Rotating or flipping a mattress can help extend its lifespan, just as cleaning your mattress and using a
Breathable, undetectable protection from spills, dirt, stains, and humidity
can do. It can help keep the comfort materials evenly distributed and ensure you use each side equally.
But it’s important to know that while most mattresses can be rotated, not all mattress types can be flipped. This article will look at whether you should flip or rotate your mattress and how often you should do it.
Should you rotate your mattress?
Most mattresses can, and should, be rotated regularly. Without rotating your mattress, they can start to wear unevenly over time and fail to provide the support you need.
By regularly rotating it, you can help extend your mattress’s lifespan and keep it as comfortable as possible.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that even rotating your mattress won’t save a mattress that’s past its prime. In general, mattresses last seven to 10 years.
You’ll want to think about buying a new mattress if yours has significant wear and tear, especially if you wake up with back pain.
As for which mattresses shouldn’t be rotated? You should generally avoid rotating mattresses with zoned support (such as our
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
,
Our hand-tufted, organic natural latex hybrid innerspring for buoyant, cooling comfort
,
The first luxury hybrid innerspring for bigger bodies
, and
Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options
mattresses, which feature a five-zone latex layer).
That’s because rotating can throw off the lumbar zone as the shoulder area provides a bit more support than the knee area.
One slight exception to this is Solaire because you can zip it open. If you have a Solaire mattress and would like to rotate it, you would have to take out the latex layer and then put it back in the same position it was in when you received it.
How often should you rotate your mattress?
At Saatva, we generally recommend rotating your new mattress after the first six months, then once a year.
In between, you’ll find that sleeping in different positions and locations on the mattress can also help minimize body impressions.
However, if you share a bed with a partner, then this timing will depend on the size difference between the two sleepers.
The goal is to have a leveled surface—so if you notice one side is breaking in quicker, then you should rotate sooner than six months.
In general, though, six months to a year and once a year subsequently after should work for most sleepers.
Think you can’t rotate a mattress by yourself? Think again. Watch this video to see how to rotate a mattress on your own:
Should you flip your mattress?
Most mattresses today are one-sided, meaning they’re not designed to be flipped.
They’re constructed to include a relatively firm support layer at the bottom (the support core), upper layers of foam or other materials (the comfort system), and the topping (the cover and any sewn-in foams or other materials).
Flipping a one-sided mattress will give you a less comfortable and supportive bed and cause the mattress to wear out quickly.
If your mattress is double-sided, you can flip it. Some mattresses today offer two distinct firmness levels, one on each side. Others have a single firmness level and are flippable to give them a longer lifespan.
If you aren’t sure whether your mattress is single- or double-sided, check with the mattress label or care guide booklet.
How often should you flip your mattress?
Again (because it’s important), you should flip your mattress only if it’s double-sided and designed to be flipped. If you’re the only one who sleeps on the mattress, you should flip the mattress when you rotate it.
If each side of your mattress offers a different firmness level, how often you flip it will depend on whether you’re looking for a softer or firmer sleep surface.
Older innerspring mattresses are often double-sided. Flipping can help fluff up the mattress as you would a bed pillow.
Avoiding king’s ridge in a mattress
Lastly, one related issue to be aware of with larger-size mattresses is king’s ridge. This is a hump that can develop in the middle of a king-size mattress due to uneven weight distribution on the sleep surface.
Making a conscious effort to apply pressure to the middle of a new bed (even if you’re not sleeping there all night) can help prevent a king’s ridge from developing.
So consider reading a book, watching some TV, or even cuddling in the middle of the bed regularly. These can all make a difference as the bed continues to break in.
FAQs
Is it good to rotate your mattress?
After making sure your mattress company recommends rotating your mattress, it’s a great idea to rotate it.
This can help extend your bed’s longevity and eliminate lumps and bumps, sagging, hammocking (where the mattress sags toward the middle), dust, and wear.
How often should you rotate a new mattress?
Saatva recommends rotating a new mattress after the first six months and then at six-month intervals going forward.
Do all mattresses need to be rotated?
Most do, but there are exceptions when it comes to mattresses with particular features-such as zoned support targeting specific areas of the body for special comfort or support.
Is it better to flip or rotate a mattress?
Remember, not all mattresses today are designed to be flipped—though nearly all of them can be rotated.
Double-sided mattresses can be flipped, either to use one firmness level or the other on mattresses offering different levels on each side or simply to avoid lumps or dents that can come from sleeping regularly in the same spot.
Upgrade your sleep with a Saatva mattress
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
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Contour5 Mattress
Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.
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Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
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Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
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Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
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Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
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Saatva HD Mattress
This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
Upgrade your sleep with a Saatva mattress
Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
Find the best mattress at Saatva
Rotating your mattress can help extend its life. But if your mattress is past its prime, it’s time to buy a new one.
Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality mattresses, from
America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring
to
The most luxurious memory foam with adaptive cooling & body-hugging support
to
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
(and our latex mattress is even designed to be flippable!).
All of our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty so you can try one out at home before deciding if it’s right for you.
Take our mattress quiz to find your perfect match.
