The IKEA Husvika and the Malfors are two popular budget-friendly mattresses from IKEA, but they offer very different sleep experiences due to their core materials. The Husvika is a traditional spring mattress with bouncy support and better airflow, while the Malfors is a firm foam mattress that provides contouring pressure relief and isolates motion transfer more effectively.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide if the springy Husvika or the conforming foam of the Malfors is the right choice for your bedroom or guest room.
IKEA Husvika Sprung Mattress
The Husvika is IKEA's straightforward, no-frills spring mattress. It is designed around a core of Bonnell springs, which provide firm, responsive support and create a traditional, bouncy mattress feel. Because of its simpler construction and firm feel, the Husvika is most often used for daybeds, guest beds, or children's rooms where a durable, basic mattress is needed.
- What it is: A firm, traditional Bonnell spring mattress designed for affordability and basic sleeping needs.
- Key features: Bonnell spring system, ~4.75" thickness, available in Twin size, designed to fit IKEA daybeds and stackable beds like the UTAKER.
- Price: Around $119 (for Twin)
- Style: Simple, functional mattress-in-a-box. Suitable for guest beds, daybeds, and transitional use.
- Materials/Construction: A core of steel Bonnell springs surrounded by polyurethane foam comfort layers and a non-removable polyester fabric cover. It comes roll-packed for easy transport.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Springs provide excellent air circulation, making it sleep cooler than all-foam models. Firm support is good for back and stomach sleepers. Its bounciness makes it easy to change positions.
- Cons: Motion transfer is high, so you'll feel a partner move. Minimal pressure relief for side sleepers. The thin comfort layer means you are very close to the spring system. Not designed for long-term, primary-bedroom use.
The Husvika is perfect for a guest room, a child's first "big kid" bed, or an IKEA daybed that sees occasional use as a sleeper.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/husvika-sprung-mattress-firm-dark-beige-10338600/
IKEA Malfors Foam Mattress
The IKEA Malfors is a highly popular mattress-in-a-box option known for providing excellent value in the category of all-foam beds. Made from a single layer of resilient polyurethane foam, it offers a firm surface with a touch of contouring support that isolates motion well. Although the Malfors has been discontinued in some regions (often replaced by newer models like the ÅGOTNES), it remains a benchmark for affordable foam mattresses.
- What it is: A simple, firm, and supportive all-foam mattress.
- Key features: Single-layer polyurethane foam core, ~4.75" thickness, removable and machine-washable cover. Typically available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. It comes roll-packed.
- Price: Was previously priced from $149 (Twin) to $299 (King).
- Style: Minimalist, modern foam mattress perfect for platform beds and general use.
- Materials/Construction: High-resilience polyurethane foam. The machine-washable cotton/polyester blend cover is a major practical benefit for cleaning.
- Pros: Excellent motion isolation, making it great for couples. The washable cover is very convenient for hygiene. Good pressure relief compared to a spring mattress. Lightweight and easy to move.
- Cons: Has been discontinued in many markets, making it difficult to find. Can retain heat more than a spring mattress. Some sleepers find it overly firm with not enough "give" or softness.
The Malfors is well-suited for anyone prioritizing motion isolation and easy maintenance on a budget, such as couples or those looking for a clean, modern foam sleep surface.
Shop similar products: ikea.com/us/en/cat/foam-latex-mattresses/
Husvika vs. Malfors Comparison
Comfort & Feel
The primary difference is the feel. The Husvika has the distinct, bouncy feel of a traditional innerspring mattress. You sleep "on top" of it, and changing positions is easy. It feels very responsive but also transfers motion significantly. If your partner tosses and turns, you will feel it.
In contrast, the Malfors offers the classic feel of firm foam. It contours slightly to your body to relieve pressure, creating a sleep experience where you feel more "in" the mattress. It absorbs movement exceptionally well, so it's a superior choice for light sleepers who share a bed. However, some may find the dense foam difficult to move around on and that it retains body heat more than the airy spring construction of the Husvika.
Materials & Construction
The Husvika is built around a network of Bonnell springs - steel coils linked together into a single unit. This spring system is time-tested and durable but provides very generalized support rather than targeted pressure relief. A thin layer of foam on top provides a small amount of cushioning between you and the springs.
The Malfors is far simpler: it's a solid block of high-resilience polyurethane foam. There are no layers or coils, just a single piece of foam that provides both support and comfort. Its key construction feature is the removable, machine-washable cover, a practical advantage over the Husvika's spot-clean-only cover.
Support & Firmness
Both mattresses are on the firmer end of the spectrum, as is common for IKEA mattresses intended for supportive sleep. The Husvika's firmness comes from the unified pushback of its Bonnell spring system. It offers consistent, even support across the entire mattress surface, making it feel reliably solid from edge to edge and ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
The Malfors delivers a different kind of firmness. Its dense foam provides solid support but also allows heavier areas like shoulders and hips to sink in slightly, offering more focused pressure relief than the Husvika. This makes it a slightly better option for side sleepers who need some cushioning, though very strict side sleepers may still find it too hard.
Price & Value
Both mattresses are positioned at the most affordable end of IKEA’s mattress lineup. The Husvika is typically one of the absolute lowest-priced mattresses IKEA sells, often costing under $120 for a twin. This makes it an unbeatable value for a guest bed or trundle that won't see daily use.
The Malfors, when it was available, cost slightly more but provided better features for nightly use, such as motion isolation and a washable cover. Its value was in offering the benefits of memory foam (without the high price tag) for a primary bedroom. For everyday sleeping, the Malfors offered more value, but for occasional use, the Husvika is the clear budget winner.
Which One Should You Choose?
These two beds are good, affordable options from a trusted brand, but they are built for different sleepers and purposes.
Choose the Husvika if:
- You need a mattress for a daybed, guest room, or child's bed.
- You are on a very strict budget and need the most affordable option.
- You sleep hot and value the airflow that a spring mattress provides.
- You prefer the classic, bouncy feeling of an innerspring mattress.
Choose the Malfors (or a similar IKEA foam model) if:
- You share a bed and motion isolation is your top priority.
- You want the convenience of a removable and machine-washable mattress cover.
- You prefer the gentle contouring and pressure relief that foam provides.
- The mattress is for a primary bedroom and will be used nightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Husvika and the Malfors?
The main difference is the core material. The Husvika is a Bonnell spring mattress, which makes it bouncy, cool, and supportive. The Malfors is a foam mattress, which makes it better at isolating motion and relieving pressure points.
Is the IKEA Malfors discontinued?
Yes, in many countries, the Malfors has been phased out and replaced by newer budget-friendly foam mattresses like the ÅGOTNES, VESTEROY, or VALEVÅG. These models offer similar properties with updated materials and construction. Always check your local IKEA website for the current range.
Which mattress is better for back sleepers?
Both mattresses can be good for back sleepers because of their firm support. The Husvika provides rigid alignment, while the Malfors allows for a subtle sinking of the hips. Individual preference will determine the winner, but both are fundamentally good choices for maintaining spinal alignment while sleeping on your back.
Which is better for side sleepers?
The Malfors is generally a better choice for side sleepers. Its foam construction offers more cushioning for the shoulders and hips compared to the very firm and non-conforming surface of the Husvika spring mattress. However, dedicated side sleepers may find both options too firm.
Do these mattresses need a box spring?
Neither mattress requires a traditional box spring. The IKEA Husvika is designed to work well on a solid platform or slatted bed base. The foam Malfors works best on a slatted bed base or a solid platform bed for uniform support and airflow.
How long do these mattresses last?
The Husvika is designed for light or occasional use, and you can expect it to last 3-5 years in good condition. The Malfors, being a dense foam mattress for daily use, typically holds up for about 5-7 years, which is standard for a budget mattress-in-a-box.
Are the covers removable?
The Malfors features a zip-off, machine-washable cover, which is a major advantage for cleanliness. The Husvika's cover is not designed to be removed and should only be spot-cleaned.
Which one is better for guest bedrooms?
The IKEA Husvika is an excellent choice for guest bedrooms. Its low price, durability, and firm universal feel make it a practical and functional option for accommodating guests occasionally without a large investment.
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