To get the best out of a mattress, bed manufacturers recommend we turn them over regularly. If you’ve ever tried to turn a mattress by yourself or even with a few people helping you, you know it’s no simple task.
But what if you didn’t have to turn your mattress? No-turn mattresses claim to be the answer. So, what is a no-turn mattress?
How Does a No-Turn Mattress Work?
Bed manufacturers recommend that we turn our turnable mattresses often. Depending on the mattress type, this may mean around four times a year with the changing of the seasons, or more frequently, such as every two weeks.
Sometimes referred to as a rotate-only mattress, no-turn mattresses have layers of cushioning that, makers claim, keep their shape longer and fight the compression that means we need to turn our mattresses.
No-turn mattresses will have comfort layers only on one side, something that is usually indicated by the non-sleeping side being a different colour or pattern so that we can easily tell the two apart.
You may find that no-turn mattresses can be heavier than their turnable cousins because they are made of materials that are designed to last the life of the mattress without settling or becoming lumpy or uneven.
Many memory foam and other foam and gel-infused mattresses are classed as no-turn mattresses. Some pocket sprung mattresses and other mattress types that come with foam or gel layers can also be no-turn mattresses.
Who Can Benefit from a No-Turn Mattress?
People With Reduced Mobility
People with back pain might choose a no-turn mattress so that they can avoid the risk of injury. Similarly, people who live with fatigue and other conditions that can impair their movement and strength may also wish to find a no-turn mattress solution.
If You Don’t Have Enough Hands or Room to Turn a Mattress
If you live on your own and don’t have access to friends or family who can help you turn a heavy mattress, you might look to a no-turn mattress as a solution.
Another reason you might choose a no-turn mattress is that you live in a house, flat, or room where space is in short supply and this makes the prospect of turning a mattress more of a challenge.
If You Need Extra Comfort
Some no-turn mattresses known as pillow-top mattresses come with layers of deep and luxurious material sewn on top. Manufacturers say this gives added comfort.
Pillow top mattresses are the kinds of no-turn mattresses we might find at roadside inns and hotels, and they may be a good choice if you need extra softness without the hassle of turning your mattress.
What are the Drawbacks of a No-Turn Mattress?
They Might Give Poorer Value for Money
Some bed makers and designers feel that no-turn mattresses are not good value for money.
One reason is that while the mattresses claim to keep their shape for longer, the lifespan of the mattress is usually shorter than with a turnable mattress.
You can expect to pay less for a no-turn mattress but it’s also unlikely you will see a no-turn mattress at half the price of a turnable mattress, even though you may only get half the life out of your new mattress.
There are exceptions to these issues, of course. Foam and gel-infused mattresses should not be turned but can deliver strong performance and a range of benefits, but this issue is something to keep in mind if you are thinking about a no-turn mattress.
Rotating
Another issue with no-turn mattresses is that to get the most out of the mattress, it will still need to be rotated.
While not as challenging as flipping a mattress over completely, rotating larger mattresses can still be a big task, particularly if you are dealing with health issues, reduced mobility, or are limited for space.
Uneven Wear
One of the benefits of a turnable mattress is that by flipping it over you can get double the wear out of the material in your mattress. It can also give the mattress filling a chance to once again settle more evenly.
By not being able to turn a mattress over, you might see signs of wear quicker in a no-turn mattress and you might also notice bumps and sagging issues.
Mattress Toppers May Mean Additional Costs
Since no-turn mattresses cannot be flipped, they may stain more quickly and show signs of ageing such as slight sagging or bumps.
To keep your mattress looking fresh for longer and feeling more comfortable, you may end up buying an additional mattress topper and protector. This means that any savings you might receive on a no-turn mattress could be reduced.
Final Thoughts
No-turn mattresses may be an attractive solution if you find the prospect of flipping a mattress every few months a daunting one. There is a wide range of no-turn mattresses available, so you can probably find a mattress to suit most needs.
It’s worth keeping in mind that no-turn mattresses may not last as long as turnable mattresses. They will also still need to be rotated every month or so to get the best out of their lifespan. It is also debatable whether they are truly good value for money.
But if you are certain that you don’t want to have to turn a mattress, no-turn or rotate-only mattresses may be the solution for you.
