January 23, 2023
Can’t decide between a firm or a softer mattress? Why not have both! There are several “flippable” mattress products on the market today, meaning they come with one firm side and one soft side. Try out the mattress and, if it’s not quite right, just flip it over and see how the alternate side feels.
But which flippable mattress is right for you? In this guide, we’ll outline six of the top options.
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Looking for a dual-sided mattress that also happens to be eco-friendly? The ZenHaven mattress is made with all-natural Talalay latex. Not only does it sleep cool, but it also rates well for motion isolation, which means it’s one of the best mattresses for couples.
Read more in our Zenhaven mattress review.
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Often, parents want flippable mattresses for their kids. Babies and toddlers typically need a firmer sleeping surface, but as they grow up, they may come to prefer something plush. It’s one of the best mattresses for kids, perfect for anyone from toddler age through grade school.
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Many flippable mattresses let you pick between a softer side and a firmer side. The Plank is for people who really want their mattress to be firm; the options it offers are firm and ultra-firm. It scores well in such categories as pressure relief, durability, and overall support, and is one of the best firm mattresses available today.
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If you love the feel of memory foam, we recommend the Layla mattress. This dual-sided mattress is supple and cushioning. And, its memory foam is infused with copper, which helps alleviate pressure point inflammation and keeps you from undue aches or pains.
Read more in our Layla mattress review.
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For side sleepers, the Alexander Signature Series comes highly recommended. It offers medium and luxury firm options, with the latter being an excellent choice for anyone who struggles with back or joint pain.
Related: Find out more about the best mattresses for back pain.
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Mattress Name | Quick Overview | Special Offer |
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Zenhaven |
Material: Talalay latex Firmness: Plush and firm Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: 8.6/10 Delivery: Free white-glove delivery Trial Period: 180 nights Warranty: 20 years Price: $$$$ |
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Saatva Youth |
Material: Innerspring Firmness: Firm and plush Customer Rating: N/A MA Score: N/A Delivery: Free white-glove delivery Trial Period: 180 nights Warranty: 15 years Price: $ |
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Plank |
Material: Memory foam Firmness: Firm and ultra-firm Customer Rating: 4.4/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: 4-8 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: 10 years Price: $$ |
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Layla |
Material: Memory foam Firmness: Firm or soft Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: 4-7 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $ |
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Alexander Signature |
Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium and luxury firm Customer Rating: 5/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: 3-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $$ |
MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience, and the brand’s social responsibility.
Before purchasing a new mattress, it may be helpful to take a closer look at the materials used and the different comfort layers offered. Here’s a quick buying guide.
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Plank | Layla |
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Alexander Signature |
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There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in a two-sided mattress. These mattresses are great choices for those who are indecisive or don’t know exactly which firmness level they want. They can be great for anyone looking for a mattress that can age with them, adapting to their needs or their changing comfort preferences. And they are also good options for kids, who often want to grow into something plusher.
Flippable mattresses have a number of selling points. They are made to be highly durable, and usually outlast single-sided counterparts. The biggest downside is that they tend to be a little heavier. Flippable mattresses won’t come with pillow top layers. And, while having two firmness options is nice, they may ultimately be insufficient for those who want something right in the middle (like a medium-firm mattress).
Here are a few shopping considerations for when you purchase your next bed-in-a-box flippable mattress.
Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses usually score high marks for comfort, support, and pressure relief. The downside is that they tend to sleep hot, though there are exceptions to this rule.
Innerspring: An innerspring mattress is made with individual coils that help support the body and respond to movement.
Latex: Latex mattresses usually aren’t cheap, but they are cool, supportive, and eco-friendly.
Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines different materials, and often offers a premium level of comfort.
Set-up: Consider how long it will take to set up and break in your new mattress.
Pressure relief: Look for a mattress that evenly distributes body weight and helps you keep the pressure off your sensitive joints.
Spine alignment: A good mattress will promote healthy, natural posture and keep you from waking up with aches and pains.
Durability: Most two-sided mattresses are made for the long haul.
Motion transfer: Couples should seek a mattress that minimizes movements and disruptions.
Temperature regulation: Look for a mattress that helps mediate body heat, especially if you tend to sleep hot in the nighttime.
Read more about the best cooling mattresses.
Responsiveness: How will your mattress respond and adjust to the movements of your body?
Edge support: If you tend to sleep on the edge of your mattress, you’ll want one that doesn’t sag or sink.
The price of your flippable mattress can run anywhere from $500 to more than $2,000, just depending on the mattress size you need and also the material you select.
Today’s mattress manufacturers tend to offer free shipping, and some may even offer white-glove setup.
When you buy from an online mattress company, you’re generally given a certain window of time in which you can try out your mattress and make sure it suits your sleeping position. If you don’t like it, you can return it within that window and get a refund. Most mattress companies offer total refunds, while a couple might charge minor restocking fees.
The main reason to get a mattress topper is to make a soft bed slightly firmer. Mattress toppers are recommended if neither side of your flippable mattress is quite right, or if you just need a little extra support.
In addition to flippable beds, there are some mattress companies that will let you pick between multiple firmness options when you buy; this offers more customization, but it isn’t the same thing as having a reversible mattress that offers different firmness levels in one.
Josh Hurst lives and writes in Knoxville, TN. A recovering insomniac, he has a long-standing appreciation for the power of a good night's sleep.