Skip to Content

The Best Flippable Mattresses With Soft and Firm Sides, Tested by Experts

Now, you don't have to commit to just one firmness level.

By
VerifiedExpert consulted: Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
best flippable mattresses

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Back in the day, most mattresses were flippable. Nowadays, you can't just go around flipping any ol' mattress; you have to look for models specifically designed to be flipped. While that means it can be a bit more difficult to find one that doesn't sacrifice quality, the flip side is that, for most models, each side of the mattress has a different firmness level. That way, you can test out a bed that's both soft and firm, all while only spending money on one mattress. And a perk is that flipping a mattress may help prolong its lifespan.

Our fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested over 200 models to find the best mattresses, including flippable mattresses. Using hands-on evaluations, enlisting consumer testers, and surveying over 10,000 mattress owners, we've narrowed down the best flippable mattresses.

Hybrid Mattress
Credit: Courtesy of a Tester

Pros

  • Two firmness levels
  • Cooling, according to testers
  • Removable, washable cover
  • Comfortable, according to testers

Cons

  • Not the best edge support

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Someone who wants to try different firmness levels in a high-quality mattress

WHY WE LOVE IT: This hybrid mattress is an all-around great pick, but we especially love it because each side offers a different firmness level. One side is Medium Soft, while the other is Medium Firm, and our testers loved both. "This is great if you’re unsure which firmness is best for your sleep position and body type, or if your needs change," says Grace Wu, a product analyst in our Textiles Lab.

One tester called the soft side of the mattress "cloud-like and luxurious," while another called it "magical" and compared it to "sleeping on a cloud." Testers were also impressed by the firm side of this flippable model. "The mattress is not bouncy, but rather has more of a 'dampening' effect, which is perfect for people who prefer firmer mattresses and support," one tester shared.

Wu says this bed sleeps cooler than other hybrid and foam mattresses, thanks to its copper-infused foam, but she admitts "it's not the most advanced cooling tech out there." However, our testers reported feeling cool throughout the night.

One tester appreciated the breathable fabric cover that's removable and washable and said the mattress "has never been too hot to sleep on," even in the "sweltering" heat of the Midwest. If you're not a hot sleeper and you prefer a foam bed, Layla also offers a flippable mattress made with memory foam.

Keep in mind that one tester reported a lack of edge support on the bed, so someone who has difficulty getting in and out of bed may not like the sinking-in feeling on the edge of this mattress.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeHybrid
FirmnessMedium Soft on one side, Medium Firm on the other
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
On Sale
Classic Two Sided Mattress
Credit: Courtesy of GH Tester

Pros

  • Responsive customer service
  • Easy to open and setup
  • Same firmness levels on both sides, so can flip to prolong lifespan
  • Budget friendly

Cons

  • Need to know your preferred firmness level, as you only get one

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those who know their ideal firmness level and want to prolong their mattress's lifespan by flipping it

WHY WE LOVE IT: At less than $1,500, the price point is already great, but the value of this innerspring mattress goes even further. Because both sides are the same firmness level, you can flip the mattress every so often to help prevent wear and tear without compromising on your preferred firmness. That way, you can hopefully get the biggest bang for your buck by keeping this mattress in good shape for longer than a non-flippable mattress. However, this means you need to know your firmness preference since you won't get to try two levels out with this pick.

"This is one of the few old-school flippable innerspring mattresses you’ll find," Wu says. Simple and straightforward, this mattress comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm levels. One of our testers who tried the Medium level said it got "a little firmer after being open for a few days," and they are glad they went with the Medium firmness because it "was very comfortable" and "perfect."

One tester also said this mattress arrived on time, was easy to open, and simple to set up. And if you're not sure about the right firmness level for you, Wu says the customer service is responsive, and they can help you make a decision based on your body type and sleep style.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeInnerspring
FirmnessSoft, Medium, or Firm
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Raven Flippable Hybrid
Credit: Courtesy of a Tester

Pros

  • Hybrid model with a firmer feel
  • Maintains its shape
  • 365-day trial period
  • Supportive, yet comfortable

Cons

  • Not the best motion isolation due to responsive foam

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side, back, and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel in a hybrid mattress

WHY WE LOVE IT: Earning nearly perfect scores across categories from our tester, this hybrid mattress is Firm on one side and Medium-Firm on the other. While one tester said it's a bit softer than a typical Firm mattress, it is "still more structured than typical memory foam ones."

A tester confirmed this bed-in-a-box mattress was easy to set up. One tester who primarily sleeps on their side and back said their previous mattress began to sink and become deformed, which worsened their recurring hip pain. With this Nest Bedding model, however, the tester said, "I feel the necessary support, but also am comfortable [while] sleeping on my side."

Made with gel and high-density foam, one tester said this mattress conforms to their body, but has a "moderate bounce." Wu explains that the motion isolation isn't the best due to the responsive foam used in this design. So, this bed may feel excellent if you sleep alone, but it may not be the best option for couples or if your partner moves a lot in their sleep.

Flippable mattresses are generally great for indecisive people, so we love that Nest Bedding offers a generous 365-day trial period. If you change your mind within a full year, you can return it for a refund.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeHybrid
FirmnessMedium on one side, Firm on the other
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Split Cal King, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Duo Latex Mattress
Credit: Good Housekeeping / Mike Garten

Pros

  • Evenly distributes body weight
  • Can add a comfort top layer in a different material and firmness level
  • King Split-Support style option that has no divot in the middle

Cons

  • A bit cumbersome to flip

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those with back pain or anyone who needs a supportive bed

WHY WE LOVE IT: This latex hybrid mattress impressed our experts due to its quality materials and craftsmanship. "It’s a latex hybrid, and a huge benefit of latex is its ability to evenly distribute your body weight," Wu says. Foam mattresses have a sink-in feel that conforms to your body, but latex contours to it. This can be great for anyone who suffers from back pain, because it promotes proper spinal alignment by preventing a curve in your back as your stomach sinks into the mattress.

You can even purchase a new Comfort Top layer to swap in foam, or a micro-coil layer to the bed, which is ideal if you find that the latex is a bit too dense and springy for you. The design here is pretty impressive, though Wu mentions it can be cumbersome to “flip" because you must remove the Comfort Top layer, flip the mattress, and then re-add the top layer.

Couples with different firmness preferences can opt for the King Split-Support style that offers different firmness levels on each side, without the dreaded divot down the center of a traditional Split King style (a.k.a. two Twin XLs in a King-sized frame). And if latex isn't your style? The brand's classic hybrid mattress is also flippable if you're looking for more of an innerspring design and feel.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeLatex hybrid
Firmness"Firmer" on one side and "slightly softer" on the other
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal-King, Spilt-King, King Spilt-Support
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Plank Firm Luxe
Credit: Courtesy of a Tester

Pros

  • Allows you to test out a Firm and an Extra Firm side
  • Great motion isolation
  • Supportive for heavy body types or stomach sleepers

Cons

  • Short-ish trial period and a $99 return fee

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who love extra firm beds

WHY WE LOVE IT: Calling it "super firm," Wu says this hybrid mattress has a "balance of cushioning comfort and essential support." Designed with memory foam and coils, this hybrid features a Firm and an Extra-Firm side to flip between. So, you only want to get this mattress if you have no interest in trying a soft bed.

Our pros typically recommend Firm beds to stomach sleepers, but if you have a lightweight body frame, Wu says the Extra-Firm side of this mattress may be too firm. Instead, this mattress can be ideal for those with larger, heavier body frames who want an incredibly firm bed (especially if you have a heavy body frame and you're a stomach sleeper).

Most flippable mattresses have one side that is Soft or Medium Soft, while the other side is Firm or Medium Firm. That's why we were impressed by this hybrid that offers a Firm side and an even firmer side, because those who like or need firm beds can switch between the two to see what works for them.

"The mattress mildly conforms to your body on the Firm side, not at all on the Extra Firm side," one of our testers shared. Another said, "This is by far the best mattress I have slept on in my adult life." Many of our testers reported that there was great motion isolation with minimal bounce from a partner's movement.

While there is free shipping within the continental U.S., the 120-night trial period is on the shorter end, and there is a $99 return fee if you ultimately decide it's not the bed for you (other beds with a 120-night or less trial period that we recommend typically have free returns and removals). It's on the lower end of the price spectrum, but it is something to keep in mind when ordering.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeHybrid
FirmnessFirm on one side and Extra Firm on the other
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Short Olympic Queen, RV King
Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
Credit: Good Housekeeping / Jillian Sollazzo

Pros

  • Constructed with breathable, temperature-regulating materials
  • White-glove delivery
  • 365-night trial period
  • Zoned support

Cons

  • Heavy
  • $99 return fee

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Hot sleepers

WHY WE LOVE IT: Sleeping can be a nightmare if you run hot. Rather than suffering through night sweats, try this pick from Saatva, our favorite flippable mattress with cooling properties. Designed with vented areas to promote airflow, this GOLS-certified latex mattress with wool batting is breathable to help keep you cool. "Wool is naturally temperature regulating, and latex doesn’t trap as much heat as memory foam," Wu says.

Beyond cooling properties, latex also has excellent resiliency. This means the Luxury Plush side won't feel as conforming as a foam mattress. Instead, Wu says, "It'll have more bounce-back with a dense feel." This mattress also features five zones for enhanced support and pressure relief, which is ideal for proper spinal alignment, whether you're sleeping on your side, back, or stomach.

While it is flippable, one user from our panel said it's a bit hard to actually flip because it's so heavy, so they always need an additional person or two to help flip it. On the bright side, the mattress is not in a box, and there's complimentary white-glove delivery, so you can ask the delivery people to flip it to the side you want at first (after that, you'll need to enlist your own help). Plus, the brand has a generous 365-night trial period, but there is a $99 return fee.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Mattress typeLatex
FirmnessLuxury Plush on one side and Gentle Firm on the other
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Upper-Flex King
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test flippable mattresses

linebreak

The fiber scientists and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested over 200 mattress models in recent years. Our experts evaluate mattresses through hands-on analysis in our Labs and enlist at-home consumer testers to try the mattresses out themselves. These testers then give us feedback after months and even years of sleeping on the mattress.

We've even reviewed survey responses from over 10,000 mattress owners to determine the best picks available. When choosing the best flippable mattresses, we considered top performers from our tests with flippable designs. Here are some of the key factors we consider when testing any type of mattress, including flippable models:

a room full of mattresses on the floor

✔️ Expert research: Before any sort of testing, our experts review the materials, specifications, added features, certifications, and noteworthy claims of a mattress. We also vet brands to check for concerns from previous customers.

✔️ Hands-on analysis: Our pros and consumer testers then try the mattresses firsthand. They experience the delivery and setup process just like a regular customer, and they sleep on the mattress for some time. We ask for feedback after several weeks, then again after extended periods (months and years) to see how the mattress holds up over time. In addition to testers, we survey our large tester panel to hear their feedback, especially on mattresses they've owned for multiple years.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
a person cuts open a rolled up and compressed mattress
Good Housekeeping/Jillian Sollazzo

✔️ Ordering & delivery: Our consumer testers and users from our panel report whether the mattress had an easy ordering and delivery process. And if there were any issues, they explain how well (or unwell) the brand resolved them.

✔️ Setup: Our testers and reviewers also provide feedback on the setup process for the mattress, whether the brand provided a service or if it was DIY. They also rate how quickly the mattress fully took shape and reached the desired firmness level. They also rate whether the mattress quickly took shape after arrival.

✔️ Temperature regulation: We ask every tester and user from our panel whether their body temperature remained comfortable throughout the night on the mattress or if they ran hot (or cold!).

hands pressing on a saatva mattress to assess perceived bounce and pressure relief

✔️ Comfort & support: Testers and reviewers share their thoughts on the comfort and support of the mattress. This includes their initial thoughts and their opinions after a longer adjustment period.

✔️ Firmness level: Each tester provides a perceived firmness rating, which our pros then compare against the brand's claimed rating.

✔️ Edge support: Testers tell us their thoughts on the edge support of the mattress, and our experts evaluate its edge support in Lab tests.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when shopping for the best flippable mattress

linebreak

✔️ Firmness levels: Typically, you need to consider your preference, sleep position, body type, and other factors when picking a firmness level of a mattress. With flippable mattresses, it's important to consider these factors, but you should also think about which firmness levels you'd want to test out for yourself. For example, if you know you like a firm bed, opt for the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe that has a firm and even firmer side. On the other hand, if you're unsure what works best for you, opt for a flippable mattress that has a more significant difference in firmness levels on each side. For example, the Layla Hybrid Mattress has a Medium Soft side and a Medium Firm side.

Most importantly, consider your body type and sleep position when choosing a firmness level. That's why flippable mattresses are great, because you can test two options out if you're unsure what feels best for your body:

  • Sleep position: Picking a mattress that's compatible with how you sleep can help promote neutral spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers should opt for a Firm mattress. Side sleepers need a conforming Soft mattress to relieve pressure on heavier points on the body, like your shoulders, knees, and hips. Back sleepers and those who move a bunch throughout the night would do best with somewhere in the middle (whether that be a Medium Soft or Medium Firm).
  • Body type: Heavy people and larger body frames need a firmer bed for more support. Lighter people should opt for a softer mattress. Take into account both your weight and sleep position when deciding on the right firmness level.

✔️ Back pain: Those who suffer from back pain (lower or upper) should look for a pressure-relieving mattress. This typically means it's either an all-foam model or a hybrid of foam and coils. Medical experts recommend choosing a Medium firmness to alleviate back pain because it provides a balance of cushioning and support.

✔️ Temperature: Hot sleepers and anyone dealing with night sweats should look for cooling properties in a mattress, like copper particles, air vents, gel, or phase change technology. Latex and coils are generally cooler than memory foam models, which trap heat.

✔️ Trial period: Shopping online for a mattress is convenient, but it can be difficult to know if one is the perfect match for you. Most brands nowadays offer a trial period, and some don't even require any return fees. Before clicking add to cart, check the brand's policy, be aware of any hidden fees, and take note of how many nights you have left until the return policy expires.

✔️ Certifications: Understanding the various certifications for mattresses can help you identify how the mattress was made and with what sorts of materials. Here's a breakdown of the most common certifications:

  • CertiPUR-US: This certifies whether any foam in the mattress is made without certain harmful chemicals and has been tested for low VOC emissions.
  • OEKO-TEX: The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX shows whether any fabric (like the outer cover) has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
  • GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard shows that the mattress follows strict standards throughout the entire production process. This is the gold standard when it comes to picking out an organic mattress made of natural materials. Just be aware that this certification is commonly misused by brands that use just one organic component (e.g., an organic cotton outer cover), so you can always check the GOTS public database to be sure.
  • GOLS: The Global Organic Latex Standard is similar to GOTS, but it shows that any latex is certified organic. You'll often see these two organic certifications used together.

What makes a mattress “flippable?"

linebreak

Wu says flippable mattresses have a balanced design. "As hybrid mattresses have soared in popularity, we’ve seen an increase in comfort layers, so the old-school dual innerspring design is rare," Wu explains. This means that most mattresses nowadays have a one-sided design (the comfort layers are only on one side!) with a surface that isn't "finished."

For example, some mattresses even have a non-skid bottom to prevent movement on the bed frame (a feature that Wu says would not pair well with your bed sheets if you flipped it).

Plus, it's important not to go ahead and flip a mattress if it's not designed to be flippable. "A one-sided mattress won’t have the same feel on the other side and can result in misalignment and insufficient support," Wu says. While you can't flip most mattresses anymore, you can always rotate them on the bed frame if you want to prolong their lifespan.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What are the benefits of a flippable mattress?

linebreak

While mattresses that are specifically designed to be flippable are a bit harder to come by nowadays, they still have their pros. Depending on the design, the biggest benefit of a flippable mattress is that most models have dual firmness levels, with one side usually being firmer and the other softer. Some mattresses have a big difference in firmness levels on each side (Soft vs. Firm), while others have a less noticeable difference (Medium vs. Firm or Firm vs. Extra Firm).

This make flippable mattresses great for anyone who's indecisive or unsure what their preferences are. "These are usually good options if you’re not sure how firm you’d want the bed—but you know the general firmness you’d like—or if you’re curious about trying something soft to align with your side sleeping position, but you typically go for firm beds," Wu says.

Another benefit of a flippable mattress is that flipping and rotating the mattress can potentially prolong the lifespan of it. Meaning, it may take longer to sag or show signs of wear and tear.

How often should I flip my flippable mattress?

linebreak

While it ultimately depends on the manufacturer and design of the mattress (check the brand's website for info), Wu says you generally can flip or rotate it every few months to help prolong the lifespan.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

linebreak

Our fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have been testing home products like mattresses for 125 years. They test dozens of mattresses each year to find the best models and brands.

Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the GH Institute. She regularly writes in-depth reviews of mattresses, including Tuft & Needle, Sealy, and more. To write this article, Cavallo considered our consumer testers' feedback and the notes from our pros in the Textiles Lab.

Cavallo also consulted Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu currently oversees mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. Wu coordinates consumer testing, writes about beds for every type of sleeper, and conducts hands-on testing. Before working at the GH Institute, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

Headshot of Isabella Cavallo
Isabella Cavallo
Assistant Commerce Editor

Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news. 

Headshot of Grace Wu
Expert consulted:Grace Wu
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Watch Next 
best flippable mattresses
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below