IKEA Hövåg

IKEA Hövåg Mattress Review UK (2024)

Nicky
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Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

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Last updated: 02.08.2024 Reading time: 14 Min.

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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THE IKEA HÖVÅG MATTRESS IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE IKEA VALEVAG.

When it came to cheap mattresses, the IKEA Hövåg was a star.

Once one of IKEA’s most popular hybrid mattresses, it has since been discontinued and replaced by the IKEA Valevag mattress.

But what was it like, and was it worth buying? 🤔

Read our first-hand IKEA Hövåg mattress review to see what we made of this bargain mattress (plus more on its replacement and our favourite alternatives).

Let’s dig in.

IKEA Hövåg Mattress

Our favourite IKEA Hövåg mattress alternatives

The IKEA Hövåg mattress was one of IKEA’s most popular pocket sprung mattresses. ⭐

Since it has been discontinued, we've picked out some of our favourite affordable pocket sprung mattresses, which we think you’ll love.

These mattresses are higher quality, supportive, comfortable, and offer great extras (like superior trials).

Our favourite affordable IKEA Hövåg alternatives:

IKEA Hövåg mattress composition

Before the IKEA Hövåg pocket sprung mattress was discontinued, it was a darling among IKEA mattresses. 😄

It was a pocket sprung mattress, which featured foam padding to help soften the feel of the mattress.

The primary materials used included:

  • Pocket springs, which formed the core
  • Polyurethane foam, which encased the core

The pocket springs offered significant elasticity and support, while the foam layers added a touch of comfort.

IKEA hovag composition
The Hövåg mattress from IKEA was made up of a pocket spring core and surrounded by foam layers.

We go into these materials in more detail below. 👇

IKEA Hövåg mattress pocket sprung core

The heart of the IKEA Hövåg was its individually wrapped steel pocket springs. 🌀

Pocket springs [1], unlike traditional coil springs, can move independently.

Mattresses that use pocket springs are better able to adapt to your body's curves and movements, delivering support wherever needed.

Spring mattresses, like the Hövåg mattress from IKEA, are also great for warm sleepers as they allow for more efficient air circulation.

Pocket spring air circulation
Pocket sprung mattresses promote air circulation, which helps to dissipate heat.

These mattresses can stay cooler by circulating fresh air, meaning a better night's sleep.

IKEA Hövåg mattress foam layers

Foam and polyester wadding encased the spring core of the IKEA Hövåg mattress.

IKEA hovag mattress
The IKEA Hövåg was a pocket sprung mattress with an outer layer of foam, which covered the firmer spring core.

These layers helped give a slightly more plush feel.

However, the foam used in the Hövåg mattress was a low-grade polyurethane foam (PUR foam), which is usually used in the base of mattresses. 🧱

PUR foam is primarily used because of its resilience.

It gave the Hövåg IKEA mattress its firmer feel but, unfortunately, didn't always improve the mattress's durability.

Typically, top-tier pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses combine a base PUR foam with superior foams, such as memory foam or latex foam, for the upper comfort layer.

Hybrid mattress composition
Typically, PUR foams make up the base layer of mattresses, while higher-quality foams act as the top comfort layers.

Higher-density foams are more durable and can support heavier individuals. 💪

Unfortunately, the Hövåg IKEA mattress used low-density foam.

The foams clocked in at just 33 kg/m³, leading to relatively common complaints of the IKEA Hövåg mattress sagging after only a few months.

Despite the robustness of polyurethane foam, the Hövåg mattress didn’t endure as long as higher-quality mattresses that use denser foams.

The brand new IKEA Valevåg mattress, which is the Hövåg replacement, has a very similar composition, including a pocket spring core and foam encasing.

Like the IKEA Hövåg, the Valevåg uses low-density foam of 33 kg/m³ but has a higher concentration of pocket springs (249 springs/m² compared to the Hövåg's 190/m²), potentially meaning it won't sag as often.

Luckily, there are long-lasting hybrid mattresses that combine the support of pocket springs with higher-density foam.

Check out some of these quality hybrid options:

Who was the IKEA Hövåg pocket sprung mattress suitable for?

While no longer sold, the Hövåg was one of the cheapest mattresses in the UK. 🤑

In its heyday, most IKEA Mattress Hövåg reviews were largely positive.

The majority of customers found the mattress comfortable, and several even stated that it improved their back pain.

So, who was the IKEA Hövåg mattress most suitable for?

  • People who sweat easily (pocket spring mattresses are more breathable).
  • Those who change sleeping positions frequently and prefer a bouncy mattress.
  • Individuals who want a medium-firm or firm mattress.
  • Heavier weight individuals (particularly with the firm Hövåg mattress).
  • People on a tight budget who don't necessarily need a long-lasting mattress.

The mattress also helped some with their back pain, but this wasn't always the case, as some found it aggravated back problems.

IKEA hovag mattress
Many people chose the Hövåg mattress from IKEA for its cheap price and found the firm feel comfortable.

Those who think the Hövåg IKEA mattress would have been a great fit can instead check out the replacement mattress, the IKEA Valevåg!

Alternatively, browse our favourite low-cost hybrid mattresses with pocket spring cores. 👇

Just so you know, these recommendations are medium-firm hybrid mattresses, so you may want to check out our article on firm mattresses if that's something you prefer.

Our favourite budget-friendly hybrid mattress:

How firm was the IKEA Hövåg mattress?

Conveniently, the IKEA Hövåg mattress came in two different firmness levels.

These included:

  • Medium-firm IKEA Hövåg mattress
  • Firm IKEA Hövåg mattress

The new IKEA Valevåg mattress, which has replaced the Hövåg IKEA, is also available in a medium-firm or firm version. 👍

Having these two options comes in handy because people have different sleeping positions and preferences when it comes to mattress firmness.

Typically, our sleeping position greatly impacts what mattresses we find comfortable.

Side sleepers need the softest mattress, front sleepers need something much firmer, and back sleepers require something in the middle.

Mattress firmness sleeping position
Your sleeping position will affect what type of mattress firmness you need and prefer.

The right mattress firmness will help ensure optimal spinal alignment.

Generally, side and back sleepers preferred the medium-firm Hövåg mattress, while front sleepers preferred the firm IKEA Hövåg.

It's also important to note that your size and weight will affect which type of mattress you find the most comfortable.

For instance, lighter individuals tend to prefer something a little softer that lets them sink in as needed.

On the other hand, firm surfaces usually work better for heavier-weight sleepers who require much more support since it prevents them from sinking too deeply into the mattress. 👍

Let's take a closer look at these two versions.

Medium-firm IKEA Hövåg mattress

We rated the medium-firm IKEA Hövåg as a 5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

It was neither too firm nor too soft.

IKEA hovag

The medium-firm version of the IKEA Hövåg was widely considered more comfortable, especially for side sleepers. 👌

Side sleepers need to sink further into the mattress, so it's important that your mattress allows parts of your body, like the hips and shoulders, to sink in further.

A slightly softer mattress offers more sinkage and helps promote optimal spinal alignment.

Firm IKEA Hövåg mattress

The firmer version of the Hövåg IKEA was really firm. 😳

We rated it at 8 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

This firmness isn't ideal for most people, and it's not suitable for:

  • Sleeping on your side
  • Lighter-weight individuals
  • Those who prefer a softer mattress

You can't sink into a firm mattress, which can lead to a build-up of pressure on areas like the back, hips, and shoulders.

IKEA hovag firmness scale firm

However, front sleepers and some back sleepers do better on firmer mattresses.

While our testers didn't find the bed particularly comfortable in these positions, other customers raved about great sleep and resolved back problems.

Very firm mattresses like the Valevåg or Hövåg mattress from IKEA tend to provide better support for heavier-weight sleepers since they won't sink in too much.

Those used to firmer mattresses are also more likely to find them comfortable than people used to something softer.

If you prefer a firm mattress, the very firm Origin Hybrid is one of our favourite alternatives.

IKEA Hövåg mattress comfort

The first thing we should say is that comfort is highly subjective.

Of course, that still leaves you wondering how comfortable was the IKEA Hövåg mattress.

So let's take a look!

IKEA Hövåg mattress comfort

Some customers raved about the IKEA Hövåg mattress (both the medium-firm and firm versions).

Many IKEA Mattress Hövåg reviews said it was comfortable, helped them sleep well, and even improved their back pain [2].

However, our testers didn't find the IKEA Hövåg very comfortable at all! 😩

Let's dive into why.

While pocket springs are an ideal mattress material for stability, support, and pressure relief, they don't add much comfort.

Plus, the low-density foams used in the IKEA Hövåg didn't improve the mattress comfort as much as we'd have liked.

IKEA hovag mattress without cover
The low-density foams didn't add much comfort to the Hövåg pocket spring core.

Ultimately, we thought the mattress didn't offer enough sinkage for side sleepers or pressure relief for back sleepers.

However, front sleepers - especially heavier-weight front sleepers - may have found the firm Hövåg more comfortable.

While we can't say the IKEA Hövåg was the best mattress, it did the trick for those who needed something short-term and incredibly firm.

Those who think the Hövåg would suit their needs can still check out the IKEA Valevåg mattress, the model that replaced the Hövåg.

Personally, we'd rather spend a little more for a better quality product. 💰

It's easier than ever to find affordable and reliable mattresses online.

For instance, brands like Emma are renowned for their frequent sales, allowing customers to find quality products for less.

UP TO 50% OFF EMMA SLEEP

Can you make a Hövåg mattress more comfortable?

As we've said, our testers didn't find the IKEA Hövåg comfortable. 👎

Luckily, there are ways to alter the feel of a mattress (whether you have the Hövåg, Valevåg, or another mattress entirely).

A mattress topper is an easy way to add a touch of comfort.

A mattress topper is an additional layer of padding you place on top of a firmer mattress to add more softness and comfort. ☁️

Good mattress toppers can transform the feel of your mattress.

However, it's important to note that even the best toppers can't fix major issues like sagging mattresses.

Mattress topper
A good mattress topper can transform a mattress's feel (and firmness).

IKEA mattress toppers are a cheap option, but these may not have enough padding to significantly change how your mattress feels.

Luckily, you can find even softer and longer-lasting mattress toppers for similar (or even cheaper) prices.

Check out some of our top picks below. 👇

Our favourite UK mattress toppers:

IKEA Hövåg mattress cover

The discontinued IKEA Hövåg mattress cover looked quite elegant.

It featured dark grey side panels and a white top panel made from a cotton and polyester mix.

IKEA Hövag mattress cover
Side handles made carrying the mattress much easier.

The cover also had convenient side handles, making carrying or moving the mattress much more manageable. 😁

The IKEA Hövåg replacement, the Valevåg, has a similar, soft, white and grey cover - and it comes with handles.

Valevag mattress
The IKEA Valevåg mattress cover is also white and grey and has handles.

Unfortunately, the cover was not removable or machine-washable.

The IKEA Valevåg mattress cover is also not washable.

IKEA recommended cleaning the mattress with furniture shampoo, which would be cumbersome if you needed to clean the whole cover. 🧴

You'd be out of luck if you damaged the cover and needed an IKEA Hövåg mattress cover replacement (especially now the mattress has been discontinued).

In general, it's quite common for mattresses to have a cover that is either not machine-washable or tricky to remove.

Machine-washable cover
The IKEA Hövåg mattress cover was not machine-washable, and nor is its replacement, the IKEA Valevåg.

It's generally best to use a waterproof mattress protector whether or not your mattress cover can be washed.

These affordable accessories protect your mattress against spills, sweat, dirt, and bacteria, allowing you to keep it in tip-top condition for as long as possible. 👏

They help elongate the lifespan of your mattress.

Our favourite mattress protectors in the UK:

IKEA Hövåg mattress sizes

The IKEA Hövåg pocket spring mattress was available in a range of UK & EU mattress sizes.

This is relatively common for IKEA mattresses, and the following information remains true of the IKEA Valevåg mattress, which replaced the popular IKEA Hövåg.

IKEA Hövåg (and Valevåg) mattress sizes:

  • IKEA Hövåg single mattress (UK): 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3").
  • IKEA Hövåg single mattress (EU): 90 x 200 cm (3’ x 6’6").
  • IKEA Hövåg double mattress (UK):135 x 190 cm (4’6" x 6’3").
  • IKEA Hövåg double mattress (EU): 140 x 200 cm (4’7" x 6’6").
  • IKEA Hövåg​ king-size mattress (UK): 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6").
  • IKEA Hövåg king-size mattress (EU): 160 x 200 cm (5’3 x 6’6").
  • IKEA Hövåg super-king mattress (UK and EU): 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6").

We'd recommend checking the measurements of your current (or desired) bed frame if you're considering buying an IKEA mattress on Amazon to ensure everything fits comfortably.

UK mattress sizes
The IKEA Hövåg and Valevåg come in sizes ranging from single to super king.

The range of sizes that the Hövåg mattress once came in and the Valevåg mattress now comes in helps customers find their perfect size.

How thick was the IKEA Hövåg mattress?

The IKEA Hövåg mattress had a depth of 24 cm (9.4 inches).

This is on par with today's standard and is the same as the popular Eve mattress.

The IKEA Valevåg, which replaced the Hövåg, also has a depth of 24 cm (9.4 inches).

What's great about this average depth is that standard bedding and fitted sheets fit well.

Of course, you'll find plenty of cheap and cheerful IKEA bedding.

But we should warn you that some IKEA bedding items are now more expensive than higher quality items that have better delivery and returns policies. 🤯

Our favourite value-for-money bedding:

What did the IKEA Hövåg cost?

IKEA mattresses are among the most affordable mattresses in the UK.

They're even cheaper than the budget-friendly Silentnight mattresses.

Budget mattress
The IKEA mattresses are among the cheapest mattresses in the UK.

The IKEA Hövåg was available for under £300, making it a great option for those on a tight budget, especially for guest rooms or students who don't need something too long-lasting.

And, good news, the IKEA Valevåg (the Hövåg's replacement) is similarly low-priced! 💸

However, this low price came and comes with some cons.

The IKEA Hövåg often had issues of sagging, sometimes after only a few months. 😞

While the IKEA Valevåg doesn't seem to have the same issues with sagging, several customers have complained that the mattress is of poorer quality than the Hövåg.

We'd suggest checking out alternative affordable mattresses from brands with better reputations, delivery, trials, and returns.

Our favourite affordable mattresses:

IKEA mattress delivery and returns

With thousands of stores across the UK, you probably expect great things from IKEA delivery and returns.

But are they as good as you imagine? 🤔

Let's take a look and see.

IKEA mattress delivery

We bought our IKEA Hövåg mattress in-store, but you could also have purchased it online.

Like standard bed-in-a-box mattresses, most IKEA mattresses come rolled up and wrapped in plastic, with convenient carrying handles. 📦

Buying a mattress in-store is easy if you have a car but can be impractical if you rely on public transport.

Rolled-up mattresses
Most IKEA mattresses (including the Hövåg and Valevåg) come roll-packed.

IKEA offers 2 options for ordering their IKEA mattress:

  • In-store collection: This option is free of charge.
  • Home delivery: IKEA charges for delivery.

Delivery costs will vary based on item size, meaning mattress delivery is more costly:

  • Selected day delivery: For approximately £40, items are delivered to the room of your choice in 4 to 30 days.
  • Express delivery: For approximately £50, items are delivered to the room of your choice in 1 to 3 days.

It's disappointing to see these delivery options since most brands, like Simba and Nectar, offer free delivery. 🚚

The IKEA Hövåg mattress unpacked

Once unpacked, our IKEA Hövåg mattress slowly expanded to its original size.

According to IKEA, this should work the same for the new IKEA Valevåg mattress.

IKEA recommends waiting 72 hours for full expansion. ⏰

The mattress may smell a bit when first unpacked.

Off-gassing
Some mattresses release an odour when first unpacked.

This is called off-gassing, and it's completely normal.

We recommend unpacking your new mattress in a well-ventilated room. 🏠

Ordering via Amazon

Those who don't want to purchase directly from IKEA can find IKEA mattresses at major retailers like Amazon.

Amazon UK has tons of IKEA products, though most mattresses are European imports and are more expensive than in-store.

The upside is that numerous IKEA products are available with free delivery on Amazon. 🥳

Products are generally dispatched within 10 days of purchase, but you'll usually get faster delivery if you're an Amazon Prime member.

SHOP IKEA ON AMAZON

Did the IKEA Hövåg mattress come with a trial period?

IKEA mattresses, including the IKEA Hövåg and Valevåg, only come with a "90-day love it or exchange it" returns policy.

This means you can test the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

However, you can only exchange your mattress, not get a full refund, if you don't like the mattress.

The only way to return an IKEA mattress (under their 365-day return policy) is if the mattress is unused and still in its original packaging.

We're not fans of this!

IKEA trial period
IKEA mattress trials are relatively short and only allow for product exchanges, not refunds.

Most of the mattress brands we recommend offer completely risk-free trials.

Mattress brands with superior trials include:

  • The Simba 200-day trial.
  • The Nectar revolutionary 365-day trial period.

These trial periods are great as they allow you to test the mattresses in the comfort of your own home AND get a full refund if you're not 100% satisfied.

Should you buy the IKEA Hövåg?

Overall, our experience with the now-discontinued IKEA Hövåg was average. 🤷‍♂️

According to IKEA Mattress Hövåg reviews, some customers found it comfortable and helpful for back problems, plus the firm version worked well for heavier-weight and front sleepers.

It was most suitable for those looking for a breathable, short-term, and cheap mattress.

But we wouldn't recommend the Hövåg mattress or its replacement, the Valevåg, for long-term use. 👎

Instead, we'd recommend checking out our favourite higher-quality, affordable alternatives listed below.

Our favourite Hövåg IKEA alternatives:

Contact IKEA UK

Customer service: To contact IKEA UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please call them on 0203 645 0000, visit their live online chat, or seek out their customer service robot.

The IKEA Customer Support Centre is available Monday - Saturday from 7 am - 8 pm and Sundays from 7 am - 7 pm.

Registered office: IKEA United Kingdom, 7th Floor, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

Table of Contents

Frequently asked questions

  • Has the IKEA Hövåg mattress been discontinued?

    The IKEA Hövåg mattress was discontinued in 2022, joining other no-longer-sold mattresses like the Morgedal, Malfors, Hamarvik, Hyllestad, and Halfso.

    Those hoping to buy an IKEA Hövåg will have to look at an alternative.

    You may wonder what your options are now that the IKEA Hövåg is discontinued.

    Well, there is an IKEA Hövåg replacement, the IKEA Valevåg.

    This mattress also comes in 2 options: medium-firm and firm.

  • What is the equivalent of the IKEA Hövåg mattress?

    Since the popular IKEA Hövåg was discontinued, many customers have been looking for alternatives.

    The official IKEA Hövåg mattress replacement is the IKEA Valevåg mattress.

    This IKEA Hövåg mattress replacement seems to have fewer issues with sagging, but despite this, several customers have complained that the quality is lower than the original Hövåg.

    Those who want a higher-quality, still affordable option can check out similar pocket sprung mattresses from top brands.

  • How many springs did the IKEA Hövåg mattress have?

    The IKEA Hövåg pocket sprung mattress had 190 springs per square metre.

    So, the number of springs would vary depending on the size of the Hövåg IKEA mattress.

    For instance, a standard double size mattress would have more springs than a Hövåg single mattress.

    Most Hövåg IKEA mattress reviews seemed to find the number of pocket springs supportive and comfortable enough.

    The IKEA Hövåg mattress replacement, the IKEA Valevåg mattress, has more springs (249 springs per square metre, to be exact).

  • What is the lifespan of an IKEA mattress?

    Mattress lifespans often depend on the materials used.

    While IKEA mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee, customers have complained that this is not really honoured.

    It's also common to see varying comments on the different mattresses.

    For instance, some IKEA Mattress Hövåg reviews said the mattress lasted 5 years or more, while other customers said theirs sagged within months.

    The Hövåg mattress from IKEA has now been discontinued, but this unreliable lifespan seems to be a theme with IKEA mattresses.

  • What size was the IKEA Hövåg mattress?

    The IKEA Hövåg mattress came in various sizes.

    These included the IKEA Hövåg mattress single, IKEA Hövåg mattress double, IKEA Hövåg mattress king-size, and IKEA Hövåg mattress super-king.

    Customers could opt to get the mattress in the UK or European measurements of these sizes (with the European ones being slightly larger).

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

Get to know the rest of our team

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personEyan
May 2024 thumb up
The information was exactly what I needed.

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