If you’re shopping for a new mattress, you may have come across the term “no-turn” and wondered what it really means — and whether it matters when choosing the right one.
In simple terms, a no-turn mattress is designed to be slept on only one side. You don’t need to flip it over — and in fact, you shouldn’t.
The comfort layers are built into the top side only, while the underside acts as a supportive base. Flipping it would likely make your sleep uncomfortable and could even damage the mattress.
These are sometimes also called “single-sided” or “one-sided” mattresses — all meaning the same thing.
No-turn mattresses are popular because they’re low-maintenance and built with modern materials like memory foam, Geltex, or latex. These materials are more resistant to sagging and settlement, making flipping unnecessary in most cases.
Pros of No-Turn Mattresses
- Easy to care for – no need to flip it over
- Ideal for people with limited mobility – mattresses can weigh 20–35kg
- Often include plush comfort layers or pillow tops
- Wide choice of options across all price ranges
Things to Keep in Mind
- You still need to rotate it 180° (head to toe) every few months to ensure even wear
- Look for models with side handles to make rotating easier
One example is the Dream Team Tadley Combination Mattress, which are labed as “non-turn” for easy care and maintenance.
A Tadley mattress (priced at £499 for a double size) has a cosy knitted cover on top, underneath that there is i-Fibre comfort layer and pressure-relieving memory foam. Lastly there is a layer of pocket springs, giving you enhanced pressure relief. On the bottom there is a supportive base fabric, which holds the mattress together.
As you can see from the composition and materials used inside the mattress, it is designed to sleep only on one side of it.
No Turn mattress: which side is up?
All mattresses should have a label on them, and generally the side with the label should be up or on top. Make sure you check any leaflets or instructions that come with your new mattress so you know which side is up.
Alternatively, you can contact the retailer where you bought your new mattress from, and ask them to clarify.
On the picture you can see the Silentnight Westland Miracoil Memory Mattress, which is 23.5cm high and is a single sided mattress (no-turn).
Place the mattress on your bed with the label on the top side.
According to the Silentnight care guide, you will need to rotate it head to toe weekly for the first 3 months after using it, and then once a month afterwards.
How to Care for a No-Turn Mattress
Just because a mattress is labelled “no-turn” doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. While you don’t flip it over, you should still rotate it regularly — turning it 180° so the head becomes the foot. This helps distribute wear evenly and prevent body impressions from forming.
Here are a few essential care tips:
- Rotate every 1–3 months, depending on usage and manufacturer guidance
- Use a mattress protector to guard against spills and stains
- Air out the mattress occasionally by stripping the bedding and opening a window — this helps reduce moisture and prevent mould buildup
What happens if I turn a non-turn mattress?
If you decide to turn a non-turn mattress and sleep on it, you’ll notice that it won’t be as comfortable and may lead to a poor sleep experience and even back pain. In some cases, the “bottom side” might be firmer than the “top side”.
Keep in mind that some mattress warranties may be void, if you do not follow the care and maintenance instructions.
Conclusion: Which is better?
Ultimately, it’s hard to say whether no-turn or turn-able mattresses are better – it’s often down to personal preference. Some mattresses, for instance, should be turned depending on the season, as one side is better for hot weather, while the other performs better when it’s cold.
Equally, some of the best mattresses out there are no-turn, as the mattress technology is configured so that you enjoy the benefits only on one side of the sleep surface. It’s not enough just to buy a mattress because it’s no turn or turn-able – this should just be one of the factors that you take into account.
Other things you should consider before you buy a new mattress:
- What materials are used in manufacturing the mattress. For example: memory foam, pocket springs, Bonnell springs, wool, recycled fibres, etc.
- How firm the mattress is (soft, medium, or firm).
- What is the price of the mattress and how long is the guarantee (1-10 years).
- Does the mattress come with a home trial and free return policy. Check out our list of mattresses with free home trials.
If you have chosen a mattress that meets all your requirements, the fact that it is no-turn or turn-able shouldn’t make a huge amount of difference, providing you maintain it.
