Flippable mattresses are a perfect choice for sleepers with shifting firmness preferences, and they last longer because of the minimized sagging thanks to flipping the mattress.
In the past, flippable mattresses were more present on the market. However, at the beginning of this century, one-sided models became the standard, reducing the number of flippable ones. Double-sided models have qualities that standard mattresses can’t offer. They last longer because sagging can be minimized with the periodic flipping of the bed. The most significant advantage of flippable mattresses is that you get two different firmness levels in one model, which is extremely suitable for individuals with oscillating firmness preferences.
Keep reading to find out more about what flippable mattresses are, their benefits, common characteristics, special considerations and to see our top 5 picks.
Qualities:
For those of you looking for a supportive bed with good pressure relief and conforming, the Nolah Signature 12 may be the right choice. It is the best soft flippable model entirely made from polyfoam, with Medium Soft (4) and Firm (7) firmness setting on each of the sides. This bed is very environmentally-friendly, as no harmful chemicals were used in the process of making the mattress.
The very breathable and moisture-wicking cover is made from unbleached organic cotton. The cover has great temperature neutrality, and it’s very soft and comfortable. Beneath the cover, the comfort layer is made from AirFoam, a material similar to memory foam, that is responsible for the excellent body contouring and cooling. The high-density foam that reinforces the bed was also used to make the shared support core. The firmer layers below are made from high-density polyfoam that provides a good bounce without interfering with sinkage of the comfort layers. Flipping the mattress will give you a different firmness setting.
The Nolah Signature 12 is very light, making it easy to move, and it comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-day sleep trial. The price is slightly high, but seven percent of that price is given to endangered and threatened wildlife charities. The mattress is suitable for individuals in all weight groups (heavy, average, light) who sleep on the side and back and for people who usually sleep hot on foam beds.
Qualities:
If you are looking for a suitable firm latex mattress that will give you a stable and supportive sleep service, the best choice would be Latex for Less Mattress. This flippable mattress has Medium (5) firmness setting on one side and Firm (7.5) on the other side.
The soft and breathable cover of the bed is made from organic cotton and quilted with natural wool. Under the cover is a layer made from Talalay latex, which is very soft but responsive. Thanks to it, the sleeper sinks properly in the bed to get nice pressure relief, without feeling stuck. The Dunlop layer gives the bed a firm foundation if it is located on the bottom of the structure. Since we are talking about flippable mattresses and this is one of them, this firm foundation can be placed as a top layer for individuals who prefer firmer sleep surfaces.
The Latex for Less Mattress has 240-month warranty with 120-day sleep trial, and free shipping anywhere in the U.S. This unique latex model is suitable for individuals with more than 130 pounds (average and above-average weight groups), side sleepers, back sleepers, and those who suffer from back pain. Lastly, the model is an excellent choice for eco-friendly buyers.
Qualities:
The Zenhaven is one of the best latex mattresses that have different firmness settings on each of the bed’s sides. It is made by the environmentally-friendly company Saatva best known for their quality and natural products.
This model was specially designed to help with chronic pain and give relief for joint pain. One side is Medium Soft (4), and the other is Firm (7). Each of the sides has its own has an individual comfort layer made from Talalay latex. The cover is made from completely organic cotton and quilted with natural wool. This combination provides a very soft and breathable fabric for sleeping that absorbs moisture. The comfort layers located under the cover, have a luxury plush on top of these layers. The latex layers are aerated with holes that differ in size, to provide excellent airflow throughout the bed and support for the body of the sleeper. All of these together, offer the sleeper a soft feeling with very subtle sinking.
Even though the price is high, like all products that Saatva makes, the bed has free shipping in the U.S. with the White Glove delivery that can have your old mattress removed from your home and the new one placed. The Zenhaven is useful for side and back sleepers in every weight group (heavy, average, light), people with fluctuating firmness preferences and those who have back and hip pain. Also, the mattress has a 120-day sleep trial and a 240-month warranty.
Qualities:
One of the best flippable mattresses for individuals with firmer preferences is the Brooklyn Bedding Plank. This model gives you an ultra-firm and even sleep surface with one side being Firm (7), and the other Extra Firm (9).
The bed features a cover made from cotton-polyester with a quilted layer of foam on the top. This elegant cover has excellent breathability with extra cushioning that provides excellent support for your back. Even though it is a flippable mattress, both sides have a firmer level. This model was specifically designed to offer a firmer and more stable bed for heavier individuals or those who prefer firmer sleep surfaces. With its firm setting, it has excellent motion isolation and makes virtually no noise when applying weight on it.
This product is very suitable for back and stomach sleepers who have more than 130 pounds (average and heavyweight groups), those who sleep hot or individuals who prefer mattresses have little conforming. The Plank also has a 120-month warranty with a 120-night sleep trial and free shipping available anywhere in the U.S.
Qualities:
One of the best memory foam mattresses and flippable mattress you can find on the market is The Layla. It has two different firmness settings, with one Soft (4) side and the other Firm (7).
The removable thermogel cover is made from polyester, viscose, and lycra, that provide a very comfortable and soft sleeping surface when combined. The sides of the bed have memory foam infused with copper that improves air circulation and keep the temperature of the bed neutral. Although both sides share the same support core made from polyfoam of high density, the Soft side has a convoluted polyfoam layer placed for improved cushioning. The bed has great motion isolation and makes almost no noise. It is also very light and easy to flip to the other side.
The Layla mattress has a lifetime guarantee that includes a 120-day sleep trial, and free shipping for any location in the U.S. It is very suitable for people who sleep on the back and side, every weight group (heavy, average, light), individuals who sleep hot and have back and hip pain problems, and sleepers with poor circulation.
Most mattresses today can’t be flipped over, because they are one-sided. The majority of models have base layers made from steel springs or dense foam, and can’t be made into flippable beds. Luckily, flippable models are also available, and they can have the same firmness setting on both sides or different firmness levels on each side.
Before continuing, we need to clarify what exactly firmness is. Firmness is the feel of the mattress, and it is measured on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least firm and 10 being the firmest level. It is linked to the materials used in the comfort layer on the top of the bed.
However, it is essential to tell the difference between flippable and dual-sided mattresses. Even though they both offer different firmness levels, dual-sided models can’t be flipped because they only have one sleep surface that contains two firmness levels. Flippable mattresses are also not symmetrical, which is a crucial difference from one-sided and dual-sided models. The comfort layers in flippable beds are different for each firmness setting, even though they share the same support core usually made from foam. The foam and latex parts of the comfort layers differ in their densities and can have micro-coils or extra foam layers. Because of this dual comfort layer construction, these models are usually thicker than other types. It is very suitable for heavier individuals and couples, while thinner models are more suitable for shorter individuals or people with less than 130 pounds. Due to this, flippable models can be heavier on their sides, from at least 100 pounds to 120 pounds or even more, and flipping them may require help from someone.
If you have only one firmness preference, you can choose a flippable model with the same firmness setting on each side, but if you have oscillating sleeping preferences, you should choose a flippable model with a different firmness on each side. These models usually have a softer and a firmer side to choose. With these flip over mattresses, you can get a customizable model for your everyday need.
First of all, flippable mattresses have a longer lifespan, because flipping can prevent sagging, and extend the lifespan by years. They are suitable for individuals who don’t have or don’t know the firmness they prefer. Many people have oscillating firmness preferences and sleep on a different surface each night. The last benefit of flippable models is the price, as they cost the same as one-sided models made from the same materials.
However, they also have downsides, such as limited availability. Like we mentioned before, the number of available flippable models is limited, and buyers can have a hard time finding a suitable one that matches their needs. Also, because of their higher profiles, they might not suit lightweight sleepers or shorter individuals. As for weight, flippable mattresses typically weigh more than 100 pounds, and flipping them can be difficult and cause pain and injuries. Luckily, lighter models are also available, and they are very easy to move.
Iva is an art historian and an art lover who always had a passion for writing and sleep! When she is not researching and testing new mattresses on the market, you can find her binge-watching TV shows, eating tons of junk food or playing with her dog Bart.