Quick Answer: IKEA Canada gives you 90 days to return a mattress, but there are catches most people miss. You get store credit only (not a refund to your card), you must bring the mattress back yourself (IKEA will not pick it up), and you are limited to one exchange. If you paid $799 for an IKEA mattress and decide it is not right, you are locked into spending that money at IKEA regardless. Other Canadian retailers offer far more flexible terms.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
Reading Time: 7 minutes | Updated February 2026
IKEA's 90-Day Mattress Trial: The Fine Print
IKEA markets a "Love It or Exchange It" mattress guarantee that gives Canadian customers 90 days to decide whether a new mattress works for them. On the surface, 90 days sounds reasonable. It falls within the 30- to 90-day window that sleep researchers recommend for adjusting to a new sleep surface.
But the details matter more than the headline number. Here is exactly what IKEA's mattress return policy includes and what it does not.
What IKEA's Policy Actually Covers
- 90-day window from the date of purchase (not delivery)
- One exchange permitted per mattress purchase
- Store credit only for the value of the original mattress
- Must be returned in-store by the customer (no pickup service)
- Mattress must be clean and in reasonable condition
- Proof of purchase required (receipt or order confirmation)
The important distinction: IKEA calls this an "exchange" policy, not a return policy. You cannot get your money back to your credit card or bank account. You receive an IKEA store credit, which means you are spending that money at IKEA one way or another.
What "Store Credit Only" Actually Means for You
Suppose you buy an IKEA VALEVAG spring mattress for $449. After six weeks, your back hurts every morning and you want something different. Under IKEA's policy, you can exchange it for a different IKEA mattress or receive $449 in store credit.
That sounds fine until you consider what happens next. If the replacement IKEA mattress also does not work, you have used your one exchange. You are now stuck with it. And if you decide you want to shop elsewhere for a mattress that actually suits your body, that $449 is locked inside IKEA's ecosystem.
Compare that to a retailer like Sleep Country Canada, which offers a 365-night comfort guarantee with exchange options across dozens of brands. Or online mattress companies like Endy and Douglas, which offer full refunds (not store credit) within their 365-night trial periods.
Research Perspective: Why 90 Days Matters
A 2015 systematic review published in Sleep Health found that medium-firm mattresses subjectively identified and self-adjusted by the sleeper produced the best outcomes for comfort, sleep quality, and spinal alignment. The key takeaway: it takes time to know whether a mattress truly works for your body, and the ability to exchange or return without penalty is essential during that adjustment period.
Source: Radwan et al., Sleep Health, 2015; DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
8 min read
How to Return an IKEA Mattress in Canada (Step by Step)
If you have decided your IKEA mattress is not working out, here is the process:
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
You will need your original receipt, order confirmation email, or IKEA Family card transaction history. Without proof of purchase, IKEA may deny the return entirely.
Step 2: Arrange Transportation
This is the part most people do not anticipate. IKEA does not offer mattress pickup for returns. You need to bring the mattress back to an IKEA store yourself. For a queen-size mattress, that means you need a truck, van, or SUV with enough cargo space, plus a second person to help load it.
If you do not have a vehicle large enough, you will need to rent one. A cargo van rental from U-Haul runs $30 to $50 plus mileage in most Canadian cities. Add fuel costs, and your "free" return just cost you $50 to $80.
Step 3: Visit the Returns Counter
Bring the mattress to the returns area of your nearest IKEA store. Staff will inspect it for stains, tears, or excessive wear. If accepted, you will receive store credit loaded onto an IKEA gift card or your IKEA Family account.
Step 4: Choose Your Replacement
You can use your store credit toward a different IKEA mattress immediately or save it for later. Remember: this is your one exchange opportunity. Choose carefully, because you cannot exchange the replacement mattress again under the same policy.
What Disqualifies a Return
- Mattress purchased more than 90 days ago
- Visible stains, odours, or damage beyond normal use
- No proof of purchase available
- Already used your one exchange for this purchase
- Custom-cut mattresses (non-standard sizes ordered through IKEA's custom service)
Current IKEA Canada Mattress Models and Prices (2026)
To put the return policy in context, here is what IKEA currently sells in their Canadian mattress lineup. Prices are for queen size.
| Model | Type | Firmness | Queen Price (CAD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKREHAMN | Foam | Firm | $499 | High-resilience foam, good for back sleepers |
| VALEVAG | Pocket Spring | Firm | $449 | Individually wrapped springs, natural latex comfort layer |
| ANNELAND | Pocket Spring | Medium Firm | $799 | Gel-infused memory foam top, zoned support springs |
| ABROTTEN | Pocket Spring | Medium Firm | $599 | Natural latex and pocket springs, breathable cover |
| VATNESTRÖM | Pocket Spring | Firm | $999 | Premium model, horsehair and latex layers |
| VESTERÖY | Pocket Spring | Medium Firm | $399 | Entry-level spring, foam comfort layer |
| ÅBYGDA | Foam | Medium Firm | $349 | Budget foam option, pressure relief zones |
IKEA's mattress prices are undeniably competitive. A queen pocket-spring mattress for $449 undercuts most Canadian competitors. But price alone does not determine value. A $449 mattress that causes back pain after three months and can only be exchanged for store credit is not actually a bargain.
Canadian Mattress Return Policies Compared (2026)
Here is how IKEA's policy stacks up against other major Canadian mattress retailers. The differences are significant.
| Retailer | Trial Period | Refund Type | Pickup Included | Restocking Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA Canada | 90 days | Store credit only | No (self-return) | None | One exchange limit |
| Sleep Country | 365 nights | Exchange only | Yes (free pickup) | None | Must try for 21 nights first |
| The Brick | 90 nights | Exchange or credit | Varies by location | Varies | Comfort guarantee on select models |
| Costco Canada | Unlimited | Full refund | No (self-return) | None | Best policy in Canada, requires membership |
| Amazon.ca | 30 days | Full refund | Varies | Possible | Depends on seller and mattress brand |
| Endy | 365 nights | Full refund | Yes (free pickup) | None | Canadian company, donates returned mattresses |
| Douglas | 365 nights | Full refund | Yes (free pickup) | None | Made in Canada, eco-friendly |
| Casper (Canada) | 365 nights | Full refund | Yes (free pickup) | None | Must try for 30 nights first |
| Juno | 120 nights | Full refund | Yes (free pickup) | None | Canadian brand, free shipping both ways |
| Local showroom (e.g., Mattress Miracle) | Varies | Personalized | Often included | Typically none | Try before you buy eliminates the need for returns |
The comparison reveals a clear pattern: online-first Canadian brands like Endy, Douglas, and Juno offer the most generous policies with full refunds and free pickup. IKEA's policy is among the most restrictive of major retailers, primarily because store credit locks you into their ecosystem.
Online Mattress Trials vs. Trying Before You Buy
The entire concept of a mattress return policy exists because of a fundamental problem: you are buying something you have never slept on. Online mattress companies solved this with generous trial periods. IKEA's showroom lets you lie on display models for a few minutes. Neither approach truly replicates eight hours of sleep.
What the Research Says About Mattress Selection
A landmark 2003 study in The Lancet involving 313 adults with chronic low-back pain found that those assigned medium-firm mattresses had significantly better outcomes than those on firm mattresses. The researchers emphasized that individual preference and body type should guide mattress selection, not marketing claims or price alone.
Source: Kovacs et al., The Lancet, 2003; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
This is why independent mattress showrooms exist. At a store like Mattress Miracle in Brantford, you can spend as much time as you need testing mattresses with guidance from people who have been fitting customers to mattresses since 1997. There is no algorithm deciding what firmness you need. There is no 90-day clock ticking. You make your choice with confidence before the mattress ever leaves the store.
When an IKEA Mattress Makes Sense
To be fair, IKEA mattresses serve a legitimate purpose:
- Temporary housing where you need an affordable mattress quickly
- Guest bedrooms that are used a few times per year
- Student apartments where budget is the primary concern
- Children's beds that will be outgrown in a few years
When You Should Shop Elsewhere
If the mattress is for your primary bed, where you will spend roughly 2,500 hours per year, you owe it to your body to invest more carefully. A 2006 study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that switching from a mattress over five years old to a new medium-firm system significantly reduced back pain and stiffness. But the key word is "medium-firm" - the right firmness for your body, not the cheapest option in stock.
For your main bed, consider:
- Trying mattresses in person at a showroom where staff can assess your sleep position, body type, and any pain points
- Choosing a retailer with a generous return policy that offers full refunds, not just store credit
- Investing in quality materials that will maintain their support for 8 to 10 years rather than breaking down in 2 to 3
IKEA's 25-Year Mattress Warranty: What It Actually Covers
IKEA markets a 25-year warranty on most of their mattresses, which sounds impressive. But warranties and return policies are completely different things.
The 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects only: broken springs, seam failures, or foam defects that cause visible sagging beyond a specified depth. It does not cover:
- Comfort preference (the mattress feels too firm or too soft)
- Normal wear and body impressions under the defect threshold
- Stains, tears, or damage from use
- Mattresses used on improper bed frames
In practical terms, if your IKEA mattress develops a sag in year three that makes your back ache, but the sag does not meet IKEA's measurement threshold, the warranty will not help you. And at that point, your 90-day exchange window closed years ago.
Smart Mattress Shopping Tips for Canadians
Whether you end up at IKEA, an online brand, or a local showroom, these evidence-based tips will help you make a better decision:
1. Test for at Least 15 Minutes Per Mattress
Research on mattress selection consistently shows that brief testing periods (under 5 minutes) are poor predictors of long-term comfort. Spend at least 15 minutes lying in your normal sleep position on any mattress you are seriously considering.
2. Know Your Sleep Position
Side sleepers generally need a softer surface to accommodate shoulder and hip curves. Back sleepers benefit from medium-firm support. Stomach sleepers need firmer support to prevent spinal hyperextension. A mattress that works brilliantly for your partner may be wrong for you.
3. Read the Return Policy Before You Buy
Not after. Before. Specifically look for:
- Is the refund to your original payment method or store credit?
- Who pays for return shipping or pickup?
- Is there a minimum trial period before you can return?
- How many exchanges are permitted?
- Are there any restocking fees?
4. Do Not Confuse Warranty Length with Quality
A 25-year warranty on a $349 foam mattress does not mean it will last 25 years. It means the manufacturer will replace it if it fails catastrophically within 25 years. Most comfort issues develop well before any warranty threshold is reached.
5. Consider Total Cost of Ownership
A $449 IKEA mattress that lasts 4 years costs $112 per year. A $1,200 mattress from a quality manufacturer that lasts 10 years costs $120 per year. The premium mattress costs almost the same annually while providing significantly better support and sleep quality throughout its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a full refund on an IKEA mattress in Canada?
No. IKEA Canada's mattress return policy provides store credit only, not a refund to your original payment method. You can use the credit toward a different IKEA mattress or any other IKEA product, but you cannot get your money back to your credit card or bank account. This applies to both in-store and online purchases returned within the 90-day window.
Will IKEA pick up a mattress I want to return?
No. Unlike online mattress companies such as Endy, Douglas, and Casper (which offer free pickup), IKEA requires you to bring the mattress back to an IKEA store yourself. For a queen or king mattress, this typically means renting a truck or van, which can cost $30 to $80 depending on your location and distance to the nearest IKEA.
How many times can I exchange an IKEA mattress?
IKEA allows one exchange per mattress purchase within the 90-day window. If your replacement mattress also does not work for you, the exchange policy has been used and you cannot exchange it again. This makes it important to choose your replacement carefully, or consider shopping at a retailer with a more flexible return policy.
Which Canadian mattress retailer has the best return policy?
Costco Canada has the most generous policy with unlimited returns and full refunds, though you need a membership. Among online brands, Endy and Douglas offer 365-night trials with full refunds and free pickup. Sleep Country offers 100 nights with free exchange pickup. For the most confident purchase, visiting a local mattress showroom lets you test before buying, which eliminates the need for returns altogether.
Is the IKEA mattress 25-year warranty worth anything?
IKEA's 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects only, such as broken springs or foam defects that cause visible sagging beyond a specific depth. It does not cover comfort preferences, normal wear, or body impressions that do not meet the defect threshold. Most mattress comfort issues develop gradually and fall outside warranty coverage, so the warranty length should not be a primary factor in your purchasing decision.
Are IKEA mattresses good for back pain?
IKEA mattresses range from basic foam to pocket-spring models with zoned support. Research published in The Lancet (Kovacs et al., 2003) found that medium-firm mattresses provide the best outcomes for people with back pain. Some IKEA models meet this criterion, but the limited exchange policy means you have only one chance to get the firmness right. If you have existing back pain, testing a mattress in person at a showroom where staff can assess your needs is a safer approach than ordering based on an online description.
Can I return an IKEA mattress bought online to a store?
Yes. IKEA Canada allows you to return online mattress purchases to any IKEA store location within the 90-day window, provided you have your order confirmation. The same conditions apply: store credit only, one exchange limit, and you must transport the mattress yourself. You can also initiate a return through IKEA's online customer service, but the mattress still needs to be physically returned to a store or arranged for third-party shipping at your expense.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Pena A, et al. "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial." The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. "Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials." Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Jacobson BH, Wallace T, Gemmell H. "Subjective rating of perceived back pain, stiffness and sleep quality following introduction of medium-firm bedding systems." Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2006;5(4):128-134. doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60145-5
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, et al. "What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature." Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021;22(1):51. doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
IKEA Canada’s mattress return policy allows exchanges within 90 days but requires the mattress to be clean, undamaged, and returned to the original store location. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford notes that a 90-day trial is only valuable if you actually test the mattress properly during that window. Dorothy recommends sleeping on a new mattress for at least 30 consecutive nights before deciding, as your body needs time to adjust from your old mattress. Call (519) 770-0001 for guidance on what to look for during a trial period.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a full refund on an IKEA mattress in Canada?
No. IKEA Canada's mattress return policy provides store credit only, not a refund to your original payment method. You can use the credit toward a different IKEA mattress or any other IKEA product, but you cannot get your money back to your credit card or bank account.
Will IKEA pick up a mattress I want to return?
No. Unlike online mattress companies such as Endy, Douglas, and Casper (which offer free pickup), IKEA requires you to bring the mattress back to an IKEA store yourself.
How many times can I exchange an IKEA mattress?
IKEA allows one exchange per mattress purchase within the 90-day window. If your replacement mattress also does not work for you, the exchange policy has been used and you cannot exchange it again.
Which Canadian mattress retailer has the best return policy?
Costco Canada has the most generous policy with unlimited returns and full refunds. Among online brands, Endy and Douglas offer 365-night trials with full refunds and free pickup. For the most confident purchase, visiting a local mattress showroom lets you test before buying.
Is the IKEA mattress 25-year warranty worth anything?
IKEA's 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects only, such as broken springs or foam defects that cause visible sagging beyond a specific depth. It does not cover comfort preferences, normal wear, or body impressions that do not meet the defect threshold.
Are IKEA mattresses good for back pain?
IKEA mattresses range from basic foam to pocket-spring models with zoned support. Research published in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses provide the best outcomes for people with back pain. Testing a mattress in person at a showroom is a safer approach than ordering based on an online description.
Can I return an IKEA mattress bought online to a store?
Yes. IKEA Canada allows you to return online mattress purchases to any IKEA store location within the 90-day window, provided you have your order confirmation. The same conditions apply: store credit only, one exchange limit, and you must transport the mattress yourself.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.