:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1388404024-368e941be7ab42fc96035c8e16f1508d.jpg?ssl=1 "This 5-Minute Hack Will Make Your Mattress Feel Like New — And Help It Last Longer")
Key Takeaways
- Rotating your mattress every six months helps it last longer and gives you more comfortable sleep.
- Double-sided innerspring mattresses can and should be flipped and rotated for even wear.
- Mattresses with pillow tops, memory foam, or latex should never be flipped—only rotated.
If you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, it may be due to an uncomfortable mattress. Since we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, isn’t it worth taking just five minutes to improve your sleep and flip or rotate your mattress?
Learn about the tiny task could change the comfort of your mattress for the next six months.
The One Trick for a Comfier Mattress
Rotating a mattress can help slow the compression and sagging that comes from sleeping in the same spot and position on your mattress every night. Regular rotation gives materials a chance to spring back to their original shape and extends the life of the mattress.
With so many different types of mattresses, it’s a good idea to visit the manufacturer’s website for recommendations on how often to rotate your mattress. However, a good rule of thumb is to rotate the mattress every six months for comfier sleep.
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How to Rotate a Mattress
When rotating a mattress it’s ideal to have someone help you, especially if you are dealing with a larger mattress; getting trapped under a mattress next to the headboard is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
To rotate a mattress correctly, remove all the bedding to make it easier to grip the mattress. Pull the mattress down from the head of the bed. Rotate the mattress 180° so the former head of the mattress is now at the bottom.
Rotating vs. Flipping Your Mattress
With the exception of smart mattresses that are designed to stay in place throughout their use, all mattresses can and should be rotated. But not all mattresses should be flipped.
Mattresses with symmetrical construction on both sides should be flipped. Latex mattresses and innerspring mattresses built with a layer of coils in the center have equal padding on both the top and bottom.
Mattresses that should never be flipped are pillow top, memory foam, zone-support, and hybrid foam/coil designs. Flipping these mattresses will make sleeping more uncomfortable.
How to Flip a Mattress
Pull the mattress to one side of the bed so the other edge is in the middle of the bed. Lift the side of the mattress that is hanging off the bed up until it is resting on its edge in the middle of the bed. Tip the mattress over to your helper and slide the center edge toward you. The bottom side of the mattress is now on top and can be repositioned on the bed.
5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Mattress
Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years. In addition to regularly rotating or flipping your mattress, you should follow these tips to help keep your mattress comfy for as long as possible.
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector, especially one that is moisture-resistant, creates a barrier against body fluids, spills, and pet accidents that can degrade mattress materials. Use one that zips around the entire mattress to help protect it from dust, dust mites, and bed bugs.
Regular Stain Removal and Cleaning
Stains from food, urine, or blood should be treated as quickly as possible, and the mattress should be vacuumed at least monthly to remove dust. Steam cleaning every six months will reduce odors and allergens.
Let the Mattress Breathe
Mattresses collect moisture from our bodies, and it’s a good idea to remove all of the bedding, including the mattress protector, at least once a month to allow the moisture to evaporate. Let the mattress breathe for several hours before remaking the bed.
Give It Sturdy Support
A sturdy platform or structurally-sound bed frame offers a mattress the best support to prevent sagging that can weaken the foam or structure of the mattress.
Don’t Jump On It
Unfortunately, mattresses are not trampolines; jumping on one can damage the internal structure and shorten its lifespan.