When to flip or rotate your mattress, and why it matters
A guide to how often to flip or rotate a mattress, and the signs that it is time to replace it altogether.
We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, so the mattress we rest on for hours every day needs proper upkeep. Most people only think of changing the bedsheet, but if the mattress itself is not cared for properly, it affects both health and the mattress's lifespan.
Using the same mattress for a long time means the body's weight repeatedly presses on the same spots. This increases the chances of dents forming or the surface becoming uneven. Proper mattress care helps avoid this problem.
A mattress that can be used on both sides, that is, a double-sided one, should be flipped every 3 to 6 months. This spreads the body's weight evenly across all parts of the mattress.
Many mattresses available in the market today are designed for use on only one side, such as memory foam or orthopaedic mattresses. These should not be flipped. Instead, they should only be rotated every 3 to 6 months, that is, the end that was at the head should be moved to the foot, and the end at the foot moved to the head.
Some points should be kept in mind while caring for a mattress. Since every mattress is built differently, it is important to check the manufacturer's guidelines when buying or using one. To clear dust, sweat and dirt that build up on the mattress, the bedsheet should be removed from time to time and the mattress left out in open air. It is also useful to use a mattress protector to guard against sweat, moisture and accidental spills.
Proper care can extend a mattress's life, but no mattress lasts forever. A good mattress is generally expected to last 7 to 10 years. If the mattress has developed significant dents, the springs start making noise, or there is body pain or backache on waking up, flipping it is no longer enough. These are all signs that it is time to buy a new mattress.
