Mattresses that arrive rolled and delivered to your doorstep tend to be two-sided, which requires frequent flipping and rotating of the mattress.
Many older innerspring mattresses still require flipping; please refer to the tag or instructions to verify. In general, most modern mattresses no longer need to be rotated or flipped regularly.
What is Flipping?
Flipping and rotating a mattress regularly has been shown to extend its lifespan while creating a more functional sleeping surface. Regular rotations help distribute stress across the bed evenly, helping minimize early sagging, alleviate pain in specific areas such as the back or hips and ensure your spine is supported evenly while decreasing chances of any sleep-disruptive discomfort.
However, not all mattresses require flipping or rotating; doing so could damage them and may invalidate warranties if their customers damage a single side by repeatedly flipping. Before trying to flip or rotate your mattress it’s always wise to consult the mattress tag or manufacturer instructions beforehand.
If you decide to flip your mattress, stripping the bed is recommended prior to beginning. This will prevent sheets from being pinched under the mattress and make accessing both sides easier for flipping. In addition, mattress protectors and pillowcases will help lessen any chance of staining or sweat odor absorption from under your mattress or pillowcases.
Flipping memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses every six months is an effective way to keep them feeling new while eliminating lumps. Older innerspring mattresses should be rotated every two to three months if possible. No matter which mattress type or maintenance plan you opt for, rotating your box spring every three to four months can also help maintain freshness in its core structure.
Modern Mattresses Can’t Be Flipped
Mattress manufacturers frequently advise customers not to flip their mattress because it could damage it or void the warranty, yet most modern mattresses have only one side that needs flipping.
Leesa, Purple, Casper and Nectar mattresses all utilize various layers that serve a specific function; soft top layers provide cushioning while firm base layers add durability. Flipping them will cause disruption of these layers and affect its performance negatively.
Mattresses that cannot be flipped should still be regularly rotated to even out wear and tear on both sides of the mattress, helping prevent indents or sagging over time.
To rotate your mattress, raise and prop it so the head of your mattress rests against the headboard while its underside faces the bed base. Use a vacuum or hard-to-reach cleaning methods on hard-to-reach spots beneath your mattress while lifting and propping it. Lower slowly over several minutes so what was once underside becomes now head and vice versa.
Be mindful that it can be tricky to handle and flip an unintended mattress, and consider seeking help or getting assistance if this task becomes challenging for you. To reduce risk and the potential risk of injuries to both yourself and the mattress during this process.
Modern Mattresses Can Be Rotated
Even if your mattress was never intended to be flipped, rotating it regularly can still extend its life and ensure both sides wear evenly over time. Aim to rotate every six months. Doing this will ensure both sides wear evenly while making your mattress last longer.
To rotate a mattress, begin by taking steps to clear away all bedding and sleep accessories such as pillows, sheets and mattress protectors from your bed, moving items such as side tables or lamps from under it and taking steps such as propping it up on its headboard/footboard before sliding it into its new position. Depending on its size and your desired direction of rotation, a helper may be needed when moving and lifting it – if it’s full- or queen-sized then using props on either end will make this easier when rotating clockwise or counterclockwise before lifting each side and shifting into its final destination!
Most mattresses, such as memory foam and latex mattresses, can be rotated. Before making this claim, please read your manufacturer instructions to be certain your mattress can be rotated or flipped over.
Modern Mattresses Can Be Flipped and Rotated
Most mattresses sold today don’t need to be flipped regularly for optimal care; this old-school technique could extend the lifespan of your bed by evenly dispersing weight across its surface and increasing longevity. But some modern beds still benefit from regular rotations – and it’s easier than you think!
Modern mattresses often include multiple layers with specific functions, including a firm base layer for core support and soft top layers designed to maximize comfort. Flipping the mattress reverses these functions, so most modern mattresses do not qualify as reversible options.
Tuft & Needle and WinkBed mattresses do not recommend flipping, since each has been constructed with its own dedicated sleeping surface that should face your head as you rest – this ensures the correct part of the mattress wears out instead.
Some modern mattresses, like Layla’s memory foam mattress, can be easily flipped. Furthermore, each side offers differing firmness levels to meet your specific needs and prevent premature sagging. If flipping is too much trouble for you to handle, rotating could offer similar benefits and prevent early wear-and-tear.
