Over time, your body creates an indentation in your mattress, causing it to lose its spring and pep. Flipping your mattress so that you can sleep on the opposite side, or rotating it to take advantage of the unused section on the current side gives you a fresh sleep surface. It’s like a whole new mattress!
When you flip your mattress, you’re making use of every part of it, not just one section. When your mattress gets accustomed to your body shape, there’s less push back and therefore less comfort. Give your mattress a new lease on life by flipping or rotating it.
This will:
- Extend the lifespan of your mattress
- Offer better spinal alignment
- Allow for better weight distribution
How do You Flip a Mattress?
Not all mattresses can be flipped, such as hybrid mattresses and layered foam mattresses. This is why you should always check with your mattress manufacturer before doing anything. Here are some more tips:
- Don’t do it alone. Ask a friend or family member for help.
- Strip the bed of all sheets and bedding.
- Move any nightstands and other furniture out of the way.
- Lift the mattress onto its side.
- Lower the mattress on its base.
- Vacuum the mattress, bed base, and underneath the bed.
- Dress your bed with sheets and bedding.
How do You Rotate a Mattress?
This is a bit easier than flipping because you’re simply sliding the mattress in a circle. For this, all the steps are the same except you will slide the mattress 180 degrees (where your head used to be, will now be the foot of the bed, i.e.).
What Type of Mattresses Should be Flipped and Rotated?
A two-sided mattress has the same sleep surface on both sides, which is ideal for flipping. A one-sided mattress, on the other hand, is made with layers featuring a top-only sleep surface.
When it comes to rotating your mattress, most can accommodate this, including:
- Latex
- Innerspring
- Hybrid
- Memory foam
- Mattress topper (separate from the mattress)
How Often Should You Do This?
Every six months is ideal for both rotating and flipping. Take extra care when flipping or rotating your mattress, as these pieces of furniture are deceivingly heavy. Not only does flipping or rotating your mattress give it a new lease on life and increase your comfort, it’s also an opportunity for you to vacuum in and around the bed, which you probably neglect on a weekly basis.