The only posible way a one sided mattress can be worthwhile is if it costs half the price of a two sided mattress. Unfortunately, they dont.
So what are the benefits?
Looking at the advertising material, it tells us that it removes the need for turning. Anything else? No, not that I have seen or am aware of.
What are the benefits to the manufacturer?
Aaahh. Now were talking. It all started with the introduction of memory foam mattresses. People got used to not having to turn them and so manufacturers thought they could apply the same principle to all other types of mattress. Thereby, using half the normal quota of fillings and keeping their profit margins stable. The lifespan of the mattress is obviously directly halved so you will be out looking for another mattress a lot sooner.
Turning a mattress does not feature high on everyones list of household chores, for elderly and infirm people it can be quite a challenge. This is why I say that for these type of mattresses you should be paying proportionately less than a traditional double sided mattress – Not Equal To and certainly – Not More!
There are a couple of obvious exceptions as in the case of mattresses with memory foam or latex as the comfort layer. With latex being extremely durable and expensive it will rarely be on a double sided mattress (unless it is one complete core). Having a double sided latex matt is unbelievably pointless as latex is the most durable product available and it will be better to replace (in time) rather than extend. Also, as with memory foam it is available as a two sided mattress but weigh up if you are paying proportionately twice as much as a single sided mattress.
If you really are unable to turn a mattress regularly then there are options available to you. First, you can use a double sided mattress without turning it (not ideal but a compromise) You can then turn it when the first side has become worn and you will start again sleeping on the unused side.
“First, you can use a double sided mattress without turning it (not ideal but a compromise) You can then turn it when the first side has become worn and you will start again sleeping on the unused side.”
Not very good advice as it will Void nearly all guarantees. 2 sided mattresses should be turned regularly.
Also I can’t seem to find the under £200 pocket sprung mattress for sale on your site. The one that you cut open. Do you sell it?
Hi Dave. Fair comment. In context, the comment I make about using a double side mattress without turning was made as a further objection to one sided mattresses. I reiterate: There are no benefits to the consumer for a one sided mattress. Using a double sided mattress without regular turning was for the benefit of the consumer who really would have difficulty in turning a mattress on a regular basis. Perhaps elderly or infirm. Given the choice of a one sided NO TURN or a double sided TURNABLE mattress the consumer would be getting more value for money – Long Term – in the double sided mattress.
As for voiding the guarantee? Pehaps. Judging by the myriad of complaints on the internet particularly targetted towards the big stores, it seems that no matter what you do (or dont do) they will find a reason (usually hidden in the reams of small print) to wriggle out of their obligations.
In the real world, not many people turn their mattresses on a monthly or bi monthly basis. I don’t and neither does Ryan – we simply dont have the time. We do however posess a fairly decent mattress, well protected and we know only too well that missing a turn every few months or so will not cause the mattress to suddenly collapse in a heap on the floor.
As for the illusive £200 mattress? I’m afraid our minimum standards go a little higher than that. The point of the video on the home page was to prove the point that for a budget of around £200 the difference in substance and quality between a well known branded mattress and a completely unknown independant manufacturer is all too plain to see. I must admit it has been well over a year since that particular video was made and to find a 1000 pocket sprung mattress to retail for that price is now vitually imposible. But .. the actual point of the video is still very much in evidence whether it be £200 or £1000 etc. Good questions. John and Ryan
Hello,
But surely the bulk of the cost to the manufacturer is the labour element of making the product. Producing a one sided mattress cost just as much as a 2 sided mattress, as the cost of the filling is hardly the earth. If its one sided what do they put on the underside? Nothing? I think not. There is filling on the underside, so not really a massive cost saving there. Also the 1 sided mattress tend to have more hard wearing fillings which generally cost more then on a double sided. Your article is rather 1 sided excuse the pun.
Hi Micheal, Thanks for your comment. Apart from the general exceptions I mention for one sided mattresses (latex, memory foam) adding additional fillings as you rightly say, would not neccessarily cost the earth. And it is precisely this measly approach to manufacturing that to me seems so wrong.
As for the fillings being more hard wearing on a one sided mattress than two sided, I dont believe they are are and would like to hear of or see examples of this.. My article may appear to be one sided for the reason that I genuinely cannot think of any positive benefits a one sided mattress has, in particular when you rightly conclude the cost price to manufacture is not that substantially lower.
As for the underside, you are correct, there is some kind of filling, but generally just enough to keep the upper spring unit stable – and at times this can only be the addition of an insulator pad finished with a stitchbond non slip cover. Finally, I would love to hear if other readers has anything positive to say about one sided mattresses particularly if you can justify the retail price in comparison to a similarly specced two sided mattress. Excellent comment. John.