Like everyone decorating on a budget, I've turned to IKEA again and again for outfitting my last few apartments. But while all of Pinterest knows about gems like the $5 spice racks and the easily hackable furniture, I'm here to spread the message about a very under-sung department: the mattress section.
Out of everything I've pulled out of that flat-pack warehouse, the HAUGSVÄR mattress has become my ultimate favorite. (For the record, Google Translate says "haugsvär" is Norwegian for ... "haugsvär" — a.k.a. just gibberish.) At $400 for a queen, it doesn't have the bells and whistles that some mattress-in-a-box companies offer for twice the price, but I'm not complaining one bit.
The combo of high-resilience foam and individually wrapped pocket springs offer a firm, but comfortable surface that knocks me right out at night. It's not just me — both my brother and mom use same kind too, and they're also staunch proponents. And if you don't trust the Picard family (no offense taken), I will add that the HAUGSVÄR also has an four-star review on the IKEA website.
Here's exactly why I love it:
1. You can test it in the store and at home.
In case you needed an excuse to visit IKEA, here it is. (Swedish meatballs and $1 soft serve, here I come!) You can test out all of their mattresses in the showroom, which helped me pick between the spring and foam options, plus the different firmness levels. A queen mattress there can range in price from $200 to $900, so you have a bunch of options depending on your budget.
If you're tempted to upgrade your old pad without driving to the store, IKEA also offers a 365-day trial period — meaning you could literally sleep on the mattress for a year before exchanging it for a different kind. (FYI: You'll need to return it in good shape and with a receipt.) There's also an included 25-year limited warranty that covers any defects in the materials or workmanship.
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2. The medium-firm option feels great if you sleep on your side.
The in-store or at-home trials make it easier to commit to buying the mattress, but at the end of the day it all comes down to how it feels at night – and when you wake up in the morning. I find that the medium-firm option supports my joints and back — great after a hard workout — but the foamy top still squishes enough that I fall right asleep when I hit the pillow.
Other customers love their HAUGSVÄR mattresses so much that they took the time to write glowing reviews.
"We started using this wonderful bed after a small delay during renovations," one person raved. "It immediately became the most comfy spot in the house. I originally purchased it for my room but my son convinced me to put it in his room. I visit whenever I can and dream of the day I can get one for myself. Very affordable and you will not believe the comfort and support!"
Here's what some other people all in on the IKEA mattress train have to say:
Every time I go to bed I say to myself: Oh yes, this is nice! I couldn't be happier. It is so comfortable I love it.
I wanted firm, he wanted soft. We went with the firm king haugsvar after months of looking and we both love it. Super happy and impressed with our first IKEA mattress.
I have had this bed for three months and my back has never felt better.
I should have made this purchase years ago. I have not slept this good in decades.
3. It conveniently comes in rolled-up package.
This is key if you're worried about taking it home or moving it up the stairs. For one, the roll will probably fit inside your car instead of on the roof. I also *greatly* appreciated this feature when I lived on the seventh floor of an apartment building without an elevator. (Yep, those exist.) The included straps with handles made it easy to carry up the mattress up those many (many) stairs, but IKEA also offers lots of other shipping and delivery options depending on what you need:
If you plan to take it home yourself,
- Check to see if it's in stock at your local store by visiting the website first.
- Use the Click & Collect feature to skip finding and carting the item from the warehouse.
If you rather have it delivered,
- Large-item delivery for online orders start at $39.
- Home delivery orders placed in the store start at $59.
The HAUGSVÄR comes in two firmness options (firm and medium firm) and four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. I for one have absolutely zero regrets about buying it — not that I would ever doubt my beloved IKEA.
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Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
