How To Keep A Mattress From Sliding

We’re going to take a guess and say you woke this morning to find your mattress slanted slightly off the frame. This can be a sign your mattress is on inadequate support or is getting old and needs to be replaced. Slipping mattresses are frustrating. Pushing the bed back on the base may be a quick fix, but it’s an issue most would rather not spend their time on when they could do something else.

A bit of home improvement action will help resolve a sliding mattress, allowing you to focus on other matters.

In our article, we’ll explore the reasons why a mattress slides off its foundation and what materials you can use to stop it.

What Causes A Mattresses To Slide?

A shifting mattress is an annoyingly common issue, there are only three reasons for its occurrence.

No Friction

A frictionless surface is a common culprit. Usually, dual-sided mattresses won’t stay on top of a box spring because the material can’t get a good grip.

Modern, high-quality mattresses tend to have non-slip fabric at the bottom of the mattress. The grippy material builds up resistance, which puts a stop to shifting. On the flip side, a dual-sided bed can’t grip onto a base because both sides are engineered to provide comfortable sleep— not support the actual mattress.

Improper Support

The base’s construction can also result in sliding. Platform beds are reported to have slippage problems due to their smooth, flat tops. There aren’t any grippers or rails to stop the mattress from being pushed around. A bed without a slip-resistant bottom or a grippy, sturdy foundation will result in the cushion moving continually.

Bed bases with rails stop mattresses from shifting. Rails come up a few inches above the slats, creating a place for the bed to sit.

While a foundation with rails should fit tightly with just enough room for bedding, some of these bases are a little too wide. The space between the mattress and the bed frame gives room for the bed to move around.

A temporary solution would be to fill the space with wooden planks or rolled-up towels, which will stop your bed from moving.

Still, the towel will need washing, and the wood can splinter, which may do damage to the frame. Metal frames may sustain cosmetic damage such as scraped paint. To avoid damage, we highly suggest getting an appropriately sized frame for the mattress .

The final reason your mattress is skidding has to do with the foundation’s legs. If the legs are sliding or giving out, then you’ll have to make a change to your bed frame.

In the case of sliding legs, it’s likely your base sits on wood, vinyl, or tile flooring, meaning your foundation does not have any friction. Place an area rug under the bed to stop the base from gliding across the floor.

If the bed’s legs are giving out, sadly, you’ll have to get a new foundation. You could file a warranty claim. Otherwise, placing cinder blocks under the foundation will keep the weight off the legs until you can replace the bed base.

Solutions for Slipping Mattresses

To stop a mattress from slipping off its base, all you need to create friction is some resourceful problem-solving. Here are four ways to create resistance between your bed and the foundation.

Rubber Rug Pads

Rubber matting is the most economical option to put a stop to mattress sliding. The non-slip pads stops rugs from moving around. Rubber rug pads work the same way with a mattress.The rubber matting will act as an adhesive once pressure is applied to the bed.

Just measure out your mattress and purchase a piece of fabric with a larger surface area. Move the bed off the base and place the rubber mat down on the foundation. You can cut off the excess material before replacing the bed.

Foam Rubber

Foam rubber is sold in long strips on Amazon. One side has a paper-covered adhesive while the other is a slip-resistant foam.

Measure out the length and width of your mattress before buying. Afterward, peel away the paper, and press the foam rubber strips around the inner edge of the box spring.

Double-Sided Carpet Tape

This isn’t an ideal option as double-sided carpet tape tends to leave residue and will often pull threads from the mattress. Because of the repercussions, we recommend this method for short term use.

Place the double-sided tape diagonally across all four corners. Carefully line up the mattress with the base and place it down when you’re sure the corners will meet. The sticky tape can prove difficult to work with if you don’t align the mattress right the first time.

You can execute the same concept using duct tape. The non-adhesive side has anti-slip properties and works much like a rubber pad or foam rubber tape.

Hook and Loop

Velcro is one of the more popular ways to stop a mattress from sliding around. The hook-and-loop strips come in rolls with adhesive on one side and felt-like material on the other. When placing the velcro on the mattress and foundation, be sure to match up the hooked and looped sides, or you will have to remove the strips and try again.

Preventing the Problem

The best, most economical resolution is avoiding this slipping problem in the first place. You can do so by buying a one-sided mattress with non-slip fabric at the base, which will ensure the bed stays on the foundation.

One-sided mattresses only provide one sleeping surface. The opposite side acts as a base that increases support for the sleeper and prolongs the life of the mattress.

Getting a foundation with rails is another good choice. Just remember to measure out the bed before you purchase.

Do You Need to Switch Your Old Mattress For A New One?

If your mattress is sliding because of oil and dirt, the bed is probably over ten years old. By that point, sliding probably isn’t your bed’s only issue. It’s most likely time to get a new mattress.

Replacing your old mattress will alleviate stress and give you more  restful sleep and support.