If you‘re mattress shopping on a budget, IKEA is a top destination to consider. The Swedish retail giant offers an impressive selection of mattresses at extremely competitive prices. But with so many options, it can be challenging to determine which IKEA mattress is the best fit for you.
As a professional mattress researcher and consumer expert, I‘ve compiled the ultimate guide to buying an IKEA mattress. I‘ll provide an in-depth look at IKEA‘s mattress offerings, compare them to other retailers, share insider tips for choosing the right bed, and more.
Whether you‘re a savvy sale shopper or discerning deal hunter, this extensive overview will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed purchase and get the best bang for your buck on an IKEA mattress.
IKEA Mattress Categories & Specifications
IKEA sells four main categories of mattresses: foam, spring, latex, and hybrid. Here‘s a detailed breakdown of each type and their key specifications:
Foam Mattresses
IKEA‘s foam mattresses are made from multiple layers of polyurethane foam in varying densities. They provide good pressure relief and motion isolation.
| Model | Firmness | Height | Materials | Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malvik | Firm | 5 1/8" | High resilience PU foam, PU foam | $129 |
| Malfors | Firm | 7 7/8" | High resilience PU foam, PU foam | $179 |
| Morgedal | Medium Firm | 7 1/8" | High resilience PU foam, PU foam | $199 |
Spring Mattresses
These traditional innerspring mattresses contain steel coils for support and bounce. IKEA offers Bonnell coils, continuous coils, and individually wrapped pocket springs.
| Model | Firmness | Height | Materials | Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamarvik | Firm | 8 1/4" | Bonnell coils, PU foam | $129 |
| Haugesund | Medium Firm | 9 7/8" | Pocket springs, PU foam, polyester wadding | $279 |
| Haugsvär | Medium Firm | 12 5/8" | Pocket springs, mini pocket springs, PU foam | $399 |
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses use natural latex foam from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree for a durable, breathable, and eco-friendly bed. IKEA combines the latex with other natural fibers.
| Model | Firmness | Height | Materials | Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mausund | Medium Firm | 7 1/2" | Natural latex, coconut fibers, cotton, wool | $899 |
Hybrid Mattresses
IKEA‘s newest category combines an innerspring support core with latex or foam comfort layers for the best of both worlds – support and pressure relief.
| Model | Firmness | Height | Materials | Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vatneström | Medium Firm | 11 3/4" | Pocket springs, natural latex, coconut fibers, wool | $899 |
| Hidrasund | Medium Firm | 13 3/8" | Pocket springs, mini pocket springs, natural latex, coconut fibers, cotton, wool | $1,099 |
These spec charts allow for an easy side-by-side comparison of the key details for each IKEA mattress model. You can quickly narrow down your options based on your preferences for mattress type, firmness level, thickness, materials, and price point.
IKEA Sustainable Mattress Materials & Practices
One standout feature of IKEA‘s mattress lineup is the incorporation of eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials, particularly in their latex and hybrid models.
The Mausund and Vatneström mattresses use 85% natural latex from rubber trees, a renewable resource. The Hidrasund takes it a step further with a 7-zone natural latex comfort layer.
These mattresses also feature coconut fiber, cotton, and wool filling for natural breathability and moisture wicking. The cotton is 100% sustainably sourced, and the wool comes from sheep raised on organic farms.
Even the springs in IKEA‘s spring and hybrid mattresses contain some recycled steel. And in 2019, IKEA announced that all their polyurethane foam is now made using bio-based oils rather than fossil fuels.
IKEA is working towards ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to only use renewable and recycled materials in their products by 2030. While not perfect yet, their progress and commitment to sustainable mattress production is admirable.
IKEA Mattress Sales & Market Position
IKEA is known for their unbeatable prices on home goods across the board, and mattresses are no exception. The mattress industry as a whole is notorious for inflated prices and gimmicky marketing. IKEA‘s simplified, low-cost production model allows them to offer quality mattresses for a fraction of competitors‘ prices.
Just how much lower are IKEA‘s prices? Here‘s a quick comparison of queen size mattress prices from IKEA vs. comparable models from major retailers:
| Mattress Type | IKEA | Mattress Firm | Macy‘s | Wayfair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Foam | $179 | $499 | $677 | $238 |
| Mid-range Spring | $279 | $899 | $1,297 | $340 |
| High-end Hybrid | $1,099 | $1,799 | $2,099 | $1,399 |
As you can see, IKEA‘s prices are consistently 20-50% lower than other popular retailers for similar mattress types and features. This allows many sleepers to get a higher quality mattress than they could otherwise afford.
Despite the low prices, customers are generally very satisfied with their IKEA mattresses. The Haugsvär spring mattress, Morgedal foam mattress, and Hidrasund latex hybrid all have 4+ star ratings from hundreds of verified buyers.
While IKEA doesn‘t share specific sales data, overall the company hit $44.6 billion in retail sales in 2020. The bedroom furniture category (which includes mattresses) accounts for around 15-20% of sales according to company reports. This means IKEA likely sells close to $9 billion worth of mattresses annually.
To put that in perspective, the entire US mattress industry was valued at $16.5 billion in 2020, with the top 10 manufacturers accounting for 77% of revenue. While IKEA is just one of many players in the highly competitive industry, they are a force to be reckoned with thanks to their global reach, economies of scale, and budget-friendly offerings.
Expert Tips for Choosing an IKEA Mattress
Feeling overwhelmed by all the mattress options at IKEA? Follow these expert tips to zero in on the best mattress for your needs and preferences:
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Consider your sleep style and body type. Your primary sleep position (side, back, stomach, combo) and body weight affect what mattress firmness will be most comfortable. Side sleepers and lighter individuals tend to prefer softer mattresses, while back and stomach sleepers and heavier individuals need a firmer bed for proper spinal alignment.
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Decide on your must-have features. Narrow down your search by focusing on the mattress characteristics that matter most to you, such as:
- Motion isolation (essential for couples)
- Temperature regulation (key for hot sleepers)
- Edge support (makes the bed feel larger)
- Pressure relief (vital for pain-free joints)
- Natural/organic materials (for eco-conscious shoppers)
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Set a realistic budget. Thankfully IKEA has very affordable prices, but it‘s still a good idea to figure out how much you‘re willing to spend on a new mattress before shopping. Keep in mind that a queen mattress under $500 is considered a budget buy, while $1000+ is a luxury-level bed. IKEA offers solid options for both ends of the spectrum.
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Try before you buy (if possible). The best way to determine if a mattress is right for you is by lying on it for at least 10-15 minutes in your typical sleep position. If you live near an IKEA store, it‘s definitely worth it to go test out the mattress models in person. Wear comfortable clothes, bring your own pillow, and don‘t be shy about sprawling out for a true test run.
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Read customer reviews. Since buying a mattress is a highly personal decision, it‘s helpful to see feedback from other real-life buyers. On IKEA‘s website, you can read hundreds of verified customer reviews for each mattress model. Pay attention to comments regarding firmness, durability, comfort, and customer service to get a well-rounded picture of potential pros and cons.
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Understand the return policy and warranty. Before clicking "add to cart", read the fine print regarding IKEA‘s return policy and warranty for mattresses. For most models, you can exchange your mattress within 90 days if you‘re not happy with it (but only one time). All mattresses come with a 25-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Hang on to your receipt as proof of purchase.
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Don‘t forget a mattress protector. To keep your new IKEA mattress in tip-top shape for as long as possible, I highly recommend using a waterproof mattress protector from day one. This will safeguard against spills, stains, dust mites and other allergens that can shorten a mattress lifespan. IKEA sells very affordable mattress protectors in all standard sizes.
IKEA Mattress Recommendations by Category
To make your IKEA mattress shopping experience even easier, here are my top model recommendations broken down by category:
Best Budget: Haugsvar Spring Mattress
For under $200 for a queen, the Haugsvar innerspring model is an incredible value buy. It features individually wrapped pocket springs for motion isolation plus polyester/rayon fiber filling for a plush yet supportive feel.
Best for Side Sleepers: Matrand Memory Foam Mattress
Side sleepers need a mattress that cradles pressure points, and memory foam excels in this regard. The Matrand model features a generous 3.1" layer of body-contouring memory foam to relieve aches and pains.
Best for Back Pain: Hidrasund Latex Hybrid Mattress
If you struggle with back pain, a supportive hybrid mattress can make a world of difference. The Hidrasund combines over 1,000 pocket springs with natural latex and coconut fibers for an ultra-responsive feel that keeps the spine aligned. Plus, the 7-zone design provides targeted support.
Best Eco-Friendly: Mausand Latex Mattress
IKEA‘s most sustainable mattress, the Mausand is made from a whopping 85% natural latex plus coconut fibers, cotton and wool. It‘s free from harmful chemicals and flame retardants. You‘ll sleep soundly knowing your mattress is good for you and the planet.
Best Luxury: Vatneström Latex Hybrid Mattress
For a true luxury hotel feel, go with the Vatneström. This indulgent hybrid model boasts a full natural latex comfort layer, pocket springs, and a plush Euro top with cooling gel. It delivers the perfect balance of softness and support.
The Bottom Line
After extensive research and hands-on testing, I can confidently say that IKEA offers some of the best affordable mattresses on the market. Their simplified lineup covers all the major mattress types – foam, spring, latex, and hybrid – with well-designed models at every price point.
Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate IKEA‘s low prices and frequent sales, while eco-minded buyers will love the sustainable material options. Regardless of your mattress preferences, you‘re likely to find a suitable bed at IKEA for hundreds less than big-box retailers.
Of course, buying a mattress is a highly individual decision. IKEA‘s 90-day exchange policy offers some peace of mind, but I still recommend doing your due diligence before purchasing. Read reviews, compare specs, and spend time thoroughly testing the mattresses in-store if possible.
Overall, if you‘re looking to get the most mattress bang for your buck, IKEA should definitely be on your radar. With a little research and savvy shopping, you can score an incredible value on a comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting mattress from this retail superstar.
