The main difference between an IKEA Firm and Medium-Firm mattress comes down to feel and sleeping position suitability. A firm IKEA mattress offers rigid, on-the-bed support ideal for stomach and dedicated back sleepers, while a medium-firm IKEA mattress provides a more balanced "in-the-bed" feel with cushioning for joints, making it better for side sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which IKEA mattress firmness is right for you.
IKEA Firm Mattresses
IKEA's firm mattresses prioritize maximum support and an even sleeping surface. Constructed with dense foam layers and robust inner spring systems, these mattresses are designed to keep your spine aligned without the sinking feeling associated with softer beds. They're a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers needing substantial support, particularly in guest rooms or for those who strictly sleep on their backs or stomachs.
- What it is: A supportive mattress with minimal give, designed to provide a solid, flat surface for proper spinal alignment.
- Key features: High-density foam layers, sturdy pocket spring systems, and often a simple, flat top surface.
- Price: Typically ranges from $200 for a twin to $600 for a king, varying by specific model (e.g., Haugesund, Asvang).
- Style: Unfussy and practical, with simple white or gray removable covers that are easy to clean.
- Materials/Construction: Often built using combinations of foam and pocket springs, with materials selected for durability and support over contouring comfort.
- Pros: Excellent for spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers, feels very supportive and can help prevent sagging, extremely affordable, and readily available.
- Cons: Can feel too hard and cause pressure points for side sleepers, limited cushioning for joints, may lack the luxurious feel of more premium mattresses.
An IKEA firm mattress is a great fit for stomach or back sleepers who need uncompromising support and shoppers looking for an affordable, straightforward solution for a student apartment or guest room.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/firm-mattresses-18538/
IKEA Medium-Firm Mattresses
The medium-firm mattress is IKEA's most versatile and popular option, aiming to provide a universal comfort level that suits the widest range of people. It successfully blends the sturdy support of a firm mattress with enough soft cushioning to contour to the body's curves and relieve pressure points. This 'best-of-both-worlds' approach makes it an ideal choice for primary bedrooms, couples with different sleeping preferences, and anyone who isn't sure exactly how firm they want to go.
- What it is: A balanced hybrid-style mattress offering both reactive support and contouring comfort for a variety of sleep positions.
- Key features: Hybrid constructions mixing pocket springs with comfort foam or memory foam layers, pressure-relieving comfort zones.
- Price: Ranges from $250 for a twin to over $800 for a king with more features (e.g., Vesteroy, Valevag).
- Style: Minimalist IKEA aesthetic, generally featuring removable and washable white covers, with some higher-end models offering subtle quilting.
- Materials/Construction: Typically uses pocketed coils for independent support alongside layers of polyester batting, polyurethane foam, or memory foam for cushioning.
- Pros: Versatile enough for side, back, and combination sleepers, an excellent compromise for couples, provides good pressure relief on hips and shoulders, priced very competitively.
- Cons: May not be firm enough for some dedicated stomach sleepers and might feel too firm for strict side sleepers who prefer a very plush surface.
The IKEA medium-firm mattress works for the majority of people, especially side sleepers, couples, and those furnishing a main bedroom who need a dependable, all-around performer.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/medium-firm-mattresses-18534/
IKEA Firm vs. Medium-Firm Comparison
Feel & Support
The most significant difference is the immediate feel. An IKEA firm mattress provides true "sleep on top" support where your body rests level on the surface with minimal sinkage. It keeps your hips from dipping, which is crucial for stomach sleepers, and maintains a straight spine for back sleepers. You feel very "held up" by the mattress.
A medium-firm mattress, in contrast, offers a “sleep in it” experience with noticeable contouring. The foam comfort layers allow your shoulders and hips to sink in just enough to alleviate pressure points, which is essential for comfort when sleeping on your side. The mattress still provides foundational support from the coil base, but the initial sensation is one of cushioned comfort, not rigid flatness.
Sleeper Type Suitability
Your preferred sleeping position is the number one factor in this decision. Firm IKEA mattresses are built almost exclusively for stomach and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a solid surface to prevent their back from arching unnaturally, and back sleepers benefit from unwavering lumbar support. If you roll onto your side, a firm mattress will likely feel uncomfortable on your shoulder and hip joints.
A medium-firm mattress excels for side sleepers, who are the majority of the population. It also works very well for combination sleepers who shift positions throughout the night. Because it also supports back sleeping comfortably, it’s the safest and most popular choice, especially for couples who may have different sleeping styles.
Price & Value
Generally, IKEA's firm mattresses represent the lowest entry-level price point in their lineup. With simpler constructions focused purely on support, they require fewer comfort layers and less complex materials, allowing IKEA to offer them at very low prices. They deliver incredible value for anyone who needs functional, supportive bedding on a tight budget.
Medium-firm mattresses typically cost slightly more because they often use hybrid constructions with more components - a coil base plus one or more layers of foam create a more complex and balanced feel. That extra investment gets you significantly more versatility and comfort for a wider array of sleeping positions, which for most people represents better long-term value for a primary bed.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both firmness levels offer great value and suit different kinds of sleepers.
Choose an IKEA Firm Mattress if:
- You exclusively sleep on your back or stomach and need maximum support.
- You have been advised by a doctor to sleep on a very firm surface.
- You enjoy feeling like you are sleeping 'on top' of your bed, not sinking into it.
- You are buying a mattress for a guest room or a temporary living situation where budget is the main priority.
- You weigh over 230 lbs and require extra support to prevent bottoming out on softer mattresses.
Choose an IKEA Medium-Firm Mattress if:
- You primarily sleep on your side or switch between multiple positions during the night.
- You share a bed with a partner, especially if you have different sleeping preferences or weights.
- You find firm mattresses uncomfortable and wake up with sore hips or shoulders.
- You want a balanced, crowd-pleasing option that accommodates almost any guest or family member.
- This will be the main mattress for your master bedroom and you want a lasting, versatile comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between an IKEA firm and medium-firm mattress?
The main difference is the feel and suitability for sleeping positions. A firm mattress provides sturdy, flat support with minimal sinking and is best for back and stomach sleepers. A medium-firm mattress has more cushioning to relieve pressure points and contour to the body, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers.
Which firmness is better for back pain?
This depends on the cause of the pain. A firm mattress can be better for those who need strict spinal alignment and get pain from hip sag on soft beds. However, a medium-firm mattress often provides a better balance of support and pressure relief, which can benefit many people with general back discomfort. A mattress that's too hard can exacerbate pain by creating pressure points.
Is an IKEA mattress supportive enough?
Yes, IKEA mattresses are designed to be quite supportive, especially their firm and medium-firm options. Even the foam models use high-density compositions, and the hybrid models with pocketed springs offer excellent foundational support to prevent sagging.
Can you flip an IKEA mattress?
Most modern IKEA mattresses are no-flip designs with specific support and comfort layers built from the bottom up. Instead of flipping, you should rotate the mattress 180 degrees every few months to ensure it wears evenly.
Do IKEA mattresses get softer over time?
Yes, all mattresses have a break-in period, and IKEA mattresses are no exception. They will feel stiffest when brand new and become slightly softer and more conforming over the first few weeks of use, an adjustment that is completely normal for new mattresses of any brand in the marketplace.
How long do IKEA mattresses last?
With proper care and rotation, you can expect an IKEA mattress to last between 5 and 8 years, which is good for its price point. While they might not have the longevity of premium brands that use more robust materials or offer warranties from 2 to 3 decades, they will certainly provide very good value over their natural use and wear and tear. You can often extend its life and even fit a specific sleeping style by using a high-density or cushy mattress protector or topper.
What if I choose the wrong firmness?
IKEA has a generous mattress exchange policy. You have a 365-day trial period to decide if it's right for you. If not, you can exchange it. This allows you to give it a proper trial for at least 30 days before making a decision.
Will an IKEA mattress work with an adjustable base?
Most IKEA foam and hybrid mattresses work well with adjustable bed bases. Their pocket spring system is designed to move with the bed frame, providing a great fit. Always verify that your specific mattress model is compatible with an adjustable base before purchase.
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