Many newer flippable mattress models even offer a difference in firmness on each side, which is great if you are compromising with a partner or if you want to test different mattress types without going through the hassle of ordering and returning multiple mattresses. Flippable or not, Damon Tong, D.C., of Body Forward Chiropractic in Beverly Hills, says he typically recommends a medium-firm mattress for most people. Not only does this pick fall right in the middle of the firmness spectrum—which means it’s the most compatible with a variety of sleepers—but research also shows that medium-firm mattresses tend to be best1 for those who suffer from back pain. “When testing the firmness, you want to pay attention to comfort and make sure your spine is in as natural of a position as possible,” Tong says. He advises taking advantage of the trial period before fully committing to a new mattress, explaining that “you want to be mindful during this time of not only how you sleep but also how well rested you feel the next day.” To help you find the best flippable mattress option for your specific needs, we’ve rounded up our top picks below. All Helix products are made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams and sustainable latex, and each Helix Kids mattress undergoes additional lead and phthalate testing to avoid any exposure to harmful chemicals. With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars and 180 reviews, this mattress gets a lot of love from parents—particularly for its flippable design, with reports that toddlers and kids of all ages have commented on how comfortable it is. Although the materials are not sustainable or organic, all products are handcrafted in the U.S., and since 2020, the company has even used a portion of its factory to produce masks for essential workers. After receiving more than 800 reviews on the brand’s website, this mattress has earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers report that this mattress has improved their sleep and alleviated their back pain. One reviewer says, “Sleeping on this bed feels like a healing balm for my body,” and “it is the best thing my back has felt in a long time.” A few people note that they wish the ultra-firm and firm sides were marked. Customize the mattress by choosing between two levels of firmness (luxury plush or gentle-firm) on either side of the mattress. Free white-glove delivery and setup brings your new sleeping oasis right to your door—and they’ll even recycle your old mattress for you for free. This mattress has a near-perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Saatva website, with plenty of reviewers leaving comments along the lines of “My back has never felt better.” A few say it’s held up well even after multiple years of use, and many report that this mattress has significantly improved their joint pain as well. If you find the support and motion isolation offered by the mattress isn’t quite right, simply unzip the mattress and try the other side—the dual design means you can try as many times as you want. All components are shipped in a box, which makes the move from door to bedroom super easy. The EcoSleep Luxe mattress has 4.7 out of 5 stars and 79 reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website. The only perceived downside is that some reviewers report a strange smell after the initial unboxing, but most say it goes away fairly quickly. Side sleepers tend to love the softer option, while back sleepers rave about the firm side. Regardless of the side you choose for snoozing, a gel-infused pillow top keeps temperatures cool to help regulate your body temperature—a plus for hot sleepers. Although the mattress ships in a box, all foams are allowed to air out in the factory before shipping to reduce the odds of off-gassing smells. When your mattress arrives, simply unbox and watch it expand. Our only complaint? Although the foams are CertiPUR-US®-certified, this mattress is not the most sustainable choice, being that it’s made from memory foam. However, this option is produced in the U.S. and incorporates non-chemical hydrogenated silica as the fire barrier rather than fiberglass. Memory foam tends to be a chosen material by side sleepers, who benefit from the way the material contours to your body’s curves and keeps your spine aligned. Nearly 96% of shoppers kept their Robin mattress, and it’s easy to see why. Despite accumulating more than 1,400 reviews, the mattress maintains a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars overall. Reviewers say they’re pleased with the firmness levels, and one even raves this mattress gave them the “best night of sleep [I’ve had] in years.” The only complaint seems to be that the mattress can run a bit warm, even with the gel-infused cooling top. Instead, the brand’s signature cooling AirFoam™ allows plenty of airflow, staying 100% temperature-neutral—but that’s not the only benefit for the unique materials. The billions of microscopic air bubbles contained without the foam also help evenly distribute your body weight, making it a great option for people with joint pain or arthritis. If you’re struggling to choose between the original 10-inch mattress or this 12-inch pick, we suggest the latter. The core base is 20% thicker, and there’s 75% more cooling foam, which means more support and sweat relief. While this mattress is not sustainable, the cotton cover is 100% organic, and Nolah does have a more sustainable mattress option, The Nolah Natural 11", which is made with all-natural, environmentally friendly latex. Along with many expert testimonials, this mattress has hundreds of reviews and comes away with 4.8 out of 5 stars. Unsurprisingly, side sleepers are especially vocal about their love for the Signature 12" mattress, with many people reporting significantly less hip and joint pain after using it. There are also reviewers with shoulder pain or arthritis who say this mattress has helped them sleep more soundly through the night. The foams are OEKO-TEX certified, and the mattress has received the CertiPUR-US certification. However, the pick is still made with memory foam, rather than the more environmentally friendly alternative, latex. Setup and delivery are easy, as this mattress ships in a box (for free) and fully expands when you take it out. The mattress has 4.8 out of 5 stars and 25 reviews on the SweetNight website. Reviewers say they’re pleased with the firmness levels on both sides, and one even says this mattress gave them the “best night of sleep [I’ve had] in years.” After discovering many consumers didn’t actually flip their mattresses, most companies moved to single-sided designs in the 2000s. The cost-effective swap lowered the prices of manufacturing mattresses—but it also means that not every model is flippable. Instead, you’ll need to look for an option clearly labeled as “flippable” on your preferred brand’s site (and it likely won’t include all the company’s designs).
