Whether you just invested in a brand new mattress or have had the same one for years, you need to take proper care of it for optimal comfort and support. One of the best ways to extend the life of your mattress is to regularly flip and rotate it. But how often should you be flipping or rotating your mattress? We surveyed sleep experts to find out their recommendations.
What’s the Difference Between Flipping and Rotating Your Mattress?
Before we dive into how often to flip or rotate, it’s important to understand the difference between these two actions.
Flipping a mattress means turning it over so the side you sleep on becomes the side that was previously facing down. Flipping completely reverses the sides.
Rotating a mattress means moving it 180 degrees or turning it lengthwise, so the head of the bed is now where the foot used to be. The same side remains facing up.
Most mattress manufacturers recommend rotating your mattress 180 degrees every three to six months. Flipping depends more on the type of mattress you have. We’ll break it down in more detail below.
How Often Should You Flip Your Mattress?
For innerspring mattresses:
Many experts recommend flipping an innerspring mattress every three to six months. Flipping these mattresses helps distribute wear evenly and extend the life span.
However, some newer innerspring mattresses are designed differently and don’t require flipping. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to be sure.
Greg Adler, CEO and mattress expert at Brooklyn Bedding, recommends flipping innerspring mattresses twice per year:
“For most innerspring mattresses, flipping them twice a year can help prevent impressions from forming. When you don’t flip it enough, the materials can start to compress and lose their support and comfort.”
For memory foam mattresses:
Most memory foam mattress manufacturers recommend against flipping them.
Memory foam is designed to conform to the contours of your body, creating a “memory.” Flipping these mattresses disrupts that imprint and the personalized support it provides.
However, rotating your memory foam mattress every three to six months can help it wear evenly. Adler suggests:
“Memory foam doesn’t need to be flipped, but rotating it can benefit the mattress. I’d recommend rotating a memory foam mattress a few times per year.”
For latex mattresses:
Like memory foam, latex foam mattresses contour to your body shape. Flipping them is not recommended, as it could disrupt the personalized molding.
However, latex mattresses should be rotated 180 degrees every three to six months to help prevent impressions and sagging.
Adler advises:
“Rotating a latex mattress helps maintain even wear, but latex shouldn’t be flipped because of the impression it forms to the sleeper.”
For pillowtop mattresses:
Pillowtop mattresses have a layer of padding sewn on top that provides extra cushioning comfort. The pillowtop isn’t meant to support body weight.
For these mattresses, experts recommend rotating but not flipping. The pillowtop layer is designed to face upwards, so flipping could damage the mattress.
Stanley Walker of Custom Comfort Mattress recommends:
“With pillowtop mattresses, it’s best to just rotate them. Flipping could undo the benefit of the pillowtop and damage the materials.”
For dual-sided mattresses:
Some mattresses are designed to be flipped and rotated. These dual-sided mattresses have the same materials on both sides, so you can fully flip them to distribute wear.
For these dual-sided mattresses, experts recommend flipping and rotating every three months for maximum durability.
What Are the Benefits of Flipping and Rotating Your Mattress?
Making the effort to regularly flip or rotate your mattress comes with many benefits:
- Prevents sagging and impressions – Flipping and rotating spreads out compression from body weight so it doesn’t excessively wear one area. This helps mattresses maintain structure and prevents uneven sagging.
- Extends mattress lifespan – By distributing wear more evenly across the mattress surface, flipping and rotating makes mattresses more durable. This prevents you from having to replace it as frequently.
- Maintains comfort and support – A saggy mattress with uneven impressions won’t properly contour and support your body. Flipping and rotating helps keep padding, foams, and springs functioning optimally.
- Reduces back and joint pain – An excessively worn mattress can throw your spine out of alignment and aggravate pressure points. Flipping and rotating helps mattresses provide even support and comfort to alleviate aches.
- Improves sleep quality – A mattress that sags considerably can make it hard to sleep soundly and get comfortable. Flipping and rotating helps you rest easy for more high-quality sleep.
- Redistributes body oils and moisture – Over time, body oils and moisture can concentrate in one area of a mattress. Rotating and flipping helps these accumulate more evenly instead of only in your sleeping zone.
- Air out mattress – Allowing both sides of your mattress to get fresh air exposure helps keep odors and moisture at bay.
When’s the Best Time to Flip or Rotate Your Mattress?
Anytime is a good time for flipping or rotating your mattress. But our mattress experts recommend timing it with these occasions for added benefit:
- When switching between Daylight Savings Time – Use the semi-annual time changes as a reminder.
- When you deep clean your bedroom – Rotate your mattress when doing seasonal deep cleaning.
- Before the seasons change – Rotate your mattress when transitioning between winter and summer.
- When you notice sagging or impressions – Turn your mattress at the first sign of wear to prevent excessive damage.
- After moving – If relocating your mattress, allow it to air out before flipping or rotating.
- Every few months – Mark your calendar to remind yourself to rotate your mattress every three to six months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flipping and Rotating Your Mattress
- Clear off bedding – Remove all sheets, mattress protectors, blankets, and toppers. You’ll have an easier time moving the bare mattress.
- Vacuum mattress thoroughly – Use the brush attachment to deep clean all sides of the mattress, sucking up dirt, debris, and dust mites.
- Lift mattress straight up – Bend at the knees, and grab the mattress by two far corners. Use proper lifting technique as mattresses can be very heavy.
- Flip or rotate – For flipping, turn the mattress over to the opposite side. For rotating, turn it 180 degrees lengthwise.
- Replace fitted sheet and bedding – Put your mattress protector and sheets back on, being careful not to tug too roughly.
- Allow time to recover shape – Give your mattress a few hours to regain its original form once flipped or rotated before adding other bedding layers.
Take your time and be cautious when flipping or rotating your mattress. Improper technique could strain your back. Get help from another person if your mattress is very bulky.
FAQs About Flipping and Rotating Mattresses
How do you rotate a mattress?
Rotating a mattress means turning it 180 degrees so the head and foot ends are swapped. The same side should remain facing upwards. Rotating distributes compression from just your sleeping zone.
What is the best direction to sleep on a mattress?
Ideally, you should rotate your mattress so you’re sleeping in the opposite direction every 3-6 months. This helps wear occur evenly instead of only on one end. Sleeping in different directions also varies pressure points.
Should a pillow top mattress be flipped?
No, pillow top mattresses should not be flipped. The pillow top layer is meant to face upwards for cushioning. Flipping could damage the material and undo the comfort benefit. Only rotate pillow top mattresses head-to-foot every few months.
How long does a new mattress last if rotated?
Regularly rotating your mattress every 3-6 months can help it last 7-10 years on average. Consistently rotating distributes compression to extend the lifespan versus leaving it in one position.
Should you flip a foam mattress?
Most foam mattresses should not be flipped because they are designed to contour to the shape of your body. Flipping could disrupt the personalized imprint it molds. However, rotating foam mattresses 180 degrees every few months does help prevent uneven wear.
How do I maximize the life of my new mattress?
- Use a mattress protector to shield it from spills and stains
- Rotate the mattress head-to-foot every 3-6 months
- Consider flipping one-sided mattresses 1-2 times per year
- Vacuum mattress surface regularly to remove allergens
- Replace old box springs when you get a new mattress
Conclusion
Flipping or rotating your mattress every few months is one of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your investment. Be sure to follow your particular mattress manufacturer guidelines on flipping versus rotating. Proper mattress maintenance helps maintain comfort, support, and sanitation so you can sleep soundly for years to come.