Should You Rotate or Flip Your Mattress?

There are many reasons to flip your mattress, including health and hygiene concerns. There are also some practical reasons for doing so. Frequent flipping or rotating of your mattress will prolong its life and ensure your bed is comfortable. It will also help you avoid premature wear and tear. 

For decades, the common advice in the mattress industry was to rotate and flip your mattress regularly to help extend its lifespan and improve comfort. However, changes to the design of modern mattresses mean that this advice is no longer necessarily true, should you still flip or rotate your mattress?

The answer depends on the design of your specific mattress. Generally speaking, most mattresses should be rotated regularly, but should not be flipped, because it depends on the structure of your mattress. 

Traditional innerspring mattresses, for example, are the same on both sides and can be rotated for a different feel. Dual-sided mattresses, on the other hand, have a support core between the two sides and are intended to be rotated for individual comfort. 

While you can rotate any mattress but not flip all mattresses, it's important to read the instructions before trying it yourself. If you're not sure if your mattress is double-sided or flippable, consult with the manufacturer or a professional. 

Whether the mattress is flippable, we need to first understand the basic construction of most modern mattresses. They typically feature multiple layers. The top layer is meant to cushion you, while the bottom layer is firm and durable. 

At the bottom of the mattress, a thick, relatively firm support layer typically made of dense foam and/or metal springs makes up the support layer. 

On the upper level of the mattress, one or more layers of foam or other materials, covering various densities and firmness levels, make up the “comfort system”

Topping the mattress is its cover, along with any sewn-in foams or other materials.

This design works well to support the sleeper. The relatively cushy comfort system on top provides good contouring and comfort, while the denser underlying support core helps keep the body supported and the spine properly aligned throughout the night.

However, if you flip this design upside down, it simply doesn’t work as well. The support core generally feels too firm to rest on directly, and the comfort core does not provide enough support to keep the mattress in its proper shape.

If you flip a mattress that’s not designed to be flipped, you’ll end up with a less comfortable and less supportive bed. It will also cause the mattress to wear out quicker, and will likely lead to aches and pains for the sleepers.

With that said, there are always exceptions. Our Hesperis Mattress is designed to be flippable. We innovate 3-firmness memory foam layers to make sure you can adjust the mattress flexibly as preferred. Combined with a Zero-spring design, an extremely comfy and motionless mattress is here.

Rotatable mattresses feature designs and firmness that are double-sided. In some cases, they offer two distinct firmness levels. For example, a rotatable all-foam mattress may feature one side with a 4 out of 10 firmness rating, with the other side offering a 6 out of 10 firmness rating. 

Other rotatable mattresses have a single uniform firmness level and are rotatable to help extend their longevity. Our Hesperis Mattress is having the same firmness levels on both ends, so when you rotate the mattress, you still have the 7-Zone Body Support at the right places where they intend to be. 

While it's not necessary to rotate a mattress every week, it does help prevent it from sagging and prematurely wearing down the steel coils. It also extends the life of the mattress, as it allows you to stop always putting the pressure on the same old points and let the mattress even itself out.  

Be noted that the firmness level that fits you is highly related to your weight. If you are a heavy person, you need a firmer layer compared with a normal comfort level. Better to choose a mattress with multiple levels of firmness, so that there is an option for the heavier people who need more support compared with normal levels. The mattress better is flippable and rotatable as heavier people also tend to tear and wear the mattress quicker than normal people. Rotating mattresses often help to prolong their mattress lifespan. 

How often

Most manufacturers recommend that you flip your mattress every three to six months. Depending on your preference, you can flip your mattress more frequently. The most important thing to do is to keep your mattress clean. 

If you are not careful, your mattress will suffer from unpleasant odors or even fall apart in the middle. Take care of your mattress, and it will take care of you.