IKEA HEMNES Daybed Mattress Size: Do You Need Two Mattresses?
The US HEMNES three-drawer daybed uses two Twin mattresses, stacked when closed and placed side by side when extended. Check the exact dimensions and combined height before buying.
Table of contents
Use the mattress dimensions for your US versionWhy the daybed uses two mattressesCheck thickness in the stacked positionChoose bedding for the arrangement you will useMake room to extend the bed and use the drawersCheck these details before ordering
Yes. IKEA’s US HEMNES daybed with three drawers requires two Twin mattresses. They stack when the daybed is used as a sofa or single bed and sit side by side when the pull-out base is extended for double-bed use. Check the exact US article and mattress measurements before ordering. “Twin,” the daybed’s outside dimensions and the size of its extended sleeping surface describe different things.
Use the mattress dimensions for your US version
The current white US frame, article 303.493.29, lists a mattress width of 38 1/4 inches and length of 74 1/2 inches. IKEA’s listed Twin ÅSVANG mattress is 38 1/4 by 74 3/8 inches. That small difference in listed dimensions is a reason to use the manufacturer’s matching products and exact article information, rather than treating a rounded size name as a precise fit specification.
Do not order from an overseas HEMNES guide without checking the market. Versions sold with 80-by-200-centimeter mattresses are different from the US Twin arrangement. For a used daybed, identify the frame’s label and origin first. Measure the mattress area as a cross-check, but ask IKEA about the correct mattress if the frame cannot be identified confidently.
| Measurement or term | What it describes | Buying implication |
|---|---|---|
| Twin mattress size | One of the two separate mattresses | Check actual length, width and thickness |
| Closed frame dimensions | The furniture’s outside footprint | Useful for room planning, not sheet sizing |
| Extended sleeping arrangement | Two matching mattresses side by side | Use both mattresses on the extended base |
| Mattress stack height | The combined thickness when closed | Check seating height and usable back support |
Why the daybed uses two mattresses
One mattress cannot provide the intended stacked configuration when closed and the two side-by-side surfaces when extended. The second mattress is part of the design, even if overnight guests are occasional. IKEA also states that the pulled-out daybed is not intended to function as two separate single beds. Keep the complete base in its specified configuration rather than separating it into independent beds.
A single full, queen or king mattress is not a direct substitute for that arrangement. For comparison, nominal US King dimensions are 76 by 80 inches, while Twin XL is nominally 38 by 80 inches. Both are longer than the listed HEMNES Twin mattress length. Do not buy Twin XL because two of them are commonly used for a split King; that is a different bed setup.
Check the shopping cart carefully. A listing described as a daybed frame may exclude mattresses, while a combination listing can include two. Read the component list and quantities instead of relying on a staged photo. The slatted base is included with the HEMNES frame, so a separate generic slat set is not the missing second sleeping surface.
Check thickness in the stacked position
Mattress thickness affects the daybed twice when it is closed. Two 4 3/4-inch mattresses create a nominal 9 1/2-inch stack before bedding and compression. Two 5 1/8-inch mattresses create a 10 1/4-inch stack. These are simple sums of the listed thicknesses, not maximum thickness limits for every HEMNES version.
For context, the US ÅSVANG Twin is a 4 3/4-inch foam mattress. IKEA also sells a HEMNES combination with two VANNAREID Twin pocket-spring mattresses, each listed at 5 1/8 inches thick. Therefore, “HEMNES only works with foam mattresses” is too broad. Compatibility depends on the particular mattress and daybed combination, not just whether the mattress contains springs.
If considering another brand, confirm its actual dimensions, suitability for this use and thickness with the relevant manufacturers. A much deeper pair changes the seated height and how much of the back and side panels remains above the stack. Choose a matching pair when possible so the extended sleeping surfaces have the same height. Do not infer approval from a mattress merely fitting between the ends.
Choose bedding for the arrangement you will use
Two fitted sheets sized for the individual mattresses are a straightforward option when the bed is extended. Check the sheet’s stated dimensions and pocket depth against the mattress, including any protector. Very deep-pocket sheets may need more adjustment on a thin daybed mattress, while a tight sheet can be awkward to move during conversion.
A King label on a sheet does not guarantee a neat fit over both mattresses. The combined width is close to a King arrangement, but the length and thickness differ. If you want a single cover across the pair, compare its actual dimensions and fitting range. A topper or joining accessory also needs a storage plan when the daybed returns to its closed position.
Make room to extend the bed and use the drawers
Plan the open furniture footprint as well as the closed sofa position. Clear the pull-out path and allow access to the drawers and surrounding room. A coffee table that looks well placed during the day may have to move before guests can sleep. Rugs, nearby furniture and stored items should not prevent the base from operating as instructed.
Before the first overnight use, check the complete assembly, supported base and smooth operation. Do not force a section that catches or use loose parts as improvised supports. If the daybed needs assembling in a tight room, review the space needed for furniture assembly before moving the boxes into the final corner.
Check these details before ordering
- Identify the exact HEMNES daybed article and the market where it was sold.
- Confirm the specified Twin mattress dimensions and buy the required quantity of two.
- Check the mattress model, thickness and suitability for stacked and extended use.
- Compare the combined stack height with the seating arrangement you want.
- Choose sheets for the actual mattress dimensions and thickness.
- Plan the open footprint, drawer access and a clear assembly area.
For assembly help, provide the daybed article number and confirm whether the mattresses are included in your order when arranging furniture assembly with UPTask. The bed assembly timing guide can help you plan the appointment. Resolve mattress compatibility before delivery so the completed frame can be used in its intended configuration.
