IKEA AKREHAMN Mattress Review

The ÅKREHAMN is one of the more convincing low-cost choices for sleepers who want a level, medium-firm foam bed rather than a deep memory-foam hug. Its five comfort zones kept the midsection from sagging, and the removable cover makes routine care easier. The trade-offs are equally clear: the thin comfort system limits shoulder cushioning, the memory-foam layer holds some warmth, and the perimeter compresses too much for confident edge sitting.

• Who it suits

  • Back sleepers who want a flat, supportive surface

  • Combination sleepers who prefer easy movement to deep contouring

  • Couples who care more about motion control than bounce

• Who should skip it

  • Hot sleepers who need active cooling or stronger airflow

  • Side sleepers who need deeper shoulder and hip cushioning

  • People who regularly sit or sleep along the edge

Our testing team used the medium-firm ÅKREHAMN for four weeks, with sleepers ranging from 135 to 220 pounds rotating among back, side, and combination positions. We checked spinal support, heat buildup, pressure relief, motion transfer, ease of movement, and edge stability. We also tracked expansion, surface temperature, weighted compression, and day-to-day comfort while sleeping, reading, and getting in and out of bed.

After 72 hours, our sample measured 7.8 inches thick, essentially matching IKEA’s listed 7 7/8-inch profile. The surface felt like a 6.5 out of 10 for firmness: supportive and even, with a little contouring but no pronounced memory-foam sink. On my back, the zoned section filled the space beneath my waist while keeping my hips from dropping. After two weeks, I was waking with less lower-back tightness. Side sleeping was less successful because my shoulder reached the firmer layers too quickly.

Heat and edge support produced the clearest drawbacks. The surface rose from 70.6°F to 78.9°F after 30 minutes of lying still and cooled to 73.1°F five minutes after we got up. A 44-pound weight compressed the center by about 1.4 inches but the area two inches from the edge by 2.0 inches, which matched the less secure feeling when sitting to put on socks. Marcus noticed the warmth first, while Jenna and Ethan focused on motion control. In three ball-drop trials, noticeable vibration settled in under 0.8 seconds, and Ethan could turn over without sharply disturbing Jenna.

• What we liked

  • Steady midsection support without a hard, boardlike surface

  • Low motion transfer that works well for couples

  • A removable cover that is easier to maintain than a fixed cover

• Who it is best for

  • Back sleepers who want firm, even support through the hips

  • Combination sleepers who do not want to fight a slow-moving foam surface

  • Couples who prioritize quiet movement over a springy feel

• Where it falls short

  • Noticeable warmth during long periods in one position

  • Perimeter compression during sitting and near-edge sleep

  • Too little depth for side sleepers with sensitive shoulders

The tested medium-firm ÅKREHAMN is a 7 7/8-inch foam mattress with three layers, five comfort zones, and a removable cover. Its top layer is plush polyurethane foam, followed by memory foam and a firmer polyurethane support base. IKEA also sells a firm version with a different top foam, so check the firmness label before comparing specifications.

• Type: Zoned all-foam mattress

• Tested feel: Medium firm

• Thickness: 7 7/8 inches

• Zoning: Five comfort zones

• Medium-firm foam layers: 2.4 lb/ft³ plush polyurethane foam, 3.1 lb/ft³ memory foam, and 1.7 lb/ft³ polyurethane support foam

• Cover: 100% recycled-polyester top and side ticking; viscose/polyester underside

• Cover care: Remove, machine wash warm, and line dry

• U.S. sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King

• Queen dimensions: 79 1/2 inches long, 59 7/8 inches wide, and 7 7/8 inches thick

• U.S. list prices checked August 27, 2026: Twin $299, Full $329, Queen $349, and King $449; prices can change

• Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

• U.S. comfort policy: One mattress exchange within 90 days, subject to IKEA’s terms

• Delivery: Roll packed

• Foundation: Requires a slatted bed base or slatted mattress base

• Standards listed by IKEA: EN 1957 durability and 16 CFR 1633/1632 flammability requirements

Choose the ÅKREHAMN if you want a medium-firm foam surface, a supported midsection, and a low price more than you want thick cushioning or cooling features. It is best matched to back sleepers and combination sleepers. Dedicated side sleepers, people over 230 pounds, and anyone who sleeps hot should compare thicker or more breathable options. If you are choosing between foam constructions, focus on whether you prefer the ÅKREHAMN’s quick, shallow contour or a slower and deeper memory-foam hug.

The low profile is the main constraint. It leaves less room for the shoulder to settle during side sleeping and less cushioning buffer for heavier sleepers. The foam also holds more warmth than a coil-based bed, and the soft perimeter makes frequent edge sitting less comfortable. These are meaningful limits, not small compromises, so the ÅKREHAMN works best when your priorities are centered support, low motion transfer, and price.

The ÅKREHAMN remains the value choice if you want a stable, zoned foam feel and a washable cover. The models below cost more, but each addresses a specific weakness rather than simply offering a different brand name.

Casper The One is a responsive, medium-firm foam alternative with a thicker build and more refined transition between contouring and support. It is the better step-up for shoppers who like the IKEA’s steady feel but want more depth.

Tuft & Needle Original uses faster-recovering foams and places more emphasis on airflow and bounce-back support. Choose it if the ÅKREHAMN feels too slow or warm but you still want an all-foam bed.

Nectar Classic is a 12-inch memory-foam mattress with deeper contouring and a longer trial period. It suits sleepers who want more pressure relief and a closer hug, though it feels less responsive than the IKEA.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid adds encased coils, stronger edge-to-edge support, and a choice of firmness. It is the clearest upgrade for airflow, bounce, and perimeter stability, but it sits in a much higher price tier.

• Allow about 72 hours for the roll-packed mattress to regain its full shape, then give your body a couple of weeks to adjust before judging the feel.

• Rotate the mattress periodically; do not flip it because its layers have a fixed top-to-bottom order.

• Use breathable percale or linen sheets and a lighter comforter if you tend to sleep warm.

• Add a thin, breathable protector to keep the washable cover cleaner without trapping much extra heat.

• If side sleeping is your priority, a soft, low-profile topper can add shoulder cushioning, but it may also retain more warmth.

• Use the center of the bed for long sitting sessions because the perimeter compresses more than the middle.

• Place the mattress on the slatted base IKEA requires, with the slats and frame in good condition.

• Match pillow loft to position: lower for back sleeping and higher for side sleeping.