Rebekah Carter
Is it possible to flip a pillow top mattress or do you need to find another way to make sure your new investment lasts long?
Flipping a mattress is often seen as one of the best ways to extend its lifespan. When you flip your mattress, you give each side of your bed a chance to act as the main supporting element for your body. This can reduce the risk of things like dents and bumps in your bedding.
However, flipping a pillow top mattress isn’t always an option. That’s because some soft-topped mattresses come with different levels of padding on the top and bottom. While the bottom of the mattress may be coated with non-skid material to keep from sliding, the top comes with extra padding for greater comfort. Flipping the bed would mean that your comfort level has decreased.
So, how can you flip a pillow top mattress?
How to Know If Your New Mattress Can Be Flipped
Whether or not you can turn over a mattress with a soft top will depend solely on the kind of bed you have. Some of these mattresses come with a dual-sided pillow top, which means that you get the same level of comfort, no matter what. However, a one-sided option will not have the same support on both sides.
The easiest way to know whether you have a single-sided pillow mattress or not is to check the construction. Does the top side of the mattress look as fluffy and padded as the bottom? It might be difficult to tell if you have an old mattress. You can also flip the mattress and press your hand into both sides. Even if your mattress is several years old, you should be able to tell whether each side is padded or not.
If you don’t have a dual cushion top, then you shouldn’t flip it. Although there’s nothing stopping you from flipping your mattress pad, you’re going to have an uncomfortable night’s sleep that way. Additionally, you could end up causing additional wear and tear to your mattresses.
How to Flip a Soft Topped Mattress
If you discover that both sides of your bed have the same pillow topping, then you can go ahead and turn it over. In fact, this is probably recommended. Flipping your mattress regularly can help to reduce the wear on the bed.
Before flipping your cushion covered bedding, remove all sheets and blankets from your bed. Turn the mattress so that the bottom of the bed becomes the top and vice versa, then flip it upside down. This will ensure that you get as much benefit from the maintenance as possible.
Should I Rotate My Pillow Top Mattress?
If the answer to the question “can you flip a pillow top mattress?” is no in your case, you could try rotating it instead.
Most experts will tell you to rotate or turn mattress beddings regularly if flipping is out of the question. This can be a very good choice for those mattresses that only have one side of padding. Turning the bed will reduce the pressure on one side of your bedding. It’s because your sleeping station will usually take on more wear, particularly in certain areas where pressure is often placed.
Rotating around once every three to six months is a good option if you’re relying just on the top side of your bed. If you have a single-sided mattress that’s losing its comfort levels quickly, you might decide to rotate more often. Some people get to the point where they rotate their mattress every month. This is to avoid buying a new mattress for as long as possible.
How Do You Revive a Pillow Top Mattress?
If flipping isn’t an option for your bedding, then there are other ways that you can make your one-sided mattress last a little longer. For instance, start by making sure that you replace your bed every 7-10 years.
Unfortunately, although most of us would like to avoid investing too much money in our bedding, even the best options won’t last forever. If your one-sided mattress isn’t giving you the comfort you need any more, it’s time to look for a replacement.
It’s worth taking the time to clean and care for your mattresses, too. If the last time you vacuumed your bedding was years ago, it’s high time to start again. Vacuuming mattresses reduces food crumbs, dust mites, and other debris. Hence, you’re less likely to suffer from a restless night’s sleep. If you can’t flip a mattress, regularly cleaning one side of the bedding (which you can use) is a great way to expand its life.
Additionally, don’t forget to protect your mattress with a cover or a sheet. Never buy a new single-sided bed without considering the appropriate mattress protector. You can find plenty of deep covers today that are specially designed for one sided pillow top bedding.
Protecting Your Mattress Investment
So, can you flip a pillow top mattress? That depends on you.
To ensure that you know exactly how much maintenance your mattresses are going to need, it’s worth taking the time to do your research. Test each side of the bedding that you’re considering before you make the investment.
If you’re buying your mattress online, then it’s a good idea to look at the description provided on the product page. Is there any information on how padded each side is? Or how you should protect the softer side of the bed?
Remember, while flipping and rotating your bedding can be a great way to make it last longer, it’s always a good idea to learn how to keep the cushion tops in good condition. Read the care instructions that come with your purchase. Also, keep in mind that memory foam and hybrid mattresses are less likely to support flipping than beds with coil springs.
Additional Resources
Rebekah Carter is a dedicated writer and researcher of sleep and relaxation solutions. She has years of experience testing out mattresses, pillows, and other products
