Zinus is a direct-to-consumer online brand famous for its ultra-affordable memory foam and hybrid mattresses delivered in a box, prioritizing convenience and value. In contrast, IKEA is a global retail giant that offers a variety of mattress types, from foam and latex to springs, with a major focus on sustainability and the ability to test products in its physical showrooms.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right mattress for your home and budget.
Zinus: The Affordable Online Mattress Brand
Zinus has become a dominant player in the online mattress world by offering shockingly affordable memory foam and hybrid models directly to consumers. Their business model is built around convenience - shipping mattresses compressed and rolled in a box straight to your door. This approach appeals to budget-conscious shoppers, first-time homebuyers, and anyone who prefers a simple, digital shopping experience.
- Product mix: Zinus specializes in memory foam, green tea-infused memory foam, and hybrid mattresses which combine foam layers with innerspring coils. They also offer mattress toppers and bed frames.
- Style/vibe: The designs are functional and straightforward. Zinus mattresses have simple, often zippered covers that work with any style of bedding, focusing on comfort over elaborate aesthetics.
- Price point: Extremely budget-friendly. Most queen-size mattresses fall between $200 and $600. A popular Zinus 12-inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress often retails for under $400 for a queen.
- Quality & Materials: Zinus uses various layers of foam, including memory foam for contouring comfort and high-density foam for support. Many of their products are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring they are made without harmful chemicals and have low VOC emissions.
- Delivery & Setup: Mattresses are delivered compressed and rolled in a box. Setup is as easy as unboxing, unrolling, and letting it expand for 24-72 hours.
- Where to buy: Primarily sold online via the official Zinus website, Amazon, and Walmart.
Zinus stands out for its unmatched value and convenience, making it a go-to for anyone who wants a comfortable memory foam mattress on a tight budget without leaving their home.
Shop Zinus: zinus.com
IKEA: The Sustainable In-Store Choice
IKEA is a global home furnishing powerhouse known for its affordable, Scandinavian-designed furniture, and its mattress lineup is no exception. Offering a broader range of materials beyond just memory foam, IKEA allows customers to choose from foam, latex, spring, and hybrid models. The brand’s key advantage is its vast network of physical stores, giving shoppers the unique opportunity to lie down and test different mattresses before making a decision.
- Product mix: A wide selection including foam, traditional spring, pocket spring, natural latex, and hybrid mattresses. IKEA also sells mattress protectors, toppers, and a massive ecosystem of compatible bed frames.
- Style/vibe: Clean, minimalist, and functional, consistent with IKEA's Scandinavian design philosophy. Covers are typically neutral in color, and many are removable and machine-washable.
- Price point: Highly affordable, with queen-size mattresses generally ranging from $150 to $600. Entry-level spring models can be found for under $200, while latex and hybrid options are on the higher end of the range.
- Quality & Materials: IKEA uses a variety of fillings, including polyurethane foam, individually wrapped pocket springs, and natural latex. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability, with many mattresses made from recycled materials and certified by OEKO-TEX or GREENGUARD for safety.
- Shopping experience: Shoppers can order online or visit a store. The in-store experience is IKEA's main draw, allowing you to compare firmness levels and materials in person in their dedicated mattress sections.
- Return policy: IKEA offers a customer-friendly return policy in many regions, often including a "Love it or Exchange it" sleep trial that allows you to swap your mattress for a different model if you're not satisfied.
IKEA is the ideal choice for shoppers who value in-person testing, a variety of material choices, and a brand with a strong commitment to sustainable practices.
Shop IKEA: ikea.com
Zinus vs. IKEA Comparison
Price Comparison
Both Zinus and IKEA are champions of affordability, making them excellent choices for anyone on a budget. Their price points are remarkably similar, with most queen-sized mattresses from both brands falling into the $200 to $600 bracket.
However, Zinus often has a slight edge when it comes to memory foam and hybrid models, particularly when perpetual sales on sites like Amazon are factored in. IKEA's rock-bottom prices are usually found on its basic spring and thin foam mattresses, which serve well for guest rooms or temporary use.
Style & Aesthetic
Neither brand focuses on luxury aesthetics, their approach is functional and minimalist. Zinus mattresses are utilitarian, with basic white or gray covers designed to be hidden under sheets. The goal is pure function.
IKEA brings a slight Scandinavian design touch to its products. The mattresses feature clean lines, simple quilted covers, and often neutral tones that align with the brand's overall look. A key practical feature for IKEA is that many of their mattress covers are removable and machine washable, which is a major benefit for cleanliness and hygiene.
Quality & Materials
Zinus specializes primarily in foam. Their mattresses consist of multiple layers, including conforming memory foam, transition foam, and a high-density support core. Many are CertiPUR-US certified, protecting you from harmful chemicals, which is a big plus at this price point.
IKEA offers a much wider range of materials, giving you more choice. You can find everything from polyurethane foam to natural latex and individually pocketed springs. IKEA's commitment to sustainability is also a key differentiator, they use recycled steel for their springs and aim for responsibly sourced materials across their line, backed by rigorous third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experience is the biggest difference between the two. Zinus is a classic bed-in-a-box brand - you browse online, read reviews, and place an order. It's built for digital convenience and for shoppers who are comfortable buying sight-unseen.
IKEA offers a hybrid model. You can buy online, but the primary benefit is visiting one of their massive showrooms. Being able to physically lie on different models, compare the feel of foam versus springs, and talk to staff is a significant advantage that Zinus cannot offer.
Delivery & Setup
Zinus mattresses are delivered compressed and rolled in a box to your doorstep. Setup involves bringing the box inside, unrolling the mattress on your bed frame, and allowing it to expand for a day or two. It’s an easy, one-person job.
IKEA mattresses can also be delivered, but many customers choose to pick them up in-store. Many of their mattresses come roll-packed as well, making them easy to take home in your car. Setup is similarly simple - just open and let it decompress.
Sustainability & Ethics
While Zinus's CertiPUR-US certification is commendable and ensures their foams are safe, IKEA takes sustainability to another level. IKEA has built its brand reputation on ambitious environmental goals. This includes using recycled or renewable materials, minimizing waste, and earning certifications like GREENGUARD and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which test for a wider range of harmful substances.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends entirely on your shopping preferences and priorities. Both brands deliver excellent value, but they cater to two different types of customers.
Choose Zinus if:
- You prefer the convenience of online shopping and home delivery.
- You specifically want a memory foam mattress with a "hugging" or contouring feel.
- You're looking for the absolute rock-bottom price on a quality foam mattress.
- You are comfortable buying a mattress without trying it first.
Choose IKEA if:
- You must test a mattress in person before you buy it.
- Sustainability and eco-friendly certifications are extremely important to you.
- You want a wider choice of materials, including latex and springs.
- You are already shopping for other IKEA furniture, like a specific bed frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zinus or IKEA cheaper?
Both brands are exceptionally affordable. For basic entry-level mattresses, IKEA might be slightly cheaper. For comparable memory foam and hybrid mattresses, Zinus often has a slight edge on price, especially when factoring in online sales.
Which mattress lasts longer, Zinus or IKEA?
For budget mattresses in this price range, a realistic lifespan is about 5-7 years, depending on the model and usage. Neither is designed to be a 20-year investment piece. Durability is comparable, though higher-end IKEA latex or hybrid models may offer slightly longer lifespans than entry-level foam models from either brand.
Can I try an IKEA mattress before I buy?
Yes. This is one of IKEA's biggest advantages. You can visit any of their showrooms worldwide to test their entire mattress lineup in person before purchasing.
Can I try a Zinus mattress before I buy?
No, Zinus is sold online, so there are no physical stores or showrooms where you can test their products. You have to rely on customer reviews and product descriptions.
Are IKEA mattresses good quality?
Yes, for their price, IKEA mattresses offer very good quality. They meet strict European safety standards and often come with eco-friendly certifications, providing excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.
How long does a Zinus mattress take to expand?
Most Zinus mattresses fully expand within 48 to 72 hours after being unboxed. During this time, they may have a slight "new mattress" smell, which is normal and should dissipate quickly in a well-ventilated room.
Do I need a special bed frame for an IKEA mattress?
No. While IKEA mattresses are designed to work perfectly with their own bed frames (which can sometimes have slightly different dimensions), they use standard U.S. sizing and will fit on most modern bed frames, slatted bases, or platform beds.
Which brand is more eco-friendly?
IKEA has a more comprehensive and well-documented sustainability program, with a strong focus on using recycled and renewable materials and earning extensive third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX. While Zinus's CertiPUR-US certification is good, IKEA is generally considered the more eco-conscious choice.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
