Can You Flip Pillow Top Mattresses?

Mattresses are a significant expense, and once you buy one, you tend not to think about it again. Of course, you shouldn’t even think about your mattress if it does its job well.

But every so often, you’ll hear about someone flipping or turning their mattress, and you think to yourself, “am I supposed to do that? Have I been wasting the potential for an even comfier night’s sleep by not looking after my mattress?”

Well, the answer depends on a few factors which we’ll discuss in this article.

Pillow top mattresses have a softer surface on one side. It eases tension in the shoulders and allows for a comfier night’s sleep.

However, because the extra padding is on one side, flipping your mattress over means that you won’t feel the benefits of that squishy layer. So no, you can’t flip a pillow top mattress.

But you can do some other things to care for your bed.

There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

Pillow-top mattresses consist of a single, gusseted layer on the top side of the mattress. This layer is usually made from either foam or fiber.

Pillow-top mattresses are a firm favorite in many households because they give the sleeper a soft, ‘pillowy’ feel akin to a hotel bed or even a cloud (if your mattress is fancy enough). 

Are Pillow-top and Euro-top Mattresses the Same Thing?

When identifying your mattress type, you might be confused about whether you have a pillow-top or a euro-top. The two are similar, as euro-tops are also made from fibre or foam.

However, the euro-top is usually made of slightly firmer materials. Another difference that can distinguish the two is the construction.

The foam layer on the euro-top is sewn flush with the edge of the mattress, whereas the pillow-top layer is sewn on top of the mattress. This gives the pillow-top a layered look, with a more rounded appearance. 

The two mattress types are very similar and need to care for in pretty much the same way.  

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Why Should Anyone Flip a Mattress?

Flipping a mattress is a simple way to extend its lifespan. It ensures that the pressure is evenly spread across the entire mattress so that it doesn’t wear down in specific patches.

If you have a mattress that can be flipped, you should do so every 3-6 months. It’s becoming less common for people to flip their mattresses.

This is because mattresses need to be double-sided if they are to be flipped. Most mattresses manufactured in more recent times are only padded on one side to save money.

It allows modern beds to be sold at a competitive price for a plush product, but only on one side. Sadly, this does mean many modern mattresses don’t last as long as they used to. 

Can You Flip a Pillow Top Mattress?

There are some scenarios where you can flip a pillow top mattress, but it’s rare. First, check the manufacturer labels to determine if your mattress is double-sided.

If it is, you can likely flip it. If the label doesn’t tell you, you can flip it over to check. If it’s not double-sided, I’m afraid you’ll have to flip back it again. 

Single-sided pillow top mattresses are not suitable for flipping. I’ll explain why in a minute.

The same can be said for Euro-top mattresses. Most only have a cushioned layer on one side and thus cannot be flipped. 

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Two Reasons Why You Cannot Flip a Pillow Top Mattress?

You may be relieved to read that you usually can’t flip a pillow-top mattress, so you can take off that weight-lifting belt and tell your partner they’re off the hook.

There are two main reasons why flipping your pillow top mattress is a bad idea:

Damage to the mattress

The top layer of a pillow top mattress is often made of foam, which needs space to breathe. If the foam is permanently compressed, it will compact the materials and create a rigid, uncomfortable layer.

Damage to the mattress can vary depending on the design and material of the mattress, but generally speaking, flipping any pillow-top mattress will cause irreparable damage.

Loss of comfort

The main reason people buy pillow-top mattresses is for comfort. The top layer adds extra padding for your body to sink into.

This lovely layer is only on one side of the mattress and is usually fixed there. Once you flip the mattress, you won’t be able to use that cushioning.

You might as well be lying on a standard matress, and saved yourself the money,  

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Flipping or Rotating?

Flipping implies you are essentially picking up the entire mattress, turning it over, and placing it back on the frame. The side that was previously facing up is now on the bottom, thus giving it a break from being lied on.

Whereas rotating a mattress means you are keeping the top-side facing up but moving the mattress around 180 degrees.

Rotating a mattress is a great way to care for your mattress while still having access to the soft top layer. As you can imagine, the top, headboard section of the mattress will get a lot more use and weight on it than the area where your feet lie.

Rotating the mattress disperses the weight and stops excessive wear on the high-traffic area of your mattress.

How to Care for Pillow Top Mattresses

You might have been feeling relieved that you have a reason not to lug your heavy mattress around to flip it. But you aren’t getting off with it that easy.

There are three main things you can do to care for your pillow top mattress. 

Rotate your Mattress

As described above, rotating your mattress 180 degrees every 3-6 months is an easy way to prevent dents, concaves, and excess wear on certain parts of the mattress. 

Vacuum and Clean Your Pilow-Top Mattress

Vacuum your mattress every month to suck away any crumbs, skin flakes, dust mites or anything else that might be lurking. It doesn’t take long but will help keep your mattress clean and plump.

If you notice stains in the cleaning process, dampen a cloth with water and dish soap to remove them. Maintaining a fresh mattress is easier than letting it get into a bad state, and having to work hard to bring it back to an acceptable standard of cleanliness. 

Protect the Mattress

Protect against future spills and damage by adding a mattress cover or pad. Using a mattress protector is a cheap way to add an extra layer of comfort and protect the mattress.

In addition, many mattress protectors are machine washable and can be thrown in the machine along with your bedsheets every so often. 

Speaking of cleaning bedsheets- cleaning your bedsheets regularly will keep your bed fresh and germ-free. Wash your sheets every few weeks; no excuses!

Can I Remove the Pillow Top From a Mattress?

mattress

If you’re not enjoying the foam or fiber layer, you may want to remove it. Or perhaps you’re really set on flipping the mattress and want to put the pillow top on the other side- in some cases, this is possible.

If your mattress has a removable pillow top, you will see a zipper going all the way around the mattress. To remove the layer, unzip the entire piece and remove it. 

If there isn’t a zipper, and you really want to get rid of the pillow top, you can do so with some scissors. However, this may result in a messy mattress, and it is irreversible. 

Should I Buy a Pillow Top Mattress?

Pillow-top mattresses are the latest trend in the bed world, giving users a hotel-style bed at home. They can be very comfortable and give users a great night’s sleep.

However, buying a pillow top mattress means the top layer is sewn in. This means the layer is non-removable, it will age fast, and the mattress cannot be flipped. 

If you’re looking for the feel of a pillow-top without the drawbacks, buying a separate mattress topper for a standard mattress is a good compromise. Separate toppers can be replaced or removed, allowing you to rotate and flip your mattress to your heart’s content! 

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Final Thoughts

It’s great that you have even thought of flipping your mattress, as many people will not give mattress care a single thought in their entire lifetime. Although you cannot flip a pillow top mattress, there are some things you can do to prolong its lifespan.

Rotate the mattress 180 degrees every few months, thoroughly vacuum the pillow-top, and use a mattress protector. Doing these few things will ensure your pillow-top mattress stays pillowy and comfy for as long as possible. 

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Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Picture of Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

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