Double-sided mattress: what are the benefits?

Before single mattresses came along, mattresses with two upholstered sides were the convention. It was a way to maintain even wear and tear and maximise lifespan. In this guide, we take a closer look at what a double-sided mattress is and explore the main benefits they offer.

What is a double-sided mattress?

Basically, a double-sided mattress is a flippable mattress. This means that both sides of the mattress are the same and you can sleep on both sides – unlike single-sided mattresses, which are only designed for sleeping on one side. You can even get flippable mattresses with different levels of firmness on each side.

One-sided mattresses are made from the ground up, providing the ultimate comfort on one surface. Two-sided mattresses and made from the core outwards (it’s usually with an innerspring system that’s surrounded by padding). There’s no particular upright position because both sides of the mattress are the same.




Why choose a double-sided mattress?

1. They last longer

It’s obvious really: a double-sided mattress will last longer than a single-sided mattress. Double-sided mattresses are designed to be flipped on a regular basis, so you don’t sleep on one side all the time. Spreading the load in this way also means you can enjoy a higher level of comfort and support – which is crucial in any good mattress.

2. They’re cost effective

Even though they’re more durable, double-sided mattresses usually cost the same or slightly more than a single-sided mattress. So, whether you need a single, double, or king size mattress, you can expect a better return on your investment.

3. They’re more comfortable

Having a flippable mattress means you can give each side a break from time to time. While you sleep on one side, the padding on the other side has time to recover and return to its original shape. This means that you enjoy the ultimate in comfort and a brilliant night’s sleep every time.

4. Improved weight distribution

Over time, one-sided mattresses can end up with deep body impressions that make it difficult to move or turn over. But flipping a double-sided mattress means you can improve weight distribution, and reduce the likelihood of body impressions ruining your comfort and support.

5. Reduce your environmental impact

Because double-sided mattresses tend to last longer than single-sided mattresses, you won’t need to replace it as often. This means you can reduce your environmental impact because it’ll take longer for your mattress to be sent to landfill.

How often should I flip a double-sided mattress?

This depends on which double-sided mattress you have and what the manufacturer recommends. But to give you a guide, you can flip it as frequently as every other month or so – or as infrequently as once or twice a year. It’s all about preserving the life of each side and it can help preserve the life of the mattress overall, too. If you have a flippable mattress with a different level of firmness on each side, it’s easy: you can choose to flip it whenever you fancy adjusting the surface you’re sleeping on.

When flipping your mattress, it’s important to ensure you do it safely. Always (and we mean always) make sure you get someone to help you when the time comes to turn your mattress. And if you suffer from any back problems, you should avoid lifting your mattress completely – you’ll need to ask other people to do it for you.

Is a double-sided mattress right for me?

Ultimately, the right mattress for you depends on a number of factors, including your budget, how long you’d like it to last, and how easy you want the maintenance to be.

Keep in mind that one-sided mattresses are easier to maintain, in the sense that you don’t need to flip them over. But double-sided mattresses can last much longer because you won’t sleep on one side all the time.