolutely make or break your sleeping pattern, so it would be wise to gather as much info as you can before adding one to your shopping cart.
The ZenHaven and Helix mattresses are very different from one another, but they are both focused on giving their consumers a wide range of bed firmness options to choose from. The ZenHaven is constructed with layers of Talalay latex that vary in density from one side of the bed to another. Because of this construction, you can rest on a softer mattress, but also flip it over to get a firmer bed.
Let’s Look Closer
Helix is a brand that’s relatively new to the mattress industry, but they have managed to divide and conquer, nevertheless. They’ve created an algorithm that allows them to recommend the best bed to cater to an individual’s sleeping needs. They understood that each person is very different when it comes to how they sleep, so they’re selling a wide variety of mattress options, to make sure no one is left unattended.
A Breakdown Of The Zenhaven Mattress
Construction
Top Cover – Organic Cotton & New Zealand Wool
Your first contact with the ZenHaven will be through its amazing organic cotton quilted cover. There are two important things to mention about this cover. First, it’s made with organic cotton which, in a very basic translation, means that the cotton used in manufacturing the mattress is a toxin and chemical free. Second, there is also wool blended into the cover, which means that the cover has a very soft feel to it, but also has moisture-wicking properties.
First Layer – Soft Talalay Latex
Before explaining the construction of the ZenHaven any further, you should know that this is a dual-sided mattress, with a different level of firmness on each side. It has a mirrored construction, but with layers of latex that vary in density and firmness. When the mattress has the plush side up, each layer of latex is softer than the next.
Assuming you are using the softer side of the mattress, the comfort layer is made with 1.5 inches of Talalay latex. This material brings a lot of benefits to the surface, such as the pleasant bouncy feel, the cooling sensation that’s a characteristic of latex, the enhanced durability of the product, as well as its chemical-free construction.
Second Layer – Bouncy Talalay Latex
Next off, we have a 3-inch layer made with the same type of latex, only this layer is a little firmer compared to the previous one. Often referred to as the compression layer, this particular block of latex adds more bounce to the mattress, making movements in bed a whole lot easier.
Third Layer – Transition Talalay Latex
Transition layers are quite typical in the most mattress, as they add support to the structure and act as bridges between the comfort and the base layers of the mattress. If you use the ZenHaven with the firmer side up, this will be the support layer of the mattress.
Fourth Layer – Gentle-Firm Latex
At the base of the ZenHaven lies another 1.5-inch layer of Talalay latex. As you can see, the construction of the mattress is mirrored: 1.5 inches, followed by two more layers measuring 3 inches each, then another 1.5-inch layer of latex. Flipping the mattress over, the base layer turns into the comfort layer of the mattress, but because of its higher density, it’s firmer compared to the comfort layer of the plush side.
Firmness
Chatting about the firmness of the mattress is never an easy task, mostly because the topic is quite subjective. The ZenHaven, much like many other mattress brands, gives out information about the firmness of each side of the mattress, expressing it in range, rather than a single numerical value. The Luxury Plush side of the mattress, which is preferred by 80% of ZenHaven’s customers, has a firmness rating of 4 to 5, while the Gentle Firm side is rated between 7 and 8. This means that some people, depending on their weight, height, and preferred sleeping position, will rate each side higher or lower.
As advertised, the ZenHaven’s Gentle Firm side is 18% firmer compared to its softer counterpart. When you apply hand pressure on the plush-side, you will notice how the mattress has great bounce, while your hand digs deep into the comfort and support layers of the bed. Switching to the firmer side, you will see that your hand doesn’t sink into the surface so much, but you still get that nice bounce that makes it easy to turn around at night.
Feel
The feel of a mattress is yet another subjective chapter. Alongside firmness, the feel of a mattress is also different from one individual to another. It’s pretty much like trying to recommend the same car model to everyone you know: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of product. So, here are a few things that you should know about the feel of the ZenHaven mattress.
As pressure point maps have revealed, the plush side of the mattress is a good choice for back sleepers, as lumbar support and proper spinal alignments are key points to be recognized here. Side sleepers will feel a little bit of pressure in the shoulder area, but that’s to be expected in an all-latex mattress. Stomach sleepers will feel their hips being pushed upwards, but the Gentle Firm side of the mattress is a much better choice if you enjoy resting in this particular position.
Surprisingly enough, the firmer side of the mattress seems to alleviate pressure in the shoulder area for side sleepers, while also maintaining the same amount of support for people who like to sleep on their backs. What’s important to keep in mind here is that the ZenHaven mattress is a very good choice for stomach and back sleepers, but even the Luxury Plush side of the mattress may still be too firm for side sleepers.
Unique Features
Dual-Sided Firmness
In a world where mattress shopping has turned into a nightmare, one of the most difficult steps is for a couple to compromise as far as the firmness of a bed is concerned. Because our sleeping habits are so different, even when we find a sleeping partner that enjoys the same position as we do, they would have to be about the same height and weight as us in order to get a perfect mattress-match. Since that rarely happens, partners need to meet halfway, and there are few mattress models that can make that happen.
The ZenHaven mattress has created a bed that you can simply flip over, to make the mattress firmer or softer. This could also be an advantage if you are temporarily in need or recovery (suffered an accident, injury, etc.), and the bed specs have to change in order for your body to heal faster.
A Breakdown Of The Helix Mattress
Construction
Top Cover – Breathable Polyester Fabric
The cover of the Helix mattress is one of the things that makes this product stand out from many other similar hybrid mattresses. The removable cover makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze, as all you have to do is unzip it, and throw it in the washing machine.
It beats ever having to spot clean a mattress cover. So far, nothing out of the ordinary. But what’s truly surprising is that Helix added another cover underneath the removable one.
Both of these covers combined create a breathable sleeping environment, much to the delight of people who find it difficult to sleep through hot summer nights. In addition to all that, Helix allows you to purchase the Ultra Cool Cover, a product created using phase change material. Having all these breathability features is important when you purchase a foam mattress, well known for its capacity to trap heat and make you sleep hot.
First Layer – Contouring Memory Foam
You have to keep in mind that the construction of your Helix mattress will vary quite a lot depending on the answers given to the sleep quiz. To best suit your personal needs, Helix may add some layer to the construction, or change the densities of specific layers, to make you feel more comfortable and supported. On a general note, the comfort layer of the Helix mattress is made with Dynamic foam, which is a little bit different compared to regular foam.
This type of foam is more of a blend between foam and latex, giving the comfort layer a bouncier and softer feel. The blend that’s used to create this layer can cradle the shapes of your body, making your natural curves feel welcome and supported.
Second Layer – Transitional Polyfoam
Between the comfort and the pocketed coils layer, lies a transitional block of polyfoam. This support layer is capable of relieving pressure points that are created depending on your sleeping position. Of course, there is a different mattress model and firmness level available for particular situations, which makes the sleep quiz even more relevant. This transition layer varies in density from one model to another, matching your body type, as well as your sleeping style.
Third Layer – Tiny Pocketed Coil System
At the core of any Helix mattress, you will find a layer that’s made with individually wrapped coils. If you know your way around an innerspring mattress, you’re already familiar with the benefits that include better motion isolation, higher airflow capacity, and the ability to support your sleeping position. Even more, Helix has added a reinforced perimeter to this layer, which means that edge support is better.
Fourth Layer – High-Grade Polyfoam Base
At the base of every good hybrid mattress, lies a block of foam that supports the entire structure and makes the coil layer durable on the long run. With the Helix mattress, you get a base layer made with DuraDense foam. Its density and thickness will depend on what type of mattress is best for you, so keep in mind that the sleep quiz is of great help in choosing the mattress.
Firmness
Because of its wide range of models, choosing a Helix mattress without taking the sleep quiz can be quite a daunting task. The company has six standard models, each one with an upgraded version, plus three more Specialty mattresses. That’s 15 different mattresses to choose from, so you can understand why the sleep quiz is very important.
The most important thing to remember is this: The Sunset and Moonlight models are the best choices for side sleepers because they are softer, the Midnight and Dusk have a medium firmness, while the Twilight and Dawn models are firmest ones of the six main models.
Helix also sells some hybrid models. The Dual Balanced and the Dual Extra models have a different firmness on each side of the bed. No, you don’t have to flip the mattress over, as the bed is literally split in half, with a softer construction on one side and a firmer one on the other. If you carry a few extra pounds, Helix also sells the Nightfall, a mattress that has an additional memory foam layer, to provide the best support possible.
Feel
As we always say, the feel of a mattress always goes together with its firmness. Since you probably don’t want to read about the performance of each and every Helix mattress model, we’re going to give you just a few general ideas on what to expect. Overall, the Helix mattresses are very good for side sleepers of light and average weight.
They also provide excellent support for a wide range of back sleepers. However, if you are a heavyweight stomach sleeper, the construction of the mattress won’t be able to correctly align your spine, which means that you might want to look for a different model.
Unique Features
Intuitive Algorithms
Have you ever walked into a car dealership to browse the models and was approached by a car salesman who had a bunch of annoying questions? Believe it or not, that salesperson is actually doing you a favor, and is trying to understand what are your car-related expectations, needs and wants. In the end, those answers will help them guide you to the car that best matches your needs.
Helix has implemented a similar system, but instead of hiring an online sales-guide, they’ve created a sleep quiz. The quiz asks a bunch of questions that are related to your height and weight, your sleeping habits, and those of your sleeping partner, plus some other inquiries related to the way you sleep. Then, based on a series of algorithms, Helix recommends the mattress that best suits your situation. If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is!
Which To Choose?
The ZenHaven
The ZenHaven mattress is perfect for people who are looking for a natural bed. Because it uses Talalay latex, the construction is free of any chemicals which is, in fact, a common characteristic of latex-made mattresses. Because latex is outsourced from rubber trees, it’s used to create mattresses that have no toxins, are hypoallergenic, and dust mite resistant.
Due to its full latex construction, the mattress also draws the benefits that this type of material brings to the surface. Latex is naturally cooling and doesn’t tend to overheat as much as memory foam does. That means that the ZenHaven mattress is a good match for people who find nocturnal heat a major discomfort.
The Helix
Helix is a mattress suited for a wide variety of sleepers. What’s even more appealing about the brand is that it sells mattresses that have different firmness options on both sides of the bed, making it super-easy to share with a sleeping partner that needs a different type of mattress. If you like sleeping on a soft bed but your partner prefers a firm one, Helix is a brand that can help.
If you’re on the market looking for an affordable hybrid mattress, there are few chances you can go wrong with a Helix model. That’s because their sleeping algorithm allows them to recommend the ideal mattress construction for your particular case.
Zenhaven vs Helix Comparison
| The ZenHaven Mattress | The Helix Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers Used |
|
|
| Height | 10 inches | 10 inches |
| Firmness | Plush or medium-firm depends on the side chosen. | Available in the firm, medium & soft |
| Motion Transfer | Good | Good |
| Breathability | Good | Good (especially with the Ultra Cool cover) |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 100 Night Sleep Trial |
| Warranty | 20 Year Warranty | 10 Year Warranty |
| Pricing(Queen) | $2,399 | $920 |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping for USA. $250 shipping fees for Canada. |
Bottom Line
Despite them being really good options, the ZenHaven and the Helix mattress are very different products. The ZenHaven is constructed for people who love the feel and the benefits brought by an all-latex bed. It features two different levels of firmness that are showcased when you flip the mattress over. When you think of it, this could actually prolong the lifespan of the bed, since you can periodically switch between mattress side, provided that you find both of them equally comfortable for your sleeping habits.
If there’s one chapter where the Helix mattress excels is diversity. With 15 different mattress options available, there are high chances that at least one Helix bed is suitable for your needs. If you are new to this whole mattress-buying process, the sleep quiz will go a long way in recommending a product that balances comfort and support for each individual.