Everyone loves a good night’s sleep, which is precisely why the pillow top layer is one of the most popular mattress types on the market.
They offer many benefits, including a deep layer of soft padding that conforms to your body.
However, flipping pillow-top mattresses can be difficult, and it’s not always recommended because they have a ‘top’ side and ‘bottom’ side, and are so thick and heavy. Instead of flipping the mattress pad, you can prolong mattress life by rotating it!
This guide will explain why rotation is important for a pillow top mattress instead of flipping it over!
What is a Pillow Top Mattress?
Before we go any further, you must understand what a pillow-top mattress is.
A pillow-top mattress is no different than a double-sided mattress. It has extra padding at the top. This additional layer makes the mattress less firm than regular mattresses, making it more comfortable for some people.
Manufacturers produce pillow top mattresses in a wide variety of ranges. Some pillow top mattresses come with box springs and a mattress topper. You can even find foam mattresses that come with mattress memory.
Foam mattresses are popular because they are soft and comfortable to sleep on, but they also tend to be more expensive than regular mattresses with similar features like coil counts, thicknesses, and materials used in construction.
According to a study from 2019, one-sided mattresses or memory foam mattresses can reduce back pain by 48% and improve the quality of sleep by 55%.
Who Can Benefit from Pillow Top Mattress?
The pillow top mattress is perfect for people who need a little extra cushioning and support.
Most pillow top mattresses come with an extra layer of soft foam. It provides comfort and relief to those suffering from back pain.
The study carried out by the National Library of Medicine says that an extra firm mattress offers greater benefits to people suffering from back and joint pain.
But, people with arthritis or other joint problems can benefit from the added support that a pillow-top mattress provides.
If you have been looking for a one-sided mattress that provides extra softness, look no further than pillow top mattresses.
Read also: Does a memory foam mattress cause back pain?
But Why Do Pillow Top Mattresses Sag?
Pillow top mattresses are comprised of two main layers: a dense bottom layer and a lighter, softer top layer.
First Layer (Base Layer)
It is made up of a firm material like latex or memory foam that supports the body and allows it to rest comfortably on top of the mattress.
Second Layer
The second layer is made up of dense memory foam with pores that allow air to flow between its fibers, creating pressure points when you lie down on it.
Sagging
This build of the mattress allows your body to sink into this soft material and mold around your shape so that you feel cradled when laying down on your side or back.
While a pillow top mattress can sag for various reasons, the most common one is that there is extra weight in the center of the mattress. If you sleep alone and prefer sleeping on the middle of the mattress, it will sag over time.
How much the mattress sags depends on its quality and build. For most mattresses, you will experience sagging in less than two years.
However, you can easily rotate a pillow top to extend the mattress’s life.
Flipping vs. Rotating a Mattress
To understand why manufacturers recommend rotating a top mattress instead of flipping it, you need to understand the difference between the two methods.
Flipping
Flippable mattresses can be turned over. You can use either side for a good night’s sleep.
Rotating
Rotation means using a 180 degree turn. The part where your head used to rest will now support your feet and vice versa. When you rotate your mattress you don’t turn it upside down, so you don’t change the sleeping surface, just the areas of the surface you lie on.
So Can You Flip a Pillow Top Mattress?
The short answer? You can flip a pillow top mattress, but you shouldn’t.
The long answer? Why pillow tops are considered to be no flip mattresses is for a variety of reasons.
Design
An important factor to keep in mind about your pillow top mattress is that it’s not designed to be flipped like traditional spring mattresses.
The reason is simple: flipping the mattress over does nothing but wear down the foam on one side.
Additionally, it will result in more pressure points on the opposite side, resulting in an uneven surface and uncomfortable sleep.
Increases in Wear and Tear
Pillow top mattresses are designed to be one-sided. The bottom side is often equipped with a non-slip surface.
Once the pillow top is flipped, the mattress will likely slip from its original position.
It increases your chances of sustaining an injury, and the wear and tear increases since the top side is not equipped to be flipped over.
The Warranty Will Be Voided
A good mattress warranty is essential because it protects from manufacturing flaws and defects. You can even return the mattress if it doesn’t feel comfortable.
Flipping over a mattress may void your warranty, and you will no longer qualify for any benefits that come with it.
What Can You Do to Prolong the Mattress’s Life?
It is always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you know how to take care of your pillow-top mattress.
While flipping isn’t recommended, you can rotate it to extend its life.
Rotating the mattress will require you to move the head of the mattress to the bottom end of the bed and vice versa.
By simply rotating the mattress, you can prolong its life by ensuring one side of the mattress does not sag prematurely.
Read also: Can you use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
How Often Should You Rotate Your Mattress?
The rule of the thumb is to do it once every six months. Read the instructions label carefully to determine how often your top mattress needs to be rotated.
This will help you protect its warranty and lower the risk of potential wear and tear when a mattress is rotated.
Conclusion: Can You Flip a Pillow Top Mattress?
Make sure that if you flip your pillow top mattress, it is done correctly.
The last thing you want is a poor-quality mattress that does not offer proper support for your back or stomach and leaves you tossing and turning all night long!
Flipping a mattress is a simple process that anyone can do and should be done regularly.
While flipping your mattress won’t make it any newer, it will help ensure that your pillow top mattress looks and feels as good as possible for years to come!
