When thinking about household chores, mattress care is something that is undoubtedly overlooked.
However, it’s important to take good care of your mattress as doing so can not only prolong its lifespan but also ensure you stay comfortable throughout the night.
So if you didn’t know turning or flipping a mattress was even a thing, then we’ve got you covered. We explain everything you need to know about turning and flipping a mattress, including why it’s important to and often you should do it.
Otherwise, our best mattress and best pillow guides will ensure your bed is as comfortable as possible, to help guarantee a good night’s sleep.
Why should you flip your mattress?
The main reason why you should flip your mattress regularly is to keep it in good condition and ensure its filling is evenly distributed. Ever noticed a dip or sag in your mattress? These can be caused when someone sleeps in the same spot and, over time, the mattress moulds itself to their body shape. While this might not sound like a big issue, this means your mattress is much less supportive, and can cause poor sleep and painful joints.
Keep in mind that not all mattresses should be flipped. In fact some, like the Simba Hybrid Pro or Simba Simbatex Foam Mattress, have clear tops and bottoms. In this instance, you shouldn’t flip your mattress and instead just rotate it.
Should you flip your mattress?
Some mattresses, like memory foam or pillow-topped, should not be flipped at all. This is because the top layer is different from the bottom and is designed to support and contour your body while sleeping. Flipping a memory foam mattress over means you’ll lose the benefits of this and end up sleeping on the bottom layer, which isn’t as comfortable.
Otherwise, double-sided mattresses should be flipped regularly to keep them in good condition and avoid the risk of sagging or dips forming.
How often should you flip your mattress?
While generally you should flip most mattresses between every three to six months, the exact amount will depend on the mattress type. To make sure you’re doing the best maintenance for your mattress, check its care instructions.
How often should you turn your mattress and should you flip it?
Unlike flipping, all mattresses can and should be turned regularly. While how often exactly will depend on your specific mattress, roughly we’d recommend rotating your mattress 180° every three to six months. Realistically speaking, the latter should be enough to avoid any issues, but if you do notice your mattress starting to show signs of wear or tear, then you should turn it more frequently.
Most mattresses are fitted with useful handles either side to help make the rotating process that bit easier.
What happens if you don’t rotate your mattress?
Rotating or turning your mattress might be news to you, but it’s a key step in preserving the quality of your mattress. If you don’t rotate your mattress you risk dips or sags forming which means your body won’t be fully supported or kept as comfortable throughout the night. Not only can this lead to poor sleep but it also can cause muscle and joint pain throughout the day too.
What is the average lifespan of a mattress?
Numerous factors affect the lifespan of a mattress, from the quality and type to its usage and care. For example, naturally a mattress in your guest room that’s used a couple of times a year should last much longer than one that’s used every night.
Generally speaking, you can expect your mattress to last anywhere between six to around fifteen years. Turning or even flipping your mattress can help ensure that it lasts longer.
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What is the golden rule for flipping mattresses?
Firstly, remember that not all mattresses are made to be flipped, so if you’re sporting memory foam or similar, then you should avoid this task altogether. If you aren’t certain about your mattress type, then read through its care instructions either on its label or with any included guide.
The next golden rule is to make sure you aren’t doing it alone. Mattresses are cumbersome and can be heavy, especially the likes of the Bensons for Beds iGel NanoTech 6000i Plushtop. With this in mind, it’s best to enlist the help of a second person to make the flip easier and safer.
