Are You Supposed To Rotate Your Mattress?
High-quality mattresses don’t come cheap, so you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure they last long. In past times rotating and flipping mattresses was key. But mattresses have evolved since then with new technology.
Not every mattress should be flipped and or rotated. It is best to check with you mattress manufacturer to be sure. More often than not mattresses should be rotated. Although most should not be flipped. Part of a good mattress maintenance routine is regularly rotating. By rotating your mattress, you can prevent having to dispose of your mattress prematurely.
Before you flip and rotate your mattress, we will walk you through the basics on key things to know when wondering if you and how you should flip and rotate your mattress.
Flipping vs Rotating A Mattress
Flipping and rotating your mattress can prevent wear over time. But what is mattress flipping to begin with? And how is it different from rotating?
When you flip your mattress, you turn it over to use the other side. When you rotate your mattress, you turn it 180 degrees, routinely changing where you place your head and feet.
However, not all mattress models should be flipped or rotated. In some cases, flipping can even damage your bed.
When To Flip vs When To Rotate
Whether you flip or rotate your mattress will depend on its make and material. Consider the following guidelines.
One-Sided Mattress
Verdict: Rotate only
One-sided mattresses only have one sleepable surface. If you have a one-sided mattress, it is likely a hybrid, memory foam, or latex product. You should only rotate a one-sided mattress, as flipping it can wear it out faster.
Two-Sided Mattress
Verdict: Flip and rotate
Because two-sided mattresses have two sleepable surfaces and padding on all sides, you can flip and rotate them without damaging them. Most two-sided mattresses are made with cotton, polyester, or wool, so flipping them can help fluff fibers to prevent sag.
Pillow-Top Mattress
Verdict: Rotate only
Pillow-top mattresses are often one-sided, so flipping them can damage their inner construction. Plus, pillow tops don’t use flexible fibers. Instead, they contain foam cells that break down over time and can’t be reinvigorated by fluffing.
Should You Flip Your Mattress?
Most mattresses should not be flipper. If your mattress manufacturer instructs you to. You should turn your mattress over once every six months.. Turning it over can prevent coils from wearing out too quickly and ensure even use. You should also flip your mattress if you notice indents or lumps or if it starts to become squeaky. Remember checking with your mattress manufacturer will be best. You can use these guidelines if you are unable to get a hold of your manufacturer.
Mattress Types You Should Flip
Most flippable mattresses have a coil structure that requires regular flipping. For instance, innerspring mattresses have a coil system that experiences everyday wear. Flipping an innerspring mattress can help maintain support within the structure and prevent premature sagging.
However, you’ll want to avoid flipping innerspring mattresses with pillow tops for added cushioning.
Mattress Types You Shouldn’t Flip
You should never flip one-sided mattresses. These include the following mattress types.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is only present in your mattress’ top comfort layer, so flipping it can cause extreme discomfort and irreversible damage. Placing too much pressure on this soft layer will force it to deteriorate quickly.
Below your memory foam mattress’ top comfort layer is its poly-foam core layer, which is firm and not meant for use as a sleep surface.
Latex
While some newer latex technologies are flippable, many traditional latex products don’t require flipping. Latex is more durable than most materials, so flipping them is often unnecessary.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are very versatile, so you might wonder, “Can you flip a hybrid mattress?” The answer is often no.
Like memory foam mattresses, hybrid products consist of a top comfort layer and a coil-based core layer. Because hybrid mattresses are heavy, flipping them over can put too much pressure on the comfort layer, causing irreversible damage.
Does Purple Need to be Flipped?
Luckily, Purple mattresses are made with premium materials that are designed to last for years with no flipping necessary. Each mattress comes with a 10-year warranty backing its quality. All Purple mattresses are one-sided and should not be turned over. You can rotate them every three months or so if you like, although not necessary.
The technology in a Purple is specifically meant to give you the comfort and support you need. Whether you love a soft, firm, or somewhere-in-between feel, the universal firmness of the Purple Grid™ offers excellent support to all body types and sleep styles.
The Benefits Of Flipping Your Mattress
While most modern mattresses don’t require flipping, there are many benefits to flipping traditional ones.
Keep Coils Intact
The best way to keep your innerspring mattress in good shape for longer is to maintain its coil system. Flipping your mattress can ensure even weight distribution and prevent coils from breaking.
Extend Mattress Life
If you have a flippable mattress, constantly sleeping on only one side can wear it out faster. Flip it occasionally to allow each side to recover evenly, increasing your mattress’s lifespan.
Prevent Sagging
Over time, mattresses tend to sag in the middle, negatively impacting your spinal alignment. Luckily, flipping your mattress can remedy this problem quickly.
How To Flip A Mattress
Follow these steps when flipping your mattress.
- Clear adjacent furniture to avoid knocking anything over.
- Remove all mattress accessories, including sheets, toppers, and protectors.
- Carefully rotate your mattress 90 degrees, keeping the longer side parallel to the headboard.
- Gently raise your mattress, propping it to its side.
- Lower your mattress, so the new side faces up, and rotate it another 90 degrees.
If your mattress is on the heavier side, don’t hesitate to ask for help when flipping it.
Should You Rotate Your Mattress?
Most modern mattresses don’t require flipping but will benefit from rotating. Rotating your mattress is much easier than flipping and can prevent overuse in specific areas.
How often you rotate your mattress will depend on its make and materials. As a rule of thumb, you should rotate innerspring and memory foam mattresses once every three months. On the other hand, hybrid and latex mattresses only require rotation every six months.
Mattress Types You Should Rotate
Unless your manufacturer specifies otherwise, most mattresses can benefit from the occasional rotation. Here are a few mattresses that require routine rotations.
Innerspring & Memory Foam
Rotate your innerspring or memory foam mattress every three months to prevent sagging and keep coil structures elastic.
Latex
Rotate latex mattresses twice a year for even wear. While more responsive than memory foam, regular rotation can prolong latex’s lifespan.
Hybrid
Rotate hybrid mattresses every three to six months. While they are typically more durable than most mattresses, regular rotation can prevent wear and tear with hybrid mattresses.
The Benefits Of Rotating Your Mattress
By now, you should already know that rotating your mattress can increase its lifespan. Below are a few other benefits you can enjoy by rotating your mattress regularly:
Smooth Out Lumps
By rotating your mattress, you distribute weight evenly, smoothing out lumps and bumps that form on the surface. People who tend to toss and turn in their sleep are likely to cause bunching in a mattress’ internal structure.
Prevent Sagging And Hammocking
If you tend to roll over into the middle of your bed when you sleep, this might be a sign of hammocking. Over time, hammocking and sagging can reduce a mattress’s ability to provide hip and spinal support. Rotating it can alleviate unevenness.
Eliminate Dust And Wear
Over time, mattresses gather dust, mites, dirt, and other irritants that can disrupt your sleep. Rotating it allows your mattress to “breathe” and prevent mold from developing. It also fluffs your mattress.
Extend Your Warranty
Some manufacturers will cut a warranty short if you fail to maintain your mattress properly. Regularly rotating it and keeping it in good shape will help you keep your warranty valid.
How To Rotate A Mattress
Follow these steps when rotating your mattress.
- Move surrounding furniture away from your bed to avoid knocking things over.
- Gently rotate your mattress 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.
- After rotating your mattress, vacuum accumulated dust, mites, and allergens.
- Realign the mattress with your bed, so the foot is now facing the headboard.
Rejuvenate Your Sleep With The Right Purple Mattress
Routinely rotating and flipping your mattress can increase its longevity and prevent lumps and bumps in your sleep. However, whether you should rotate or flip it and how often will depend on the kind of mattress you have.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance mattress that provides optimal comfort and will last you almost 20 years, invest in the Purple Plus Mattress! This extra-premium mattress cradles pressure points and responds to movement, providing ideal support for all sleeper types.
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FAQs About Rotating Your Mattress
Whether you flip or rotate your mattress will depend on its material and make. If you’re unsure, refer to this easy guide:
- One-sided mattress: Rotate
- Two-sided mattress: Flip and rotate
- Pillow-top mattress: Rotate
You should flip your mattress once every six months or according to your manufacturer's instructions.
If you have an innerspring or memory foam mattress, rotate it once every three months. You can rotate hybrid or latex mattresses once every six months.
If you have a box spring, you should rotate it once every six months. Box springs have coils that are also susceptible to wear and tear, so rotating them can increase their lifespan.
You should not rotate mattresses with custom features like zone support or temperature control, as they are typically incorporated into the top comfort layer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.
Yes, you will still have to flip or rotate a barely used mattress, albeit not as frequently. Flip or rotate your mattress at least once a year. Keep in mind this only applies to mattresses that require flipping.
If you share a mattress with someone else, you should flip and rotate it as instructed. If your height-to-weight ratios vary significantly, you may have to flip or rotate it more frequently to prevent lumps and uneven weight distribution.
About the authors
April has nearly a decade of writing experience, with 3+ years specializing in sleep content. Her work has been covered by sites like BuzzFeed, Entrepreneur, and Money Under 30. She has an M.A. in Magazine, Newspaper, and Online Journalism from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communication Studies. As a self-proclaimed expert in all things cozy, she sleeps better at night, knowing her writing helps others sleep in comfort, too.
