(AscendHealthy.com) – Ever hear that flipping a mattress can help prevent premature damage, such as sagging or dipping in the middle? Is it true or nothing more than an old wives’ tale?
While flipping a mattress is ideal when possible, it all depends on the type of mattress it is. Read on to find out everything there is to know about flipping mattresses and a popular alternative: rotating mattresses.
Should You Flip Your Mattress?
When it comes to double-sided mattresses, the answer is yes. Flipping the mattress provides a new surface for sleeping and allows the materials to settle and adjust properly. Not only will flipping help increase its longevity, but it can also offer health benefits. However, there are a number of mattress designs that cannot be flipped.
The one-sided design of many newer innerspring mattresses precludes flipping them. Many mattresses offered by brands like Sealy, Beautyrest, Serta, and Spring Air fall into this category. We should only use these mattresses right-side-up because they consist of several layers of padding on top of a coil base. In this case, rotating the mattress end for end may be a good alternative. Simply rotating the mattress from head to foot may help materials shift and align properly.
Memory foam, gel, air-filled and adjustable mattresses are all examples of styles needing to remain right-side up. These types of mattresses should also be rotated rather than flipped.
To determine whether or not a mattress should be flipped for sure, locate and read the manufacturer’s label on the mattress. It will say whether the manufacturer recommends flipping the mattress or not.
Benefits of Flipping Your Mattress
From aesthetics to function, here’s why it may be time to flip (or rotate) the mattress:
Promotes Mattress Longevity
Notice a sagging in the middle or along the one side of the mattress? If the bed is fairly new, it may not be time to invest in a new mattress just yet. Flipping could allow it to readjust. It’s also a good way to keep the mattress looking like new and preventing a permanent dip, lump or dent in the mattress.
May Help With a Sore Back
Another benefit to flipping the mattress is to help provide good lumbar support. When the mattress is uneven or lumpy, it can trigger muscle cramping and disrupt spinal alignment. An uneven mattress might compound existing spinal and back problems, making a good night’s rest difficult to achieve. Flipping the mattress may help alleviate both immediate and long-term back problems.
Enhances Sleep Quality
Few of us find it restful to go to bed and slouch or roll into the center of the bed — especially if we sleep with someone else. The unevenness of the mattress causes weight distribution to be off. Some people compare the experience to sleeping on an uneven slope all night. A stiff neck and disgruntled sleep partner are often the morning’s result. Frequently flipping the mattress may prevent this misfortune, so everyone gets a solid night’s sleep.
How Often Should You Flip or Rotate?
As mentioned above, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many manufacturers suggest flipping a mattress every 3 to 6 months.
Rotating recommendations vary according to the model. In general, rotate memory foam and latex mattresses once or twice a year. Two to five rotations per year might work best for older innerspring mattresses, on the other hand.
Every mattress differs in useful lifespan, so it may be time to reevaluate if the mattress seems worn out. If it’s been over seven years or there are significant dips or dents in the mattress, consider exploring the market for a new one.
Flipping or rotating offers several benefits and could improve a tired, worn-out bed. Not only will it look better, but it will also feel wonderful, too! The result may be a relaxed and restful night’s sleep for years to come.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension
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