The IKEA Moshult and Malfors are two of the brand's most popular budget-friendly foam mattresses, but they cater to different comfort needs and uses. The Moshult is a single-layer, often firmer foam mattress designed for the absolute lowest price point, while the Malfors offers two firmness options (medium-firm and firm) and a slightly more resilient dual-layer foam construction.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which IKEA mattress is the right choice for your bedroom or guest room.
IKEA Moshult Foam Mattress
The Moshult is IKEA's entry-level foam mattress, providing a basic and firm sleeping surface at an extremely accessible price. It's often chosen for kids' beds, guest rooms, bunk beds, or temporary living situations where price is the single most important factor. Its straightforward, single-layer foam design prioritizes function and affordability over features.
- What it is: A single-layer, no-frills polyurethane foam mattress.
- Key features: All-foam construction, typically one firmness level (Firm or Extra-Firm), rolled and vacuum-sealed for easy transport. Approximately 4" thick.
- Price: Around $129 for a Twin size.
- Firmness/Feel: Varies by region, but it's consistently on the firmer side of the spectrum (around 7-8 out of 10) with minimal contouring or sink.
- Materials/Construction: A single solid layer of resilient polyurethane foam with a non-removable polyester blend cover.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly - one of the cheapest mattresses available. Very lightweight and easy to move or transport. Works well for bunk beds or trundles due to its low profile. Decent support for children or infrequent guest use.
- Cons: Lacks long-term durability for daily adult use. Firmer feel may be uncomfortable for side sleepers or those needing pressure relief. Cover is not removable or washable. Less breathable than more advanced foam mattresses.
The Moshult mattress is the ideal solution when you need a functional, firm sleeping surface for the lowest possible cost, especially for infrequent use.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/moshult-twin-foam-mattress-firm-white/
IKEA Malfors Foam Mattress
The Malfors represents a significant step up from the Moshult for a modest increase in price. It offers a choice of two firmness levels and features a more complex dual-layer foam design that provides better comfort and support for everyday sleeping. It's a popular choice for college dorms, first apartments, and primary bedrooms on a budget.
- What it is: A versatile dual-layer foam mattress available in two firmness levels.
- Key features: Available in Medium-Firm or Firm, dual-layer construction, removable and machine-washable cover. Approximately 4 3/4" thick.
- Price: Around $199 for a Twin size.
- Firmness/Feel: Comes in two options: Medium-Firm (around 6/10) for better pressure relief and Firm (around 8/10) for stronger support. The top comfort layer provides more give than the Moshult.
- Materials/Construction: A supportive base layer of polyurethane foam topped with a softer comfort layer of foam. The polyester blend cover is zippered and can be removed for machine washing.
- Pros: Choice between two firmness levels caters to more sleeping preferences. The washable cover is a huge plus for hygiene and long-term use. Dual-layer foam provides more support and comfort than single-layer designs. Great value for a primary mattress on a tight budget.
- Cons: Still a budget mattress with a shorter lifespan than premium options. Lacks advanced features like cooling gel or hybrid coil support. Moderate motion isolation. Might not be supportive enough for heavier individuals over the long term.
The Malfors mattress is suited for someone who needs an affordable everyday mattress and values the choice in firmness and the convenience of a washable cover.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/malfors-twin-foam-mattress-medium-firm-white/
Moshult vs. Malfors Comparison
Firmness & Feel
The most significant difference lies here. The Moshult typically comes in a single firm or extra-firm option. Its simple, one-layer foam construction provides a solid, flat support surface with very little "give" or contouring. It's best for back or stomach sleepers who prefer a very firm feel and don't require much pressure relief.
In contrast, the Malfors gives you a choice. The Medium-Firm version is better for side sleepers or those who want a bit more cushioning for their joints, while the Firm version provides support similar to the Moshult but with a slightly more responsive feel due to its top comfort layer. This choice makes the Malfors much more versatile for different sleep positions and preferences.
Materials & Construction
The construction directly impacts feel and longevity. The Moshult is as basic as it gets: one block of polyurethane foam designed to provide foundational support. It has a stitched-on, non-removable cover. This simple build is what keeps its cost incredibly low.
The Malfors features a slightly more advanced dual-layer construction. It has a sturdy base foam layer for support and a softer comfort foam layer on top to provide cushioning and pressure relief. This layering makes it feel less like a simple mat and more like a proper mattress. Furthermore, its zippered cover is completely removable and machine washable, which is a major benefit for maintaining mattress hygiene over years of use.
Price & Value
Both mattresses are excellent values within the IKEA lineup, but they target different needs. The Moshult is the undisputed winner if your only criteria is the absolute lowest upfront cost. It provides a usable sleeping surface for under $150 in a twin size, which is hard to beat.
However, the Malfors offers far superior overall value for a primary, everyday mattress. For a small price increase (roughly $50-$70 more depending on size), you get a washable cover, a choice in firmness, and a more comfortable dual-layer design. These features dramatically improve the sleeping experience and longevity, making it a much better long-term investment for anyone who will use the mattress regularly.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA mattresses are solid choices for their price points, but they are built for entirely different purposes.
Choose the Moshult if:
- Your absolute top priority is the lowest possible price.
- You need a mattress for very infrequent use, like a rarely used guest room or trundle bed.
- You are buying for a young child's first bed or bunk bed.
- You explicitly prefer a very firm mattress with minimal cushioning.
Choose the Malfors if:
- You're buying a mattress for yourself or someone else to sleep on every night.
- You want to choose your firmness level to match your sleep style (especially if you're a side sleeper).
- You value hygiene and want a machine-washable mattress cover.
- You are looking for the best overall comfort and durability for under $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Moshult and Malfors?
The main difference is customization and features. The Malfors offers two firmness options (medium-firm and firm) and has a removable, washable cover. The Moshult comes in one firmness level (usually firm) and has a non-removable cover, making it a more basic, stripped-down option.
Which IKEA mattress is better for side sleepers?
The Malfors Medium-Firm mattress is much better for side sleepers. Its top comfort foam layer allows shoulders and hips to sink in slightly, which relieves pressure points. The Moshult is generally too firm for most side sleepers and can cause discomfort.
Can you feel your partner moving on these mattresses?
Both are all-foam mattresses, so they are generally good at isolating motion compared to traditional innerspring beds. However, the thicker, dual-layer Malfors likely isolates motion slightly better than the thin, single-layer Moshult.
Do IKEA mattresses smell when you unbox them?
Yes, both mattresses are vacuum-sealed and may have a slight chemical "off-gassing" smell upon opening. This is normal for bed-in-a-box foam mattresses and should dissipate within 24-72 hours in a well-ventilated room.
How long do the Moshult and Malfors last?
For nightly adult use, a Malfors should last between 3-5 years. A Moshult used nightly will likely show signs of sagging or compression much sooner, possibly in 1-2 years. For light use (e.g., in a guest room), both will last much longer.
Do I need a box spring with these mattresses?
No, you do not need a box spring. However, they must be used on a bed frame with a solid or slatted base. If using a slatted base, ensure the slats are no more than 3 inches apart to provide adequate support and prevent the foam from sinking through.
Are the mattress covers washable?
The cover on the Malfors is removable and machine washable, which is a key advantage. The cover on the Moshult is spot-clean only.
How long do you have to wait before sleeping on an IKEA foam mattress?
IKEA recommends allowing 72 hours for the mattress to fully decompress and air out after unboxing before you sleep on it. This allows it to reach its intended size and firmness.
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