The Single Sided Vs. Double Sided Mattress Guide Ensuring your mattress stays supportive and comfortable is the key to a good night's sleep. One of the best ways to achieve this is by regularly flipping or rotating your mattress to ensure even support across the surface. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to tell whether your mattress needs flipping or rotating and how often to do it for the best possible comfort.
Do you need to flip a mattress? Whether or not your mattress needs flipping depends on whether it's single-sided or double-sided. This is influenced by the materials used and the mattress construction, such as the positioning of the springs and any additional layers on each side. We've put together everything you need to know about single-sided and double-sided mattresses so you can take the right steps to extend the life of your mattress and continue enjoying the ultimate comfort.
What is a single sided mattress? A single-sided mattress is designed with one dedicated sleeping surface, so there's no need to flip it. The comfort layers and springs are only featured on the top side, which means the underside isn't built for sleeping. While not always true, some types of mattresses that are commonly single-sided include:
Memory foam mattresses These are typically single-sided because the foam layers designed for comfort and support are only on the top. The underside is often flat and not intended for sleeping. Latex mattresses Like memory foam, latex mattresses are usually single-sided, with a top layer of latex foam for comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses These combine memory foam or latex with pocket springs, meaning only the top side features the comfort layers. Pocket spring mattresses While many traditional ones are double-sided, newer models are often single-sided. These typically have a quilted or foam comfort layer only on the top.
How often should you rotate a mattress? While single-sided mattresses don't need to be flipped, they should be rotated regularly to ensure even wear. We recommend doing this every 3-6 months to maintain consistent support across the entire sleeping surface.
What is a double sided mattress? A double-sided or flippable mattress is designed with two entirely usable sleeping surfaces. This means both sides feature comfort layers that provide the support your body needs for a restful night's sleep. Some types of mattresses that are commonly double-sided are:
Traditional spring mattresses Traditional innerspring mattresses often have a coil support system on both sides, making them ideal for flipping. Pocket spring mattresses Many pocket spring mattresses are double-sided, with independent springs on both sides, offering a more durable, long-lasting option for regular flipping. Wool and cotton mattresses Mattresses made primarily from natural materials like wool or cotton can be double-sided, allowing for better ventilation and even wear when flipped.