The main difference between an IKEA Firm and Extra Firm mattress is the level of surface give and overall rigidity. A Firm mattress provides substantial support to keep your spine aligned but has a slight amount of cushioning for comfort, while an Extra Firm mattress offers maximum, uncompromising support with virtually no sinkage, creating a very hard, flat sleep surface.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right IKEA mattress firmness for your sleeping style and comfort needs.
IKEA Firm Mattress
IKEA's Firm mattresses are designed for sleepers who need solid support but don't want to feel like they're sleeping on the floor. This firmness level hits a sweet spot for many, especially back and stomach sleepers, by preventing hips from sinking too deeply while still offering enough surface flexion to avoid feeling overly harsh.
- What it is: A supportive mattress with minimal give, typically constructed from high-density foam or sturdy innersprings to promote neutral spinal alignment.
- Key features: Balances strong support with a small degree of surface cushioning. Designed to reduce motion transfer and provide a stable sleep surface.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $150 to $500, depending on the model and size.
- Materials/Construction: Often made with high-resilience polyurethane foam or pocketed innerspring coils. Covers are typically a durable polyester blend.
- Pros: Excellent for keeping the spine aligned for most back and stomach sleepers. Prevents the "sinking" feeling common in softer beds. Offers great value and support for the price. More accommodating than extra firm for people of average weight.
- Cons: Generally too hard for side sleepers, which can lead to pressure on hips and shoulders. May feel overly firm for lighter individuals. Lacks the "hugging" or contouring feel of memory foam.
This mattress is ideal for back or stomach sleepers of average weight who want reliable support for spinal health without the extreme rigidity of an extra firm model.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/mattresses-10609/
IKEA Extra Firm Mattress
The Extra Firm option from IKEA is their most supportive and rigid mattress. Built for those who require a sleep surface with almost no compression, it's popular with heavier individuals and some back pain sufferers who are advised to sleep on a very hard surface for maximum spinal support.
- What it is: The most rigid mattress available at IKEA, providing maximum stability and support with minimal surface sinkage.
- Key features: Very high-density foam or reinforced innerspring systems. Provides an extremely stable "on top of the mattress" feeling.
- Price: Typically ranges from $200 to $600, varying by size and specific model (e.g., foam vs. spring).
- Materials/Construction: Utilizes the highest density foams or thickest-gauge steel coils available in IKEA's range to achieve maximum firmness and durability.
- Pros: Provides ultimate support, ideal for heavier individuals who might sink too far into other mattresses. Prevents any spinal drooping for strict back and stomach sleepers. Exceptionally durable due to dense materials.
- Cons: Can feel "rock-hard" and uncomfortable for many people, especially those of light or average weight. Offers very little pressure relief, making it unsuitable for side sleepers. The lack of cushioning can be unforgiving.
An extra firm mattress is best for heavier individuals or those under specific medical advice to use a hyper-supportive sleep surface to maintain spinal alignment.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/mattresses-10609/
IKEA Firm vs. Extra Firm Comparison
Support & Feel
The primary difference is the immediate feel when you lie down. An IKEA Firm mattress feels unyielding at first but allows your hips and shoulders to sink just slightly, conforming minimally to your body's heaviest points. It's solid and supportive - you sleep "on" it, not "in" it.
An Extra Firm mattress, by contrast, feels almost like a padded carpeted floor. There is virtually no give, even at the heaviest points of your body. It creates a completely flat, rigid platform designed to hold your spine in a perfectly neutral position without any deviation. The feeling is one of floating on top of a very hard surface.
Best for Sleeping Positions
Sleeping position is the most important factor here. A Firm mattress is best suited for back and stomach sleepers. For back sleepers, it keeps the spine properly aligned. For stomach sleepers, it prevents the midsection from bowing, which can cause lower back pain.
An Extra Firm mattress is also designed for back and stomach sleepers but is often a better choice for individuals weighing over 230 lbs. The increased density prevents bottoming out and ensures durable support over time. For side sleepers, both options are usually too hard, as they don't allow the hips and shoulders to sink in, leading to misalignment and pressure point pain.
Price & Value
Within the same IKEA model line (like HAUGESUND or VESTERÖY), the price difference between the Firm and Extra Firm versions is often minimal or nonexistent. This makes the decision purely about comfort preference and physical need, not budget. Both firmness levels offer exceptional value compared to other mattress brands, providing reliable support at a low cost.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Firm option caters to a broader audience. It's for the average person who knows they prefer a classic firm bed - supportive, stable, and straightforward. If you're a back or stomach sleeper of average weight, the Firm mattress is almost always the safer and more comfortable choice.
The Extra Firm option serves a more specific need. It's targeted toward heavier sleepers who require industrial-strength support to maintain posture and ensure mattress longevity. It's also suitable for anyone who genuinely loves an extremely hard, non-conforming sleep surface, or has been specifically advised by a medical professional to get one.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA mattress types provide excellent support at an affordable price, but the best choice depends on your body, sleeping habits, and feel preference.
Choose an IKEA Firm Mattress if:
- You are primarily a back or stomach sleeper.
- You have an average body weight (under 230 lbs).
- You want strong spinal support but with a slight touch of cushioning.
- The idea of a "rock-hard" mattress sounds uncomfortable.
Choose an IKEA Extra Firm Mattress if:
- You are a heavier individual (over 230 lbs) and need maximum support.
- You are a strict back or stomach sleeper and cannot tolerate any "sinking" whatsoever.
- You've been specifically advised to sleep on an extremely hard surface for back issues.
- You find standard firm mattresses to be too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA's firm and extra firm mattresses?
The biggest difference is in feel. A firm mattress provides sturdy support with a minimal amount of surface cushion, while an extra firm mattress provides the maximum possible support with virtually no cushion. Extra firm feels noticeably harder.
Which firmness is better for back pain?
This depends on the cause of your back pain. For many, a firm mattress that prevents the hips from sinking and keeps the spine aligned is ideal. An extra firm mattress may be beneficial for certain conditions or for heavier individuals, but it can also worsen pain by creating pressure points. A medium-firm or firm option is often the most recommended starting point.
Are IKEA extra firm mattresses good for side sleepers?
No. Side sleepers need a mattress that allows their shoulders and hips to sink in to maintain a straight spine. An extra firm mattress is too rigid and will likely cause painful pressure points and spinal misalignment for a side sleeper.
Will an IKEA firm mattress soften over time?
Yes, all mattresses have a break-in period and will soften slightly over the first few months of use. However, a firm or extra firm mattress from IKEA is designed to a certain specification and will retain its overall supportive character for years.
How long do IKEA mattresses last?
With proper care and a supportive bed frame, an IKEA mattress typically lasts between 7 to 10 years, which is consistent with the industry standard. Their mattresses come with a generous 10-year guarantee.
Do I need a box spring with an IKEA mattress?
No, IKEA mattresses are designed to work on a solid or slatted bed base. They do not require a traditional box spring. Using the mattress on an appropriate base is crucial for providing proper support and validating the warranty.
What is IKEA's mattress return policy?
IKEA offers a "Love it or Exchange it" policy, which typically allows you to exchange your mattress for a different firmness level or model within a 90-day period if you're not satisfied. It's best to check the exact terms for your region, as they might vary.
How can I make a firm mattress more comfortable?
If you find your firm or extra firm mattress is too hard, you can easily add a mattress topper. A 2-3 inch topper made of memory foam, latex, or plush fiberfill can provide pressure relief and a softer feel while a person can still benefit from the supportive base of the mattress.
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