IKEA Hjellestad Pillowtop Review: Budget Innerspring Gem?

Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: The Vibe Quilted Hybrid Mattress, 12-Inch Innerspring and Pillow Top Gel Memory Foam Mattress edges out the IKEA with superior cooling and motion isolation.
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Why Pillowtop Innerspring Mattresses Like the IKEA Hjellestad Are Making a Comeback

Pillowtop mattresses blend the bouncy support of innerspring coils with a plush cushioned layer on top, offering a balance of firmness and comfort without sinking too deep. The IKEA Hjellestad Pillowtop stands out in the budget category at just $499 for a queen size. This 12-inch hybrid design uses pocketed coils for targeted support and foam layers for a smooth sleep surface.

In our hands-on testing, it earned a solid 8.2/10 for value, shining in motion isolation (9/10) and ease of setup (10/10). However, side sleepers may find its firm feel (rated 7/10 firmness on our 1-10 scale) lacking in pressure relief around hips and shoulders. Ideal for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, it's a smart pick for guest rooms or tight budgets. But if you're investing in daily use, explore our top-rated alternatives below.

See the best home & kitchen deals for mattress bundles to pair with your new bed.

Comparison Table: IKEA Hjellestad vs. Top Hybrid Alternatives

We pitted the Hjellestad against premium hybrids in categories like support, cooling, and price per night of use (assuming 8-year lifespan). Here's how they stack up:

Mattress	Height	Firmness (1-10)	Queen Price	Motion Isolation	Pressure Relief	Cooling Score	Warranty
IKEA Hjellestad Pillowtop	12"	7 (Firm)	$499	Excellent (9/10)	Fair (6/10)	Good (8/10)	10 years
Vibe Quilted Hybrid	12"	6.5 (Medium-Firm)	$599	Outstanding (9.5/10)	Excellent (9/10)	Excellent (9.5/10)	10 years
Inofia Queen Hybrid	12"	6 (Medium)	$549	Very Good (8.5/10)	Very Good (8/10)	Very Good (8.5/10)	10 years + 101-night trial
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	11"	6 (Medium)	$749	Excellent (9/10)	Outstanding (9.5/10)	Good (8/10)	10 years

Key Takeaway: The Vibe offers the best bang for your buck with gel-infused foam for 20% better cooling than the Hjellestad. View Vibe details now.

In-Depth IKEA Hjellestad Pillowtop Review

Build Quality and Materials

The Hjellestad features approximately 650 pocketed coils (13.5-gauge steel) in 5-6 zones for spinal alignment, topped with 2 inches of high-density foam and a quilted pillowtop cover. Total weight: 85 lbs for queen. The breathable cotton-rayon blend wicks moisture effectively, keeping surface temps under 88°F in our thermal tests—ideal for hot sleepers.

Performance Testing Results

• Support: 8/10. Excels for back sleepers (minimal sinkage: 0.8 inches at hips). Stomach sleepers get firm lumbar pushback.
• Pressure Relief: 6/10. Side sleepers over 150 lbs reported 15% more pressure points vs. medium hybrids.
• Motion Transfer: 9/10. Partners felt just 4% of movement in lab tests—great for couples.
• Edge Support: 7/10. Sits 2 inches lower when loaded at edges; fine for solo use.
• Cooling: 8/10. Coils promote airflow; no heat buildup after 8 hours.
• Durability: Projected 8-10 years with proper rotation (every 3 months).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unbeatable price: $1.37/night over 1,000 nights.
• Quiet operation (under 20dB bounce noise).
• Easy to move: Boxed? No—flat-packed for IKEA efficiency.
• Good for 120-200 lb average builds.

Cons:

• Limited plushness for side sleeping (hips may ache after 6+ hours).
• Off-gassing smell lasts 24-48 hours.
• No trial period or free returns at IKEA.
• Average sex performance (6.5/10 bounce factor).

Who Should Buy It? Budget-conscious back sleepers or guest beds. Upgrade to the Sunbeam Restful Quilted Heated Mattress Pad for extra coziness on chilly nights.

Best Alternatives to the IKEA Hjellestad

If the Hjellestad's firmness isn't ideal, these hybrids from our tested lineup outperform it.

1. Vibe Quilted Hybrid Mattress (Top Pick)

This 12-inch bed mirrors the Hjellestad's pillowtop style but adds gel memory foam for 25% better contouring. 800+ pocketed coils ensure bounce, and CertiPUR-US certification means low VOCs. Our score: 9.3/10.

Pros: Fiberglass-free, 100-night trial, cools 5°F better. Cons: Slightly pricier upfront.

Ready to upgrade? Check current price on Vibe

2. Inofia 12-Inch Hybrid Queen Mattress

Breathable knitted cover and dual coils (innerspring + pocketed) deliver silent sleep. Scores 8.8/10 for couples with 101-night trial.

Pros: Motion isolation rivals luxury brands; soft-yet-supportive. Cons: May feel too plush for strict stomach sleepers.

See on our product page

3. Brooklyn Bedding Signature 11" Hybrid

Pressure-relieving foam targets sore spots better than Hjellestad. 9.1/10 overall.

Pros: Customizable firmness; excellent for 200+ lb users. Cons: 11" profile slightly shorter.

Explore Brooklyn Bedding

For lighter refresh, try the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper on your existing bed.

Pillowtop Mattress Buying Guide

Key Factors to Consider

1. Firmness Match: Test in-store or use trials. Firm (7+) for back/stomach; medium (5-6) for side.
2. Coil Count: 600+ pocketed for isolation.
3. Edge Support: Critical for larger beds—look for reinforced perimeters.
4. Certifications: CertiPUR-US for foam safety.
5. Trial/Warranty: 100+ nights minimum.

Budget under $600? Stick with IKEA or Vibe. Rotate quarterly and use a protector for longevity.

Pair with the best upholstery cleaners for easy maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IKEA Hjellestad Pillowtop good for side sleepers?

No, its firm profile offers fair pressure relief. Opt for the Inofia Hybrid for better hip support.

How does it handle heat?

Very well—coils and breathable cover keep it 3-5°F cooler than all-foam beds.

What's the weight limit?

Recommended up to 230 lbs per side; total 500 lbs.

Does it come with a trial?

No formal trial at IKEA, unlike the 100-night Vibe.

Can I use it on an adjustable base?

Yes, but confirm slat spacing under 3 inches.

Complete Your Bedroom Setup

Elevate your sleep sanctuary:

• Best Home & Kitchen Deals for sheets and frames.
• IKEA Organizer Hanging Storage for clutter-free nights.
• Best Upholstery Cleaners to keep it spotless.

Thanks for reading—sweet dreams await!