Can you flip a pillow top mattress you just bought? You love how comfortable it is, but you’ve noticed some wear and tear. Flipping a regular mattress is standard practice to prevent sagging and body impressions, but pillow tops differ.
Conventional wisdom says you can’t flip them, but that’s not necessarily true. The answer depends on the specific construction and materials in your mattress.
Before you resign yourself to uneven sleep for the next decade, read on to find out if giving your pillow top a flip could be the solution you’ve been dreaming of.
What Exactly Is a Pillow Top Mattress?
A pillow top mattress has an extra layer of padding sewn right into the top. This plush layer is what gives it that soft, cushy feel. Unlike a standard mattress, the pillow top is not meant to be flipped.
The pillow top layer is typically made of memory foam, latex, fiberfill, cotton, or wool. It provides extra cushioning and contouring support.
Many people love pillow tops because they relieve pressure points and make you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.
And when you figure out how to make your mattress smell good, you are definitely in heaven. However, some find them too soft and lacking in support.
It comes down to personal preference.
Now, you may wonder if you can flip a pillow top mattress to get more life out of it. The short answer is no, you should not flip a pillow top mattress.
Here are a couple of reasons why:
The pillow’s top layer is designed to be the sleeping surface. Flipping the mattress would put the pillow top on the bottom, defeating its purpose.
Pillow-top mattresses are built with specific layers of padding and support. Flipping the layers disrupts the design and can damage the materials.
The softer pillow top will compress and wear out faster than the other layers. Flipping won’t prevent this and will only damage the underside of the mattress.
Pillow top mattresses are not meant to be flipped
While rotating the mattress head to toe can help it wear more evenly, flipping these specialized mattresses will likely do more harm than good.
The best way to keep a pillow top mattress fresh is by using a mattress protector, rotating periodically, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for care.
The Pros and Cons of Flipping a Pillow Top Mattress
Is flipping your pillow top mattress a good idea? The truth is, it depends. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Flipping extends the life of your mattress. By rotating the mattress 180 degrees, you distribute wear and tear evenly. This can add years to the mattress’s lifespan.
It may improve comfort. If there are uneven spots or sagging in the mattress, flipping can help provide an even sleeping surface again.
Cons:
It’s difficult and awkward. Pillow top mattresses are heavy, and flipping one alone can be challenging. You’ll likely need help to lift and rotate such a bulky item.
The pillow top may not function as well. The pillow top comfort layer is designed to be on top. Flipping the mattress could impact how it contours your body and provides cushioning.
It may void the warranty. Many mattress warranties require a specific sleep surface or rotation schedule. Flipping when not recommended could void the warranty, so check the details first.
Flipping your mattress helps prolong your comfort
Overall, flipping a pillow top mattress in moderation and according to the recommendations can help prolong its comfort and support.
However, the hassle and potential downsides often outweigh the benefits for the average sleeper. The choice comes down to your priorities and how much use you want to get out of your investment.
Sweet dreams!
How to Properly Flip a Pillow Top Mattress
Correctly flipping a pillow top mattress is essential to prevent damage and ensure even wear. While most mattresses require flipping, pillow tops can be trickier. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Check if your pillow top mattress is double-sided
Many pillow top mattresses are single-sided, meaning only one side has the plush pillow top layer.
Flipping these mattresses would put the hard mattress base on top, damaging the pillow top. Check your mattress specifications to determine if it’s meant to be flipped.
If unsure, contact the manufacturer.
Flip at the recommended interval
For double-sided pillow top mattresses, flipping at the recommended interval, typically 3 to 6 months, is critical. Flipping too frequently can damage the pillow top.
While not flipping enough results in uneven wear. Set a reminder to flip your mattress at the recommended time.
Remove bedding and flip carefully
Strip your bed of all bedding, mattress pads, and sheets before flipping.
Have someone help you lift and flip the heavy mattress.
Slowly lift one side at a time rather than trying to flip the entire mattress at once.
Gently set the mattress back down, careful not to damage the pillow top.
Consider rotating for single-sided mattresses
If you have a single-sided pillow top mattress, rotating its head to toe every three months is an excellent alternative to flipping.
This helps prevent sagging and body impressions in the mattress. Rotate in the same direction each time for the best results.
Flipping or rotating your pillow top mattress at the proper intervals will help it wear evenly, last longer, and continue providing you the comfort and support you expect.
While it may require effort, taking good care of your mattress means better rest and sleep.
When Is the Best Time to Flip Your Pillow Top Mattress?
So you’ve had your pillow top mattress for a while now and wonder if it’s time to flip it.
The short answer is yes; flipping your pillow top mattress at the right time can help extend its lifespan and keep it comfortable for years.
When should you flip your pillow top mattress?
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to flip your pillow top mattress every 3 to 6 months.
Flipping the mattress helps prevent body impressions from forming and ensures even wear. If your mattress starts to sag or feel uneven after a few months, that’s a sign that it’s time for a flip.
Some other signs it may be time to flip your pillow top mattress:
You’re waking up with back or neck pain. An uneven sleeping surface can cause misalignment of your spine.
You see visible indentations or sagging on the mattress surface. Flipping will help regain shape and support.
You and your sleep partner have a preferred side of the bed. Flipping the mattress helps prevent one side from wearing out faster.
You notice the mattress feels softer or less supportive. The cushioning materials inside the mattress can start to settle over time. Flipping redistributes the materials to restore support.
There are visible stains or spills on one side. Flipping the mattress will move the soiled area to the bottom, out of sight and sleeping surface.
How to properly flip your pillow top mattress
Flipping a pillow top mattress takes effort, so you may want to enlist the help of a friend.
Here are the steps:
Remove all bedding, including sheets, blankets, mattress pads, and protectors.
Locate the handles or straps on the sides of the mattress to get a good grip. You may need to slide your hands under the mattress edge if there are no handles.
Lift one end of the mattress while your helper lifts the other end. Flip the mattress over so the top side is now facing down.
Rotate the mattress 180 degrees so the head of the bed is now at the foot of the bed. This helps ensure even wear and maximum longevity.
Re-dress the mattress with fresh bedding, and you’re done. Your newly flipped pillow top mattress will feel like new again!
Flipping and rotating your pillow top mattress at the recommended intervals is one of the best ways to keep it in great shape for the long run.
Follow these tips; your mattress will provide comfort and support for many years.
FAQ: Can You Flip a Pillow Top Mattress
So you’ve invested in a pillow top mattress for its plush comfort, but now you’re wondering—can you flip it over for even wear?
The short answer is no; pillow-top mattresses are designed differently than traditional mattresses. Here’s why:
Construction
A pillow top mattress has an extra padded layer on one side, providing cushioning and contouring comfort. Flipping it over would put the bare underside up, defeating the purpose of the pillow top. The padding is secured to one side only.
Uneven wear
The pillow top side will compress over time with use, while the underside remains largely uncompressed. If flipped, the uneven surfaces would create an unstable sleeping surface, and the pillow top would not function as intended.
Warranty Requirements
Most pillow top mattress warranties require the product to remain valid in a particular orientation. Flipping the mattress could void the warranty, so check the details for your specific mattress.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about flipping pillow top mattresses:
Can I rotate my pillow top mattress? Yes, rotating the mattress 180 degrees will help prevent body impressions and ensure even wear. Just don’t flip it over.
How often should I rotate my pillow top mattress? For the first 3-6 months, rotate the mattress once a month. After that, rotate every three months or so. Check your mattress warranty for specific recommendations.
What if my pillow top mattress sags or forms body impressions? Rotating and flipping the mattress won’t fix sagging or impressions in the pillow top. You may need to file a warranty claim with the manufacturer or consider replacing the mattress.
What’s the best way to care for a pillow top mattress? Rotate regularly, use a mattress protector, and support the mattress with a sturdy bed frame or foundation. Vacuum the mattress surface occasionally to remove dust and allergens.
In summary, pillow top mattresses are designed for one-sided use only. Flipping the mattress over can damage its construction and void the warranty.
A pillow top mattress can provide many years of restful sleep with proper care and rotation.
Conclusion
So there you have it. While flipping a pillow top mattress isn’t strictly necessary, it can help maximize comfort and longevity.
If done correctly by rotating and flipping, you’ll ensure even wear and prevent body impressions.
And if your mattress has handles or straps to make the process easier, all the better. Most importantly, you’re sleeping well and waking up refreshed.
If flipping your pillow top helps achieve that, then flip away.
If not, don’t sweat it. Your mattress is meant to serve you, not the other way around. Sweet dreams!