A Good Routine To Flipping Your Mattress
Know When To Flip Your Mattress
How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your old mattress and hello to a new one? And are there any guidelines in place to help you maintain the longevity of your existing mattress by regularly flipping it? Well, we’re glad you asked as today that’s exactly what we’re looking at; establishing a good routine for flipping your mattress.
A rule of thumb is to flip or rotate your mattress every three to six months, or every time you change your bedsheets. This might seem like a lot of effort, but it can help keep your mattress young and vibrant for a long time.
But what happens when your mattress starts to show signs of wear and tear?
It might be time to have it refurbished, or it might just be time to buy a new one. Whichever option you go with, there is no wrong answer. Some mattresses, like double-sided mattresses, need to be flipped and rotated every few months, so they last longer than a one-sided mattress. Let’s take a more detailed look and answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to mattress maintenance.
Can you flip a one-sided mattress?
The ‘usable’ side of a mattress will be filled with the comfort material (such as memory foam, down, etc). Double-sided mattresses are padded on both sides, which means that both sides can be slept on. Unfortunately, one-sided mattresses cannot be flipped. Only one side of the mattress is filled with comforting material, while the rest if designed for support.
There are several advantages to one-sided mattresses, though it may not seem like it. One-sided mattresses are multi-layered – which makes them good for support – and the most innovation goes into their design. Another benefit is there is much more choice on the market.
When shopping for a mattress, consider the type of bed you have. Is it a super king, or a regular king? Are you shopping for a twin bed or a single bed? These are factors worth consideration because a ‘flippable’ mattress can be more difficult to handle in a larger bed.
This is one of the great things about one-sided mattresses. As they are less maintenance, you do not need to flip them every few months, which will save you a significant amount of effort and pain in the future. Unfortunately, as you cannot flip them, they wear out much quicker than a double-sided mattress.
How do you know when your mattress needs replacing?
While most manufacturers advise replacing your mattress every seven or so years, you will know when your mattress needs replacing. A well-used mattress will need to be replaced a lot sooner than one barely slept on. When you go to change your sheets, keep an eye on the state of the mattress itself. If you are in the habit of cleaning your mattress every time you flip or change your sheets, then you already know that this is the best way to extend its lifespan.
But extending the mattress’s lifespan is not going to be enough if it’s over 10 years old. By this point in time, the mattress will likely be saggy, and uncomfortable. When you go to change your sheets, you might notice a large dent where you normally sleep. This is how you know that the mattress is starting to lose its vigor.
Another sign to keep an eye on is the quality of your sleep. Are you sleeping well? Do you need another person there to help you sleep? Are you suddenly more sensitive to dust and pollen? Are you waking up with a sore back, feeling as you slept on a pile of rocks?
Then we have news for you: it’s time to go mattress shopping.
Final Thoughts On A Good Routine For Flipping Your Mattress
Mattresses need a lot of TLC. Whether it’s cleaning, sanitizing, or refurbishing, it’s one of the easiest ways to be healthy. A one-sided mattress is less maintenance but will still need to be cleaned in order to keep its shimmer and shine. On the other hand, it will not last as long as a conventional two-sided mattress, which is higher maintenance but easier to keep an eye on.
Whichever mattress you sleep on, keep in mind how long you have had it. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines – they usually differ depending on the comfort material used – and flip every three to six months, or when it starts to get uncomfortable.
Once you hit the seven-year mark, start to be aware of any dents, aches, and pains you start to feel while sleeping or waking up. A saggy, misshapen mattress is only going to cause problems in the future. It could be anything from back pain to allergies.
Who knows? Flipping your mattress might just be the best thing you do for your health!
Sources:
- Building a Better Mattress Flip – American Scientist
- Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? – Sleep Foundation
- Preserving Mattresses: When (and if) to Rotate or Flip – Lodging