Flippable or double-sided Mattress

Some mattresses can wear unevenly, developing lumps and impressions that make sleep uncomfortable. A double-sided or flippable mattress has durable padding on both sides, so you can flip it over and wear both sides evenly.

A quality double-sided mattress can provide consistent support for more than ten years. However, the number of products available has plummeted in recent years due to one-sided designs being cheaper and easier to manufacture.

You can still buy double-sided sprung mattresses, such as the Giltedge Beds Harmony, but your choices are more limited than other mattress types.

You should also consider whether a double-sided mattress fits your lifestyle because flipping a cumbersome mattress isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.

We’ll explain more below.

What is a double-sided mattress?

A double-sided mattress, also called a flippable mattress, has a sturdy coil system with upholstery padding on both sides. Traditional mattresses have cushy comfort layers on top and bare support layers underneath. With a double-sided mattress, you can flip it over every few months and wear both sides evenly.

The double-sided design was standard decades ago when mattresses were made to last. But today, most mattresses are one-sided, with a plush surface on one side and a thin, non-slip base on the underside. These mattresses are rotatable rather than flippable.

How often do you flip a double-sided mattress?

Mattress experts recommend flipping your double-sided mattress every 3-6 months. Set a reminder on your calendar. Monthly, rotating or turning the mattress from head to toe helps prevent uneven wear.

The process is easy: remove the bedding, lift the mattress off the frame, flip it over, and put it back on the bed frame with the original top side facing down. Then, replace your sheets and enjoy the feel of the ‘new’ surface.

double-sided vs. rotatable mattresses

Rotatable mattresses have a one-sided construction and are rotated rather than flipped, so the end of the mattress becomes the top end and vice versa.

Most manufacturers prefer one-sided construction because it enables a broader range of technologies through the mattress in layers. For example, hybrid mattresses can have eight or more layers – impossible with a double-sided construction.

With a rotatable mattress, you buy into the premise that you can rotate the mattress even out to wear in return for a more nuanced sleep surface.

Some people find that rotatable mattresses are easier to live with, especially king-size and super-king-size models, which weigh a lot.

The Benefits of choosing double-sided 

• Wears evenly through the years.
• It feels like new every few months as you switch sides.
• Thicker design made with quality materials lasts for decades.
• It can improve sleep comfort by preventing body impressions.
• It avoids lumps, bumps and sagging common in thinner mattresses.
• Mixed-weight couples can enjoy a consistent sleep surface.
• Reduces waste and cost over time thanks to lasting longer on average.

An evenly worn double-sided mattress avoids body impressions, lumpiness and sagging better than a one-sided mattress. The sturdy innerspring system provides continuous support year after year. The thicker design lasts longer, reducing waste and cost over time. Flipping distributes your body weight across the whole mattress surface.

Sleeping on a quality double-sided mattress feels like new every few months as you alternate between sides. Investing in one of these durable classics can improve sleep comfort and provide economic savings for decades. Avoid the saggy disposable mattress cycle and consider the lasting benefits of a sturdy, flippable, double-sided model.

Summing up

Double-sided or flippable mattresses are a classic, durable design with plush padding on both sides. They feel new when you switch between sides every few months and are ideal for mixed-weight couples to even out-wear.

However, rotatable mattresses are easier to live with and open the door to more nuanced pillowtop and hybrid technologies.