The Benefits and 4-Step Process to Rotating Your Mattress

Last Updated on September 21, 2021

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

Rotating your new mattress on a regular basis will prolong the life of your bed in order to continue to give you the best sleep possible. Read the 4-step process to rotating your mattress.

In the years before memory foam and pillow top mattresses it was common practice to flip and rotate one’s bed every three months. Your dream memory foam mattress is crafted out of specific layers that should not be flipped but should still be rotated every three months. This is an important practice that will lengthen the life of your mattress investment.

Method 1: Plan Bed Rotation

Method 2: Ready For Rotation

Method 3: Time to Rotate

Method 4: Rotate: Fresh Rotation, Fresh Bed

STEP 1: Plan Bed Rotation

Twin sized beds are fairly easy to rotate as they are small and manageable for one person. As the mattress gets larger you may want to have someone help you with the rotating responsibilities. Plan rotating the mattress and set reminders for every three months that will be easy to remember.

  • Start the new year rotating the mattress.
  • April Fool’s Day can be your second mattress rotation day of the year.
  • Celebrate independence by rotating your mattress for July Fourth.
  • Get ready for fall snuggling with the last mattress rotation of the year on October First.

STEP 2: Ready for Rotation

A large mattress will need a large space to rotate into. You will be turning the mattress a full 180-dgrees which means you should ready the room for the rotation. If not, you may find that your mattress may turn into a bull in a china shop knocking and breaking items in its way.

  • Remove bedside lamps and breakable items from atop nightstands.
  • Move bedside tables, desks or vanity into area away from bed
  • Remove all bedding.

STEP 3: Time to Rotate

Depending on your bed frame will also depend on how difficult this job will be. If you only have the mattress sitting upon a foundation with a headboard it will be a lot easier than rotating a mattress that sits within a four poster bed with headboard and footboard. You will definitely need help with larger beds that have fancier frames.

  • You will be rotating the mattress 180-degrees so that what was once the head of the bed will now be the foot.
  • Have a person on each side of the mattress to pick up bed evenly.
  • Plan your move either clockwise or counter clockwise to move the mattress so that you can start your rotation.
  • If no headboard or footboard, simply glide the mattress into the rotation place.
  • With a headboard then move the mattress away from head of bed in order to rotate smoothly.
  • For a bed with a headboard and footboard, carefully turn mattress lifting it up and resting it on the footboard as your rotate it.
  • Once you have rotated the mattress make sure that it is centered on the bed frame and ready to be made up

STEP 4: Rotate: Fresh Rotation, Fresh Bed

Before rotating a bed, you strip the mattress of linen and bed covers. This is also a good time to remove the bed skirt to clean. Think of this as a great occasion to seasonally clean your bed area.

  • Vacuum under and around bed.
  • If chosen furnishing, place clean bed skirt in place.
  • After rotating, make up mattress with fresh sheets and bedding changed for each season as well if desired.

As you sleep in place your bed will memorize your body, possibly forming an indent. By rotating your bed regularly, the mattress will have a chance to recover as you spread your body’s weight to new areas. Rotating your new mattress on a regular basis will prolong the life of your bed in order to continue to give you the best sleep possible.

Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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After undergoing three neck surgeries, Marc knew what it was like to live and sleep in constant pain. In 2001, after searching fruitlessly for a comfortable pillow and mattress that supported his neck and back ... Learn More

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