welcome to our how to flip a mattress post. If you grew up using an innerspring mattress, flipping must have been part of the general care. While flipping a mattress may look like an old-age process, it ensures it wears down evenly over time. Besides, it helps to distribute weight across all parts over a long time.
After the flipping, the part that was resting on the bed frame will face up. How often you should flip will depend on the mattress in question. While this simple chore will prevent depressions and sagging, the number of times will also depend on who uses the mattress.
Most innerspring and some foam mattresses are designed to be flipped. And because they have two sleep able surfaces, you can use the side you prefer. If you’re not sure how to flip your mattress, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick guide on how to flip the mattress.
How to flip a mattress
Flipping a mattress on your own can be a cumbersome process but with a few tricks, you can make the process a breeze.
01.Check the mattress instructions
If the manufacturer’s instructions say that you shouldn’t flip the mattress, then you should adhere to that. But if the label recommends that you flip it, you should do so to increase the life expectancy. Those that come with a pillow top don’t require flipping. But even if the pillow is not uniform, you still have to check whether it might need flipping at all.
What if the mattress doesn’t have a tag for instructions? You can get the information from the manufacturer’s website. Simply type the name of the manufacturer and size of the mattress on the search engine and you’ll find the care instructions.
02.Make flipping reminders
Depending on the type of mattress, you can do the flipping every few months or twice a year. You may want to place a reminder card on the side of the bed. Other than that, you should mark the dates on the calendar to track the maintenance of the mattress. It can be difficult to know when you should flip the mattress if you don’t set the reminders.
03.Ensure you have a clear space
Since you have to spin the mattress at 180 degrees, you should get rid of those things around your bed. It could be a table or a lamp. Also, there should be no breakables in the area. You may want to move away from any cups, heaters, glasses, etc.
04.Reposition the bed
If there’s no buffer or a board between the walls, you should think of repositioning your bed. Sometimes, flipping can damage the bed, so you may want to move the frame away from the wall.
05.Ask for help
For large mattresses, it can be daunting to do the flipping on your own. You can ask a friend to help in the flipping process.
06.Strip the bed
When flipping the mattress, the sheets and beddings should be pinned beneath the bed. If you’re not careful, the sheets could get tangled and it may be difficult to get a grip of your mattress. Be sure to strip the bed before you start the process.
07.Position the mattress
To start with, you should pull the mattress away from the headboard. You may have to lift the bottom of the mattress if you have four-poster beds or large mattress beds.
For king-size mattresses, you should hold the mattress on one corner and drag the bottom to the right or left. You can now flip the mattress to whichever side is convenient. Your end goal is to ensure the bottom side is now the top side.
You should avoid pivoting the mattress on the foot pad or head pad as the sharp edges can cause damage if it’s not stable.
08.Complete the flipping
Grasp the mattress at the corner to complete the rotation. Keep in mind that king-size mattresses can develop a hump in the middle.
Another way of flipping the mattress is pulling it such that it hangs off the box frame. Next, lower the tall end to the opposite side of the bed. Make sure you complete the rotation until the bottom makes it to the top.
Unless the tag instructions indicate otherwise, you can try side-to-side flipping. After you flip the mattress, you should ensure the mattress doesn’t overhang on the side of the bed. And as you flip it, this could be a good chance to vacuum the bed and clean the covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you flip a one-sided mattress?
No. Some modern mattresses come with one surface designed to be slept on. This is common in foam mattresses that have many layers for support. Because the top side consists of soft foam, it shouldn’t be flipped.
Do you need to flip a memory foam mattress?
Most memory foam mattresses don’t need to be flipped. Generally, the top layer is designed to cater to your dream and comfort level. Nevertheless, most manufacturers’ will recommend that you change the topper to suit your sleeping style. It’s usual for the memory foam to sag on one side unless you’re lying on an uneven surface.
What happens if you don’t flip your mattress?
Those couples who like to sleep close to each other at night put a lot of pressure in the middle of the bed. It’s no wonder most mattresses have depressions in the middle. If you don’t flip the mattress, it can be difficult to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
A mattress that has springs in the middle will loosen and you may have to replace it. If these springs lose resilience, the mattress will not return to the original shape. And you never know; it can even be more expensive to replace the springs.
Although flipping will help to extend the lifespan of the mattress, this only applies to high-quality mattresses. Because a mattress is a long-term investment, you should choose a brand that suits your needs and sleeping preferences. If after many years of use you notice that your sleeping comfort is not improving after flipping the mattress, you should think of replacing it altogether.
Final thoughts
From a statistical standpoint, flipping a mattress can make it last 5 years longer. While flipping can be a daunting process, it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. If you’re in good shape, you can do it on your own. You can also have someone help you to avoid injuring your back. Be to follow the above guidelines to flip your mattress and give it an extension.