We all know that we should be flipping our mattresses regularly. Just like flossing, we know we should do it, we know it’s important, but getting that motivation to do it is where it gets tricky. You might be wondering, how often should you flip your mattress? And more importantly, should you be flipping it at all, or just rotating it instead?
The problem often comes down to the ‘why’. We know we need to floss because it’s good to our gums, but why do I need to flip my mattress? And how often?
Key takeaways
- Most mattresses today don’t require flipping, especially those with a comfort layer or single-sided design.
- Your specific mattress type will determine whether it needs to be flipped, rotated, or both. Below, we break down the care and maintenance needs for each type.
- Some older or double-sided mattresses may still require flipping to prevent sagging and extend their lifespan.
- If you share your bed or sleep in the same position each night, rotating becomes even more important to ensure even distribution.
- Rotating your mattress with the seasons, about every 3 to 6 months, is an easy habit to build and helps keep your sleep surface feeling fresh and supportive.
Why should I flip my mattress?
Flipping or rotating your mattress helps maintain its shape and support, especially if you tend to sleep in the same spot night after night. Here’s why it matters:
Prevents dips and indentations
Regular flipping or rotating stops body impressions from forming in one area.
Protects spinal support
Sleeping in a worn spot can reduce support and lead to neck or back pain.
Reduces uneven wear
Especially important if you share a bed, one side often wears out faster than the other.
Stops the dreaded centre sag
Couples who sleep close together in the middle of the bed can create a dip over time, making it hard to stay comfortable or supported.
Helps you sleep better, longer
A well-maintained mattress means more restful sleep and a longer lifespan for your bed.
Even if your mattress isn’t designed to be flipped, rotating it regularly can still make a big difference. It helps balance out wear, especially if you share a bed, keeps the comfort fillings evenly distributed, and helps maintain that “new mattress” feel for longer. Think of it like giving your mattress a fresh start every few months—your back (and sleep) will thank you.
So basically, a flipped (or rotated) mattress should give you a few extra years on the lifespan of your mattress.
What does flipping your mattress actually mean?
Flipping your mattress means turning the entire mattress over so that the bottom side becomes the new sleeping surface. You’re essentially using the opposite side of the mattress, which helps spread out wear and tear across both sides—but only if the mattress is designed to be double-sided.
Before flipping, it’s a good idea to rotate the mattress first. Rotating means turning it 180 degrees so the head of the bed becomes the foot, and vice versa. Once rotated, you then flip the mattress over so the underside is now facing up.
Can my mattress be flipped?
Back in the day, the recommendation was to flip a mattress every 6 months to prevent the springs from being damaged from overuse and causing dips and indentations. However, mattresses and science have come a long way since then, and now there are far more questions because there are more types of mattresses.
Flipping a pillow-top mattress
As you can imagine, a pillow top mattress won’t give the same soft, plush feeling when flipped, so it’s not recommended. Instead, rotate every 6 months so that you’re turning it 180 degrees. This means that the head of the mattress is now at the foot and vice versa. This will even the wear of the mattress and let you get the most out of that pillow top.
Flipping a memory foam mattress
Just like pillow-top styles, memory foam mattresses aren’t made to be flipped. The comfort comes from the top memory foam layer, so turning it over means you’ll be sleeping on the firmer support base, not the plush surface you paid for.
Instead, rotate your memory foam mattress every 3 months. Because memory foam moulds to your sleeping position, it can develop body impressions more quickly than other materials. A quick 180-degree turn every few months is all it takes to keep that cloud-like comfort going strong.
Flipping a latex mattress
Many places might tell you that flipping a latex mattress is completely unnecessary, as the natural latex foam layers are designed to bounce back every night, just like rubber. But there’s no harm in flipping and rotating your latex mattress every 6 months to ensure you get the best support possible.
Flipping an innerspring mattress
These mattresses that don’t have a topper of any kind – and are essentially the same on the top as they are on the bottom should definitely be flipped every 6 months.
The innersprings of your mattress will wear out over time and lose their spring when worn down in the same places night after night. So this type of mattress is the most important to be flipped every 6 months – and a sneaky rotation won’t hurt either.
Flipping vs rotating a mattress
By now, it’s clear that not all mattresses are made to be flipped. In fact, most modern mattresses have a distinct top and bottom layer, which means flipping them can actually do more harm than good.
Rather than helping, flipping the wrong kind of mattress can:
- Put you on the firmer, support layer rather than the comfort layer
- Lead to poor spinal alignment
- Cause aches, pains and interrupted sleep
What should you do instead? Rotate
Rotating your mattress means turning it 180 degrees, so the head is now at the foot. It’s a simple way to even out wear and get the most life and comfort from your mattress.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Mattress Type |
Flip |
Rotate |
Recommended Frequency |
Why? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow-Top | Not recommended | Yes | Every 6 months | Flipping removes the plush top layer; rotating helps even wear |
| Memory Foam | Not recommended | Yes | Every 3 months | Keeps body impressions from forming; preserves comfort and targeted support |
| Latex | Optional | Yes | Every 6 months | Latex bounces back, but flipping/rotating helps maintain evenly distributed support |
| Innerspring (No Top) | Yes | Yes | Flip and rotate every 6 months | Same material on both sides; flipping helps prevent sagging |
Ready to sleep better?
Whether your mattress needs flipping, rotating, or replacing altogether, we’re here to help. If you’ve got questions about mattress care or you’re ready to upgrade to something more supportive, check out our range or give us a call on (08) 8332 4055 today.