Do You Need to Rotate a Latex Mattress?

September 16, 2022

When it comes to beds and mattresses, there are a surprising number of myths. One common myth is that mattress springs are outdated, another is that considering sleep position doesn’t matter when buying a mattress.

A highly debated topic is whether you should rotate your mattress. Some people argue that you need to rotate or flip a mattress to reduce wear, and maximize the support, comfort, and longevity of your mattress. Others say this is a myth, and doing so won’t provide you with any real benefits.

Below, we’ll go over whether you need to rotate a latex mattress specifically.

Why Rotate or Flip a Mattress?

First, let’s get into why some people believe you should rotate or flip a mattress.

Mattress Maintenance

When you own a mattress, you want to regularly maintain it in order to keep it clean, and in good shape. This includes regularly changing the bedding, using a mattress protector, and vacuuming the mattress every few months. Over time, dead skin cells, dust mites, bacteria, and pet dander can build up on your mattress, so taking these steps will reduce allergens, and keep you healthy while you sleep.

Extends the Lifespan

Some people argue that flipping or rotating your mattress is a similar concept. If you sleep in the same spot every night, it wears down in one area, so flipping or rotating the mattress distributes the wear, and extends the lifespan and support of your mattress.

Rotating Versus Flipping

As we mentioned, many mattresses, particularly memory foam mattresses, wear out quickly. The foam degrades, and you lose support and comfort when you compress the mattress during sleep every night. Therefore, flipping or rotating the mattress should even out the wear of a mattress, so you can continue to get the support you need for longer.

Rotating

Rotating the mattress is exactly what it sounds like. You rotate your mattress 180 degrees every few months, so what used to be the head of your mattress becomes the foot, and vice versa.

Flipping

Flipping your mattress is turning the mattress over, so you can sleep on both sides. If your mattress is compressing and deteriorating, this should give you a fresh side to sleep on that isn’t worn down already.

Mattress flipping is particularly effective with traditional spring mattresses. As the plush top layer wears down, the springs can cause lumps to form, and make sleeping on one side very uncomfortable.

However, many mattresses aren’t designed to be flipped. Often, traditional mattresses have a designated top side that comes with a layer of plush cushion, and the bottom of the mattress, or mattress core, is significantly firmer to provide support under the softer top layer. If this is the case with your mattress, flipping will likely be a very uncomfortable option.

On the other hand, some mattresses are double-sided, which means that usually it is designed to sleep on either side, but the level of firmness may vary slightly.

Benefits of Rotating a Mattress

There can be a couple of main benefits to rotating a mattress.

Sleeping on a Different Area than Normal

As we touched on earlier, the reason for rotating a mattress is to basically sleep on a different part of the mattress than you usually do. When we sleep on a mattress, we usually stay on a particular side of it, often in the same position, and over time we compress the foam underneath that area.

Resist Sagging

Sleeping on the same part of the mattress night in and night out wears down the foam, and may even leave an imprint on the mattress. This can also cause the mattress to sag. Furthermore, sagging and compression will change how the bed feels, and reduce the support and comfort of the bed.

Therefore, the argument for rotating the mattress is that it exposes us to a fresh part of the mattress that is uncompressed, or less worn down. This will prevent the mattress from losing comfort, and starting to sag for a longer period of time, so you can maximize the comfort and support of your mattress for longer.

However, as we’ll see, this isn’t the case across the board. In particular, memory foam mattresses are most prone to sagging and compression.

Do You Need to Rotate a Latex Mattress?

Unlike other mattress types, like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses are highly durable. This generally means you do not need to rotate a latex mattress.

How are Latex Mattresses Different?

Latex mattresses are made from natural latex that is extracted from rubber trees. Natural latex is an extremely strong and durable material on the cellular level, while also being extremely comfortable and supportive.

Doesn’t Wear Down Easily

This means that the latex foam of your natural latex mattress should not wear down as other mattresses do. Traditional mattresses sag, and get damaged over time from continued use. On the other hand, latex is extremely resilient. This means that this mattress type it’s strong enough to resist damage, and maintain its shape for a longer period of time.

Bounces Back to Shape

In addition, the quality of natural latex from rubber trees gives the latex foam used in latex mattresses the ability to bounce back to their prior shapes, after you get up from bed. This prevents premature sagging, imprints, and damage to the cushiony foam.

Furthermore, natural latex mattresses are often constructed with a top and inner core layer. This means you do not need to flip natural latex mattresses.

How do I Know When to Replace My Mattress?

If you have a traditional mattress or a memory foam mattress, as soon as a few years of owning one, you may start to notice a decline in the support and comfort it provides. If this is the case, then you can try flipping and/or rotating your mattress. This should give you several more months with your mattress, depending on the quality, damage, and age of the mattress.

However, if you’ve already flipped and rotated your mattress, and you can’t find a comfortable, lump-free, and supportive spot, then it’s well past time to replace your mattress. You shouldn’t be looking for a good spot on your mattress, a good mattress should be in good shape all around. As soon as the comfort and support begin to noticeably decline, you should replace your mattress.

You may be thinking that if you replace your mattress every time it loses comfort and supports, you’d be replacing your mattress every couple of years. Most modern mattresses shouldn’t lose their comfort and support so easily. This is only the case if you opt for cheaper and lower-quality mattresses, and it’s especially true with memory foam mattresses. Instead of sacrificing the quality of your sleep experience, and waiting out what you think is the appropriate time to replace your mattress, consider changing to a higher-quality latex mattress.

As we mentioned, high-quality natural latex is extremely durable, and resistant to damage. Unlike a memory foam mattress that conforms to your body, and leaves imprints and lumps, latex bounces back to its original shape, so it lasts for many years.

Can You Use a Mattress Topper on a Sagging or Lumpy Mattress?

Mattress toppers can be very useful. Sometimes you purchase a mattress that is a little bit too soft or too firm, and you want to change how it feels. Fine tuning the firmness of a mattress is what mattress toppers are made for.

Earlier, we discussed that there are many myths when it comes to mattresses. Using mattress toppers on saggy or lumpy traditional mattresses is one of them. Mattress toppers will typically not fix the damage on any given mattress, so if you have a lumpy, compressed, or sagging mattress, do not purchase a mattress topper to fix the problem. Try placing a tennis ball on top of your mattress to represent a lump. Then, place your topper or mattress pad over it. Without a doubt, you will still be able to see and feel the lump caused by the tennis ball. While the lumps in your bed (hopefully) aren’t that big, the idea is still the same: it may slightly mask the sagging or lumps in your bed, but it will not eliminate the problem completely.

Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress

If you’re looking for a new mattress, look no further than Eco Terra. At Eco Terra we provide the best quality natural latex mattresses for our customers.

Eco-Friendly

All of our mattresses are eco-friendly and healthy. This means they’re made from non-toxic and natural materials. For example, the Eco Terra  Hybrid Latex Mattress is made from natural latex, and an organic cotton and organic wool cover.

Hand-Crafted in the USA

This mattress is handcrafted in the USA, and provides the best benefits of an innerspring mattress with its fabric-encased core, along with the luxurious comfort and support of high-quality latex foam.

Two Levels of Firmness

You can select between two levels of firmness with this mattress, firm and medium-firm, so every type of sleeper can find the comfort and support they need for a good night’s sleep. Also, we offer free shipping, so place your order today, and start sleeping soundly!

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