When it’s time to shop for home essentials, most of us instinctively head to IKEA. It’s the go-to destination for affordable prices and an endless variety of designs.
However, when it comes to your mattress—the one place where you spend a full third of your life—simply being "affordable" or "stylish" might not cut it. Can a budget-friendly mattress truly provide the support needed for deep, restorative sleep?
In this Ikea mattress review, we’re taking a deep dive into the pros, cons, and delivery services of IKEA’s best-selling mattresses to see if they’re a genuine bargain or just a marketing gimmick.
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Step into the IKEA mattress department, and you’re immediately met with a dizzying array of choices, from different materials to varying levels of firmness.
Many shoppers find that a 30-second "test drive" in the showroom feels "good enough," only to realise three months later that they’re waking up with a sore back.
Let’s take a look at how IKEA’s most popular model, the VALEVÅG mattress, actually performs in reality.
After unboxing, the mattress takes about 72 hours to fully expand to its 24cm height. Its internal construction is relatively straightforward, consisting of a comfort layer made of 5cm polyurethane foam (which is essentially just a layer of standard resilient foam) and a support layer of pocket springs.
It feels quite firm, sitting at approximately an 8/10 on the firmness scale, and offers solid support throughout. Overall, the design is simple and functional.
Pros
Cons
This is a mid-range IKEA mattress that feels more like a hybrid than a standard pocket spring model, though it skips the memory foam. Even though the build quality doesn't necessarily stand out, it’s reasonably priced and offers good value for a pocket spring mattress.
Just like Ikea, Newentor mattresses are well-known for their high cost-performance within the hybrid mattress segment.
| Features | Ikea VALEVÅG | Newentor Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 120 Nights Free Trial | √ | √ |
| Free Delivery | × | √ |
| 7 Zones Target Support | × | √ |
| Pocket Springs | √ | √ |
| Firmness | Firm | Medium |
| Memory Foam | × | √ |
| Bedbuyer Ratings | 3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Price (Queen) | $318 | $630 |
If you are looking for a higher-quality alternative to an IKEA mattress, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress is undoubtedly the superior choice.
With its advanced 7-zone targeted support system, the Newentor Hybrid provides tailored pressure relief that the standard IKEA VALEVÅG simply cannot match.
While the VALEVÅG is a solid, budget-friendly "slab" of firm springs, Newentor incorporates a high-density memory foam layer that contours to your body’s natural curves. This is particularly crucial for side sleepers or those suffering from chronic back pain who need spinal alignment without the "rock-hard" feel.
Don't just take our words for it.
To ensure a completely fair and objective evaluation, we have compiled the ratings from the renowned mattress review authority, Bedbuyer, for both models across five key areas: Comfort, Spinal Support, Build Quality, Partner Disturbance, and Value for Money.
| category | Ikea VALEVÅG | Newentor Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spinal Support | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Build Quality | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Partner Disturbance | 3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Overall Score | 3.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
Since the VALEVÅG is roll-packed for easy transport, it needs time to regain its original shape. While you can technically sleep on it the same night, IKEA recommends waiting 72 hours for the mattress to fully expand and for any "new mattress" smell (off-gassing) to dissipate. Any wrinkles in the cover will also smooth out during this time.
Back pain sufferers generally benefit more from a medium or medium-firm mattress with zoned support. Compared to the IKEA VALEVÅG, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress is better suited for those with back pain due to its specific firmness levels and advanced zoned support features.
IKEA mattresses are excellent for their price point, they are reliable, affordable, and functional, but not luxury.
They offer great value for budget-conscious shoppers, students, or furnishing guest rooms.
However, they often lack the advanced ergonomic zoning found in premium brands. They are best suited for younger sleepers or those without chronic back issues.
If you have specific orthopedic needs or want long-term durability, you might find them lacking in support compared to specialised hybrid models.
Choosing between the IKEA VALEVÅG and the Newentor Hybrid depends on your priorities. If you are on a strict budget, a student, or furnishing a guest room, the VALEVÅG offers functional support at an unbeatable price.
However, for those suffering from back pain or seeking long-term comfort, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress is the clear winner. Its advanced 7-zone support and high-density memory foam provide the spinal alignment and pressure relief that IKEA’s basic construction lacks. While it requires a higher initial investment, the superior build quality and sleep health benefits make it a far better long-term value.
