by 
IKEA Haugesund Spring Mattress
6.2/10
- Genuinely affordable, starting around $249 for a queen
- Individually pocketed coils provide better motion isolation than older Bonnell designs
- Bouncy, supportive feel works well for back and stomach sleepers
- Firm version pairs well with a 2-3 inch memory foam topper
- Thin polyfoam comfort layers give minimal pressure relief for side sleepers
- Medium-firm version shows early sagging for sleepers over 200 lb
- No sleep trial, only a 90-day return window (you must transport it yourself)
- No CertiPUR-US or equivalent foam certification listed
- Discontinued in parts of North America, stock can be limited
The Haugesund makes sense as a firm, no-frills guest room bed or a base layer you plan to top with a memory foam topper. At this price, the pocketed coils are a genuine feature. It is not a long-term primary mattress for most adults, especially side sleepers or anyone over 200 lb.
What the Haugesund is actually made of
The Haugesund is a simple pocket-spring mattress at about 9 to 10 inches total. The construction is three layers. At the bottom, roughly 7 inches of individually pocketed coils form the support core. These give it more independent response than the older Bonnell coils you find in cheap interconnected-spring beds, meaning less motion transfer than the price suggests. Above the coils sits a thin polyurethane comfort layer, roughly 0.75 to 1 inch, which provides minimal cushioning. The cover is a non-removable blend of polyester and cotton, spot-clean only.
Two firmness options exist: firm (around 8/10) and medium-firm (around 6.5/10). The firm is what most reviewers focus on and is the better long-term choice. The medium-firm variant develops body impressions faster, particularly for couples or heavier sleepers.
Who the Haugesund is right for
In our testing, this mattress works best in specific situations. Back and stomach sleepers under 200 lb get genuine support from the coil core without the firmness becoming punishing. Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lb) who prefer a firm surface are the primary audience. It functions well as a guest room bed where nightly use is not constant, or as a base mattress paired with a 2-3 inch memory foam or latex topper to add pressure relief without spending on a full premium mattress.
Who should avoid it
Side sleepers will notice the lack of contouring quickly. The thin comfort layer does not relieve hip or shoulder pressure at all, and most side sleepers rate it uncomfortable within the first week. Sleepers over 200 lb will likely compress the comfort layers within 12 to 24 months, reducing support. Anyone with chronic back pain needs more than a thin comfort layer over pocket springs. Couples who share the bed will also notice the motion transfer, because even pocketed coils at this density transfer more than a foam mattress.
Is the Haugesund good for back pain?
It depends heavily on sleep position. The firm version can work for back sleepers with mild discomfort, where a firm flat surface with spinal neutrality is enough. The medium-firm version is less predictable. Neither version has any lumbar zoning or targeted support system. If back pain is your primary concern, a mattress with active zoning or a thicker pressure-relief layer will serve you significantly better.
Comfort and firmness in practice
The firm version reads as genuinely firm, noticeably so in the first few weeks. Bounce is high given the coil construction, which some sleepers appreciate for ease of repositioning. Edge support is reasonable for the price. The medium-firm version sits at a 6.5, but reviewers consistently report it softens faster than expected under regular use, which means it can feel noticeably different at month 18 versus month 1.
Motion isolation and sleeping with a partner
The pocketed coil design isolates motion better than older interconnected-spring systems. In practice, light movement from a partner does not travel the full mattress. However, foam mattresses at a similar or slightly higher price point will outperform it here. If motion isolation is a top priority, an all-foam or hybrid with a thick foam layer above the coils will be better.
Durability and lifespan
Most independent reviews peg the Haugesund at 3 to 5 years of reliable performance under daily use by a single sleeper of average weight. For heavier sleepers or couples, body impressions develop earlier. IKEA covers this mattress with a 10-year warranty, but the practical warranty claim process requires you to identify a manufacturing defect rather than normal sagging. The 365-day exchange is better read as a one-time exchange within the first year, not an open trial. You are responsible for transporting the mattress yourself unless you pay for IKEA delivery.
Price and sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 74 x 38 x 9 in | ~$209 |
| Full | 74 x 53 x 9 in | ~$279 |
| Queen | 79 x 59 x 9 in | ~$249 |
| King | 79 x 76 x 9 in | ~$479 |
Note: the Haugesund has been discontinued in some markets, including parts of North America. Check IKEA stock availability in your area before planning a purchase. The VALEVAG is IKEA's current main spring offering in markets where Haugesund is unavailable.
Adjustable bed compatibility
The Haugesund is not compatible with adjustable bed bases. It is designed for flat platforms or slatted frames with slats no more than 3 inches apart. Putting it on an articulating base will damage the coil unit.
Is the Haugesund flippable?
No. Like most modern mattresses, it is one-sided. Flipping it puts the base layer on top, which offers no comfort. Rotating it 180 degrees (head to foot) every 6 months is the recommended maintenance step.
Our verdict
The Haugesund earns its place in one specific context: a genuinely firm, affordable spring mattress for a guest room or for a sleeper who wants a base to layer a topper on. It is not a primary mattress for most adults, and it is not a long-term investment. If you need a daily driver mattress with reliable support and a proper sleep trial, you need to step up to a mattress with more construction depth.
The internal links below point to guides that can help you find a better fit if the Haugesund does not meet your criteria: our best innerspring mattress guide covers spring options at every price tier, and our best mattress for back pain guide goes deep on support requirements.
The IKEA Haugesund is a workable budget spring mattress for firm-surface fans and guest rooms. The pocketed coils are a genuine advantage at this price. For primary use, most people outgrow it within 3 years, and side sleepers will notice its limits on night one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IKEA Haugesund good for back pain?
The firm version can work for back sleepers with mild discomfort who prefer a firm flat surface. It has no lumbar zoning and no substantial pressure-relief layer, so sleepers with more serious back pain typically need more targeted support than this mattress provides.
Who should avoid the Haugesund?
Side sleepers, anyone over 200 lb looking for a primary mattress, and people who need significant motion isolation. The thin comfort layer is not enough to relieve hip and shoulder pressure for side sleepers.
Does the Haugesund come in a box?
Yes, IKEA ships it rolled and compressed. Give it about 72 hours after unpacking to fully expand before sleeping on it.
Can you use the Haugesund on an adjustable base?
No. It is designed for flat platforms and slatted frames only. An articulating base will damage the pocket-spring core.
How long does the Haugesund last?
Typically 3 to 5 years under daily use by a single average-weight sleeper. It has a 10-year warranty, but routine softening and impression development are not covered as defects.
Looking for more support? Our recommended alternative
If the Haugesund is the right call for a guest room or a topper base, great. It is an all-foam mattress with HIVE 5-zone support targeting the lumbar specifically, a plant-based Bio-Pur comfort layer, and a proper 100-night sleep trial. It costs more, but it is designed to function as a primary bed for a decade, not a few years.