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Best Flippable & Double-Sided Mattresses
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.
No matter what you’re shopping for, it’s hard to deny the appeal of a two-for-one. While you won’t find many “buy one, get one free” deals for whole mattresses, a flippable mattress is the next best thing.
In a flippable mattress, you can comfortably sleep on either side. This can help extend the lifespan of the mattress by avoiding continuous wear-and-tear on the same sections of the bed.
Some reversible mattresses have a distinct firmness level on each side, offering the benefit of durability while also providing the ability to easily adjust the feel of the bed.
Even though there aren’t as many flippable beds on the market, it can still be hard for shoppers to determine which ones offer the top performance and value. Our list introduces the best flippable mattresses, and the guide explains essential information to help you make an informed choice when shopping for a new mattress.
Looking for more information about top mattresses sold today? Head over to our guide to the best mattress of 2024, which includes flippable and one-sided models. You can also visit our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers if this is your preferred sleep position.
The Best Flippable Mattresses
- Best Mattress Overall – Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Value Mattress – Latex For Less Mattress
- Best Luxury Mattress – Zenhaven
- Most Comfortable Mattress – Nest Bedding Raven
- Best Firm/Extra Firm Mattress – Plank Firm Luxe
- Best Mattress for Kids – Helix Kids
- Best Mattress for Pressure Relief – Brentwood Home Crystal Cove
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Amore Beds Luxury 2-Sided Hybrid Latex Mattress
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – SweetNight Dreamy Gel Memory Foam
In-Depth Reviews
Best Mattress Overall
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
$160 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy10
$949 at Layla
“Layla’s Memory Foam Mattress represents the gold standard of dual-sided models thanks to its breathable foam layers, a distinct feel on each side, and a lightweight design that’s easy to flip. Our tests show motion isolation and pressure relief are two of the bed’s defining strengths.” – Colin Simpson, Product Research Manager
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Pros
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Features a medium soft side and a firm side
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Copper infusions are intended to reduce microbial growth and overheating
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Conforming materials redistribute weight to limit pressure buildup
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Cons
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Strong off-gassing may occur after unboxing
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No options for sleepers seeking a medium or medium firm feel
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$749 – $1,249
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
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.
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
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.
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.
“If you’re in the market for a flippable mattress with lasting power, the flagship Latex for Less model gives you excellent bang for your buck. We love this mattress for its bouncy surface that’s easy to move across, latex layers that retain minimal heat, and sturdy support system — not to mention the approachable sticker price.” – Logan Foley, Editorial Director
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Pros
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All-latex design is naturally durable and responsive
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Cotton cover and wool batting ensure excellent breathability
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Available in nine sizes and two profiles
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Cons
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Responsive all-latex design may create disruptive motion transfer for couples
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Not ideal for sleepers who prefer a close hug from their mattress
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Mattress Type
Latex
Firmness Options
Reversible – Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,249 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
While comfort is a subjective mattress quality, some models deliver more balanced designs than others. The Latex for Less Mattress is flippable with a medium (5) feel on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other. Between these two firmness levels, the mattress should accommodate most sleepers regardless of their body type or primary position. You can also choose between 7-inch or 9-inch profiles, as well as nine sizes — including three split options for couples with adjustable beds.
The 7-inch mattress is constructed with the following:
- 0.5 inch of GOTS-certified wool batting
- 6 inches of GOLS-certified Dunlop latex
- 0.5 inch of GOTS-certified wool batting
This model feels exceptionally dense on both sides. Construction for the 9-inch mattress is as follows:
- 0.5 inch of GOTS-certified wool batting
- 2 inches of GOLS-certified Talalay latex
- 6 inches of GOLS-certified Dunlop latex
- 0.5 inch of GOTS-certified wool batting
In comparison, the 9-inch model is springier and more responsive on its medium side due to the inclusion of Talalay latex. Both versions of the mattress excel at temperature control thanks to their breathable organic cotton covers and moisture-wicking wool batting layers. The latter also serve as fire barriers for the mattress.
Organic latex is highly durable, ensuring a longer-than-average lifespan. The mattress has also earned certifications demonstrating sustainable sourcing of its products. These include a Global Organic Textile Standard certification for the cotton and wool, and a Global Organic Latex Standard certification for the latex.
The Latex for Less Mattress lives up to its name with below-average pricing in all sizes, including the split options. Standard ground shipping is free of charge to customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial. If you choose to keep the mattress after the trial concludes, you’ll also receive a 20-year warranty against various product defects.
“Zenhaven epitomizes the luxurious craftsmanship and attention to detail that has come to define Saatva as a mattress brand. This reversible, all-latex model was a big hit among our testing team across different body types and sleep positions, and was particularly popular with those who enjoy a responsive surface and minimal contouring.” – Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor
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Pros
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Dual-firmness with a medium soft and a firm side
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Built of natural materials, including temperature-regulating wool
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Zoned comfort layer bolsters lumbar support
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Cons
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Potentially disruptive for anyone who sleeps with a restless partner
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Above-average pricing and $99 fee for returns
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Mattress Type
Latex
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,795 – $3,990
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Product Details
The Zenhaven mattress is an all-latex bed that offers customers an excellent blend of performance and durability along with a reversible firmness design.
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.
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.
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.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Nest Bedding Raven
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“The Raven from Nest Bedding delivers a comfy, adaptive feel on both sides despite different firmness levels. We’re confident most sleepers will receive adequate support and cushioning from at least one of its surfaces, if not both.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Testing Manager
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Pros
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Medium and firm sides both have plush adaptive foam quilted into the cover
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Shared coils reinforce the edges and promote airflow
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Very affordable for a hybrid model
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Cons
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Limited options for those seeking either an exceptionally soft or exceptionally firm surface
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Foam layers may emit off-gassing odor for the first few nights
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,249 – $1,899
Trial Period
365 nights
Product Details
The hybrid is one of the most expensive mattress types, with most models starting at $1,200 in a queen mattress – and many cost twice as much. The Nest Bedding Raven offers the sale balanced feel and unique benefits as many of its more expensive competitors, but a low price-point and lengthy sleep trial should appeal to shoppers looking for a deal on their new hybrid. Some of these special features include gel-infused foams meant to reduce heat buildup. The coils also promote decent airflow to help the mattress stay cool.
Construction for the Raven is as follows:
- 1 inch of polyfoam quilted into the cover
- 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam
- 6 inches of pocketed coils
- 1 inch of polyfoam
- 1 inch of polyfoam quilted into the cover
One side of the Raven is medium (5) and the other is firm (7). This selection should hit the sweet spot for people who weigh 130 to 230 pounds. Side sleepers will likely prefer the deeper contouring of the softer side, since this position generally requires more cushioning for the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers who need more support will probably feel more comfortable on the firm side.
One notable characteristic of the Raven is the phase change cover, which is engineered to dissipate body heat and maintain a cool surface on both sides of the mattress. Thick pocketed coils make the Raven feel quite sturdy, especially along the perimeter, and the mattress is fairly easy to move across when getting in and out of bed. The coils also promote decent airflow to help the mattress stay cool.
Nest Bedding’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the lengthiest in the business and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order also includes a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects as long as you retain full ownership of the mattress.
“Simply put, the Plank Firm Luxe is one of the most supportive mattresses our team has tested. Both sides feel exceptionally firm with little to no contouring, making this affordable hybrid a great match for people who weigh more than 230 pounds.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Both sides feel exceptionally firm yet distinct from one another
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Excellent breathability and optional phase change panel for added cooling
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Mattress is available in 12 different sizes
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Cons
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Too firm for most people under 130 pounds
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Limited pressure relief and motion isolation
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Firm (7), Extra Firm (9)
Price Range
$693 – $1,299
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
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.
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
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.
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 10-year warranty.
“The Helix Kids is a thoughtfully constructed flippable mattress with each side geared toward children in different age ranges. One surface is firm and intended to promote healthy development for very young kids, while the opposite side is softer for older children with pressure relief needs.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Product Editor
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Pros
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Gel-infused memory foam meant to absorb and dissipate excess heat
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Coil-reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
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Water-repellent Tencel cover protects against messes and accidents
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Cons
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Not available in a twin XL size
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Mild off-gassing may occur after mattress is unboxed
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$599 – $799
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
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.
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
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.
Helix ships free to customers living in all 50 states, and purchases come with a 100-night sleep trial. The Helix Kids Mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty that covers structural defects.
“The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove’s combination of coils, latex, and foam offer a noticeably even balance of cushioning and support. It’s great for sleepers who tend to wake up with sore joints.” – Jackson Lindeke, Executive Director
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Pros
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Sleepers with sharp pressure points
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Shoppers who prioritize eco-friendly materials
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Hot sleepers
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Cons
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Not suitable for sleepers with a latex allergy
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Coils and latex may produce some motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,398
Trial Period
365 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
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.
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
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.
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.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Amore Beds Luxury 2-Sided Hybrid Latex Mattress
$1,500 from Amore Beds (queen)
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“A responsive surface, strong edge support, and excellent temperature control make this flippable Amore model a standout choice for couples. Our tests show the combination of medium (5) and firm (7) should accommodate side, back, and stomach sleepers across most body types.” – Colin Simpson, Product Research Manager
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Pros
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Dunlop latex comfort layers gently cushion the body and provide generous bounce
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Reinforced perimeter coils push back against your weight to limit sinkage
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Three cover fabric options
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Cons
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Latex layers may generate motion transfer and disrupt sleep for couples
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Limited options for people seeking an exceptionally plush mattress
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price Range
$875 – $1,875
Trial Period
100 nights (45-night try-out)
Product Details
Most couples prefer mattresses that regulate temperature well, limit sinkage along the edges, and feel responsive enough for sex. The Amore Luxury 2-Sided Hybrid Latex Mattress checks all of these boxes. With this flippable design, you and your partner choose from three firmness combinations. The mattress is available with a medium (5) feel on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other, or you can opt for one of these firmness levels on both sides.
The hybrid is constructed with a total of seven layers:
- GOTS-certified organic wool fire barrier
- GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex comfort layer
- Polyfoam transitional layer
- Pocketed coil support core with extra perimeter reinforcement
- Polyfoam transitional layer
- GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex comfort layer
- GOTS-certified organic wool fire barrier
Our testers found the medium feel best suited for side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The latex won’t contour closely to your body or “hug” like memory foam, but this feel should provide enough cushioning for sensitive areas along the spine. Testers in these position groups who weigh more preferred the added support of the firm feel.
Three cover materials are available. You can choose from breathable organic cotton or fabric woven with copper fibers, both of which are intended to help the mattress sleep cool. The third option is infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a substance believed to have relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. The latter comes with an additional charge.
Since the Luxury 2-Sided Hybrid Latex Mattress holds GOTS and GOLS certifications, it should appeal to shoppers who prioritize environmentally friendly products. The price-point is also on the lower side compared to other latex hybrids, especially those with flippable designs. Shipping is also free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 100-night trial period, and you’ll receive a 10-year warranty if you elect to keep the mattress.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
SweetNight Dreamy Gel Memory Foam
Up to 60% off + free eye mask with each mattress order. Save an extra 5% with code: SLEEP
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“The SweetNight Dreamy Gel Memory Foam’s clever construction results in not two, but three distinct feels depending on how the mattress is positioned. The mattress is also exceptionally lightweight, allowing you to easily flip it to adjust the firmness whenever you need.” – Brad Nehring, Senior Product Manager
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Pros
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Unique flippable design offers three firmness levels
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Available in 10-inch and 12-inch profiles
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Knit cover is both cozy and breathable
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Cons
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High potential for strong initial off-gassing
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Limited edge support may make the perimeter feel unstable
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium (5) Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$612 – $1,150
Trial Period
100 nights
Product Details
SweetNight takes flippable mattress construction to the next level with the Dreamy Gel Memory Foam, an all-foam model that has different firmness levels on each side — with two different firmness levels on one of the sides. The head and foot of the bed on the dual firmness side are distinct from one another, so you can rotate the mattress for a slight adjustment or flip it for a more noticeable change.
The Dreamy Gel Memory Foam consists of three layers:
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Polyfoam
- High-density polyfoam
Each layer is curved to create the intended effect of a sleep surface with two different firmness levels. If you prefer a more adaptive sleep surface with close contouring, one side of the mattress feels medium soft (4) at one end and medium (5) at the other. Flip the Dreamy and you’ll find a more supportive surface that feels medium firm (6).
Our testing team was impressed with how well the Dreamy’s unique design works. This was especially true of combination sleepers who frequently change sleep positions. If you decide you need a firmer or softer feel, the Dreamy is fairly lightweight and shouldn’t be too heavy to lift for a firmness adjustment.
A breathable knit cover encases the foam layers. The cover fabric is luxuriously soft and cozy, but also breathable enough to resist heat buildup. You can choose from profiles of 10 or 12 inches. The latter feels slightly more adaptive all around, but both options are quite similar in terms of feel and performance. Our tests show the Dreamy’s major strengths include pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature control.
SweetNight offers a few delivery options for customers in the contiguous U.S., including free shipping. You may test out the Prime for up to 100 nights before making your final decision. Those who keep the mattress receive a ten-year warranty covering manufacturer’s defects.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
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 for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
- Best Mattress on Amazon
- Best Temporary Air Mattress
- Best Walmart Mattress
- Best Pillow Top Mattress
- Best Truck Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress
- Best Custom Mattress
- Best Gel Mattress
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.
Is a Flippable Mattress More Durable?
A flippable mattress is often more durable than a one-sided mattress, but this isn’t always the case.
One reason that a mattress can deteriorate is because pressure is applied to the same areas night after night. Flipping regularly can prevent these patterns of wear-and-tear. To some extent, a similar effect may be achieved by rotating (but not flipping) a one-sided mattress.
Flippable mattresses do not always mean enhanced durability, though. Ultimately, the longevity of any mattress depends on its materials, and being two-sided can’t compensate for weaker components. In addition, some mattresses with reversible firmness have very thin comfort layers on one side that may be more prone to wearing out.
Of course, durability also depends on how well you care for a mattress, so it’s important to use a proper bed frame, avoid spills and stains, and keep pets with claws off the bed.
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.
Many flippable mattresses, including traditional innersprings, have the same feel on each side, and that can be beneficial from a durability standpoint.
A mattress with reversible 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.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Shopping for a mattress can mean being introduced to a bevy of options, each accompanied by a dizzying list of marketing buzzwords. While this can help you learn about a mattress, it can also be confusing. Rather than get lost in minutiae, consider which of these factors is most important in your decision-making.
“Back and stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer mattress, as extra support can feel more comfortable in these positions. Side sleepers may prefer a mattress that has softness. It’s also important for side sleepers to find an option that ensures the head and neck are in alignment. Whatever is the most comfortable for you to sleep with is worth the investment.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
- Price: Price is a simple factor: the mattress that you choose has to be a fit for 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.
- 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.
- Mattress Type: If you know that a certain mattress type best suits your needs, you can use that information to focus on a more limited number of options while keeping in mind that certain types are more often available in a flippable form.
- Contouring: Contouring to the body is a vital way that a mattress can offer pressure point relief. By tailoring to the needs of each sleeper, conforming improves spinal alignment. Foam mattresses and hybrids tend to provide the most contouring.
- 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.
- 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 feel that works for you.
- Pressure Relief: Some parts of the body are heavier, bonier, and/or broader, creating pressure points. 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.
- 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 / Sex: People who want a vibrant sex life benefit from a mattress with plenty of bounce that makes it easier to move on top of the bed. This ease of movement, highest in hybrid and latex beds, is also helpful to combination sleepers and anyone who wants to avoid feeling stuck in a mattress.
- 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.
- 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.
- Noise: A loud mattress can range from awkward to annoying to downright disruptive. If you want to engage in intimate activities discreetly or sleep peacefully, look for a quiet bed. Foam and latex mattresses are frequently the quietest and nearly noise-free.
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.
“When it comes to sleep, everyone’s comfort preferences are different…I recommend investing in an option with a good return policy, so you can try it out for at least a month or so to decide whether it’s comfortable for you.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
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.
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. Flippable hybrids, when available, tend to be taller and provide responsiveness along with pressure relief.
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.
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.
Latex
Definition: All of the internal layers of a latex mattress are made with latex rubber. This material is normally made naturally, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 makes these mattresses a popular pick for designing flippable mattresses.
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 in a flippable mattress makes it easier to turn it over from one side to the other.
Last Things to Consider with a Flippable Mattress
While we’ve covered the basics for shopping for a flippable mattress, there are a few remaining issues that are important to touch on before you make a final purchase.
How Often Should I Flip a Flippable Mattress?
The type of flippable mattress that you have will help determine how often it needs to be turned over and/or rotated.
Single Firmness Flippable Mattresses
If your flippable mattress has the same firmness on each side, then flip it every 3-6 months. If you notice patterns of wear arising faster, you can consider flipping it more frequently.
Dual-Firmness Flippable Mattresses
For a mattress with reversible firmness, you can flip it any time that you want to adjust the firmness feel.
If you don’t want to switch the firmness level, then simply rotate the mattress every 3-6 months without flipping it.
Flippable Mattresses Can Be Heavier
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.
Mattress Company Policies
While we’ve discussed the best practice for rotating, flipping, and caring for a mattress, the best bet is to always double check with the manufacturer of the specific mattress that you buy.
Following manufacturer instructions can help you optimize the performance and durability of your bed. In addition, some policies may need to be followed in order to maintain the validity of your warranty.
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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.