Helix and Novosbed are two of the most well-known mattress brands in Canada, and both brands have built up a loyal Canadian customer base. So, what are the backgrounds behind these two mattress companies?

The Helix mattress was first introduced in 2015. Its primary selling feature is certainly its customization. Before purchasing you are asked to complete an online quiz that asks for your unique physical description and sleep tendencies. Based on this information, your ideal mattress is recommended. Helix expanded into the Canadian market in January 2016.

GoodMorning.com released their first memory foam mattress, Novosbed, in 2009, making them one of the pioneers of the bed-in-a-box mattress industry. Their innovative culture soon went on to create the now universal idea of the ‘Sleep Trial,’ giving online mattress shoppers a way to bypass the traditional mattress store shopping experience and test out their new bed at home for as long as it actually takes to evaluate a mattress properly. With their flagship product, Novosbed, the company later introduced another new concept with Comfort+. This adjustable firmness system helps customers adjust the feel and comfort level of their mattress by adding an additional foam layer, free of charge.

Delivery, Trial, Returns	Helix	Novosbed
Shipping cost:	Free in USA; $150 in Canada	Free shipping
Shipping time:	3–7 days	3–10 days
Sleep trial length:	100 nights	120 nights with Free Comfort+
Return ease:	Company picks up	Company picks up
Refund:	Yes, full refund	Yes, full refund
Additional fees:	No	No

Thanks to modern compression methods and the rising popularity of the bed-in-a-box, mattresses can now be shipped far more efficiently and conveniently than ever before. Customers no longer need to take a day off work to accept a delivery. Boxed beds are now delivered with the same convenience as most Amazon orders. Some bed-in-a-box companies even offer same-day delivery to certain areas.

Delivery

Helix uses specialist logistics service UPS Ground to deliver their mattresses directly to customers’ doors throughout the United States and Canada. Shipping is free in the U.S. but subject to a $150 delivery fee to Canada. Helix customers can expect their new mattress to be delivered within 3 to 7 business days, excluding public holidays.

Novosbed uses FedEx to deliver their mattresses directly to customers’ doors, and shipping is free throughout Canada and the United States. Customers can expect their new mattress to arrive within 3 to 10 business days following order confirmation.

Trial Period

Like many bed-in-a-box companies, Helix and Novosbed both heavily promote their sleep trials. With a 120-night sleep trial, Novosbed has one of the longest sleep trials of all mattress brands; Helix allows their customers 100 days to decide.

Returns and Additional Fees

If a customer wishes to return their Helix or Novosbed mattress within the sleep trial period, each company will arrange to pick up their respective mattress and issue a full refund. There are no additional return or restocking fees for either the Helix or Novosbed mattress.

Out of the Box	Helix	Novosbed
Delivered in a box:	Yes	Yes
Box dimensions:	16” x 16” x 48”	19" x 19" x 44"
Box opening:	Scissors required	Scissors required
Box/mattress fitting:	Tight	Tight
Protection layers:	4	2
Expansion time:	2 minutes	3 minutes

Both the Helix and Novosbed mattresses arrived within the expected delivery times. Each product was well-protected within the box by heavy-duty plastic to keep the mattress in good condition during shipping.

Each mattress box was sealed with heavy-duty tape. Customers will definitely need scissors or a knife to open the box. To prevent potential harm to your new mattress, remember to be extra careful when using sharp objects to remove any packaging.

Once opened, each compressed mattress is easy to remove from the box. We recommend a ‘tip-and-pull’ motion to slowly slide the mattress out from its cardboard container. Simply tip the box from a vertical position down onto its side, and then pull the lightweight box away from the bundled mattress. It’s most efficient to do this process in the room where you intend to use the mattress.

Both mattresses are protected with two layers of heavy-duty plastic – one to compress it in a vacuum seal, and another to roll it tightly into a cylinder shape.

Customers will need to unwrap the first layer in order to unroll the mattress, which will still be in its compressed form. Some helpful advice at this stage is to place the rolled up mattress onto the designated bed frame. Next, like the end of a roll of tape, find and peel back the outer layer of plastic. You can use the momentum of unrolling the compressed mattress along the bed frame to help remove the rest of this layer, which could be up to a few meters long. After completing this process, the mattress will be lying unrolled before you.

Next, cut the final layer of plastic. The vacuum seal now broken, the mattress will quickly begin to decompress. Remove this final layer of plastic as the mattress expands to its full height. Both mattresses reached full expansion in under five minutes.

The Helix and Novosbed have very different constructions. Helix is a foam-coil hybrid mattress, while Novosbed is a combination foam mattress. In each configuration, multiple levels of material work together to offer comfort and support. Both the Helix and the Novosbed are available in multiple firmness options.

Some of the other major differences between the Helix mattress and Novosbed mattress are the different types of foams used for comfort, contouring, and pressure-point relief, not to mention the support layers for motion isolation and edge support. Each mattress contains comfort, transition, and support layers, and these layers vary slightly in height and density.

Also, each mattress also has a unique top cover which showcases the brand’s personality and design aesthetic. Top covers are sometimes removable. In this case, both the Helix and the Novosbed have removable, machine-washable covers.

Helix vs Novosbed Mattress Layers

Helix Mattress Layers

The Helix mattress contains four layers of support materials:

• The first three layers of the Helix mattress are 2″ of Helix Dynamic Foam polyfoam, 2″ of high-grade polyfoam, and 2.5″ pocketed micro-coils. These layers differ in order and density depending on results from the pre-purchase online questionnaire. This creates a range of comfort responses and firmness levels.
  • The Helix Dynamic Foam polyfoam is designed to provide extra cushioning, while it ranges between 1.8 lbs/ft³ and 3 lbs/ft³ depending on the mattress.
  • The second polyfoam layer in combination with the previous layer helps to offer pressure-point relief. It has a consistent density between mattress types at 1.8 lbs/ft³.
  • The individually wrapped coils help to bolster edge support, while also playing a part in reducing motion transfer.
• The final layer of the Helix mattress is 4.5″ of base polyfoam support foam. This support layer gives the Helix mattress its structure and prevents sleepers from sinking in too far. Its density is also 1.8 lbs/ft³.

Novosbed Mattress Layers

Each Novosbed mattress contains four layers of foam. The soft, medium, and firm options all have different constructions and foam densities to customize the firmness level of the mattress.

Novosbed Soft Mattress:

• The first layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1” of high-density gel-infused memory foam. The ultra-durable top layer delivers responsive cooling and conforms to the body for a medium-soft feel. Foam density: 3.7 lbs/ft³.
• The second layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1” of premium airflow foam. This breathable layer allows heat to dissipate effectively while suppressing odor build-up. Foam density: 2 lbs/ft³.
• The third layer of the Novosbed mattress is 2” of open-cell pneumatic memory foam. This transition layer reduces motion transfer while providing further airflow. Foam density: 2.5 lbs/ft³.
• The final layer of foam in the Novosbed mattress is 7” of premium support foam. This durable bottom layer further eliminates motion transfer by distributing bodyweight and also helps the mattress maintain its structural integrity. Foam density: 1.8 lbs/ft³.

Novosbed Medium Mattress:

• The first layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1″ of premium airflow foam. This top layer allows for additional airflow, keeping heat from getting trapped near the surface. Foam density: 2 lbs/ft³.
• The second layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1” of high-density memory foam. This additional comfort layer provides pressure-point relief. Foam density: 4 lbs/ft³.
• The third layer of the Novosbed mattress is 2” of high-density memory foam. This ultra-durable transition layer further reduces motion transfer. Foam density: 4 lbs/ft³.
• The final layer of foam in the Novosbed mattress is 7” of premium support foam. This durable bottom layer further eliminates motion transfer by distributing bodyweight and also helps the mattress maintain its structural integrity. Foam density: 1.8 lbs/ft³.

Novosbed Firm Mattress:

• The first layer of the Novosbed mattress is 2″ of open-cell pneumatic memory foam. The top layer enhances cooling and breathability while giving the surface a firm feel. Foam density: 2.5 lbs/ft³.
• The second layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1” of open-cell pneumatic memory foam. In combination with the first layer, this transition foam provides pressure-point relief. Foam density: 2.5 lbs/ft³.
• The third layer of the Novosbed mattress is 1” of high-density memory foam. This responsive transition layer provides additional body contouring. Foam density: 4 lbs/ft³.
• The final layer of foam in the Novosbed mattress is 7” of premium support foam. This durable bottom layer further eliminates motion transfer by distributing bodyweight and also helps the mattress maintain its structural integrity. Foam density: 1.8 lbs/ft³.

Helix vs Novosbed Mattress Cover

Helix Mattress Cover

The Helix mattress has a simple and attractive two-tone cover. The top surface is a swath of white polyester tightly tufted in a way that emphasizes its softness. This is a nice contrast to the navy blue sidewalls, stretching across the remaining portion of the mattress. Finally, the Helix ‘H’ logo is stitched front and centre along the end wall at the foot of the mattress.

When in need of cleaning, the top cover can be zipped off and processed through the washing machine. Since the cover rests snug across the mattress and the entire cover must be removed in order to wash it, we advise owners to be careful in this process to avoid damage to the foam edges.

Novosbed Mattress Cover

This distinctive Novosbed cover is an expression of the luxury that lies beneath. The soft sleep surface is woven from a blend of stretch-knit polyester and Tencel®, while the lower side walls are covered with furniture-grade upholstery. This white and chambray-blue exterior is designed not only for an attractive, signature look, but also for functionality.

The top cover is machine washable, with simple cleaning instructions:

1. Zip off the upper portion of the cover;
2. Put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle;
3. Tumble-dry on low, or air dry.

Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious when making purchases. Retailers both in and out of the mattress industry have been incorporating more eco-friendly and ethical policies when selling products and choosing suppliers. GoodMorning.com Inc. carried out a survey in February 2017, discovering that almost 50% of Canadians are willing to spend more money for more environmentally friendly products. Therefore, in every review on Mattress-Reviews.com, we will highlight each mattress company’s green philosophy, as well as how prominent their policies are on their websites.

Feel & Firmness	Helix	Novosbed
Firmness:	6.1 / 10	Soft: 3.2 / 10 Medium: 3.7 / 10 Firm: 5.1 / 10
Edge Support:	2.5 / 10	Soft: 4.7 / 10 Medium: 3.8 / 10 Firm: 5.8 / 10
Motion Isolation:	6.7 / 10	Soft: 7.3 / 10 Medium: 6.8 / 10 Firm: 6.8 / 10
Bounce:	6.6 / 10	Soft: 2.0 / 10 Medium: 2.3 / 10 Firm: 2.9 / 10

Feel & Firmness

According to the testing conducted by third-party engineers (commissioned by us), the firmness and feel of the Helix Medium mattress and three Novosbeds vary significantly:

• The Helix mattress we tested has a medium feel. It is rated at 6.1 / 10 on the firmness scale. The Helix Medium mattress does not have excessive ‘hug.’
• The Novosbed soft mattress is rated at 3.2 / 10 on the firmness scale. The Novosbed soft mattress does have ‘hug.’
• The Novosbed medium mattress is rated at 3.7 / 10 on the firmness scale. The Novosbed medium mattress does have some ‘hug.’
• The Novosbed firm mattress is rated at 5.1 / 10 on the firmness scale. The Novosbed firm mattress does not have ‘hug.’

Edge Support

Foam mattresses are not known for their edge support; in fact, it is often one of the main issues customers have when moving from innerspring mattresses to foam. According to the testing conducted by third-party engineers (commissioned by us), the Helix Medium mattress and the three Novosbeds have very different edge support ratings:

• The Helix Medium mattress has below-average edge support. It is rated at 2.5 / 10 on the edge support scale.
• The Novosbed soft mattress has average edge support. It is rated at 4.7 / 10 on the edge support scale.
• The Novosbed medium mattress has below average edge support. It is rated at 3.8 / 10 on the edge support scale.
• The Novosbed firm mattress has above average edge support. It is rated at 5.8 / 10 on the edge support scale.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation in foam mattresses is usually very good and one of the main reasons couples make the switch from innerspring to memory foam. According to the testing conducted by third-party engineers (commissioned by us), motion isolation scores for the Helix Medim mattress and Novosbed mattresses are all above average:

• The Helix Medium mattress has above-average motion isolation. It is rated at 6.7 / 10 on the motion isolation scale.
• The Novosbed soft mattress has above-average motion isolation. It is rated at 7.3 / 10 on the motion isolation scale.
• The Novosbed medium mattress has above-average motion isolation. It is rated at 6.8 / 10 on the motion isolation scale.
• The Novosbed firm mattress has above-average motion isolation. It is rated at 6.8 / 10 on the motion isolation scale.

Bounce

Due to the fact that motion isolation for foam mattresses is generally very good, bounce is generally very low. According to the testing conducted by third-party engineers (commissioned by us), the bounce ratings for the Helix medium mattress and the Novosbed mattresses vary as follows:

• The Helix Medium mattress has above-average bounce. It is rated at 6.6 / 10 on the bounce scale.
• The Novosbed soft mattress has below-average bounce. It is rated at 2.0 / 10 on the bounce scale.
• The Novosbed medium mattress has below-average bounce. It is rated at 2.3 / 10 on the bounce scale.
• The Novosbed firm mattress has below-average bounce. It is rated at 2.9 / 10 on the bounce scale.

Overview	Helix	Novosbed
Price (Queen):	$995 USD $1,300 CAD	$999 USD $1,399 CAD
Available in:	USA, Canada	USA, Canada
Made in:	USA	USA, Canada
Trial length:	100 nights	120 nights with Free Comfort+
Warranty:	10 years	15 years
Mattress height:	10"	11"
Number of layers:	4	4
Cover materials:	Polyester	Polyester, Tencel®
Machine washable:	Yes	Yes
Green policies:	No mention on the website	Zero-waste manufacturing; Tencel® textiles
Firmness	6.1 / 10	Soft: 3.2 / 10 Medium: 3.7 / 10 Firm: 5.1 / 10
Edge support:	2.5 / 10	Soft: 4.7 / 10 Medium: 3.8 / 10 Firm: 5.8 / 10
Motion isolation:	6.7 / 10	Soft: 7.3 / 10 Medium: 6.8 / 10 Firm: 6.8 / 10
Bounce:	6.6 / 10	Soft: 2.0 / 10 Medium: 2.3 / 10 Firm: 2.9 / 10
Year-Round Price Guarantee:	No	CLICK HERE

Remember, Mattress-Reviews.com is owned, operated, and paid for by GoodMorning.com Inc. and advertises the Novosbed, Douglas, Juno, Recore, Brunswick, Logan & Cove, Apollo, Cherry, and Podium brands. The following is strictly our competitive opinion:

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There are a few factors that immediately stand out after comparing the Helix Medium mattress and three Novosbed mattresses. Each bed in this Helix vs Novosbed mattress review has similar features, especially with regards to comfort and support. The Helix mattress and Novosbed mattresses each have a distinctive firmness and feel, level of edge support, level of motion isolation, and bounce.

What really elevate one brand above the other are the multiple firmness options, sleep trial, and the adjustable firmness guarantee of Novosbed. Novosbed is Mattress-Reviews.com’s Top Pick for Premium Mattress under $1,500 CAD. Customers who choose to purchase a Novosbed over a Helix mattress will enjoy a lengthier sleep trial. They will also have the option to fine-tune the firmness of their mattress with the free Comfort+ firmness adjustment kit.