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A Comparison: Double Sided Mattress VS One-Sided

Mattress shopping ain’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Just think about the many cozy nights that you’ll be spending on your new mattress, and think about all the options that you can explore to find the best match possible.

But there’s this new mattress concept that keeps showing up more and more often. Something about a mattress that can be flipped so that you may sleep on either side. Ever wondered what that is all about? Deciding between a two-sided mattress vs. one-sided beds doesn’t have to be difficult, not if you already know what you’re looking for.

One-Sided Mattress VS. Two-Sided Mattress Comparison

One-Sided Mattress Two-Sided Mattress
  • Widely available
  • Different constructions
  • No need to be flipped
  • Less maintenance required
  • Typically has a mirrored construction
  • Two firmness options in a single bed
  • Longer lifespan
  • Even distribution of wear and tear

A Closer Look

Come to think about it, the concept of a “flippable” mattress has been here for quite some time. People used to flip their old mattresses over, so they should get past the sagging and prolong the lifespan of the bed by sleeping on the other side. That’s something that you can no longer do with one-sided mattresses, because of the way they are constructed.

Also, note that there is a major difference between a two-sided and a dual-sided mattress. The two-sided bed is a flippable mattress that allows you to sleep on the other side of the bed after flipping it over. The dual-sided mattress has a different firmness level on each half of the bed, meaning that you can enjoy a specific firmness option, while your sleeping partner rests on a different one.

One-Sided Mattress

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Construction

One of the best things about a one-sided mattress is that you can find a model in the configuration of your choice. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an all-foam model, or maybe something with a pocketed coils support system: with these mattresses, there is always something good to choose.

Typically, the construction of a one-sided bed prevents you from using it on either side. That’s because the top layers (which are also known as comfort layers) are designed to provide comfort and cushioning from the moment you lie down.

The base of a one-sided bed is made to add durability to the bed and is usually made with high-density foam, which is also very firm. If you were to flip a mattress over, then you’d be sleeping on the base of the bed, and the comfort layer would be all crushed underneath the total weight.

Lifespan

There are many different factors that come into play when you have to determine the lifespan of a mattress. Most people assume it’s a safe bet to consider the warranty periods of a mattress before buying it.

A mattress warranty can be anything between 10 years to lifetime coverage, but this shouldn’t be considered the only marker for a mattress’ quality. Truth is that the durability of a one-sided mattress will be determined by the quality of the materials used to construct it.

Mattresses that are made entirely out of foam will typically last about seven years. Of course, this depends on the quality and firmness of the materials used. Naturally, a mattress that’s made with high-density foam will also last longer, because it doesn’t sag as fast.

Mattresses made with natural latex can last up to eight years, but those that are made with synthetic latex will actually last less. Hybrid mattresses have gained a lot of popularity recently, but the average hybrid shouldn’t last longer than seven years.

Availability

mattresses are widely available, as they are the most common type between the two we’ve covered in this article. There are lots of one-sided mattresses you can choose, and it all depends on the type of construction you’re looking for. you can basically find a one-sided bed is every imaginable configuration, in different heights, but also for different budgets.

Double-Sided Mattress

Construction

The best double-sided mattresses are designed in such a way as to be comfortable no matter which side you’re sleeping on. Each of the two sides has a comfort layer, which is typical of different firmness levels. And most brands usually come in the standard sizes of twin, full, queen, and king with options of plush and firm preferences.

Most flippable beds have a mirrored construction, meaning that each layer (except for the core support) is doubled by a layer made from similar materials on the other side. For instance, if you have an all-foam double-sided mattress, the comfort layer would probably be a thicker block of plush memory foam, while on the other side, you’d most likely find the same type of foam, only of a higher density, to make the other side of the mattress firmer. The best way to visualize this construction is to think of the mattress as a sandwich.

Lifespan

A one-sided mattress can be rotated, meaning that you move the bed at a 180-degree angle, switching the head for the foot part. That could prolong the life of the mattress.

However, with a two-sided bed, you can both flip it and rotated, which ensures a more even distribution of wear and tear. From a logical point of view, a two-sided mattress should have a longer lifespan, since you have two sides of the bed that can be used interchangeably.

Even so, keep in mind that there are more factors that make a bed durable than just the fact that you can or can’t flip it over.

Availability

Flippable mattresses are not as widely available as a one-sided bed, mostly because they require a different type of construction, and are designed with a specific goal in mind. Two-sided mattresses are generally created with different firmness levels on each side, making them most suitable for people who want to have two beds in a single mattress, without having to go through the hassle of opting for a single firmness level.

Some of the most common brands of flippable mattresses are Layla Sleep, the Zenhaven mattress, the Nolah Signature, the Plank (made by Brooklyn Bedding), and others.

You may be interested in: Double-Sided Mattress Manufacturers and Dealers

Conclusion

There isn’t exactly a clear winner here, as it mostly depends on what you’re looking for when you’re out mattress shopping. If you want a bed, but can’t decide on the firmness level, a   mattress is an option worth exploring. However, flippable mattresses are typically thicker and heavier, so flipping them can be a two-man process.

One-sided mattresses, on the other hand, are easy to shop for in a sense that you’ll most likely find one with construction you truly like, whereas a two-sided mattress is harder to find.