How Often Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? The Ultimate Guide

Waking up with a sore back? Feeling those mysterious aches that weren't there when your mattress was new? Before you rush to spend on a replacement, let's discuss a simple habit that can help save both your sleep and your bank account: properly flipping and rotating your mattress.

Here at OMF, we reckon a good night's sleep shouldn't just happen when your mattress is brand new, but for years to come. The key? Knowing exactly when to flip or rotate based on what type of mattress you're sleeping on.

Why Proper Mattress Care Makes a Difference

Your mattress is a bit like your favourite armchair – leave it in one position for too long, and it starts to wear exactly where you sit most often. The same goes for your bed.

A quality mattress is crucial to feeling well-rested and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. We offer a wide range of mattresses at OMF so that you can find the perfect match for your sleeping style. But even our top-notch mattresses need a bit of TLC to stay in top shape and last longer.

What's the Difference Between Flipping and Rotating?

Let's get this sorted straight away:

• Flipping means turning your mattress completely over so the bottom becomes the top

• Rotating means turning your mattress 180 degrees so the head end becomes the foot end

Not all mattresses should be flipped, but most will last longer with regular rotation. Let's break it down by mattress type.

Which Mattresses Need Flipping?

Double-Sided Innerspring Mattresses

Traditional innerspring mattresses (particularly older models) are designed for use on both sides and greatly benefit from regular flipping.

How often: Every 3-6 months

Why: Bonnell spring mattresses can develop body impressions where you sleep night after night. These innerspring mattresses are great for sleepers who need solid back support. They're durable and sturdy, made with steel-wire coils, and are the most traditional type of mattress available. Flipping ensures the wear is even across both sides, preventing premature sagging and maintaining the supportive feel you love.

Which Mattresses Should Only Be Rotated?

Most modern mattresses are single-sided by design, featuring special comfort layers that are intended to remain on top. These should NEVER be flipped, but will still last longer with regular rotation.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is a science-backed, pain-relieving design that may assist those looking for pressure relief after a long day or who sleep on their side.

How often: Every 6 months

Why: While memory foam moulds to your body for that incredible pressure relief, sleeping in the same spot night after night can create permanent dips. Rotation helps spread the wear evenly, maintaining the cradling comfort you paid a premium for.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses resist mould, mildew and bacteria, making them a godsend for allergy sufferers. The pressure-relieving qualities are tops for body contouring, and they're eco-friendly and breathable to boot.

How often: Every 6-12 months

Why: Latex is naturally bouncy and holds its shape better than many materials. Still, rotation helps prevent premature softening, especially where your hips and shoulders bear the most pressure.

Gel Foam Mattresses

Gel foam mattresses offer excellent pressure relief and take longer to heat up than regular foam, providing a cooler surface to drift off. The cooling gel contours your body's shape for maximum breathability and temperature control.

How often: Every 6 months

Why: Like memory foam, gel foam mattresses need rotation to prevent body impressions while maintaining their cooling properties across the entire mattress.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

Pocket Spring mattresses feature individual springs covered in fabric pockets, zoned to support your body exactly where needed. They're fantastic for minimising partner disturbance and supporting all body types.

How often: Every 3-4 months

Why: These are perfect for couples who might otherwise wake each other up with movement. Regular rotation helps maintain even support and prevents the springs from compressing unevenly, especially since different body weights can affect specific areas differently.

The OMF Pro Tip: Remember Your Rotation Schedule

We suggest a simple approach: rotate your mattress with the changing seasons. In Australia, this means four times a year, which is ideal for most mattress types. Chuck it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget!

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

1. Strip the bed: Take off all sheets, mattress protectors, and bedding

2. Clear the space: Make sure you've got room to move about

3. Get a mate to help: Mattresses can be heavy and awkward, especially king and queen sizes

4. Rotate gradually: Turn the mattress 180 degrees so that the head end is now at the foot

5. Centre it properly: Make sure the mattress sits right on your bed base

6. Make it fresh: Put on clean bed sheets for that extra touch of luxury!

Looking After Your Mattress Pays Off

Taking a few minutes every few months to rotate your mattress has stacks of benefits:

1. Helps reduce the risk of sagging/body impressions

2. Maintains consistent support for proper spine alignment

3. Helps extend usable life

4. Ensures you get full value from your mattress investment

5. Helps avoid discomfort that mucks up your sleep

Beyond Rotation: Complete Mattress Care

While you're sorting out your rotation schedule, consider these extra mattress care tips:

Protect Your Investment

Unlike mattress toppers, mattress protectors are specifically designed to help your mattress withstand the effects of time, sweat, pets, and more.

A quality mattress protector is essential for:

• Stopping stains from spills and accidents

• Creating a barrier against dust mites and allergens

• Protecting against skin cells, sweat, and oils that break down materials

• Many warranties require a stain-free condition, and a protector helps with that

Don't Forget What's Underneath

Even the best mattress needs proper support. Ensure your bed frame matches the needs of your mattress. Slatted bases, solid platforms, and box springs all affect how your mattress performs and wears over time.

When Rotation Isn't Enough: Signs You Need a New Mattress

While proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your mattress, all mattresses eventually need to be replaced. Here's when rotation won't fix the problem:

• Visible sagging or permanent dips deeper than 3cm

• Waking with ongoing pain or stiffness

• Feeling your partner move more than you used to

• Noticeable drop in sleep quality

• Mattress older than 8-10 years

For more detailed guidance on when it's time for a replacement, check out our guide on when to replace your mattress.

Visit Our cOMFy Experts for More Sleep Solutions

Not sure about the best care routine for your mattress or wondering if it's time for an upgrade? Our cOMFy experts are here to help! Drop by one of our store locations or check out our online resources for personalised advice on keeping your sleep sanctuary in top nick.

Remember, a few minutes of mattress maintenance every few months could mean years of better sleep. Your back (and your wallet) will thank you!

Looking for a new mattress? Explore our full range of quality mattresses in all sizes online or in-store today!

Take our mattress quiz to find your perfect match, tailored to your sleeping position and comfort preferences.