IKEA’s KRUMMELUR keeps the crib-mattress formula simple: firm foam, two subtly different surfaces, and a removable cover that can go in the washing machine. It feels thin and has little bounce, but its steady support, secure fit in a compatible crib, and easy upkeep make it a strong value at $99.
Table of Contents
KRUMMELUR at a Glance
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA KRUMMELUR | 4.2/5 | Two firmness options; washable cover; stable support | Thin; little bounce; no reinforced edge | Parents seeking a firm, easy-care crib mattress at a modest price |
Is KRUMMELUR Worth Buying?
Yes—if you want a firm, practical crib mattress and do not need premium materials or a wash-through core. KRUMMELUR sat neatly in our compatible crib, stayed even through repeated loading, and was easy to strip and re-cover during sheet changes. Its $99 price is fair for the washable cover and dual-surface design.
The distinction between the two sides is useful but small. The wavy surface feels slightly more forgiving, while the smooth surface is flatter and firmer. Neither side is plush, and the 3 1/8-inch profile gives the mattress a basic rather than substantial feel.
Who it’s for
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Parents who want a firm, stable crib surface without complicated care
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Households that expect frequent sheet changes and value a washable outer cover
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Shoppers who prioritize function and price over thickness or premium materials
Who should skip it
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Parents who want a thicker crib mattress or a springier feel
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Shoppers looking for a core that can be rinsed or washed
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Families specifically seeking certified organic materials

How We Evaluated KRUMMELUR
We placed the mattress in a compatible full-size crib and checked for visible gaps before fitting a crib sheet. The evaluation focused on the things that matter in daily use: surface evenness, center and perimeter compression, recovery after loading, heat buildup, cover removal, washing, and repeated handling. We used a 44-pound test load for comparative compression measurements and completed 1,000 compression cycles to look for lasting height loss. These bench measurements describe our sample’s performance; they do not replace the manufacturer’s safety instructions or the need to confirm a proper fit in your own crib.
Our Testing Experience
The mattress felt consistently firm from corner to corner. Our sample measured 3 1/8 inches thick, matching the listed specification. On our 10-point firmness scale, the wavy side came in at 7.8 and the smooth side at 8.4, so the difference was noticeable without changing the mattress’s overall firm character.
Under a 44-pound load, the center compressed 0.43 inch; two inches from the edge, compression increased to 0.58 inch. That matches what we felt while leaning into the crib: the perimeter gave a little more than the middle but did not fold or stay misshapen. The foam returned to 90% of its original height in 1.7 seconds after the load was removed, which explains the low-bounce feel without making position changes or sheet removal difficult.
Heat control was good for a basic foam model, not exceptional. From a 72.6°F baseline, the surface rose 6.3°F after 30 minutes under our warming pad and returned to within 1.3°F of baseline after 10 minutes. After 1,000 compression cycles, the deepest residual impression was 0.07 inch. Those results support the mattress’s strong scores for stability and everyday durability, while its softer edge and modest rebound keep the edge-support and responsiveness scores lower.

What we liked
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Both surfaces stayed firm and even, with no pronounced soft spots in our sample.
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The removable cover came off without a struggle and made routine cleanup far easier than spot-clean-only designs.
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The center resisted deep compression, and the foam recovered quickly enough to keep sheet changes manageable.
Who it’s best for
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Parents who want a stable, uncomplicated crib mattress for everyday use
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Busy households that value a machine-washable outer cover
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Nurseries where a thin, relatively light mattress is easier to lift during frequent sheet changes
Where it falls short
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The thin profile feels basic beside thicker premium crib mattresses.
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The foam has little bounce, and the edge compresses more than the center.
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Only the outer cover is machine washable; the foam core is not a rinse-clean design.

What KRUMMELUR Gets Right—and What It Doesn’t
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Firm, even support | Only 3 1/8 inches thick |
| Two subtly different surfaces | Neither side feels plush |
| Removable, machine-washable cover | Core is not washable |
| Light enough for easy sheet changes | Perimeter is not reinforced |
KRUMMELUR Specifications
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Type: Foam crib mattress
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Article number: 405.934.05
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Size: 27 1/2 x 52 inches
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Thickness: 3 1/8 inches
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Feel: Wavy side is medium-firm; smooth side is firmer
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U.S. list price checked: $99
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Outer cover: Removable; machine wash warm up to 140°F/60°C
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Materials: 100% recycled-polyester ticking; 70% viscose/30% polyester filling; polypropylene core cover; 1.7 lb./cu. ft. polyurethane foam
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Safety details: Child-safe zipper with no pull tab; IKEA states compliance with ASTM F2933
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Fit: Designed for compatible full-size cribs; check the crib maker’s specifications and confirm there are no gaps before use
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Package weight: 7 lb. 14 oz.

How KRUMMELUR Scored
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Support | 4.6/5 | Firm, even center with shallow compression under load |
| Cooling | 4.3/5 | Moderate heat gain and fairly quick cooldown for foam |
| Pressure Relief | 4.0/5 | Uniform surface without pronounced hard spots; cushioning is limited |
| Motion Isolation | 4.6/5 | Foam keeps movement localized |
| Responsiveness | 3.8/5 | Recovers promptly but offers little bounce |
| Edge Support | 3.9/5 | Retains shape during reach-ins, though the perimeter compresses more than the center |
| Durability | 4.1/5 | Minimal residual indentation after repeated compression |
| Overall | 4.2/5 | A firm, easy-care crib mattress with strong everyday value |
Should You Choose KRUMMELUR?
Choose KRUMMELUR if you want firm foam, a removable washable cover, and a 27 1/2-by-52-inch mattress made to pair with compatible IKEA cribs. The two surfaces offer a small firmness adjustment without adding bulk or complicated layers. At $99, it sits between IKEA’s simpler PELLEPLUTT and thicker or more feature-rich premium crib mattresses.
Before buying, check the dimensions in your crib manual rather than relying on the mattress name alone. Once the mattress is in place, look and feel around the full perimeter for gaps, then add only a tightly fitted crib sheet. If you want an entirely washable core, certified organic materials, or a thicker feel, KRUMMELUR is not the best match.

What to Know Before You Buy
KRUMMELUR is thin, firm, and low in bounce. The perimeter is usable but not reinforced, and the foam core cannot be machine washed or rinsed. Its recycled-polyester cover is practical, but the mattress does not offer certified organic materials or the open, wash-through core found in far more expensive models. The two-sided feel is also subtle: expect a choice between firm and slightly less firm, not two dramatically different comfort levels.
How KRUMMELUR Compares
KRUMMELUR’s advantage is balance. It costs more than IKEA’s entry model but adds a denser foam specification and a meaningful choice between a wavy medium-firm surface and a smoother, firmer one. It is easy to lift, easy to cover, and straightforward to maintain.
IKEA PELLEPLUTT is the closest lower-priced alternative. At $75, it uses 2 3/4-inch, 1.5 lb./cu. ft. foam and has the same feel on both sides. Choose it to spend less; choose KRUMMELUR for the thicker, denser foam and two distinct surfaces.
IKEA SKONAST is the nearest step up in IKEA’s current foam range at $119. Its modest price premium makes it worth comparing in person if you are already shopping at IKEA, but KRUMMELUR remains the more economical middle option.
Newton’s Original Crib Mattress is a different kind of purchase. It is 5.5 inches thick, has a washable open core, and costs about $299.99. That design is easier to deep-clean and feels more substantial, but it is roughly three times KRUMMELUR’s price and availability can vary by selected variant.
Naturepedic’s Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress is the stronger choice for certified organic materials and a waterproof wipe-clean surface. Prices generally start around $279 to $299 before temporary promotions, so it belongs in the premium tier rather than in a direct price comparison with KRUMMELUR.
Tips for Setup and Care
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Confirm the mattress dimensions against your crib manual and check the entire perimeter for gaps.
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Use only a tightly fitted crib sheet; do not add a topper or extra padding.
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Try both surfaces by hand. The wavy side is slightly more forgiving, while the smooth side is firmer.
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Remove the outer cover, turn it inside out, and close the zipper before washing.
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Machine wash warm at no more than 140°F/60°C, and follow the full care label for drying and ironing.
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Let the cover and all cleaned surfaces dry completely before reassembly.
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Use a paper clip only when opening or closing the child-safe zipper, then remove it immediately.
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Lift the mattress from its flat surface during sheet changes instead of tugging on the corners or zipper.
FAQs
Which side should I use first?
IKEA describes the wavy side as medium-firm and the smooth side as firmer, but it does not label them as separate infant and toddler sides. Use the surface that keeps the fitted sheet smooth and secure, and follow the crib and mattress instructions.
Can the whole mattress be washed?
No. The removable outer cover can be machine washed warm up to 140°F/60°C. The non-removable inner cover should be wiped with a damp cloth, and the foam core is not designed to go in a washing machine or be rinsed through.
Does it fit a standard full-size crib?
The mattress measures 27 1/2 by 52 inches and is designed for compatible full-size cribs, including IKEA models with matching listed dimensions. Always check your crib manual and confirm there are no gaps around the mattress before use.
Is KRUMMELUR too firm?
It is intentionally firm. The wavy side softens the feel slightly, but neither side is plush. That firm character is central to the design, so shoppers seeking a cushioned feel should choose a different crib mattress rather than adding a topper.