March 04, 2025 5 min read

Person in pajamas adjusting a mattress on a wooden bed frame.

If you’ve ever woken up with a sore back or noticed a permanent dent in your mattress, you’re not alone. Over time, mattresses develop body impressions and lose their support, affecting sleep quality. But how do you prevent this?

At Furniture Fair, we’ve helped thousands of sleepers extend their mattress lifespan with proper care. The good news? A simple maintenance routine can keep your mattress in great shape for years.

In this guide, you’ll learn how often to flip or rotate your mattress, which types require maintenance, and how proper care can improve your sleep. Let’s dive in!

Flipping vs. Rotating: What’s the Difference?

Both flipping and rotating your mattress help distribute wear evenly, extending its resistance to sagging and body impressions. But they serve different purposes:

  • Flipping: Turning the mattress over so the bottom becomes the top.

  • Rotating: Spinning the mattress 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot.

🔹 Quick Rule of Thumb: Most modern mattresses are one-sided and should only be rotated—not flipped. However, older innerspring mattresses, organic fiber mattresses, and some two-sided models benefit from both flipping and rotating.

A person adjusting a white mattress on a bed frame.

Which Mattresses Need Rotation (and Why)?

Rotating your mattress helps even out wear and tear, preventing dips and soft spots. But not all mattresses require it.

✅ Rotate These Mattresses:

✔ Memory foam – Prevents body impressions.
✔ Latex – Helps keep material evenly compressed.
✔ Hybrid – Distributes wear between foam layers and coils.
✔ One-sided innerspring – Helps coils last longer.
✔ Organic/natural fiber mattresses – Prevents material compression.
✔ Airbeds (like Sleep Number) – Some benefit from rotation to prevent uneven wear (check manufacturer guidelines).

❌ Do NOT Rotate These Mattresses:

🚫 Some Zoned support mattresses – Rotating can disrupt the alignment of support zones designed for your shoulders, hips, and legs. However, some zoned mattresses are designed for rotation, so always refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines.
🚫 Adjustable air mattresses – Some models have fixed support zones that shouldn’t be rotated.
🚫 Purple GelFlex® Grid mattresses – No rotation required, but optional every 3–6 months for even wear.

A mother and daughter play together on a bed in a bright room.

Benefits of Rotating Your Mattress

🔹 Prevents sagging – Keeps materials evenly compressed.
🔹 Avoids lumps & bumps – Stops foam from breaking down in high-pressure areas.
🔹 Stops hammocking – Keeps the middle of the bed from sinking.
🔹 Improves airflow – Reduces dust buildup and allergens.
🔹 Maintains warranty coverage – Some manufacturers require rotation for warranty validity.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Mattress?

Mattress Type

Rotate?

How Often?

Memory Foam

✅ Yes

Every 6–12 months

Latex

✅ Yes

Every 6–12 months

Hybrid

✅ Yes

Every 3–6 months

One-Sided Innerspring

✅ Yes

Every 6–12 months

Organic/Natural Fiber

✅ Yes

Every 6 months

Airbeds (like Sleep Number)

✅ Yes

Every 6 months (check manufacturer)

Zoned Support/Adjustable Air

❌ No

Do not rotate (check manufacturer)

Purple GelFlex® Grid

Optional

Every 3–6 months

👉 Tip: If your mattress is sagging despite regular rotation, it might be time for a replacement.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rotate Your Mattress

  1. Remove bedding – Strip the mattress completely.
  2. Move furniture if needed – Ensure there’s enough space.
  3. Rotate 180 degrees – The head of the bed becomes the foot.
  4. Re-align– Center the mattress properly on the frame.
  5. Replace bedding – Enjoy your refreshed mattress!
Instructions for rotating a mattress with three steps illustrated.

Which Mattresses Should Be Flipped?

  1. Flipping a mattress evens out wear on both sides, but most modern beds are designed to be one-sided.

    ✅ Flip These Mattresses:

    ✔ Two-sided innerspring – Older models designed for flipping.
    ✔ Organic/natural fiber mattresses – Prevents material compression and maintains firmness.

    ❌ Do NOT Flip These Mattresses:

    🚫 Memory foam – The comfort layer is only on one side.
    🚫 Hybrid – Has a top comfort layer that shouldn’t be flipped.
    🚫 One-sided innerspring – Flipping would leave you sleeping on a rigid coil system.
    🚫 Pillow-top – The plush top layer is meant to stay on top!
    🚫 Purple GelFlex® Grid – Designed for single-sided use.
    🚫 Airbeds (like Sleep Number) – The internal air chambers are designed for a single orientation.

    💡 Pro Tip: For double-sided mattresses, flip and rotate the bed once per quarter during the first year. This helps the materials settle evenly and prevents early sagging. After the first year, reduce to every 6–12 months.

How Often Should You Flip Your Mattress?

Mattress Type

Flip?

How Often?

Two-Sided Innerspring (New)

✅ Yes

Every 6–12 months

Two-Sided Innerspring (Old)

✅ Yes

2–5 times per year

Organic/Natural Fiber

✅ Yes

Every 6 months

One-Sided Mattresses

❌ No

Do not flip

Airbeds (like Sleep Number)

❌ No

Do not flip

Illustration showing steps to flip a mattress properly.

Conclusion: Keep Your Mattress in Top Shape

Resolution: To keep your mattress in top shape, rotate it every 3–12 months, depending on its type. If it’s a double-sided mattress, flipping it can help extend its lifespan.

🚨 Reminder: Ignoring mattress maintenance can lead to sagging, discomfort, and even back pain. By following these guidelines, you can prevent wear and tear and sleep more comfortably.

🔎 Next Step: If your mattress is already sagging, despite regular maintenance, it may be time for an upgrade.

🛏️ Reintroduce: At Furniture Fair, we specialize in helping you find the perfect mattress for your sleep needs. Just give our bedMATCH Rest Test a try here. Browse our expert-approved mattresses today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can You Flip a Pillow-Top or Hybrid Mattress?

No, both have specific top layers designed for comfort. Flipping them would ruin the design. Instead, rotate them regularly.

Should You Rotate Your Box Spring?

Yes, if you have a traditional coil-based box spring, rotate it every 6 months. Solid foundations or slatted bases don’t require rotation.

Should You Flip or Rotate a Barely Used Mattress?

Yes! Even if rarely used (like in a guest room), rotate it at least once a year to prevent uneven wear.

Should You Flip or Rotate a Mattress If You Share It With Someone Else?

Yes, and possibly more frequently! If there’s a weight difference between partners, rotate your mattress every 3–4 months to ensure even wear.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Taking care of your mattress by rotating or flipping it regularly can extend its lifespan and keep you sleeping comfortably for years to come. If you're unsure whether your mattress needs flipping, rotating, or even replacing, our team at Furniture Fair is here to help.

Beyond mattress maintenance, investing in the right accessories—such as a supportive pillow or a quality mattress protector—can enhance your sleep experience and protect your bed from wear and tear.

If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep setup or want expert guidance, visit any of Furniture Fair’s locations  across Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, and Louisville. You can also schedule an appointment online to find the perfect mattress and accessories for your needs.