The key to a good night’s sleep starts with a quality mattress, but did you know there’s some upkeep involved? Experts say it’s critical to rotate and flip your mattress on a regular basis to prevent it from wearing out in certain places and to maintain its life span.
“If your mattress starts to sag or lose shape, it’s no longer providing the necessary support that you need,” says Tyler Roberts of Mattress Firm. “This can lead to aches and pain due to improper spinal alignment, predominantly in your neck, shoulders, and back.”
The best practices of mattress care include rotating and flipping to ensure many nights of restful sleep.
How Often to Rotate Your Mattress
Rotating a mattress prevents wear and tear in a concentrated spot, and it’s particularly important for mattresses that don’t require flipping. Roberts suggests rotating your mattress every six months to one year. This suggestion isn’t hard and fast; you can adjust the timing as needed.
“If you notice or feel any compressions or uneven spots, rotate your mattress,” says Laura Scott Troyano of Avocado Green Brands. She says Avocado mattresses, in particular, should be rotated frequently at first and less often over time. “To prevent body impressions, spin your mattress—head to foot—once every month for the first six months. It will take five-plus rotations to ensure even distribution,” Troyano says. “After the first six months, rotating every other month ensures even wear over the life span of the mattress.”
If you notice problems, you can add support with a box spring or mattress slats and platforms. “Inadequate foundations can cause sagging that leads to aches and pains while you sleep,” Roberts says.
How Often to Flip Your Mattress
Like rotating your mattress, flipping it helps to reduce sagging and maintain its shape and support. Roberts suggests flipping the mattress every six months to a year.
However, mattresses come in a variety of designs, and some don’t require flipping at all. “Flippable mattresses are double-sided mattresses where the bottom of the bed is the same as the top,” Roberts says. “These are no longer industry standard and are much more difficult to come by.” Pillow-top mattresses, for example, have one side intended for sleeping and do not need to be flipped.
In short, be sure to check into the design of your mattress before flipping it.
How to Flip or Rotate Your Mattress
Anyone who’s moved or unpacked a new mattress knows they can be heavy and unwieldy. In some cases, you’ll need help to flip or rotate a mattress—especially the large sizes.
“To make moving and rotating your mattress a snap, Avocado Mattress features four reinforced, hand-stitched handles—two on each side of the mattress,” Troyano says. “It will be easier to rotate with a second set of hands, but it is possible to do it yourself with these handles. Just go slow and rotate a small amount at a time.”
If your mattress doesn’t have handles, lift it carefully from each end and rotate it a bit at a time, always keeping the center of the mattress in contact with the bed frame. Lift with your legs to avoid straining your back, and ask a friend for help if possible.
Importance of Maintaining a Clean Mattress
Experts agree you should maintain good cleaning practices, such as flipping and rotating the mattress. To make this chore easier to remember, time your mattress cleaning with flipping or rotating so you can do everything at the same time.
“Vacuum your mattress regularly and use baking soda to help clean instead of dry-cleaning detergents or chemicals,” Roberts says.
If you want a little fragrance, go the all-natural route. “You can shake a few drops of your favorite essential oils into the baking soda before you sprinkle it on. Lavender and lemon oils work particularly well,” Troyano says.
You should clean more frequently if you notice mold spots or have problems with allergies. In some severe cases, these could be signs you need a new mattress, Roberts says.
Roberts also suggests using extra protection for ultimate cleanliness. “Use a waterproof mattress protector to keep your mattress dry from spills, sweating, and other potential accidents,” he says. “This can also extend the overall life of your mattress.”