Reversible and non turn mattress

Mattresses of all types fall into one of two categories. That is, they will either be reversible or non turn mattresses (non reversible).

• A reversible mattress is any mattress than can be flipped or turned over. In other words you can sleep on both sides of this kind of mattress.
• A non turn mattress on the other hand has a top and bottom surface and the two are not reversible. In other words you cannot turn it over and you can only sleep on one of its surfaces.

What is the difference

With all reversible mattress types both surfaces of the mattress are the same. This means that the sleeping surface, e.g. wadding, tufting etc, is duplicated on both sides of the mattress making both surfaces acceptable to sleep on.

In the case of the non reversible or non turn mattress, things are different.

The no turn mattress has two distinct surfaces and they are intended for different purposes. One surface will have softer cushioning materials that are designed to be laid upon, whilst the other surface will have a design that sees it being used as the mattress base.

Probably the best example of a non turn mattress is the mattress that is made up from different (once alternative) mattress making processes.

A typical example would be the composite spring and memory foam bed. In the case of this type of mattress the lower section of the mattress is made using high quality pocket springs and the upper section (usually the upper third) is composed of foams. These foams, often memory foam or latex foam, are not present on the bottom surface of the mattress and for this reason only one side is suitable for sleeping on.

Another example of a non turn mattress is a mattress made using successive layers of differently performing memory foam. With these mattresses one surface is designed to be slept on and the other is intended to rest on the bed frame or bed divan.

Reversible mattresses are often the cheaper mattress products where inner spring or continuous coil constructions are used. These bed do not have specially constructed top surfaces utilising materials like memory foam.

The other type of reversible mattress is the foam mattress made from a single block of material. With this type of mattress the foam is the same on both sides, so it does not make any difference which side is slept on.

Which is which

If a mattress is a no turn product there will usually be a label on the mattress and-or a notice on the packaging pointing out this fact.

If this is the case the mattress should not be flipped over, however it should be turned so that the top and bottom (head and foot ends) are reversed. This should be done every 4 to 6 weeks maximum. Doing this prolongs mattress life and comfort levels.