Hi miamicuse,
Around the early 2000s, mattress companies began making one-sided mattresses. Some people liked the idea, while others saw it as a cost-cutting move. Most of the big legacy brands, often referred to as the “S” brands, made the switch as the industry began to change with the rise of Bed-in-a-Box options. So today, many mattresses are one-sided and designed to be rotated, not flipped. Still, there are manufacturers who continue to make two-sided mattresses, and there’s a growing interest in that option again.
Mattresses can be heavy, and flipping them isn’t easy for everyone. But in the end, a well-built mattress made with quality materials is what really matters for comfort, support, and durability.
I sleep on a two-sided mattress myself. Many higher-end or luxury brands like Shifman, ViSpring, Hastens, and Savoir still make only two-sided mattresses, using traditional methods and high-quality materials. Brands like @DLX, a BiB brand, also offer two-sided options at more affordable prices, similar to other BiB price ranges. From my perspective, good quality is good quality, whether it’s flippable or not, but two-sided designs may last longer under equal conditions.
As for storage, I recommend laying the mattress flat. You might see stores like Costco or Sam’s with mattresses standing on their sides, but this can cause buckling or shifting of the internal layers. For foam mattresses that are glued well and vacuum-sealed, it might not be a big issue, but most of them are boxed today. Still, keeping it flat is the safer choice. Gravity always wins. If you’re moving it between rooms, sliding the mattress and setting it on its side for a few minutes is fine, just be careful. Don’t fold or twist it.
Lastly, my usual wisdom. Regardless of what style mattress you choose, your foundation is extremely important. Do not skimp on the foundation, here is something I have written on the subject. Older or newer, your mattress needs the appropriate foundation. Most mattress failures are a result of a poor foundation. I know, the next question is, why does Amazon or whoever, sell the inadequately made ones? The answer should be obvious, those manufacturers are interested in profit not your well being.
Maverick