How Often Should You Flip Your Mattress
Flipping your mattress can prolong its life but only for certain types of beds. Should you flip your mattress? How often? And what's the right technique? Find answers to all your mattress flipping questions below.
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Not all mattresses need to be flipped. Some are built with layers that aren't reversible. For example, don't flip a memory foam mattress unless you like sleeping on a hard support core. With that type of bed, the cushioning foam is only on the top.
Some spring mattresses still require flipping, but not all. Unless the top and bottom or your bed have the same construction, don't flip it. In general, it's always best to read the manufacturer's directions or even call the manufacturer directly.
Why is it Good to Flip Your Mattress?
Mattresses are a big investment. Flipping the 'right type' helps lengthen the mattress's life. By not sleeping on the same spot night after night, you eliminate excessive wear and tear in one area.
Less wear and tear can keep your mattress strong, which means it'll keep your spine in alignment and prevent your joints from aching. If you have a traditional flippable mattress, consider flipping it every three months or four times a year.
It's not common for a mattress to last 20 years. A mattress with high-quality parts that you flip or rotate properly, as well as keep clean may last 10 years or more, but 20 years is unlikely.
Is Flipping or Rotating Your Mattress Better?
The benefits of flipping versus rotating a mattress depends on its construction. Some mattresses, like memory foam, shouldn't be flipped. In the case of a non-flippable mattress, rotating can give you the same benefits.
Sleeping in the same position on your mattress every night weakens that area. If you rotate it, you give that section of the bed a break. Consider rotating your mattress at least twice a year. This evens out the wear and tear and may increase your mattress's life.
You shouldn't flip traditional pillow-top beds. These are one-sided mattresses that only contain the pillow-top on one side of the mattress. But, some mattresses, such as the King Serta Perfect Sleeper Double Pillow-Top, have identical sides. This means you can and should flip the mattress to prolong its life.
What Type of Mattress Need to be Flipped?
Today, there isn't one type of mattress that needs to be flipped. Even some innerspring mattresses, which are the typical 'flippable mattresses' don't get flipped.
It all depends on the top layer. For example, the Saatva mattress is an innerspring mattress, but it has a Luxury Euro Pillow-Top. If you flip the mattress, you'll be sleeping on its steel core base - probably not the most comfortable of surfaces
In general, true innerspring mattresses do benefit from regular flipping. Other mattresses, such as the Layla mattress, advertise themselves as 'flippable mattresses.' The Layla mattress is made of foam with one firm side and one soft.
You will know instantly if you flip a no-flip mattress. Your once-comfortable mattress will feel like a board since you'll now be sleeping on the base. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before flipping a mattress so that you know the proper way to use it.
How Does Flipping a Mattress Extend its Life?
Think about when you sleep—you probably sleep in the same spot every night. Over time, you'll wear out that spot, which causes a weak area in the mattress. This can lead to spinal misalignment, aches, and pains, which ultimately means a poor night's sleep.
When you flip the mattress, you reduce the wear and tear on that one spot. If you flip it regularly, according to the manufacturer's directions, you can extend the life of your mattress.
The average mattress lasts around 10 years, but it really depends on the materials. Some mattresses last much longer than 10 years while others last less. The care, use, and materials will determine how much time you get out of your mattress. If you find yourself feeling achy in the morning, not sleeping well, or having allergic symptoms when near your mattress, it's time to change.
How do you Flip a Mattress?
Always follow the manufacturer's directions when flipping your mattress. In general, you should:
- Lift the mattress onto one side.
- Rotate the mattress so that the head is now at the foot of the bed.
- Flip the mattress so that the bottom of the mattress is now the top.
Before you flip your mattress is also a good time to clean it. At the very least, vacuum the top surface before you flip it. If you want to deodorize it, too, sprinkle a layer of baking soda and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum the baking soda up from the mattress, then flip/rotate it.
Assuming you have a flippable mattress, you may help your back pain by flipping it. The reduced wear and tear in one spot on your mattress helps it last longer and keep your spine aligned. This is crucial to prevent or help back pain.
How do you Rotate a Mattress?
If you have a one-sided mattress, consider rotating it using the following method:
- Rotate the mattress a full 180 degrees so that the head of the mattress is now at the foot of the bed.
- If you have a latex or memory foam mattress, you may need a second person to help you, as they can get heavy.
Bottom Line
Flipping a mattress has its benefits, but only for certain mattresses. If you do have a flippable mattress, choose memorable times to flip it, such as Christmas and Easter or the start or end of Daylight Savings Time. Choose times you'll remember and you could potentially lengthen your mattress's life.
Write to Kim P at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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