Do I need to flip my pillow-top mattress?

Q. I read your most recent mattress reviews with great interest. Some manufacturers put the pillow top only on one side and claim that the mattress doesn’t need flipping. Others put it on both sides and talk about flipping it. Who’s right?—Dave Thomas, Cincinnati


A.
If a manufacturer tells you not to flip a mattress, there’s probably a good reason. For one thing, many mattresses today are one-sided; the flip side lacks that comfortable ticking. And there’s more going on below the surface because mattress makers might combine either innersprings and foam or multiple types of foam in layers to provide the optimal sleep surface. They’re designed to provide the correct contouring, support, and even temperature characteristics, so flipping the mattress could lead to premature wear, poor support, and discomfort.

For more check our mattress buying guide, which includes Ratings of mattresses, brands, and stores, and watch our video below.

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This article also appeared in the July 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.



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