If you are in the market for a new mattress, you might have realized that two-sided mattresses are not just a thing of the past. But, Is having a two-sided really better than a one-sided mattress?
Buyers Guide to Flippable Mattresses
Some mattress reversibles have a specific firmness level on each side. That can help extend the life of the mattress by eliminating ongoing wear over the same surfaces of the bed. This guide describes important tips, so that you make a sound choice as a customer when choosing a new mattress.
Most of the beds that are being sold nowadays, though, are one-sided, and should never been flipped. But, the effects of sleeping on such surfaces can lead to pain, and the mattress sagging. Some mattresses have the same firmness on either side, which long term can prolong the lifetime of the mattress, while others offer different firmnesses on each side that will accommodate sleeper preferences that vary from night to night. The best mattresses are currently available to buy.
Best Flippable Mattress
Many people say a flippable mattress (or double-sided mattress) is better than a single-sided mattress. A mattress that can be flipped offers many benefits that one-sided mattresses do not. Two-sided mattresses may not be for everyone, though, and others claim that a traditional one-sided mattress is the way to go.
So which is it? This top rated flipping mattress guide will show you how to find the right dual side mattress that fits your specific needs. We will give you a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this concept, and recommend some of the best mattresses in this category.
Below you will learn more about two-side mattresses, and why investing in a dual-sided mattress has its perks.
What Is a Flippable Mattress?
A two-sided mattress is just that - a double-sided mattress you can flip over. Having the ability to flip your mattress over provides you with a fresh, new surface to rest on. They are great for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It also gives the mattress's most recently-used side a break, allowing it to recover its shape, and maintain its condition.
You can sleep comfortably on either side when you have a two-sided mattress. Doing so helps extend your mattress's lifespan, since you are not putting wear and tear on just one side of the mattress.
What Makes a Good Flippable Mattress?
Some flippable mattresses have different firmness levels on each side, like the Latex For Less mattress, which offers you durability, but gives you the chance to adjust the bed's feel, too.
Body Impressions Affect the Life of a Mattress
Any mattress you buy will break down eventually. No mattress is going to last forever. However, flippable mattresses tend to last longer than one-sided mattresses because of the way they handle body impressions.
- All mattresses get body impressions over time.
- Body impressions occur when your mattress conforms to your body shape as you sleep. This happens to back, side, and stomach sleepers.
- Your mattress is supposed to take body impressions, but allowing body impressions to recover will extend your mattress’s life.
Body impressions are not a bad thing. They do not indicate that your mattress is falling apart. In fact, your mattress should have body impressions within months of you sleeping on it. However, the longer you sleep on those body impressions without flipping your mattress to let it recover, the quicker it will break down.
With single-sided mattresses, you cannot flip them once body impressions form. Therefore, your mattress does not truly get to recover from the moment you begin sleeping in it to the moment you replace it.
You can rotate a one-sided mattress, and you should, but flipping a mattress is much more effective. That is why flippable mattresses typically last so much longer than one-sided mattresses.
Pros and Cons of Flippable Mattresses
As you probably realize, there are both benefits and drawbacks to two-sided mattresses. Below we go over both sides.
Benefits of a Flippable Mattress
You will find a lot of benefits in choosing a two-sided mattress. Flippable mattresses provide certain key features that any other mattress type cannot. Depending on your needs and personal preferences, a dual mattress might be the best choice for you.
They Last a Long Time
If you are taking care of your double-sided mattress properly, it can last longer than any single-sided mattress. You can essentially double your mattress’s lifespan, since you have two functioning mattress sides.
Flippable mattresses are crafted so you can flip and turn them periodically, so when you adjust them as you should:
- Your mattress will have fewer permanent indentations.
- The lifespan of your mattress increases.
Flipping your mattress regularly can help you obtain a better, more comfortable night's sleep for years — and this can make a huge difference if you are experiencing chronic pain that disrupts your sleep.
They Are a Good Value
Because of their longer lifespan, flippable mattresses are an outstanding value. They will last for many years, which means you are getting your money's worth. Although you might pay a little bit more initially than you would for a single-sided mattress, two-sided mattresses are a great investment over the long term.
They Can Meet Stringent Fire Code Regulations
When it comes to anything in your house, safety is important. With two-side mattresses, the fire code regulations are often more strict than with single-sided mattresses. And, this means manufacturers that make flippable mattresses must ensure they are meeting these stringent guidelines to assure their consumers are sleeping on a safer mattress.
They Offer More Comfort and Support Options
Since manufacturers must use high-quality materials on both the mattress's sides, flippable mattresses are usually more comfortable than single-sided mattresses.
Flippable mattresses are particularly great at contouring, and are beneficial to side, back, and stomach sleepers. They easily mold to your body and relieve pressure on your:
Additionally, some two-sided mattresses have a unique firmness on each side. This can be a positive for people who like switching up how firm their sleeping surface is every once in a while. However, for those who like to sleep on a consistently firm surface, changing from one firm side to another might be slightly bothersome.
They Are Usually Higher Quality
Double-sided mattresses are not manufactured as often as they once were. Therefore, the companies that do produce double-sided mattresses spend more time and effort to create high-quality mattresses at a good price point, without cutting corners. Flippable mattresses are usually more durable and long-lasting, while also being constructed from better materials.
They Offer Reduced Environmental Impact
Eco-friendly products are being valued more, and with good reason. Manufacturers of two-side mattresses will assure you their mattresses will have a much longer lifespan than a single-sided mattress. Because of this, these mattresses do not have such major impacts on the environment.
Since two-sided mattresses will not need to be replaced as often, and they will not end up in landfills as frequently. Additionally, many flippable mattress companies use environmentally friendly and sustainable natural materials, which are better for the environment.
They Provide Improved Weight Distribution
Mattresses tend to have thicker padding on a one-sided mattress, leading to deep body impressions occurring over the mattress's lifetime. This makes it more difficult to move or turn in the nighttime. With a double-sided mattress, you are getting a better distribution of weight, which allows the bottom side padding of the mattress to recover while you sleep on the top.
You Decide When to Flip
When it comes to a two-sided, flippable mattress, you can decide when it is time to turn it over. While it is suggested you flip and rotate your mattress every three months or so, you always have the choice of when you want to flip it.
You do not get this choice with a one-sided mattress. When a one-sided mattress begins to show signs of wear and tear, there is no option to flip it, and allow it to recover.
Drawbacks of Flippable Mattresses
While there are many benefits and advantages to choosing a flippable mattress, there are some drawbacks as well. A mattress that can be flipped might not be the perfect choice for everyone, including back sleepers, depending on lifestyle and needs.
They Require More Upkeep
To maintain a flippable bed, it needs to actually be flipped. A dual firmness mattress will not last as long as it should if it is not flipped on a frequent schedule. Typically, manufacturers will provide instructions regarding how often their specific two-sided mattress should be flipped to maintain quality and lifespan.
They can be Less Supportive
Flippable memory foam mattresses will not be as supportive as a one-sided memory foam mattress, nor will they give you the pressure relief you might want. This is because a one-sided memory foam mattress is one thick layer of memory foam that is dense and firm, offering lots of support all the way through. There is one soft topper for comfort.
A two-sided memory foam mattress, on the other hand, needs two separate soft sides for comfort. Therefore, a flippable memory foam mattress has less density and room for firm support and pressure relief.
There are Fewer Designs on the Market
It is not as easy to find a flippable mattress at a good price point as it is to find a one-sided mattress. Most manufacturers today only make one-sided mattresses. Two-sided mattresses are far less common. So, if you are in the market for a dual firmness mattress, you have fewer to choose from.
Additionally, you will more than likely have more luck shopping online for two-sided mattresses than you will when shopping in a brick-and-mortar mattress store. Whether this is a pro or a con is up to you.
They Can Be Hard to Flip
Two-sided mattresses are heavier than one-sided mattresses. This added weight comes from the fact that there is a layer of padding and cushioning on each side of the bed, rather than just one.
These kinds of mattresses can be difficult to flip for people who are elderly, or who are not particularly strong. It is always wise to have someone along to help flip a double-sided mattress. Attempting to flip a heavy flippable mattress alone can be dangerous.
Who Should Buy a Flippable Mattress?
A flippable mattress could be right for you if:
You want more bang for your buck.
You do not want to go mattress shopping for a long time.
You do not mind flipping your mattress periodically.
You prefer different firmness options in one mattress.
You value high-quality materials and design.
You do not mind having fewer options to choose from.
A two-sided mattress is beneficial for all types of sleepers: back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers.
What to Look for When Buying a Flippable Mattress
When looking for the best flippable mattresses, you should keep a discerning eye, just as you would when making any large purchase.
Different Firmness Options
Do you want a mattress with two different firmness levels on each side, or are different firmness options not that important to you? Either way, you can find your perfect mattress for pressure relief. Some two-sided mattresses are consistently firm all the way around, while others are firm on one side, and less firm on the other.
Consider, when choosing a double-sided mattress, whether you will prefer going from one firm side to another slightly different firm side, or if you would rather stick with one consistent firm feeling every night.
Good Construction
Of course, you want a mattress that is made well. The best flippable mattresses are constructed with care, and have good edge support. Many manufacturers that produce double-sided mattresses actually handcraft them for added precision.
Environmental Sustainability
Another way to find the best flippable mattress is to look for one that is constructed from eco-friendly ingredients. Today, many synthetic mattresses use harmful chemicals that do not benefit the environment, or the people who sleep on these mattresses. Be sure to purchase from companies that take pride in their sustainable ingredients and practices.
There are certifications that companies receive when they reach high operating standards. You can find information about the certifications mattress companies have achieved by researching them online.
Company Reputation
Similar to environmental sustainability, you should look for companies that have good reputations.
The best flippable mattress companies have all of the following:
- Great mattress reviews
- Excellent customer service
- Fair company policies
Does the company offer a sleep trial where you can try out their mattress for several nights to get a feel for it? Does the company back their product completely by offering a well-rounded warranty? Answer these questions before committing to a mattress.
Excellent Value
Because two-sided mattresses last longer, they are usually more expensive than one-sided mattresses. However, the best flippable mattress should still be affordable. You should not pay an arm and a leg for a great, comfortable mattress that will last you many years.
Mattress Type
If you have a specific style of mattress that you know you love to sleep on, you should try to find a flippable mattress in that style. Certain mattresses are more firm than others for pressure relief, while some are better at relieving pain on the body’s pressure points. Look for a mattress that will suit your needs best, including one that offers good edge support, spinal alignment, and provides motion isolation.
Additionally, your favored sleeping position should also play a role in choosing your new mattress. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you will need a firm mattress rather than a soft mattress for spinal alignment and its pressure relieving properties, so you do not sink in too deep. On the other hand, side sleepers would do better with a soft mattress over a firm mattress.
What Types of Flippable Mattresses are There?
Not long ago, there was only one option when it came to two-sided mattresses: innerspring.
Today, there are a few more options you can choose from when looking for the best flippable mattresses for pressure point relief.
- Natural latex
- Memory foam
- Innerspring
- Hybrid
Latex for Less’s natural latex flippable mattress is unique, as most two-sided mattresses on the market are either memory foam, innerspring, or hybrids of the two. The natural latex mattress offers something special in that it is eco-friendly, dual-sided, and crafted with organic materials. It also arrives with a 120 night sleep trial.
Memory foam is another choice for two-sided mattresses. Those who are in the market for a firm mattress are likely familiar with this type of mattress, as conventional one-sided memory foam mattresses are known to be quite firm. However, you can find these mattresses with different firmness levels as well.
Innerspring two-sided mattresses are more old-school, and feature a spring core system with less motion isolation properties. But most innerspring mattresses on the market today are actually hybrids. Hybrid mattresses have an innerspring core for added support, but firm foam padding for body contouring.
Why Aren’t There More Double-Sided Mattresses?
This type of dual-sided mattress used to be much more common decades ago, but mattress manufacturers stopped making two-sided mattresses in favor of one-sided mattresses in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The most likely reason for this is mattress companies wanted to increase profits, and decrease manufacturing costs. Two-sided mattresses are more expensive to make, and one-sided mattresses wear out faster. Therefore, customers who buy one-sided mattresses need to purchase more mattresses over the course of a lifetime.
Buying a two-sided mattress is a great way to save money, and support companies that are not only looking out for profit margins, but more importantly, their customers' well being.
Enjoy a Latex for Less Flippable Latex Mattress
With the Latex for Less mattress, you can flip the mattress and indulge in a firmness level of your choosing for pressure relief. It has a unique two-in-one design with both a firm side and a medium side, which makes it ideal for just about anyone. You just flip your mattress to whichever side you think feels the best — and if you change your mind or want to experiment with a different firmness level, just flip it over again. You also receive a 120-night sleep trial.
About Latex for Less Natural Latex Mattresses
The Latex for Less 100 percent all-natural latex mattress is sustainably harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis (rubber) tree. The Latex for Less mattress is crafted using natural Talalay latex, making it bouncy and soft. It is a pure, botanical product containing no harmful chemicals. You experience a cloud-like, buoyant sensation, which provides you with the best sleeping experience with no motion transfer.
It has a 100 percent natural wood fire barrier that helps regulate the temperature of your body during the night, all while providing a natural flame-resistant barrier but with no harsh chemicals.
It is encased in a 100 percent organic cotton cover, which offers you superior softness.
You can try the Latex for Less 100 percent all-natural Talalay latex mattress out for yourself for 120-night sleep trial. Test out the two different firmness levels to find your ideal comfort level. If you absolutely are not in love with your mattress after the trial period, Latex for Less will come to have it picked up for free.