How To Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding

Mattress toppers are an affordable way to adjust the comfort of your bed. Many sleepers have varying preferences when it comes to the firmness of their mattress, so it’s not uncommon for them to purchase a topper to modify their comfort.

Sleepers often complain that it is hard to keep toppers in place, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. In this next article, we’ll teach you how to keep your mattress topper from sliding. We’ll also list some reasons your topper may be shifting while you’re asleep.

Buy Fitted Sheets

Purchasing tightly fitted sheets is one of the best ways to keep your mattress in place and doesn’t require any extra tools. You simply cover the mattress and the topper with a bedsheet and tightly secure the sheet under your mattress.

It’s important to purchase high-quality sheets that accommodate the height and thickness of your bed. For instance, if your mattress is particularly thick or your topper has extra padding, you’ll want to find a fitted sheet large enough to fit around both.

Duct Tape

Using duct tape is a budget-friendly way to keep your topper from sliding. Duct tape is proven to be a strong and safe adhesive so, taping the corners of your topper should keep it in place. Once you have taped down all the edges, place a tightly fitted sheet over the top for extra hold.

Though duct tape is a safe adhesive for your bed, we do not recommend using spray adhesive because it can permanently stain your mattress.

Sheet Straps or Suspenders

Sheet straps or sheet suspenders are a stretchable band with clips that help keep the four corners of sheets from lifting or popping off throughout the night. To use them, clip the middle strap on the corner of your sheet, and clip the two side straps across from each other on both sides.

You’ll need to make sure your sheet straps are extra tight, so your mattress topper will stay in place even if you toss and turn all night.

Non-Skid Mats

Non-skid mats are mostly used under area rugs to keep them in place or even in the shower to prevent slipping. They can also be placed under your mattress topper to keep it in place. Non-skid mats add a little bit of friction between your mattress topper and your bed, which can keep it from sliding off.

These mats are an inexpensive hack and require little to no effort to place on your bed. Additionally, they work best with latex and memory foam mattresses. Since these mats have a powerful grip, they work well against the soft surface of these mattresses.

Velcro Strips or Tape

Placing Velcro tape or strips along the edges of your mattress topper is a savvy way to provide a strong grip without causing damage to the material. The easiest way to attach these strips is by stitching the hook side Velcro strip to the bottom of your mattress topper.

Next, attach the loop side to your mattress, then line it up perfectly with the hook side on the topper. Repeat this process on other edges of the mattress topper for the most secure connection. Once you are finished, place the topper on the bed and stick the Velcro straps together.

Using Velcro strips may be a laborious process for some, but it will keep your topper from shifting constantly. The only downside of using Velcro is it can lose its stickiness over time and so it may not be the best long-term option.

Safety Pins

Though using safety pins on your topper may not sound like the best idea, it’s another budget-friendly way to keep it from sliding. However, if you use this method, you’ll want to use larger safety pins since they are more durable and hold more weight.

To properly secure your mattress topper with safety pins, use up to five large pins on each side of the bed. This will ensure even pressure distribution and lessen the chances of your topper becoming damaged. Also, make sure you place the needles facing downward to prevent injury if the pins become unhooked.

Why Is Your Mattress Topper Sliding?

There are several reasons why even the best mattress topper might be sliding off your mattress frequently. Sometimes you may have the wrong size bed sheets, or maybe you toss and turn all night. Below, we highlight some of the causes of shifting mattress toppers.

Tossing and Turning

It’s not uncommon for sleepers to toss and turn while sleeping. Tossing and turning is usually a sign of restlessness, and it has been linked to sleeping disorders like sleep apnea. Constant moving while asleep can cause bedding to shift or fall off your mattress. So, this may be an issue for you if you find yourself moving excessively throughout the night.

Incorrect Sizing

Sometimes your mattress topper or sheets may be too large for your bed. Unfortunately, mismatched sizing can cause toppers to shift constantly. When your sheets are too large, they will not be able to wrap tightly around your topper.

On the other hand, a topper that is too large will most likely pop off throughout the night. This is why you should find bed sheets and topper sizes compatible with your mattress size.

Lack of Headboard or Footboard

Headboards and footboards can keep your topper from sliding up and down. These items act as a barrier by adding pressure to your topper to keep it tightly secured on your mattress. Though these items can be pricey and more time-consuming to set up, bed frames without either item tend to cause toppers to slide off more frequently.

Unstable Mattress

If your topper is sliding despite all the reasons we listed above, it may be a sign your mattress is shifting as well. Sometimes, if the size of your bed frame is too large for your mattress, it can cause your bed to slide around. As a result, other bedroom items like sheets and toppers fall off as well.

Another reason your mattress might be sliding is if your mattress cover is too soft. Softer mattress pads and covers lack the friction to keep your bed in place with your bed frame, causing it to slide off. Therefore, be sure to choose a high-quality mattress pad with a medium to medium-firm feel.

FAQS

When should I replace my mattress topper?

Thinning material is one of the most common signs of a topper needing to be replaced. After sleeping on your topper night after night, memory foam and other fillings naturally start to lose their shape.

When odors persist even after washing your topper, this is usually another sign that mold or mildew are growing within the fabric. At this point, it’s time for a replacement, and the old topper should be discarded.

Why does my mattress move when I sleep?

If your mattress is sliding around while you’re asleep, it could be a sign there’s not enough friction to keep your bed stable. Sometimes old mattresses accumulate layers of body oil and debris, which can cause it to slide. Other reasons for your sliding mattress include placing your mattress on a bed frame that is too large, or your mattress cover is too soft, making it harder for your bed to stay in place.

How can I keep my mattress from sliding?

One of the best ways to keep your mattress from sliding is to purchase a non-slip mattress pad. These mattress pads include a thin layer of rubber designed to prevent mattresses from sliding on bed frames. Non-slip pads come in many sizes and can be found in supermarkets, mattress stores, and even online.

Will using safety pins ruin my mattress topper?

Fortunately, using safety pins won’t ruin or shred your mattress as long as you use them properly.  If you place safety pins on your topper carefully and use large pins, you shouldn’t run into any problems. It’s also a good idea to space out your safety pins when placing them on the edges of your topper to lessen the likelihood of damage.

How much do footboards and headboards cost?

Purchasing a headboard or footboards can be pretty expensive, with some high-quality options costing up to $1000. Luckily, budget-friendly options range from $100 to $250. Sometimes it’s a better option to purchase a mattress foundation or bed frame that already includes these items rather than buying them separately.

Conclusion

A memory foam mattress topper is a great way to enhance the comfort of your bed, but you won’t be able to experience this if it’s constantly sliding. It’s best to purchase a tightly fitted sheet to keep your topper from shifting since this item includes features designed to prevent movement.

If you are still struggling to keep your topper in place, use safety pins or even duct tape to prevent sliding. These items are fairly inexpensive and will not ruin the quality of your topper or interfere with your sleep.