Top 2 Reasons Why You Cannot Flip A Pillow Top Mattress

pillow top bed

Discover the truth about why pillow tops are one-sided deals and what happens when you flip them!

Pillow top mattresses are designed to be comfortable on only one side. Flipping these mattresses will reduce comfort for the sleeper and potentially damage the pillow top.

Let’s have a look at how pillow tops work and why it’s best to leave them unturned.


Top 2 Reasons Why You Should Never Turn A Pillow Top Mattress

Pillow top beds are dreamy. They add a layer of plushness that helps those with conditions, like arthritis, to sleep in better comfort. Frankly, they can make anyone feel cosier! It is no small wonder then that pillow top mattresses are very popular the world over. But many people have a legitimate question on their minds and that is, “Should I flip this kind of mattress?”

Nope. 

Besides giving you a break by not adding another chore to your domestic duties, there are two main reasons why you should never turn a pillow top mattress.

  1. You will lose the comfort that these mattresses are known for.
  2. The mattress can get damaged.

Discover the best Dormeo mattress reviews if you love this popular brand!


The Loss of Comfort Is A Dealbreaker

Why do people buy a pillow top mattress? Most would say that they were attracted to this particular type of bed because it offers an extra layer of luxurious comfort. This layer is, of course, the padded pillow top that is a fixed feature against the top of the mattress. Being fixed, it cannot be removed should the mattress be turned over. 

Once a pillow top mattress is turned over, you lose a lot of comfort almost instantly. The bed will feel harder than it used to and this might be a problem for those with conditions that need comfort and a good night’s sleep. 

At the end of the day, turning over a pillow top mattress defeats the very reason why it was bought in the first place. These mattresses are specifically purchased for their pillow tops first and foremost. Things like mattress tension and appearance come second. Removing this main desirable feature by turning the bed over almost makes no sense – as these mattresses tend to be more expensive than mattresses without pillow tops. 

Are you looking to get your first pillow top mattress? We reviewed the best pillow top mattresses and also the best mattress toppers (if you want a more mobile layer of comfort!)

Can I Sleep On A Pillow Top Mattress When It Is Turned Over?

If, for some reason, you absolutely have to turn the mattress over, then yes. You can sleep on the underside of a pillow top mattress. It’s not the end of the world! You will still experience a relatively good bed, just without the extra comfort. But turning over a pillow top mattress should not be done without a very good reason. Why? This brings us to our second and perhaps the most important reason to leave a pillow top mattress alone.

upset woman bad bed

The Mattress Will Likely Suffer Irreparable Damage

Pillow top mattresses are specifically designed not to be turned over. Like we mentioned earlier, this is a great feature for those who hate turning mattresses! Nobody loves slogging a heavy double mattress into a new position and that is another reason why pillow tops are so popular. 

But like any other object that is designed in a certain way, when it is used improperly, that design tends to fail. In this case, damaging a pillow top can be as simple as turning it over – because it was not designed for this.

Learn how to store your memory foam topper correctly.

How Exactly Does Turning Damage A Pillow Top Mattress?

This depends on the manufacturer’s own design and the materials (memory foam, pocket sprung or hybrid). But overall, you can expect some of the following horrors. 

  • The pillow top layer itself can flatten until it can no longer provide extra comfort and support.
  • The other layers of foam or coils will also eventually sag or compress. This can lead to uncomfortable hollows in the mattress in the long run.
  • The pillow top layer can suffer scuff damage against the bed’s base.

You Might Lose Your Mattress Benefits As Well

Here’s the truth about that mattress guarantee. Bed manufacturers promise protection that lasts between 5 years and even a lifetime warranty. One might wonder how they can afford this when, surely, a lot of customers must request new mattresses because the old ones were damaged somehow. 

Bed manufacturers can offer fantastic guarantees because they limit what customers can claim. In other words, read the fine print carefully before you buy! A guarantee can actually be revoked by the manufacturer if they feel that the mattress was damaged due to incorrect handling. In the case of pillow top mattresses, you are sure to find something in the small print about never turning the bed or the warranty might forfeit. 

This makes sense. The manufacturer is not being mean. They simply designed a bed that should be cared for in a certain way and if customers protect the mattress, the brand will gladly replace any beds that still fail. But turning a pillow top is almost a sure way to get your warranty revoked. 

Did you spill your morning coffee in bed? No worries. Learn how to wash your memory foam topper so that it looks as good as new!


How Can I Care For My Pillow Top Mattress?

head board and foot of bed

This is totally optional. If you feel that you must do something, you are welcome to rotate a pillow top mattress. This will keep your mattress in good shape, although some mattresses descriptions might mention that rotation is not even necessary.

If you are not really familiar with the difference between flipping a mattress and rotating a mattress, have a quick look below!

  • Flipping a mattress is to turn it over so that the top of the bed, where you slept, is now resting on the base. You will now sleep on the “bottom.”
  • Rotating a mattress keeps the pillow top in the right position. You simply turn the bed so that the foot of the mattress is now at the headboard and vice versa.

If you are hunting for a new mattress, we hope you get the best bargain ever. Grab our top tips on how to buy a mattress without getting ripped off.


A Quick Summary On Why You Should Never Flip A Pillow Top Mattress

  • Pillow topped mattresses are popular choices due to their extra layer of comfort.
  • Pillow top mattresses are designed not to be flipped and most are designed not to be rotated.
  • However, you can rotate this type of mattress without causing it any harm or losing any comfort.
  • Flipping a pillow top mattress is not recommended because it completely removes the layer of comfort and there could be irreversible damage to the mattress in the long run.
  • You might lose your warranty should the bed manufacturer discover damage that resulted from flipping the mattress. 
  • Overall, pillow top mattresses are best left alone and that’s one less chore for you to worry about!

Related Topics To Read Next

The Top 4 Ways A Mattress Is Built

How To Store A Mattress In A Garage Like A Pro

How To Convert A Mattress Into A Sofa (The Easy Way)

Top 5 Ways To Keep A Futon Mattress From Sliding

How To Fit A Mattress In A Car Without Losing Your Mind

Top 5 Ways To Keep A Mattress Pad From Bunching

Stop Your Pillows From Falling Between The Mattress And Wall

The Best Way To Build A Mattress Foundation

Why You Can Fill An Air Mattress With Water (But Shouldn’t)

How To Know If Your Mattress Will Fit Into A Minivan

How To Raise A Pack N Play Mattress Like A Pro

The Best Way To Recycle Your Air Mattress

The Best Way To Sew A Mattress Cover At Home

How To Move A Tempurpedic Mattress Safely

How To Glue Foam Mattresses Together

Your Guide On How To Return A Nectar Mattress

About the Author Tom

My journey into the world of sleep came about through living in several properties over my lifetime and always seeming to have the worst luck with neighbors. All but one have been extremely noisy and very inconsiderate. What this made me realize early on, was that the little sleep my neighbors allowed me to get needed to be of great quality. So I started to learn all about sleep, and what helps people get the best quality sleep possible.