How Often Should I Rotate or Turn My Mattress?

Your mattress should provide you with years of comfort and good support. To keep your mattress in great condition, we recommend that you rotate it at least once every three months. This means moving your mattress from the head of your bed to the foot - from top to bottom.

Rotating your mattress regularly is important because it helps to keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed. It also means that you'll use each side equally. It's an easy way to improve its lifespan and it forms part of general mattress care.

A woman turning a mattress in a white bedroom
You should rotate your mattress every three months

How often should I rotate my mattress?

We recommend that you rotate your mattress at least once every three months. However, check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular mattress, as this can vary.

You can rotate your mattress more frequently if you feel that it isn't offering the comfort or support that you expect. The most important thing is to rotate it regularly. The more often you rotate it, the more evenly distributed the fillings will be.

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Why should I rotate my mattress?

Most people tend to sleep in the same spot in bed. Over time, if you don't rotate your mattress, it can start to wear unevenly and it won't provide the correct support you need.

The main benefits of rotating your mattress regularly are:

  1. Better support for longer
  2. Consistent comfort
  3. Even distribution of fillings
  4. Reduced risk of dips and sagging

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Do I need to rotate my mattress or flip it - or both?

Regardless of the type of mattress you have, you should always rotate your mattress from end-to-end at least every three months.

If your mattress is double-sided, you'll need to flip it over when you rotate it too.

MATTRESS TYPEROTATE OR TURN?
Single-sidedRotate from end-to-end
Double-sidedRotate from end-to-end and turn it over

You shouldn't turn over a single-sided mattress. This is because the other side is not designed to be slept on.

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How do I rotate my mattress?

Rotating a mattress is simple and straightforward. Whilst one person can do it, it's easier with two.

Here's how:

  1. Remove your duvet, pillows and sheets, and any furniture close to your bed
  2. If your mattress has turning handles, you can use these
  3. Move your mattress 180 degrees from the head of your bed to the foot

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How do I flip my mattress?

Flipping a mattress is important to do regularly. It's fairly difficult to do on your own - especially if it's heavy - so make sure you have someone to help you.

Here's how:

  1. Remove your duvet, pillows and sheets, and any furniture close to your bed
  2. If your mattress has turning handles, you can use these
  3. Move your mattress 180 degrees from the head of your bed to the foot, to rotate it
  4. Lift your mattress onto its side and place it down on the other side, to flip it over

You'll only need to flip over your mattress if it's double-sided. If you're not sure whether your mattress is single- or double-sided, check the mattress label, or the care guide booklet.

Woman removing bedding from mattress
Remember to take all bedding - and children - off your mattress before moving it!

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Do I need to turn the mattress if it's just for guests?

If the mattress is only used occasionally you won't need to rotate it as frequently. You could aim to rotate it once every six months or once a year, depending on how often the mattress is used.

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What if one person is much heavier than the other?

If you and your partner vary significantly in weight or height, you should rotate your mattress more frequently. This will distribute the fillings more evenly, ensure an even degree of wear and help prevent the mattress dipping or sagging on one side.

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I'm the only person who sleeps on the mattress. How often should I turn it?

You should rotate your mattress at least every three months. This distributes the fillings evenly, ensures each side of your mattress gets equal wear and prevents the mattress from dipping on one side.

Woman sleeping on a mattress
You still need to rotate your mattress if you get the bed all to yourself!

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Can I flip my memory foam mattress?

No, you shouldn't flip your memory foam mattress. This is because the memory foam layer is only on the top of your mattress, not on the underside.

If you flip it over, you won't enjoy the benefits of the memory foam. Additionally, the underside isn't suitable to sleep on and won't feel comfortable!

You should still rotate your memory foam mattress regularly to keep the fillings evenly distributed.

SleepSoul Bliss 800 Pocket Memory Pillow Top Mattress
You don't need to flip over the SleepSoul Bliss 800 Pocket Memory Pillow Top Mattress

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How do I flip a heavy mattress?

Here are some tips on how to flip over a heavy mattress:

  1. Don't flip it over on your own! Always get someone to help you
  2. Use the mattress turning handles
  3. Remember that your mattress will need rotating from end-to-end too - not just flipping
  4. You can always rotate your mattress on one day and then flip it over on a different day

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We hope this guide has answered any questions you have on how to rotate or turn your mattress. If you're unsure whether your mattress needs to be flipped or not, please check the label on your mattress or give us a call.

For more help and tips on how to care for and maintain the condition of your mattress, take a look at our advice on how to clean a mattress and when to replace your mattress.