The IKEA Haugesund and Haugsvar mattresses may seem similar, but they differ significantly in construction, feel, and price. The Haugesund is a traditional spring mattress with a firm, bouncy feel, while the Haugsvar is a hybrid mattress combining springs with memory foam for superior pressure relief and motion isolation.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right IKEA mattress for your sleeping style and budget.
IKEA Haugesund Spring Mattress
The Haugesund is a straightforward and budget-friendly spring mattress that offers excellent value. It's built with individually wrapped pocket springs that respond independently to your body, providing support right where you need it. This mattress is a popular choice for guest rooms, first apartments, and anyone who prefers the classic, responsive feel of a traditional spring mattress.
- What it is: A pocket spring mattress with foam comfort layers, available in multiple firmness levels.
- Key features: Individually wrapped pocket springs, foam comfort layers on top for cushioning, stretch fabric on the mattress top that moves with you. It comes rolled and vacuum-packed for easy transport.
- Price: Around $299 for a Queen size.
- Materials/Construction: The core consists of steel pocket springs surrounded by polyurethane foam for comfort and support. The top cover is a polyester blend fabric.
- Firmness Options: Available in medium-firm and firm versions to suit different preferences.
- Pros: Very affordable price point. Pocket springs allow for good air circulation, helping you sleep cooler. Provides a traditionally firm and bouncy feel. Comes with a 10-year guarantee.
- Cons: Lacks significant pressure relief for side sleepers. Motion transfer can be an issue for couples. The foam layers are relatively thin and less conforming than those in a hybrid.
The Haugesund is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, back and stomach sleepers who need firm support, and individuals who tend to sleep hot.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/haugesund-spring-mattress-medium-firm-dark-beige-80307313/
IKEA Haugsvar Hybrid Mattress
The Haugsvar is IKEA's step-up, hybrid model that blends the benefits of pocket springs with the comfort of memory foam. It aims to offer the best of both worlds: the deep support of a spring base and the contouring pressure relief that memory foam is known for. This makes it a great all-around option for a wider variety of sleepers, particularly those who share a bed.
- What it is: A hybrid mattress that combines a supportive pocket spring base with a top layer of memory foam.
- Key features: Pocket springs for support, a layer of high-resilience foam, followed by a memory foam top layer that contours to your body to relieve pressure. This construction also minimizes motion transfer.
- Price: Around $549 for a Queen size.
- Materials/Construction: A base of steel pocket springs is topped with layers of polyurethane foam and memory foam. The entire mattress is encased in a stretch-knit polyester fabric cover.
- Firmness Options: Also available in medium-firm and firm levels.
- Pros: Excellent motion isolation, making it great for couples. Memory foam provides superior pressure relief, especially for shoulders and hips. Offers a balanced feel of contouring comfort and underlying support.
- Cons: More expensive than the Haugesund. Memory foam layers can retain more heat than a traditional spring mattress. It is heavier and more difficult to move.
This mattress is perfect for side sleepers, couples, and anyone seeking the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam without giving up the solid support of a spring mattress.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/haugsvar-hybrid-mattress-medium-firm-dark-beige-10499266/
Haugesund vs. Haugsvar Comparison
Comfort & Feel
The biggest difference between these two mattresses is how they feel. The Haugesund offers a very traditional, bouncy feel. When you lie on it, you feel like you are sleeping "on top of" the mattress, with firm and responsive support. This is often preferred by back and stomach sleepers who need to keep their spine aligned without sinking into the bed.
In contrast, the Haugsvar provides a more cushioned, "in the mattress" sensation. The memory foam top layer allows your body to sink in slightly, contouring around your shoulders and hips to relieve pressure points - a key benefit for side sleepers. It provides a more balanced mix of soft comfort and deep support.
Materials & Construction
While both mattresses use a base of individually wrapped pocket springs, their comfort layers are what set them apart. The Haugesund uses standard polyurethane foam, which provides a layer of basic cushioning over the springs. It’s a simple, effective, and cost-efficient construction.
The Haugsvar takes this a step further by adding a dedicated layer of memory foam on top of its standard foam. Memory foam is denser and responds to body heat and pressure, providing a signature "hug" that helps distribute weight evenly. This more complex construction is what defines it as a hybrid mattress and contributes to its higher price and enhanced comfort features.
Motion Isolation
For anyone who shares a bed, motion isolation is critical. This is where the Haugsvar has a clear advantage. The memory foam layer is excellent at absorbing movement, so you're less likely to feel your partner tossing, turning, or getting out of bed. The Haugesund, being a spring mattress, will transfer more motion across the surface. While its pocketed springs are better at this than traditional intertwined springs, it can't compete with the dampening properties of the Haugsvar's memory foam.
Price & Value
The Haugesund is a straightforward budget option. For around $300, you get a solid, supportive mattress with a 10-year guarantee, which is an excellent value. It delivers on the basics without any extra bells and whistles.
The Haugsvar costs nearly double but delivers significantly more in terms of comfort technology. The inclusion of memory foam for pressure relief and motion isolation represents a major upgrade. For side sleepers, couples, or those with joint pain, the additional cost often translates directly to better sleep quality, making it a valuable upgrade.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mattresses from IKEA are solid choices, but they are designed for very different sleep needs and budgets.
Choose the Haugesund if:
- You're on a strict budget and need the best value under $300.
- You primarily sleep on your back or stomach and prefer a firmer surface.
- You like the responsive, bouncy feel of a traditional spring mattress.
- You tend to sleep hot, as its spring construction allows for better airflow.
Choose the Haugsvar if:
- You are a side sleeper or combination sleeper and need pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
- You share a bed and want to minimize motion transfer from your partner.
- You prefer the contouring, "hugging" sensation of memory foam.
- You have a higher budget and are willing to invest in superior comfort features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Haugesund and Haugsvar?
The main difference is construction. The Haugesund is a spring mattress with basic foam layers for a bouncy feel. The Haugsvar is a hybrid mattress that combines springs with a memory foam layer for better contouring and motion isolation.
Which mattress is firmer?
Both mattresses are available in "medium-firm" and "firm" options. However, due to the memory foam, the Haugsvar might feel slightly softer and more conforming at the surface, while the Haugesund will feel more uniformly firm and springy.
Is the Haugsvar worth the extra money?
If you are a side sleeper or share a bed, the Haugsvar is definitely worth the extra cost. Its superior pressure relief and motion isolation can lead to a more comfortable and uninterrupted night's sleep. For back sleepers or those on a tight budget, the Haugesund provides excellent basic support.
Which IKEA mattress is better for back pain?
This depends on the cause of the pain. The Haugesund provides firm, even support which can help those who need spinal alignment. The Haugsvar provides pressure relief that can soothe sore joints and muscles. Your personal sleep position will be the deciding factor.
Do these IKEA mattresses come in a box?
Yes, both the Haugesund and Haugsvar are rolled and compressed into a box. This makes them much easier to transport, but a Queen size mattress is still quite heavy. You'll need to unbox it in your room and let it expand for about 72 hours before use.
Do I need a box spring with these mattresses?
No, you do not need a traditional box spring. IKEA mattresses are designed to be used on a bed frame with a slatted base or a solid platform bed for proper support and ventilation.
How long do IKEA mattresses last?
With proper care and rotation, you can expect the Haugesund to last around 5-7 years, while the denser foams in the Haugsvar might give it a slightly longer lifespan of 7-8 years. Both come with IKEA's 10-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
Which one is better for couples?
The Haugsvar is the clear winner for couples. Its memory foam layer absorbs movement significantly better than the spring-based Haugesund, meaning you are less likely to be disturbed by a restless partner.
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