How to Keep Your Mattress Topper From Sliding

A mattress topper can add support and comfort to almost any mattress. Mattress toppers are especially great for older and less expensive mattresses (like one you might find in a college dorm or furnished apartment). The toppers can be made from latex foam, gel, memory foam, feathers, wool, or synthetic fiberfill. Each has its own benefits, but the one issue that is common to all types of mattress toppers is how to keep them from slipping and sliding on the bed.

The first step in solving the sliding problem begins when shopping for a mattress topper. Some toppers feature a removable, washable cover with textured grippers on one side to help keep the topper in place. Others come with a hook and loop (Velcro) fastening system already attached.

But if you already have a favorite mattress topper that slides, learn why it happens and ways you can solve the problem to keep this problem from disrupting your sleep.

Why Does a Mattress Topper Slide?

Before you can solve a problem, it's helpful to know why it is happening. By understanding the causes, you may be able to make a few adjustments and solve the issue. Here are some reasons mattress toppers slide:

No Headboard or Footboard: Headboards and footboards create barriers to prevent mattress toppers from sliding up and down. Unfortunately, they do not prevent sideways sliding.

Slippery Mattress Cover: Mattress covers and dust mite protectors protect your mattress investment and deter dust and dust mites. However, if the fabric is untextured or silky to the touch, a mattress topper has nothing to grip onto to help it stay in place.

Kids and Pets: If children and pets are allowed to jump and play on the bed, they can cause a "topper-slide".

Incorrect Size: If the mattress topper is a bit larger or smaller than your mattress, there will be more sliding.

Unstable Bed Frame: Lightweight or improperly-sized bed frames that shift during sleep cycles can cause both the mattress and topper to slide.

Dusty Mattress: Even the best mattress topper may begin to slide if a layer of dust forms between the mattress and the topper. Cleaning the mattress and the topper every few months should solve the problem.

6 Ways to Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding

1. Tight, Fitted Bed Sheets

   Using a properly-sized, fitted bed sheet over the topper and mattress is often all that is required to keep the topper in place. If your fitted sheets have lost their elasticity at the corners, it may be time for some new sheets. Look for sheets that have a deep pocket to accommodate both the topper and the mattress.

   Using a flat sheet over the topper and mattress, tucked in at the bottom corners of the mattress, will not solve the problem because the corners become untucked during sleep.

2. Hook and Loop Fasteners

   If your mattress topper does not have Velcro fasteners, you can create a system. Hook and loop fasteners can be purchased on a roll or pre-cut pieces. While you may find the fasteners in a peel-and-stick format, you'll get a longer-lasting grip if you sew the fasteners to the mattress and topper cover.

   Take the hook and loop strips apart and space them evenly along all sides of the mattress and topper making sure the strips are aligned. Carefully stitch them into place so that the soft loop strips are directly opposite the stiff hook strips.

3. Sheet Straps

   Sheet straps are elastic, stretchable bands with a clip on each end. The clips hook onto the sides of sheets and are then slipped under the corner of the mattress to help hold the sheet in place and prevent bunching.

   While originally designed just for sheets, you can also use them to hold the mattress topper in place by clipping a strap to each corner of the topper and sliding the band under the mattress.

4. Non-Skid Mat

   A rubber, non-skid mat placed between the mattress and topper works well to keep it in place, especially on foam mattresses. Ideally, the mat should be nearly as large as the mattress. If you cannot find one large enough, place two mats side by side.

5. Safety Pins

   One of the least expensive solutions is to use large safety pins to hold the topper and mattress together. This is a quick, reusable method and easy to remove for cleaning. Space the pins evenly around the perimeter of the topper and mattress with at least five or six on each side.

6. Carpet or Duct Tape

   Carpet tape, used for holding small rugs in place, will also hold a mattress topper to the mattress. Simply remove the protective paper and adhere one side to the mattress. Remove the upper protective paper and align the mattress topper on the mattress.

   Duct tape will hold almost everything and can be used to secure a topper to a mattress. Use at the corners and along the sides.

   Warning

   When using any type of tape to secure a mattress topper, there is the possibility of sticky residue remaining on the fabric of the topper and mattress when the tape is removed. You should not attempt to use liquid or spray adhesives, which can ruin the fabrics.