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Flippable mattresses are becoming more and more popular, and you probably know why.
I mean, who doesn’t want to have two mattresses in one model? That’s a great way to experiment with your comfort preferences and find that perfect firmness for you.
However, with such an abundance of options, choosing the best flippable mattress might seem troublesome. That’s why we have prepared 2 top options for you to consider, plus a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help make your shopping experience a bit easier. Without further ado, let’s cut right to the chase!
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Choice Plank | Read more about this mattress |
 | Runner up Robin by Nest Bedding | Read more about this mattress |
Key decision factors for choosing the Best Flippable Mattress
When choosing a flippable mattress, there are several factors to pay attention to, including edge support, motion transfer, ease of flipping, and sinkage. Let’s see how each of these factors can lead us to the best flippable mattresses.
Edge support
The mattress should be able to hold its edges straight when pressure is applied to them. The strong support core provides edge support from the top, so the comfort layer on the bottom should be able to provide almost the same edge support. This way, the edge support both when flipped and not flipped should be the same. In order for a product to be included in our list of best flippable mattresses, it should sink for about a maximum of 4-5 inches. If it sinks less than 2 inches, then it has amazing edge support.
Motion isolation
A good flippable mattress isolates motion from one side to the other properly, so when partners sleep together, they won’t be bothered by the other person’s movements during the night. Different materials transfer motion to different degrees. For example, memory foam has the best motion isolation, and innerspring has the high motion transfer.
Ease of Flipping
When you’re flipping a mattress, you might forget which side is which, or how each side felt like. Some mattresses come to the rescue by marking the different sides of the mattress to help and guide you when flipping. These marks can help you quickly understand which side you’re currently using.
Flippable Mattresses - Our Tests
We conduct specific tests to make sure of the factors contributing to a mattress being suitable for flipping. We review mattresses for various factors, and you can read more about how we test mattresses here. Still, there are a couple of factors more important for the purpose of recognizing flippable mattresses specifically, including easy flipping markers, edge support, and motion isolation. Here are some more details about our tests for these factors.
Ease of Flipping
While we’re checking the exterior of the mattress and its construction, we pay attention to any marks or labels that the manufacturer left on each side of the mattress to make it easier for sleepers to identify which side is which.
Firmness and edge support
For testing the edge support, we sit on the mattress edges and check how many inches it sinks from the original surface height. For testing the firmness, we lie back on the mattress and feel how much it sinks. Then, we rate it on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the softest, and 10 being the firmest.
Motion isolation
We test motion isolation using the glass test. We place a glass of water on one side and apply pressure and move the other side to see if the glass spills. Usually, a good flippable mattress does not transfer motion much, so it feels static and limits movement properly, making the mattress sturdy and strong.
Our Reviews of the Best Mattresses with a Flippable Design: Top 2 Picks
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice — Plank
Highlights:
- firm and ultra-firm sides to achieve unparalleled support;
- individually wrapped coils to reduce motion transfer;
- optional cooling panel to combat overheating.
- Highly durable mattress that can hold an impressive amount of body weight.
At the top of our selection for the best flippable mattresses is the Plank mattress. Don’t let the name fool you though. This flippable mattress by Plank is a premium double-faced bed with ultra-firm and firm sides. So, this mattress works for both heavier sleepers who prefer ultra-firm top layers, and other sleeper types who prefer a less firm option like stomach sleepers. I even enjoyed using the firm side when sleeping on my back. The foams provide adequate cushioning, while the mattress’s core delivers reliable support.
I was also impressed with this model’s cooling properties. The Plank does not sleep hot due to its firmness and thanks to its smart construction. The coil core is breathable, allowing it to contribute to thermoregulation. The foams are not enveloping, which also prevents overheating. As a result, I remained comfortably cool throughout the night, even when testing my new extra-warm down duvet.
Key Decision Factors
Considering factors that make a perfect flippable mattress, the Plank mattress provides excellent motion isolation and edge support. This is to the point that this mattress does not sink at all. Plus, the manufacturer has added different patterns on each side of the mattress to help you distinguish between the firm and the extra firm side.
Design and Construction
This mattress has 4 layers consisting of 2 top and bottom quilted soft layers, along with 2 layers of high-density and comfort foam. So normally you sleep on the high-density side, getting optimal support even as a heavy person since it’s super firm. Then, if you want, you can flip it to be firm and sink just a bit more, so it’s well-suited for average weight sleepers.
Based on Our Tests
I find this mattress to be just a bit too firm for me as a side sleeper, but when I use the softer side, it relieves a lot more pressure from my hips and shoulders, making it completely adjusted to my preferences.
Recommended for:
- Heavier sleepers, since the extra firm side can support them properly;
- Those who want various firmness options in a mattress, but don’t want medium or soft ones.
Pros
- Does not sag or sink at all;
- Manages to provide the same level of support and pressure relief on both sides;
- Provides a thick comfort layer and a quilted soft layer that don’t flatten out easily;
- Very durable.
Cons
- Might be just a bit too hard for some side sleepers on the ultra-firm side;
- Does not provide much contour, so people who have sharp joints might feel uncomfortable.
Read our full Plank mattress review for more information.
Runner up — Robin by Nest Bedding
Highlights
- Built-in airflow and cooling fabric make both sides of Robin heat-dispersing for comfortable sleep.
- A wide range of firmness, with medium on one side, and firm on the other, allows sleepers the best of both worlds in a customized sleep preference.
- Edge support makes the edge of the mattress extra durable and robust, making sure sleepers have an easier time getting out of bed and enjoying more surface space.
Robin by Nest Bedding is our runner-up for the best flippable mattress due to its versatility for a variety of sleeper needs, coming in a soft, cushioning medium ideal for light sleepers or those who prefer a ‘sinking’ feeling that supports the spine, and in a firm density ideal for heavier sleepers or those who need direct spinal alignment and pressure-relieving support. I also like how this mattress has a hybrid coil system, meaning the memory foam is cushioning and responsive, making movement in bed easier.
On top of this, I enjoyed Robin’s breathable design, emphasizing the cooling visco gel memory foam on the medium side, meaning that heat will disperse throughout the night, and I’ll get a cooler, more restful sleep.
Robin is also great for sleepers who want to switch up their nightly routine, as the medium side is excellent for those with restless partners - it’s great for isolating movement, so both sleepers get a more undisturbed sleep. However, if a responsive, easy-to-move-in feel is preferred, simply flipping over the mattress gives sleepers the option of a firm-feel mattress that offers an ‘on top of the bed’ feel.
Key Decision Factors
This mattress labels each side of the mattress to help you find the medium side and the firm side easily. It has great edge support on the high-density side, making it the firm side, only letting it sink on the edges about 3.1 inches. On the medium side, it only sinks up to 3.4 inches on the medium side, making it suitable for partners to spread out properly. Thanks to being a foam mattress with individually wrapped coils, the motion isolation on it is also significant.
Design and Construction
This mattress is made up of 3 main layers which make it possible to be flipped and feel balanced on both sides. It has one central supportive coil layer which provides the same level of support on both sides of the mattress. Each side has a foam layer, one being a gel-infused foam layer and the other a dense foam layer. Therefore, people who want extra sinkage can flip it over to the gel-infused memory foam medium side, and enjoy the contour.
Based on Our Tests
I found the firm side pretty supportive, and the medium side supportive and contouring. It allows me to move back and forth to different options every once in a while without feeling a drastic change in support.
Recommended for:
- Average weight and lightweight sleepers, since it’s not too firm or too thick;
- Sleepers who want a bit of sinkage along with support.
Pros
- Great motion isolation on both sides;
- Provides enough bounce and doesn’t limit movement much;
- Provides great contour;
- Has excellent cooling properties, including cooling gel;
- Comes at an affordable price of less than $1,700 for a queen size.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavier sleepers because it can sink;
- Back sleepers and stomach sleepers might find the medium side a bit too cradling and sinking.
Read our full Robin Mattress review for more information.
Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Flippable Mattresses
The best flippable mattresses tend to have a highly durable core, either made of high-density foam or strong coils, so that the bed can last a long time. Along with this, high-quality flippable mattresses typically have a body-cradling side that properly alleviates pressure. In contrast, their firm side should adequately support the spine, even if you’re a heavier sleeper.
When I reviewed these flippable mattresses, the process was similar to regular mattresses but done on both sides. So, I started by looking at the layers making up both sides of the mattress, and trying the mattress on both sides in various sleeping positions, seeing how the comfort differed and if I was adequately supported. I also tested motion isolation on both sides with a glass of water on one side and compression tests on the other, measuring how much the water moved to discern if the mattress would work for partnered sleep. On top of this, I gauged pressure relief by measuring compressions in the upper and lower body on both sides. A mix of in-depth knowledge in the field, plus my hands-on experience, helped me decide which flippable mattress would work best, and I share more methodology tips later in the article.What Is the Best Flippable Mattress Type?
There are plenty of top-rated double-sided mattresses to choose from, but some of them simply might not work for you. That’s why it’s better to familiarize yourself with the common mattress types and their peculiarities. This way, you will have at least a rough idea of what option would be the most suitable for you. So, here are the options when it comes to flippable mattresses:
- Hybrid. The main two components of any hybrid mattress are a coil support core and comfort layers (which can be latex, foam, or both). Now, hybrid models are typically quite bouncy and can offer responsive support. However, the addition of conforming comfort layers (whether they use foam or latex) nicely balances out the overall springiness and makes hybrid mattresses feel like they get the best from both worlds. So, if you’re looking for decent conforming without that quicksand feeling, a good hybrid mattress should suit your needs. Also, keep in mind that most hybrids sleep cool and have sturdy edges (the latter can come in handy if you and your partner require more sleeping space).
- Foam. Flippable foam mattresses can use memory or polyfoam (or both). Foam is an adaptive material that can contour to the sleeper’s body, fill in the curves, and help with proper weight distribution and pressure relief. Foam responds slowly to applied pressure (although polyfoam is slightly more resilient than memory foam) and does an excellent job of absorbing shock from motion. That’s why a double-sided foam mattress would be suited for couples who don’t want to disturb each other during the night. At the same time, many foam mattresses run hot (unless they have an open-cell structure or use gel particles for cooling). Also, keep in mind that foam models do not typically have strong edges.
- Innerspring. Spring mattresses belong to a cheaper category, which makes them quite popular among budget shoppers. It’s also worth mentioning that innerspring mattresses sleep cool and offer bouncy support. They are a great option for those sleepers who don’t like hugging mattresses and want to sleep on top of their bed instead of being cradled. The bad news is, even the best flippable innerspring mattress would potentially serve you less than other types, as coil beds have a shorter lifespan.
- Latex. Latex mattresses have a rather unique feel. They are contouring (like foam) but resilient and responsive. Therefore, when sleeping on a latex mattress, you can enjoy effective pressure relief without the feeling of being stuck in your mattress. Additionally, latex sleeps cool naturally and absorbs shock from movement quite well. Latex mattresses tend to be rather pricey, but their price tag can be justified by their impressive lifespan.
What Firmness of a Flippable Mattress Do You Need?
I will never get tired of saying: comfort is subjective. Even a top-notch mattress that feels extremely comfy to hundreds of people might not work for you. Why? Because we’re all different and thus, have different needs when it comes to sleep and comfort.
Allow me to explain.
Each sleep position and body type require different firmness levels. You will only feel comfortable on your new mattress if it’s able to maintain the proper support and spinal alignment for your body type and in your favorite sleep position.
To help you understand what comfort level you might require, let’s take a look at some examples:
- Side sleepers. Sleeping on one side is the most popular position (1), and in most cases, it requires a softer mattress. You see, when lying on one side, the protruding parts of your body press hard into the surface of the bed. To avoid developing painful pressure points in those body parts, your mattress needs to hug them gently. If you are a heavier user (over 230 pounds), you need to remember that your body will sink in deeper through the comfort layers, so you might not receive the needed support. Hence, larger side sleepers are advised to choose medium or even medium-firm mattresses instead. Don’t worry though, as there are plenty of cool mattresses for heavy people that provide decent support without feeling like a brick.
- Back sleepers. Lying on the back is considered the best position for spine health. It contributes to even weight distribution and proper alignment during the night (2). And if you are one of the lucky back sleepers, you need a medium mattress that could allow for minimal sinkage to cradle your hips and buttocks. Medium-firm beds also work for back sleepers, including average and lightweight (less than 130 pounds) individuals. As for heavier folks, a firm mattress should be better in terms of support and weight redistribution.
- Stomach sleepers. If you are a stomach sleeper, it’s better to stick to firmer mattresses. The thing is, lying on your stomach can put too much pressure on the lower back, especially if your hips sink into the mattress. This may also cause your spine to curve awkwardly, which often leads to back pain. A firmer mattress would prevent that, aiding proper alignment and keeping your back in a neutral position. If you belong to a heavier weight category, you might want to consider a good extra-firm mattress to enjoy that additional support.
- Combination sleepers. Those users who change positions during sleep typically benefit from using medium or medium-firm mattresses. This comfort level usually means that your mattress won’t restrict your movement. You can also pick a firmness level that’s somewhere in the middle between your preferred sleep positions. For instance, if you are a back and stomach sleeper, a firm mattress should work. If you are a side and back sleeper, a medium (or even medium-soft, if you’re an average user) model should suit your needs.
Are Flippable Mattresses More Durable Than Regular Ones?
Flippable mattresses are often more durable than one-sided models. The thing is, when using both sides of the mattress, sleepers kind of redistribute the pressure, which results in an even wear of the materials. That’s why, in many cases, flippable mattresses start losing their supportive properties later than regular models.
That being said, durability doesn’t always go hand in hand with a dual-sided design. The quality of the mattress materials usually plays a more important role when it comes to its longevity. So, even a flippable design won’t be likely to save a mattress that uses low-density foams or, let’s say, thin low-quality coils.
What Makes a Good Flippable Mattress?
When every manufacturer claims that their mattress is the best one, it can often be hard to make a final choice. As a result, shopping may feel hectic.
However, when you know what you are looking for, you can narrow down the list of available options and choose according to your needs, and not according to some loud marketing claims.
So, to help you understand what to look for in a flippable mattress, here are the main factors you might want to consider:
- Support. A mattress that can guarantee proper support does not necessarily have to be firm. Optimal support means that your bed can help you maintain a neutral spine during the night. In other words, it would not allow the heavier parts of your body to sink in way too deep. In most cases, good supportive mattresses use dense foams, thick coils, or dense latex. Try to avoid cheaper low-density foam or high-gauge (thin) coils, as they will be likely to compress too much under your weight and might not be able to keep your spine in a neutral position.
- Pressure relief. Pressure relief is one of the main steps on your way to relaxation and restful sleep. A pressure-relieving mattress might also help reduce tension from tender or even painful body parts. To achieve that, a mattress has to use materials that can conform to your body, hug the pressure points, and fill in the curves to aid optimal weight distribution. In this case, look for models that use foam or latex for their comfort layers. A quality pillow-top mattress may also show good results in reducing pressure.
- Motion isolation. This aspect is important for partnered sleep, especially if one of you wakes up easily during the night. Motion isolation is also crucial if you and your significant other have different schedules. In this case, when one of you gets out of bed to start their day, they won’t disturb the person who is still sleeping peacefully. Now, foam and latex absorb shock from motion quite well, so these mattresses offer the best motion isolation for couples who don’t want to disturb each other during the night.
- Edge support. You might need your mattress to have strong edges if you sleep close to one or share your bed with a partner and want extra space. Either way, hybrid and innerspring mattresses typically offer the best edge support.
- Durability. Needless to say, mattresses are expensive, and you don’t want your investment to go to waste. That’s why you should look at the materials used in a mattress. Give your preference to denser foams and thicker coils. Also, keep in mind that latex mattresses are among the most durable ones. And yes, they cost more, but that price can be explained by their lifespan.
- Temperature regulation. Naturally, it’s hard to feel comfy when your mattress is making you sweat. That’s why a good flippable mattress should also be cooling (or at least temperature-neutral). Now, latex doesn’t typically sleep hot and could be a great solution for hot sleepers. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses are super breathable and can also create a temperature-neutral sleep environment. As for the foam mattresses, they may trap body heat (unless they have an open-cell structure or use gel infusion to provide a cooling effect).
- Ease of movement. Many users believe that a good mattress should also be suitable for sex, and they are right. Most sex-friendly mattresses are usually responsive and don’t restrict movement. Latex, innerspring, and hybrid models belong to that list. As for the foam mattresses, they are notorious for their ability to restrict one’s movement, that’s why many couples try to avoid this mattress type. If you are still thinking about foam, you might want to consider polyfoam instead of memory foam, as the former feels slightly more responsive.
A quick note: there are plenty of mattresses that combine many of the previously mentioned characteristics. So, if you’re looking for a comfortable mattress that can offer a few extras, check out more options here.
Other Considerations When Looking for a Top-Rated Double-Sided Mattress
Here are some extra aspects that might be worth your attention:
- Sleep trial. Sometimes, even two firmness options in one mattress might not work for some users. That’s why a sleep trial would come in handy. It allows sleepers to test their new mattress and return it for a full refund in case it doesn’t feel 100% comfortable. You might also want to take advantage of the sleep trial because the mattress itself also needs time to adjust to the sleeper’s body. That’s why many mattresses might start feeling different after a few nights.
- Warranty coverage. This one is your protection as a customer, so a) read about the warranty conditions before finalizing your purchase, and b) try to choose mattress companies that offer a longer warranty period.
- Shipping. Keep in mind that while most mattress companies offer free shipping, the rule does not apply to Alaska and Hawaii. Also, pay attention to the shipping method. If the mattress isn’t delivered compressed in a box, you need to make sure you will be able to carry and set it up.
- Cover. The cover fabric can affect temperature regulation to some extent. For example, cotton and Tencel are the most popular options among natural mattress covers. They are breathable and suited for hot sleepers. Many manufacturers also use polyester or poly + cotton blends. In this case, the covers are less breathable and might not work for those users who overheat during sleep. Also, check whether the cover is removable before making a purchase. It’s a bit more difficult to clean a mattress that has a non-removable cover (or you might need to buy a mattress protector).
- Weight. Since we are looking at flippable mattresses, their weight is important. You probably don’t want anything extremely heavy that would require too much effort to flip. So, don’t forget to check the specifications when shopping.
- Size. While Queen is the most popular mattress size, it might not be enough for some sleepers, especially if the mattress has weak edges and thus, offers less sleeping space. To upgrade to King, you will have to pay a bit more, but you will get extra width and more space for you and your partner. As for solo sleepers, Queen is typically a perfect solution if they enjoy sprawling in bed. A Full or a Twin XL mattress can also accommodate one adult comfortably in most cases.
- Sewn-in handles. This little bonus is not an absolute necessity but can make flipping the mattress much easier. Using the handles may even allow one person to flip the mattress without any help (if it isn’t too heavy for them).
- Compatibility with adjustable beds. This one is not a necessity for most people, but can always be a great bonus. Most foam and latex mattresses are compatible with adjustable frames. As for hybrid models, the ones using individually wrapped coils for the support core are typically compatible with adjustable beds.
F.A.Q.
Are two-sided mattresses better than regular ones?
Depending on what you are looking for. However, flippable mattresses offer more comfort options and good value for money.
How much do flippable mattresses cost?
On average, flippable mattresses cost up to $1,500 for the Queen size.
Do I need a special bed frame for a flippable mattress?
No. But check the manufacturer’s recommendations first, as some mattresses require certain conditions for proper use (for example, specific slat spacing).
How long would a flippable mattress last?
Depending on the mattress type, it should last for up to 10 years (foam or hybrid). Latex models are more durable and have an average lifespan of 15 (sometimes 20) years.
Is it better to shop online or in stores for a flippable mattress?
Most users agree that online shopping comes with more benefits. Online brands are cheaper and offer an in-home sleep trial, which would allow you to test the mattress and return it in case you don’t like it. This means you are safe even if you don’t try the mattress before buying it (like we often do when shopping in stores).
Where Can I Buy a Double-sided Mattress?
You can buy a double-sided mattress at any local home and furniture store or store that specializes in mattresses. You can also look for double-sided mattresses online. While trying a mattress in person can be convenient to get first-hand experience, oftentimes a store won't have the specific model you’ll want on the floor to try or have a narrow selection. Shopping online can be helpful in this way as there is more of a selection readily available, and you can compare reviews from other buyers to get a better idea if the mattress is right for you.
Wrapping Up
If you appreciate versatility, a flippable mattress would be an ideal pick. If you don’t know what firmness you need exactly, a double-sided mattress can solve that problem.
You see, there are countless benefits of using a flippable mattress. But you will enjoy them to the fullest only if you make the right choice. So, before clicking that “Place Your Order” button, check whether the mattress’s firmness levels suit your body type and sleeping position. Also, pay attention to the materials used and the warranty coverage, as both may signify the quality of the mattress you are considering.
To make your choice easier, let me add a personal touch to this review. For me, the Plank mattress by Plank is the standout mattress. It comes in the firm and extra-firm top-layer combination, which allows for the best pressure-relieving and supportive experience for average-sized and heavier sleepers respectively. The mattress surface is also engineered for a cooling effect and to keep the spine in position, so that you wake up feeling the most relaxed regardless of the side you choose to sleep.
References
- Anna’s Linens (December 26, 2012). National Sleep Survey Pulls Back The Covers On How We Doze And Dream. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-sleep-survey-pulls-back-the-covers-on-how-we-doze-and-dream-184798691.html
- Stephen Gill (February 18, 2021). How should you sleep if you have lower back pain? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320870
Our research
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Mattresses Considered
112
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted