You might have heard many times from your mother or other people in your family that you should flip your mattress every now and then. This is something that happens in nearly every household, and while it may seem a futile effort, flipping over your mattress can work wonders. And when we say “flipping your mattress”, bear in mind that we don’t mean simply rotating the mattress. If you are keen to learn how often you should flip your mattress, keep reading.
Flipping and rotating a mattress are two different things. Flipping is simply turning the mattress on its side so that the mattress’s right side goes to the left side. On the other hand, rotating your mattress involves turning it so that the side of the mattress that is on the bottom left comes to the top right of your bed. So, let’s have a look at the various reasons why you should flip your mattress.
Even if you buy the best memory foam mattress, it will become a bit unhygienic and lose its effectiveness over time. This is because lying on the same spot every night, and that too in the same posture tends to leave an impression on your mattress. Over time, the mattress tends to cave in, and the impressions become more permanent. This is also known as sagging. Since the basic function of a mattress is to provide your body support and comfort, it isn’t able to do that when subjected to constant pressure from your body.
Flipping your mattress also prolongs its quality and lifespan. It also helps keep your spine aligned so that you can sleep peacefully and without backaches. If you keep flipping your mattress regularly, you can ensure that it won’t sag. Essentially, flipping your mattress ensures that you sleep on the other side of the mattress, even though you are sleeping on your favorite side of the bed like before. This relieves the pressure from one side of the mattress and allows it to reform its structure and shape.
Not all mattresses are created equal. They are made from different materials and fabrics, which means that each has different characteristics when it comes to sagging or wearing out. You will often find the instructions about flipping the mattress by the mattress manufacturers, but it is advised to flip your old mattress every three months to a year.
If you don’t know how frequently you should do this, you can inspect your old mattress to see if it has started to sag or if you feel that your sleep isn’t as peaceful and effective as it used to be. In these situations, you can flip or rotate the mattress when you feel the need to that.
While flipping a mattress sounds like a no-brainer, there is a specific process involved with it, as is with most things. Here are some of the guidelines you can follow to ensure that your mattress remains good as new and that you can quickly flip it over when needed.
Since you know you will have to flip the mattress over frequently, and you think you won’t be able to remember the last time you did so, it is best to make a schedule that tells you both the previous date of flipping, as well as the next time you have to flip it over. You can chart the schedule for the entire year so that your partner also knows about it and can do the needful if you are not around. If you choose to flip your mattress every three months, you will be performing this ritual 4 times a year.
Let us tell you that flipping a mattress isn’t as easy as ABC, as it requires more power and space as well. Double, queen or king-size mattresses can be quite heavy, which means you will need at least two people to flip it over. In addition, since you are flipping it, you will have to tilt it to one side, rotate it, and then place it back on the bed. This will require you to clear out some space by moving your nightstands a bit further from the bed.
Most people start to lift their mattresses before clearing out space, resulting in one person holding the mattress uncomfortably while the other hurriedly moves things out of the way.
Another important thing that you need to do before you flip the mattress and start putting the sheets on it is grabbing a vacuum cleaner and getting busy cleaning out the surface. The downside of the mattress, which will now be on top, will be exposed to dust, dirt, mites, bacteria, and many other things that will come to the top unless you clean it really well. You can also use a brush for this purpose, but a vacuum cleaner will give you faster and more satisfactory results.
As we mentioned, there are two methods, namely rotating a mattress and flipping it. Each of them brings you similar benefits, but rotation will result in more work and effort on your part since you have to turn the mattress on both the X and Y axes, like a double rotation. If you have a bed without any headboard, it will be easy for you to simply rotate the mattress in its place. Otherwise, you will have to pull the mattress forward before you can turn it around.
Now that you have learned how often you should turn your mattress, wait a moment. Before you get to work and remove your bedsheets to rotate your mattress, you need to know that not all mattresses need flipping. In some cases, the mattress company or retailer will tell you that you don’t need to flip or rotate the mattress, as it will retain its shape and structure even after prolonged use. In that case, you can take a breath. Otherwise, here are the types of mattresses that you need to rotate:
Most of the modern mattresses that you find nowadays have various layers of different types of foam, and therefore, you should not flip them. On the other hand, if you have an older mattress, then you should flip it. Innerspring mattresses also benefit from turning and flipping, as they have steel coil springs that start to wear out and lose their form due to a person sleeping in the same position for many years.
Make sure to flip your mattress at least once every year to maintain its quality and effectiveness. However, if you think you can benefit from a new mattress, check out how to shop for a mattress Trusted Source How to shop for a mattress - The Washington Post There is no better time than year’s end to evaluate certain areas or items in your home, and one of the most important is your mattress. www.washingtonpost.com . Most people are rushing to buy a hybrid mattress, and you can do too.
If your mattress isn’t giving you the premium comfort and support it used to, that doesn’t mean you have to rush to buy a new memory foam mattress. All you need to do is to know how often should you flip your mattress, and you will be in good hands. However, if you think it is high time that you retire your trusty old mattress, do check out the GravityLux by WinkBeds, which is one of the high-rated mattresses you will find nowadays. Don’t forget to find a topper to make it last longer. The Linenspa 2-Inch Gel-Infused Topper will be a decent pick.
It is always advisable to have a friend or your partner to help you with this, whether you are flipping or rotating the mattress, as it can be quite heavy, and you wouldn’t want to throw out your back while turning it around or upside down.
