Everybody’s flipped their mattress at least once in their lifetime. It’s said to prolong the lifespan of the mattress, improve its balance, and hide any stains you may or may not have caused by spilling something on it (oops)! Once you feel the mattress has become kind of iffy, you need only flip it over to start anew!
However, while this practice has been done for decades, not much scientific research has gone into it. It’s especially important to study the effects of flipping your mattress since a lot of technological advancements have happened since then. While mattresses back then were simpler (i.e., the same layout on either side), mattresses today are designed to have only one side for sleeping. Is there still hope for a mattress like that, or do you need to run off to Orange County mattress stores for a new one?
Fear not. Our sleep experts have all the answers you need!
Why Do People Flip?
The more you sleep on your mattress, the more it’s going to sag in certain areas, particularly in the midsection where you’re at your heaviest. Eventually, the mattress is going to give way and not give your back the support it needs to sleep peacefully and painlessly. So, the obvious solution is to flip the mattress over and start anew with a side that isn’t saggy.
Think of it like flipping your pillow. For some reason, flipping it makes a world of difference.
When the affected side gets flipped, it then gets a chance to ‘recuperate’ from being slept on. It returns to its original shape as the other side gets a turn at supporting your weight. Then, when the other side needs a break, the original side can have another go, and the cycle continues. This is how flipping your mattress is said to prolong your mattress’s lifespan.
How Often Do People Flip?
Experts at the mattress stores in Orange County generally recommend flipping your mattress every three to six months. However, many people don’t usually stick to this rule. Indeed, more often than not, mattresses are only flipped whenever the people sleeping on them feel up to it, which is almost certainly never!
What are the Potential Downsides of Flipping?
Firstly, flipping your mattress is no easy feat. You’d be surprised at just how heavy a mattress can be. Even lifting just one side of it is a serious workout—one that can easily get you injured. So, if you’re flipping a mattress, make sure you’re not doing it alone.
Secondly, as we mentioned earlier, mattresses these days are built differently. While old mattresses tend to be the same on either side, modern mattress feature a soft, cushiony side that’s meant to be slept on, and a hard side that’s meant to support your body weight. While you could technically still flip it over, you’re going to be stuck with an extremely solid surface that’s not conducive to sleeping. Additionally, it’ll probably also shorten your mattress’s lifespan!
So, If I Can’t Flip, What Else Can I Do?
An alternative to flipping is rotating. Instead of flipping the mattress onto a fresh, new side, you simply have to turn the mattress 180o so the head of your bed is now the foot and vice versa. This is the best option you have if you own a mattress that can’t be flipped.
You might not get the benefit of a “fresh” side, but you can distribute the weight more evenly on your mattress. When you sleep, most of the weight your mattress absorbs is in your midsection. This means that the upper third of your mattress gets the most weight, leaving it unbalanced from the rest. If you rotate the mattress, the other third of the mattress has work to do.
Another alternative is to flip or replace your mattress topper. As the name suggests, it sits on top of your mattress and is easily removable. They’re meant to provide extra cushion without having to switch Orange County mattresses.
Overall, Is Flipping a Good Idea?
Flipping your mattress should depend on the kind of mattress you have. If your mattress was designed to be flip-able, then go for it by all means. The consensus is that it’s a great way to make your mattress live longer and your body feel more supported as you sleep. Indeed, many mattress store owners in Orange County even offer manuals on how and when to flip your mattress.
On the other hand, if your mattress is one of the newer models that are designed to be slept on only one side, then rotating is your best bet. Trying to flip one of these is not only going to be a pain in the back, but it’s also going to destroy your mattress much quicker. Remember: bases are meant for supporting, not sleeping, and cushions are meant for sleeping, not supporting.
Related article: https://www.heritagefinefurniture.com/2020/04/07/debunk-these-five-myths-about-the-mattress/