Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you are having a hard time accessing the home screen when you're done using your apps. As it turns out, swiping from the top corners and sides won't bring you back to the home screen but the link below can explain how.
Use gestures to navigate your iPhone X
Hope this helps.Unlock and get to the Home screen
To unlock, glance at your iPhone X, then swipe up from the bottom of the Lock screen. To go to the Home screen at any time, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
Cheers.