Ben Trapskin

The Helix pillow is an adjustable pillow with two options, the original Helix Pillow and the Helix Cool which has a phase change fabric in the cover that is cool to the touch. The prices and construction described in this original review are historical. Helix now offers different pillow models, so check the exact product and seller before ordering. For current direct orders, Helix lists a 30-day return window for pillows from delivery; third-party sellers may have different terms.

Ordering Your Helix Pillows

When I originally ordered these pillows, delivery was estimated at about five business days. Check current shipping times with the seller. The unboxing photo above is from my original review.

When you open the box you will find your pillow plastic wrapped to keep it clean and a nice little booklet explaining how to adjust the pillow.

Overview of the Helix Pillows

In the video on this page I break down the main difference between the regular helix pillow and the Helix Cool. Basically, the Helix Cool uses a phase change material which makes the pillow feel cool while the original uses a knitted fabric. I found the original to be just a bit softer because the knit fabric was more stretchy.

Construction of the Helix Pillow

Below are the construction specifications of the pillow according to their website.

Outer Comfort Shell

• 1lb Memory foam and Down Alternative on each side
• 1.25” gusset to allow for adjustable loft
• Standard and cooling outer cover fabric available

Support Insert Layers

• Two 1lb Memory foam and Down Alternative insert layers
• Designed to fit perfectly within the Outer Comfort Shell

How Much Does the Helix Pillow Cost?

These were the prices recorded when we reviewed the original models; they are not current quotes. Here are the historical prices of the Helix Pillow

Regular Pillow
Standard $85
King $99

Cool Pillow
Standard $115
King $129

My Helix Pillow Findings

Both of these pillows come with a zipper to access the inside of the pillow. This lets you adjust the loft to find a more comfortable height; the right fit depends on your body, sleeping position and mattress.

Here’s a peek inside the pillow where you can see each of the layers. There’s lots of detail here including the dots on the inside. It just makes the pillow look nicer and is more fun. I kept all the layers in the pillow since I have broad shoulders and need a thicker pillow.

Here’s what the cover of the regular Helix pillow looks like. It’s a knit fabric that is breathable and stretchy.

Here’s a picture of the Helix Cool cover for comparison. The Helix Cool is definitely cooler to the touch and great for hot sleepers. These pillows have the same inside construction.

Does the Helix Pillow Sleep Hot?

No. In fact both versions didn’t trap heat but the cool version did add some extra cooling comfort and is worth the upgrade if you tend to sleep hot. I also recorded infrared footage at the time; those clips are not currently embedded below. This is my experience with the older pillows, not a measurement of a current model.

My Helix Pillow Recommendation

The Helix pillow is a very cozy adjustable pillow. I think what makes the regular pillow extra cozy is the knit stretch fabric. This gives you maximum contouring. They also use a combination of foam and down alternative this makes it feel more like a traditional pillow instead of just a block of foam. The Helix will feel like a nice thick down pillow that is more supportive than a traditional down pillow during the night.

A key advantage the Helix Pillow has over some of the competition is that it is easy to adjust the loft. There are other pillows on the market where you can adjust the fill but you would need to put the fill in a Ziploc bag for storage. With the helix, you simply remove one of the 3 layers.

Given the familiar feel and the key advantages of customization and cooling, the Helix pillow is a must try.

Learn more about the Helix Pillow

How the tested pillows compare with Helix’s current options

The original standard and Cool pillows above used removable internal layers. Today Helix lists the ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow, which combines a shredded memory-foam and fiber fill with a GlacioTex cover. Helix says its zippered layers adjust firmness and the fill can be removed to change loft. This is a current product description, not a claim that the pillow in the original video is the same model or that we have tested the newer one.

The Cooling Memory Foam Pillow uses a molded foam core and comes in high and low loft options. Choose between adjustable fill and a fixed core based on the feel you prefer; a cool-to-the-touch cover is not a guarantee of a cooler temperature all night.

How to choose your loft

Start with enough height to fill the space between your head and mattress in your usual position. Side sleepers with broader shoulders may prefer more loft; back and stomach sleepers often need less. Your mattress matters too: a softer mattress lets the shoulder sink farther, changing the gap the pillow needs to fill.

Change one setting at a time and sleep on it for a few nights. If your head tilts upward or your chin is pushed toward your chest, try less loft; if your head drops toward the mattress, try more. Keep any removable layers or fill clean and available until you settle on a configuration. These are comfort checks, not a diagnosis or treatment for pain.

Care, returns and what to check before buying

Care depends on the exact pillow. Helix says the current ComfortAdjust is spot-clean only, so follow the label rather than assuming the foam can be machine washed. For that current model, Helix lists a one-year warranty and 30-day direct-purchase trial. Check current price, shipping, return exceptions and seller terms before ordering; a defect warranty is separate from a comfort return.

My original Helix pillow review video

In this video I compare the original standard and Cool pillows. Current models may differ.