At first glance, all-foam mattresses can seem alike, but the difference between a standard polyurethane foam mattress and a memory foam mattress from a brand like IKEA comes down to feel, support, and pressure relief. An IKEA memory foam mattress conforms to your body for a contouring, 'hug' sensation, while a standard foam mattress offers a more responsive, 'on-top' feel with a bit of bounce.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two popular IKEA mattress types to choose the right one for your sleep style and budget.
IKEA Polyurethane Foam Mattresses
IKEA's polyurethane foam mattresses are the brand's workhorse options, providing straightforward comfort and support at an extremely accessible price. These mattresses offer a more traditional foam feel - they are generally resilient, responsive, and provide a firmer surface that you sleep *on top* of, rather than sinking into.
- What it is: A mattress made from one or more layers of conventional polyurethane foam, designed for reliable support and durability.
- Key features: Responsive surface with a slight bounce, typically available in multiple firmness levels, and often lightweight and easy to handle.
- Price: Highly budget-friendly, often ranging from $179 to around $500, varying by size and specific model.
- Style: Simple and functional with neutral-colored, removable, and often machine-washable covers.
- Materials/Construction: Generally consists of a high-density polyurethane foam base for support with a softer layer on top for comfort.
- Pros: Very affordable and a great entry-level option. Responsive feel is easy to move around on. Great for kids' rooms, guest beds, or first apartments. They don't typically retain as much heat as some memory foams.
- Cons: Offers less pressure relief, which might not be ideal for side sleepers or those with joint pain. Motion isolation is less effective than memory foam. May have a shorter lifespan compared to more complex mattresses.
This type of mattress is a practical choice for stomach or back sleepers, budget-conscious shoppers, and anyone who prefers a firmer, more responsive sleep surface.
Shop this product: ikea.com/ms/en_US/new_ish/02123-new-mattresses/index.html
IKEA Memory Foam Mattresses
IKEA's memory foam mattresses are designed for contouring comfort, using viscoelastic foam that reacts to your body's heat and weight. This creates a cradling sensation that molds to your unique shape, providing excellent pressure relief by distributing your weight evenly across the surface.
- What it is: A mattress with comfort layers made from viscoelastic memory foam that adapt to the sleeper's body.
- Key features: Excellent pressure relief, slow-response feel creates a "hugging" sensation, superior motion isolation to reduce partner disturbance.
- Price: Competitively priced, ranging from approximately $250 to over $700 depending on size, layers, and complexity.
- Style: Minimalist design, usually with soft, neutral-toned covers that are easy to remove and clean.
- Materials/Construction: Often feature a top layer of viscoelastic memory foam over a firmer base layer of high-resilience polyurethane foam for support.
- Pros: Superb pressure point relief, especially for side sleepers and individuals with back or joint pain. Minimal motion transfer is ideal for couples. The hugging feel can be very comfortable and comforting.
- Cons: The slow response can make it feel difficult to change positions. Some memory foams can trap body heat, although newer models have features to improve airflow. An initial off-gassing smell is common but fades quickly.
An IKEA memory foam mattress works well for anyone who needs targeted support for their hips and shoulders, values motion isolation, and enjoys the distinct contouring feel of sleeping "in" their mattress.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/foam-memory-foam-mattresses-24824/
IKEA Foam vs. Memory Foam Comparison
Comfort & Feel
The most significant difference between IKEA's polyurethane foam and memory foam mattresses is the feel. A standard foam mattress is resilient and pops back into shape quickly when you press on it. This creates a slightly springy, responsive surface that makes it easy to move around and get out of bed. You'll feel like you're sleeping *on* the mattress for consistent support.
In contrast, an IKEA memory foam mattress has a slow response time, creating a momentary impression of your handprint. This slow-moving nature allows it to cradle your body, creating a customized, 'hug'-like feel. You sleep more *in* the mattress, which some find incredibly comforting and others find a bit restrictive.
Support & Pressure Relief
Both mattress types provide support, but memory foam excels at pressure relief. The contouring properties of memory foam allow it to distribute body weight more evenly, reducing pressure on key areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees. This is particularly beneficial for side sleepers and anyone who experiences joint pain or muscle soreness.
Standard polyurethane foam offers a more generalized, firm support. While it keeps your spine aligned, it doesn't offer the same targeted relief. It pushes back against your body with consistent force, which often works well for back and stomach sleepers who need to prevent their hips from sinking too low.
Materials & Durability
IKEA uses quality materials for its price point in both mattress types. The standard foam mattresses rely on durable polyurethane, while the memory foam options use temperature- and pressure-sensitive viscoelastic foam. In many IKEA mattresses, these materials are combined, with memory foam a comfort layer over a more resilient base foam core.
The durability of both types is good for the price, suitable for everyday use for several years. Neither may last as long as premium, high-density options from specialty brands that cost thousands, but they offer great longevity for their price category.
Price & Value
IKEA is known for affordability, and both its standard foam and memory foam lines reflect this. Standard polyurethane foam mattresses are typically the most budget-friendly option, making them a fantastic choice for tight budgets. Memory foam mattresses often have a slight price premium due to the more complex material, but IKEA's options remain far more affordable than nearly any other memory foam brand on the market.
The value for both is excellent. You get a comfortable, reliable mattress with a generous return policy and warranty for a fraction of the cost you would pay elsewhere, making sleep comfort accessible to a wider audience.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA foam types deliver excellent value, but they are built for different sleepers and preferences.
Choose an IKEA Foam mattress if:
- You're on a very tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You are a stomach or back sleeper who prefers a firmer, more responsive surface.
- You tend to sleep hot and are concerned about heat retention.
- You need a mattress for a guest room, a starter apartment, or a child’s bed.
Choose an IKEA Memory Foam mattress if:
- You are primarily a side sleeper and need extra cushioning for your hips and shoulders.
- You experience regular joint pain and need superior pressure relief.
- You share your bed and want to minimize motion transfer from a restless partner.
- You enjoy the feeling of sinking into your mattress and being 'cradled' to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA foam and memory foam?
The main difference is the feel. Regular polyurethane foam is responsive and springy, giving you a traditional sleep surface you lie on top of. Memory foam is slow-moving and contouring, creating a 'hugging' sensation as you sink into it for personalized pressure relief.
Which IKEA foam mattress is best for side sleepers?
An IKEA memory foam mattress is almost always the better choice for side sleepers. It allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly, promoting proper spinal alignment and cushioning pressure points far better than a standard foam mattress.
Do IKEA memory foam mattresses sleep hot?
Traditionally, memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat. However, many of IKEA's more modern designs incorporate breathable comfort layers or designs to help mitigate this. They may still sleep slightly warmer than a standard foam or innerspring mattress, but for most people, it's not a significant issue.
How long do IKEA foam mattresses last?
With proper care, an IKEA foam mattress typically lasts between 5 and 8 years. Their lifespan depends on usage, the sleeper's body weight, and how well it is maintained. This is a very solid lifespan for a mattress in this price range.
Do IKEA mattresses need a box spring?
No, IKEA foam mattresses are designed to work without a traditional box spring. They perform best on a solid foundation or a slatted bed base where the slats are close enough together to provide uniform support (typically less than 3 inches apart).
Do IKEA mattresses have a strange smell?
When new, memory foam mattresses often have a slight chemical odor known as off-gassing. This is normal and harmless, resulting from the vacuum-sealing process. The smell typically dissipates within a day or two in a well-ventilated room.
Which mattress type is better for back pain?
This depends on the cause of the back pain. Memory foam is excellent for relieving pressure points that can aggravate pain, but some people find a firmer, standard foam mattress offers better support for spinal alignment. The best choice is highly personal.
What is IKEA's return policy for mattresses?
IKEA offers a "Love it or Exchange it" policy, allowing you to try a mattress at home and exchange it if you're not satisfied within a generous timeframe. Always check IKEA's official website for the most current policy details before purchasing.
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