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Best Flippable and Double-Sided Mattresses of 2026
Tested and Ranked by Sleep Experts
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
A flippable mattress offers a two-for-one, with many of them featuring a different firmness level on each side. The best of these dual-sided mattresses also feature durable construction, high-quality materials, and essential cushioning to prevent pressure buildup around your joints.
Our Top Picks
Best Mattress Overall
:Layla Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Value Mattress
:DLX Classic
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Best Luxury Mattress
:Zenhaven
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Best Firm/Extra Firm Mattress
:Plank Firm Luxe
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Brentwood Home Crystal Cove
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Turmerry Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress
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Best Mattress for Kids
:Helix Kids
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $150 — Layla Memory Foam Mattress
$949(List Price $1,099) - Save $500 — DLX Classic
$1,000(List Price $1,500) - Save $375 — Zenhaven
$3,124(List Price $3,499) - Save $399 — Plank Firm Luxe
$1,199(List Price $1,598) - Save $0 — Brentwood Home Crystal Cove
$0(List Price $0)
How We Tested the Best Flippable Mattresses
Testing Criteria
When reviewing flippable mattresses, we focused on two main characteristics that vary between models:
Variety of firmness options: Flippable mattresses may have the same or different firmness levels on each side. If your needs and preferences are static, a single firmness option may help you get the most of your mattress. However, if your needs or preferences may change (or you sleep with someone else), a dual-firmness model can give you more variety. We made sure to include both types in our list.
Design and weight: Flipping a heavy or cumbersome mattress can be a chore. Lightweight options and models with built-in handles can make the task much easier, enabling you to flip your mattress more regularly. We prioritized finding flippable mattresses that are easy to maneuver.
How We Evaluated
We set out to find the best flippable mattresses by combing through our database of more than 2,000 models to identify dual-sided designs. From there, we focused on the following criteria:
- Ease of flipping based on weight, construction, and overall design
- Strong overall performance rating
- Durable construction via high-quality materials
After narrowing down our list, we brought our top models into our Test Lab for an extensive trial process. Our team evaluated how easy they were to flip and how each side performed in terms of firmness and comfort. After that, we awarded scores for key performance categories like motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation. The scores from these tests helped us the final lineup.
From there, a handful standout mattresses emerged. With varied specifications and firmness profiles, these flippable beds accommodate a wide range of sleeper needs.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Best Mattress Overall: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Best Mattress Overall
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Sleepers seeking a mattress that feels plush and adaptive, firm and supportive, or both.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) with deep contouring and cushioning on one side, firm (7) on the other with strong pushback.
- What It’s Made Of: Each sleep surface features a memory foam comfort layer, and the plusher side also contains zoned transitional foam. A shared support core of high-density foam is sandwiched between the comfort systems.
- What We Don’t Like: Those seeking a medium or medium firm feel may not feel comfortable on either side.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Layla mattress is a popular and affordable option for people who want different firmness levels on each side of the bed. With memory foam on both sides, it carries extra appeal for people who like notable contouring in their mattress.
How It Performs
With the thicker memory foam layer facing up, the mattress is medium soft (4), appealing to sleepers under 130 pounds as well as most side sleepers. When flipped over, it has a firm (7) feel that works best for back and stomach sleepers.
The memory foam in the Layla is infused with copper to enhance antibacterial properties and fight heat buildup. It has a density of 3.5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) that allows it to hold up well over time while offering above-average pressure relief and motion isolation.
On the Medium Soft side, the polyfoam layer utilizes Surface Modification Technology (SMT), a method of giving the foam a zoned feel to offer heavier parts of the body a higher degree of cushioning. A breathable cover made from a blend of polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-Lycra encases the mattress.
Construction Breakdown
The Layla is constructed with four layers:
- Thick layer of copper-infused memory foam
- Zoned transition polyfoam
- Support core made of polyfoam
- Thinner layer of copper-infused memory foam
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Layla has a competitive price point for a flippable mattress and comes with a 120-night sleep trial. The company also extends a lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
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Best Value Mattress: DLX Classic
Best Value Mattress
8.1/10Test Lab Score
DLX Classic
A dual-sided hybrid with an affordable sticker price.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers for the two softest designs, while back and stomach sleepers will probably prefer the two firmer options.
- Feel: Available in plush medium soft (4), balanced medium firm (6), and ultra-supportive designs with the same feel on both sides.
- What It’s Made Of: Each comfort system contains two layers of adaptive polyfoam over dense transitional polyfoam. Shared support core is composed of high-density foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Not practical for people seeking a flippable mattress that feels different on each side.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Many flippable mattresses feature a different firmness level on each side. The DLX Classic breaks from this trend. While both of its surfaces share the same feel, you can choose from three firmness options to ensure the right balance of contouring and support for your body.
How It Performs
Most side sleepers on our testing team enjoyed the deep cushioning of the medium soft (4) DLX Classic, though weighing 130 pounds or more preferred the extra support of the medium firm (6) model. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also felt more comfortable on the medium firm, whereas those who weigh more gravitated toward the sturdier firm (8) mattress.
Temperature control is a major strength of all three designs. The convoluted transitional foam layer helps promote airflow close to your body, and viscose fibers quilted into the cover help the surfaces stay cool and wick moisture away from your body. Those who share their bed with a partner or frequently feel pressure points along their spine may want to consider the softer designs, as these models scored higher ratings during our motion isolation and pressure relief tests.
Construction Breakdown
The DLX Classic is constructed with the following layers:
- Viscose batting (sewn to cover)
- 1.5 inches of LoftAdapt polyfoam (1.8 PCF)
- 0.75 inch to 1.5 inches of transitional polyfoam (1.8 PCF)
- 8 inches of pocketed coils (reinforced perimeter)
- 0.75 inch to 1.5 inches of transitional polyfoam (1.8 PCF)
- 1.5 inches of LoftAdapt polyfoam (1.8 PCF)
- Viscose batting (sewn to cover)
Both sides of the DLX Classic begin with a layer of viscose, a plant-derived material known for consistent cooling and temperature control. Two layers of proprietary LoftAdapt polyfoam provide cushioning, while a third comfort layer of convoluted polyfoam delivers transitional support and some nice airflow near the surface.
Pocketed coils rest between the comfort systems and stabilize both sides of the mattress. How much bounce and reinforcement you feel depends on the firmness you select — the firm model feels sturdier than the other two. A quilted polyester cover encases the mattress. You can choose a profile of 12 or 14 inches.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The DLX Classic costs less than the average hybrid and standard shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial. If you’re satisfied with your purchase and opt to keep the mattress, it’s further backed by a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.
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Best Luxury Mattress: Zenhaven
Best Luxury Mattress
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Zenhaven
A luxurious all-latex mattress with a versatile dual-sided design.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers across different weight groups – though preferred surface will vary by sleep position and body type.
- Feel: Each side feels responsive, though you’ll feel more contouring and cushioning from the medium soft (4) surface compared to the more supportive firm (7) surface.
- What It’s Made Of: Organic wool batting and zoned Dunlop latex on each side, with a shared support core of dense latex located between the comfort systems.
- What We Don’t Like: High sticker price and $99 fee for all returns.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Zenhaven mattress is an all-latex bed that offers customers an excellent blend of performance and durability along with a reversible firmness design.
How It Performs
Dunlop latex is a dense natural material that contours gently to the body. It can lightly conform to the body to relieve pressure without a feeling of excessive hug. At the same time, its responsiveness makes it easy to change sleeping positions or engage in intimate activities.
Natural latex is a robust material that is well-regarded for its longevity, making the Zenhaven solidly above-average when it comes to durability.
The mattress cover is made with both organic cotton and organic wool. Besides being eco-friendly, these materials are comfortable and naturally moisture-wicking to help stay cool. Latex, especially when aerated, also retains minimal heat, making the Zenhaven a top pick for hot sleepers.
Construction Breakdown
One side of the Zenhaven has a Medium Soft (4) feel, and the opposite side is Firm (7). There are four total layers inside the mattress:
- 1.5 inches of zoned Dunlop latex
- 3 inches of Dunlop latex
- 3 inches of Dunlop latex
- 1.5 inches of zoned Dunlop latex
While the same type of material is used in all of the layers, the latex is formulated to have different firmness levels in each layer, creating the dual-sided feel.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Free White Glove delivery, which includes setup of the Zenhaven and haul-away of an old mattress, is included. The sleep trial is 365 nights, but a $99 return shipping charge is assessed on returns and deducted from the refund. A lifetime warranty protects against mattress defects.
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Best Firm/Extra Firm Mattress: Plank Firm Luxe
Best Firm/Extra Firm Mattress
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Plank Firm Luxe
High-end flippable bed that’s firm on one side, and even firmer on the other.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds.
- Feel: Firm (7) on one side and extra firm (9) on the other with minimal contouring and strong support across the board.
- What It’s Made Of: Dense polyfoam on the firm side and quilted fibers on the extra firm side. A shared support core of high-density foam is located between the comfort systems.
- What We Don’t Like: Too firm for most side sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Most of the flippable mattresses profiled in this guide offer both soft and firm sleep surfaces to accommodate a wide swath of body types. The Plank Luxe Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding takes a different approach to reversible construction with one side that’s considered firm (7) and another that’s extra firm (9). This makes the mattress a great option for back and stomach sleepers, people who weigh more than 230 pounds, and others who often don’t receive enough support from their mattress and experience back or hip pain as a result.
How It Performs
The coils promote plenty of interior circulation and both sides of the mattress are firm enough to maintain steady surface airflow, so the Plank Luxe Hybrid is a great choice for hot sleepers. If you need an extra cooling boost, you can add a phase change panel to both sleep surfaces for an additional surcharge. Phase change material is engineered to absorb and release body heat, so the surface will feel cool even if you don’t.
Construction Breakdown
Construction of the Plank Luxe Hybrid is as follows:
- 1.5 inches of polyfoam quilted into the cover
- 1 inch of TitanFlex polyfoam
- 2 inches of high-density transitional polyfoam
- 6 inches of pocketed coils
- 2 inches of high-density transitional polyfoam
- .75 inch of polyfoam quilted into the cover
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Brooklyn Bedding offers a total of 12 sizes for this mattress. These include the six standard mattress sizes, as well as a split California King for co-sleepers that use adjustable beds, an Olympic queen, and some sizes intended for use in RVs. Brooklyn Bedding ships the mattress free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S., and backs each purchase with a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Brentwood Home Crystal Cove
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds will likely prefer the softer side, but other sleeper types generally feel more comfortable on the firmer side.
- Feel: Plush and adaptive on the medium soft (4) side, firmer and more responsive with less cushioning on the medium firm (6) side.
- What It’s Made Of: Charcoal-infused memory foam on the softer side and springy latex on the firmer side, with a shared support core of pocketed coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not get enough support from either surface.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove is designed with a different material on each surface — one with latex, the other with foam. The result is a flippable mattress that excels at pressure relief while still offering support for those who need it, thanks to the pocketed coils.
How It Performs
The latex surface has a medium firm (6) feel while the foam side has a significantly plusher medium soft (4) firmness level. The soft side earned excellent ratings from side sleepers under 130 pounds, since the generous cushioning alleviated pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. The firmer side fared best with back sleepers, particularly those between 130 and 230 pounds. Both sides conform closely to the body to ease pressure off sensitive joints.
Another distinguishing difference between the surfaces was temperature control. Since latex naturally runs cool, the firmer side earned higher marks for temperature neutrality. The softer side trapped more heat, since foam is prone to heat retention. That said, the memory foam layer is infused with charcoal intended to mitigate heat buildup. The latex has organic certification from GOLS and the mattress carries GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure low chemical emissions.
Construction Breakdown
The Crystal Cove features four layers:
- 2 inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex
- 8 inches of pocketed coils
- 2 inches of memory foam
- 1 inch of polyfoam
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Brentwood Home offers a one-year sleep trial with the Crystal Cove. You’ll also receive a 25-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Turmerry Dual Sided Latex Flippable Mattress
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
8.9/10Test Lab Score
Turmerry Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress
A dual-sided latex mattress that’s cool and responsive.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers, people who prefer bouncy sleep surfaces, and shoppers who want to invest in a durable, eco-friendly mattress.
- Feel: Each side of the mattress has a unique firmness. You can choose a model with medium (5) and firm (7) surfaces, or firm (7) and extra firm (9) surfaces.
- What It’s Made Of: The mattress contains two layers of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, each of which can act as a comfort layer of support core depending on which side of the mattress the sleeper is using.
- What We Don’t Like: The latex layers respond to movement with a heavy bounce, so couples who share the mattress may notice quite a bit of motion transfer.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Pressure buildup along the spine can come between you and a good night’s sleep, and your mattress may help — or worsen — this issue. Turmerry’s Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress is designed to accommodate different types of sleepers with a reversible construction and unique firmness level on each side. Lighter people can opt for the cushier medium (5) surface, while sleepers who weigh more get the support they need from the firm (7) or extra firm (9) sides.
How It Performs
The Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress is quite thin and responsive, so it catered to some of our testers very well but did not meet the needs of everyone. Back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds awarded the mattress its highest ratings, noting they did not sink into the mattress at all and felt little to no pressure buildup along their spines. Side sleepers over 230 pounds should also find the medium/firm combination comfortable because it allows them to flip between a softer, more adaptive surface and a side with firmer latex when extra reinforcement is needed. Since the mattress is divided into seven support zones, none of our testers reported excessive sinkage.
Temperature control is a defining strength. The latex layers are ventilated, allowing air to circulate throughout the interior, while the cover on both sides is made of breathable organic cotton to keep each surface cool. Ease of movement is another selling point. With the exception of some people over 230 pounds, no one should sink too much or encounter resistance when moving across this mattress. Motion isolation is limited, so if you sleep with a partner, your movements have a higher likelihood of disturbing the other person.
Construction Breakdown
The 7-inch Turmerry Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress is constructed with the following:
The 7-inch Turmerry Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress is constructed with the following:
- 0.5 inch of natural wool batting
- 3 inches of GOLS-certified, ventilated organic latex
- 3 inches of GOLS-certified, ventilated organic latex
- 0.5 inch of natural wool batting
The wool batting layers on each side act as natural fire barriers for the mattress. Wool also has moisture-wicking properties, so the mattress should be comfortable for people who experience heavy night sweats.
However the mattress is positioned, its top latex layer acts as the comfort system and determines how soft or firm the mattress will feel. The bottom layer provides base-level support. Both latex layers are zoned to feel firmer and more supportive beneath the shoulders, stomach, and hips while cradling lighter areas of the body.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Dual Side Latex Flippable Mattress costs much less than the average all-latex model. Turmerry also offers free ground shipping for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 120-night sleep trial. For those who choose to keep the mattress after the return period ends, their purchase is also covered under a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Best Mattress for Kids: Helix Kids
Best Mattress for Kids
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Helix Kids
A flippable hybrid designed for kids 3-12.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Kids between the ages of 3 and 12.
- Feel: Supportive and medium firm (6) on the side intended for kids between ages 3 and 7, and a plush medium soft (4) on the side for kids 8 to 12.
- What It’s Made Of: Adaptive polyfoam comfort layers on each side and a shared support core of pocketed coils. Tencel cover features a water-repellent membrane.
- What We Don’t Like: Some kids prefer a bouncier sleep surface.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Helix Kids mattress is specifically designed to transition with growing children as their sleep needs change. The medium firm (6) side has a thinner comfort system and even contouring meant for 3- to 7-year old children, supporting their growing bodies. Meanwhile, the medium soft (4) side has thicker comfort layers intended for 8 to 12 years olds who have a greater need for pressure relief.
How It Performs
Both sides performed well among kids who sleep on their sides or backs. The foam layers offer cushioning for pressure points, while the coils provide targeted support to the hips and shoulders. The reinforced perimeter also helps kids get in and out of bed easier.
Kids who sleep hot should find the mattress regulates temperature quite well thanks to gel infusions and airflow through the coil support core. The Tencel cover is breathable to regulate surface temperature, and the water repellent finish ensures easy cleanup for messes and accidents.
Construction Breakdown
Below is the construction for the Helix Kids:
- Tencel cover treated with a water repellent finish
- Polyfoam comfort layer
- Gel-infused memory foam comfort layer
- Pocketed coil support core with a coil-reinforced perimeter
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Helix ships free to customers living in all 50 states, and purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial. The Helix Kids Mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects.
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What Is a Flippable Mattress?
A flippable mattress is one that’s designed with a sleep surface on each side. While most mattresses are made with a support core on the bottom and a comfort layer on top, flippable mattresses have a comfort layer on each side and support core in the middle.
Flippable mattresses were more common when innerspring mattresses dominated the market and were a way to increase longevity, as flipping your mattress allows you to avoid body impressions that form when you sleep in the same spot night after night.
These days, some double-sided mattresses feature a different firmness level on each side, which can be helpful if your firmness preferences change or for guest beds.
How to Choose a Flippable Mattress
For your body and your budget, a mattress is an important investment. As a result, choosing the right mattress at the best price can make a world of difference for your wallet and how you feel each day when you wake up.
Flippable mattresses are offered in a few styles and offer some distinct benefits. Understanding the performance of these beds enables you to select the brand and model that will provide you with the best possible return on your investment.
One Firmness vs. Dual Firmness
If you want a flippable mattress, you’ll need to think about whether you want dual firmness, which means that each side has a different feel, or the same firmness on each side. Many flippable mattresses, especially traditional innersprings, have the same feel on each side, which can be beneficial from a durability standpoint.
A mattress with dual firmness, though, offers more flexibility to make sure the mattress feels comfortable to you. This dual-firmness design is most useful for:
- People who aren’t certain of their exact firmness preference and want to have options.
- Children and teenagers whose ideal firmness may change as they grow.
- Mattresses kept in a spare bedroom where guest firmness preference may vary.
- Individuals, including some combination sleepers, who want variety in how their bed feels.
Firmness Level
To sleep well, you need to be comfortable on a mattress, and this depends on finding the right firmness. A dual-firmness flippable mattress can provide two options in one bed and increase the likelihood that you’ll find a firmness that works for you.
We measure firmness on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being as soft as possible and 10 being as firm as possible. Most flippable beds feature one side with a medium soft (4) or medium (5) feel and another side with a firm (7) feel, though there is certainly some variation among models.
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Some parts of the body are heavier, bonier, and/or broader, creating pressure points when they push into your mattress. These can be hot spots for pain, and getting adequate cushioning at these areas can bring necessary pressure relief that contributes to both comfort and support.
“A mattress needs to strike the right balance between comfort and support,” says sleep medicine physician Pranshu Adavadkar, M.D. “Too much softness can cause the body to sink excessively, throwing off spinal alignment, while too much firmness may create pressure points that lead to discomfort and restless sleep.”
Contouring is the degree to which a mattress molds itself to your body and is key to pressure point relief. By tailoring to the needs of each sleeper, the right amount of conforming can improve spinal alignment. Foam mattresses and hybrids tend to provide the most contouring. A flippable mattress allows you to try different degrees of contouring to see what works best for you.
Sleeping Position
How you sleep — on your side, back, or stomach — can play an outsized role in finding the best mattress fit. Back and stomach sleepers usually need a firmer bed while side sleepers get more pressure relief from a softer option.
Price
Price is a simple factor: the mattress that you choose has to fit your budget. The good news is that there are great mattress options at many price points, and discounts and promotions are common when you shop online. You can save some money by buying a smaller size like a full mattress, but most sizes under queen tend to be insufficient for those with a co-sleeper.
Quality Materials
In mattress construction, there’s no substitute for high-end materials. Using quality components makes a bed more dependable in terms of its performance and longevity. Especially if your main motivation behind buying a flippable mattress is durability, you’ll want to prioritize models made with quality materials.
Motion Isolation
Anyone who shares a bed can appreciate the value of motion isolation. This characteristic prevents movement on one part of the bed from being felt by, and potentially disturbing, someone on another part of the bed. Memory foam typically offers the highest degree of motion isolation.
Ease of Movement
Ease of movement, highest in hybrid and latex beds, is helpful to combination sleepers who move during the night and anyone who wants to avoid feeling stuck in a mattress. Another benefit of a bed with dual firmness is the ability to try out different comfort layers with different degrees of ease of movement.
Edge Support
Having strong edge support makes it possible to sleep and sit comfortably on any part of the bed without feeling unstable. Hybrid and latex mattresses tend to provide higher levels of edge support. You may notice a difference in edge support between the softer and firmer sides of your flippable mattress.
Temperature Regulation
While a bed can be cozy, it shouldn’t feel like a furnace. Waking up in a sweat can be a real problem, especially for people who already tend to run hot. Memory foam tends to retain the most heat and latex beds the least. Mattresses with coils also promote airflow.
Noise
A loud mattress can range from awkward to annoying to downright disruptive. If you want to sleep peacefully without being disturbed by your partner, look for a quiet bed. Foam and latex mattresses are frequently the quietest and nearly noise-free.
Weight
Many flippable mattresses weigh more than one-sided mattresses. This is especially true for dual-firmness designs because of the need to have a distinct comfort system on each side.
The downside to a heavier mattress is that it can be more challenging to actually flip. Handles on the cover can help, but even with handles, it normally takes two people to safely flip a mattress over.
Types of Flippable Mattresses
For both one-sided and flippable mattresses, there are five mattress types that are commonly sold today. These types are determined by the interior construction of the mattress, which allows us to generalize about the performance of beds in each category.
That said, keep in mind that no two mattresses within a category are exactly alike. While we can broadly discuss the features of each type, it still remains crucial to look at the specifics of any individual brand and model.
Hybrid
Definition: There are two required components in a hybrid mattress — an innerspring support core and a sizable comfort system. The comfort system can include foam, latex, micro-coils, and/or fabrics like cotton and wool. Most hybrids have a one-sided design with the innerspring layer at the bottom and comfort layers above it.
Highlight: Bouncy and Balanced. Hybrids achieve a balanced set of features derived from their two-part construction. Among those features is plenty of bounce to facilitate easy movement on the bed plus great pressure relief. Flippable hybrids, when available, tend to be taller because they incorporate a supportive coil core plus a comfort layer on each side.
Innerspring
Definition: An innerspring is built almost entirely with a coil-based interior construction. The only supplement to the coils is a cover that may include a very thin layer of cotton, polyester, wool, or polyfoam. Because there are minimal layers besides the coils, most innersprings are flippable.
Highlight: Low-Cost, Build-It-Yourself Option. While most sleepers find innersprings to lack pressure relief, they can be used to “hack” a customized bed. A flippable innerspring can be used with an economical mattress topper, and as needed, you can flip both the mattress and topper to reduce wear-and-tear. It’s not a solution that will perform as well as going with another mattress type, but it is budget-friendly and workable for some people.
Foam
Definition: An all-foam mattress uses only memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex foam without any coil-based layers. The ability to arrange foam layers in different ways makes these mattresses a popular pick for designing flippable mattresses.
Highlight: Conforming Comfort. Foam stands out for its ability to cushion pressure points by hugging and contouring to the body. It also tends to be lighter in weight, which makes it easier to turn a flippable mattress from one side to the other.
Latex
Definition: All of the internal layers of a latex mattress are made with latex rubber. Latex beds are normally made from natural latex, and different latex formulations can be employed in various layers to influence the overall feel of the bed. A number of latex mattresses are built to be flippable.
Highlight: Durable and Responsive. Latex is already a durable material, and that can mean a flippable all-latex mattress has even more longevity. These beds deliver notable bounce while keeping a comfortable level of conforming and pressure relief. It’s worth noting that latex is fairly heavy, so you will need two people to flip your mattress.
Airbed
Definition: An airbed has an adjustable air chamber for its support core. A built-in pump allows the amount of air to be changed, which then alters the firmness of the bed. The comfort system can be thin or thick and may include foam, latex, and/or textiles like cotton and wool. Airbeds are rarely built to be flippable.
Highlight: One-Touch Firmness Adjustments. For people who are unsure of their ideal firmness level, an airbed offers even more flexibility than a dual-firmness flippable mattress since changes can be made in real time to suit their needs.
“An airbed can benefit individuals with chronic pain, arthritis, back issues, or those recovering from injury by allowing real-time firmness adjustments for optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief,” Dr. Adavadkar. “Those with mobility challenges may also find customizable support helpful. However, regular adjustments may be needed, and some models might develop uneven support over time or lack the consistent feel of other mattress types.”
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis:We begin testing each mattress by analyzing its design and making note firmness, height, individual layer composition, and sticker price. This allows us to evaluate qualities like support, durability, and value.
Product testing:Firsthand testing is crucial to our evaluation and ratings system. We use a wide range of tools and technology to test mattresses in six performance categories: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential.
Field testing: In addition to lab-based tests, we base our ratings on feedback from field testers who use the mattresses in their own homes. They spend several weeks collecting data — this gives us insights into how the mattress performs night after night for an extended period.
User testing:We curate feedback verified owners have provided in surveys, sleep stories, and product reviews. This helps us evaluate our initial findings and, if needed, tweak our ratings to reflect real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Type
If you’d like to broaden your search for a bed beyond flippable mattresses, take a look at our other recommendations broken down by mattress type.
Best Mattress by Type
- Best Mattress in a Box
- Best RV Mattress
- Best Mattress in Canada
- Best Smart Mattress
- Best Online Mattress
- Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Airbed Mattress
- Best Mattress for Bunk Beds
- Best Mattress on Amazon
- Best Temporary Air Mattress
- Best Walmart Mattress
- Best Pillow Top Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress
- Best Gel Mattress
Still have questions? Ask our community!
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Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.
As a board-certified sleep medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Adavadkar is an expert in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in both children and adults, as well as addressing sleep issues experienced by veterans. Dr. Adavadkar is a member of the Sleep Foundation Medical Advisory Board.
Learn more about our medical advisory board