How to care for different types of mattresses

So what’s the deal with flipping and rotating?

Hands up if you thought mattress care was just a ‘flip and forget’ situation? Well, as mattress experts, we’re here to tell you there’s a little more to it than that.  

Flipping isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different types of mattresses – innerspring, memory foam, pillow-top, hybrid – and they all require different types of care. Pillow-top mattresses, for example, have a puffy, padded top layer, which prevents them from being flipped. If you tried sleeping on the other side, it’d be like wearing a shoe the wrong way round: just plain uncomfortable.  

Mattress care doesn’t have to be complicated, but there is an art to it. If you do it right, you can ensure your mattress lives a long life, and remains comfortable and supportive. 

How long should a mattress last?

A mattress is a solid investment in your sleep. On average, if you take care of it, a quality mattress should last somewhere between seven and 10 years. 

How long a mattress lasts, however, can vary based on the quality of the materials used and how the mattress is constructed – as well as things like the position you sleep in and how well you care for it. 

Don’t hesitate, rotate

What many people don’t realise is that it’s important to rotate a mattress to keep it in optimal condition.

Rotating a mattress 180 degrees – effectively spinning it top to bottom – helps distribute wear and tear across the mattress surface. This prevents it from developing saggy spots, an uneven, lumpy surface, or the awkward issue of ‘hammocking’. 

Hammocking occurs when a mattress begins to sag in the centre, meaning you’ll probably end up rolling into the middle each night like a hot dog in a bread roll. At best, it’s a nuisance, and might lead to a bit of tossing and turning. At worst, it can cause things like back pain, because your mattress is not offering the correct amount of support. 

Regularly rotating your mattress can help prevent this from happening. 

How often should you rotate your mattress?

This all depends on the type of mattress you own:

• Innerspring mattress – this is your classic mattress type. It’s made from identical materials on the top and bottom. You should flip AND rotate these mattresses every three months. A good rule of thumb is to do it at the start of a new season, so it’s easy to remember. 

• Pillow-top mattress – for the reasons mentioned above, these bad boys can’t be flipped, but they do need to be rotated end-to-end every three months. 

• Hybrid mattress – the same three-month rule applies for the increasingly popular hybrid mattress, which uses an innerspring coil system with a memory foam or latex topper. 

• Memory foam mattress – these require a slightly different approach. Some people will tell you they don’t need to be rotated or flipped at all, but we recommend rotating once or twice a year, just to be on the safe side. 

Of course, each mattress is designed and constructed differently, so always check the manufacturer’s specific care instructions.

How do you rotate a mattress?

Rotating a mattress isn’t tricky, but it can be awkward. 

First, make it a two-player game. Enlisting the help of a friend, family member or partner will make it easier on you and help you avoid any injuries. 

Stand with one person on either side of the mattress and use the handles or fabric on the side to gently shift it in a clockwise direction, until it is a half-rotation from where you began. 

When it’s time to let go… 

There are several signs that it’s time to try a new mattress, including when it starts to get saggy, smelly or discoloured. Or, if you or your partner are struggling to sleep comfortably, and don’t feel rested in the morning, chances are it’s time to go mattress shopping.

Need a new mattress? Explore our product range here.