Skip to content

How To Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding (Without a Footboard)

When choosing your ideal mattress, one of the factors to consider is its firmness level. Since every individual has their preferences regarding firmness options, most individuals use a mattress topper to achieve their preferred firmness.

 
Mattress toppers help you adjust the feel of your bed. You can achieve your preferred firmness or softness without buying a new mattress, which can be expensive. Additionally, you can use a mattress topper as you wait for your memory foam to break in enough.

Unfortunately, there is a common challenge that most sleepers face when they use mattress toppers. Since the mattress topper or mattress pad is not attached to the mattress or bed frame, it often slides as you sleep, which can be annoying.

Several factors contribute to a mattress topper sliding. They include incorrect sizing, tossing and turning, smooth surfaces, etc. If your mattress topper is always sliding, the chances of enjoying your sleep are very minimal.

Today, bedding brands design toppers with technology to prevent them from sliding during sleep. Unfortunately, most low-budget toppers lack the above features. 

How To Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding - Quick Answer

There are several ways to keep a mattress topper from sliding, ranging from using special tape, adding a sheet straps, or even going so far as to add a new headboard and footboard to your bed. In this article, we're going to help you find out which method is best for you, and in what cases you should consider a new mattress instead.

Related Content:

If you want to keep your mattress topper from sliding, check out the GhostBed mattress topper, that comes with reliable straps to keep the topper in place, or you .

Why Does a Mattress Topper Slide?

If you're wondering why your mattress topper just can't seem to stay in place, we're here to shed some light on this mystery. There are several reasons why mattress toppers slide. They include:

A Smooth Mattress Cover

If the mattress cover is too smooth, the chances of your mattress topper sliding off are very high. It is because a smooth cover offers little friction like you'd see with rubber matting, which can affect the grip. What determines the smoothness of your mattress cover is the type of material used to make it. Natural and synthetic materials can cause your mattress topper to slide off.

An Uneven Mattress

As your mattress ages, its surface is likely to become uneven. As a result, the topper may slide because of gravity or dips in the mattress itself. If this is one of the main reasons why you need to stop your mattress topper from sliding, you should honestly consider a new mattress. Also, if your mattress is sinking, it's well past the its useful period and is likely contributing to sub-par sleep. Such a mattress can worsen conditions like shoulder pain and joint pain if it's not replaced immediately.

You're an Active Sleeper

If you or your other half are active sleepers, your mattress topper will likely slip off more often. An active sleeper refers to someone who tosses and turns as they sleep.

Your Bed Has No Headboard or Footboard

The headboard and footboard of your bed can, to some extent, keep the mattress topper from sliding up and down. Unfortunately, the headboard and footboard cannot keep the topper from moving sideways.

Improper Sizing Of Your Mattress Topper

At times, bedding brands may offer mattress toppers or a mattress pad that are slightly smaller or larger than your mattress. The difference in sizes is one of the reasons why your topper may slide off. Make sure the mattress toppers that you're considering are a perfect fit for your existing mattress.

How to Prevent a Mattress Topper from Sliding

When choosing your preferred topper, make sure that it has the necessary features to keep it intact. If not, here are various ways you can prevent a mattress topper from slipping.

Related Content:

Using a Tight Fitted Bed Sheet

One of the easiest ways to prevent mattress toppers from sliding as you sleep is to use a tightly fitted bed sheet to cover the topper and the mattress. The goal is to create enough friction to hold the two together. However, it is essential to note that this is not a permanent solution. The topper will move when there is excess tossing.

When you place a fitted sheet over the mattress, it creates friction, which prevents the topper from moving around. There are two ways to go about it. You can cover your matters then position the topper on it, or you can cover the topper with a flat sheet and tuck it in under the mattress.

You can also opt for sheets that are designed to be used with larger mattresses, or a mattress topper, like the GhostSheets. These sheets have deep pockets, and a patented "ghost grip" that helps keep all of your bedding tightly in place.

ghost-sheets-grip

The following are a few advantages of this method:

  • The warranty will remain intact.
  • The bedsheet prevents stains.
  • A natural bed sheet can make sleeping more comfortable and refreshing.
  • You do not require additional tools to install.

Use Sheet Suspenders/ Straps

A tightly fitted sheet is not enough to keep your mattress topper in place, especially if you are an active sleeper. Sheet straps are more effective because they are stretchy and have clips that prevent your sheets from folding or lifting and, as a result, forcing them to stay put.

Sheet suspenders will prevent mattress toppers from sliding, regardless of the thickness of your mattress pad. All you have to do is ensure that the straps are tight enough to keep the mattress topper in place.

Duct Tape

Duct tape, velcro tape or carpet tape can help put mattress toppers in place. It is a strong adhesive that can hold almost anything together. However, it would be best to avoid liquid adhesive as they are likely to stain your mattress.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can use carpet tape to avoid flipping the mattress over and over. Carpet tape is a two-sided-adhesive that people use to glue the carpet to the floor. They have more holding power than regular duct tape.

Related Content:

Non-Skid Mats

Non-skid mats are mostly used in showers, kitchens, and locker rooms to prevent you from slipping. You can place the skid mats between your best mattress and the topper to prevent the topper from moving around.

Non-skid mats work well with a memory foam mattress and are easy to use. It is their uneven surface that improves the grip.

Velcro Strips

If you are a DIY enthusiast, there is a good chance you understand the value Velcro strips can bring to your projects and hacking efforts. Velcro strips provide a considerable grip to put your topper in place.

Unfortunately, a Velcro strip can lose its stickiness and become ineffective. For best results, attach the ‘loop’ side to the mattress and the ‘hook’ side to the topper. Alternatively, you can sew the Velcro strips.

Safety Pins

You can use safety pins to put your topper in place. It is arguably the cheapest and one of the easiest methods to prevent your topper from moving. You can use at least five safety pins on each side to ensure even distribution of pressure. As a result, it helps prevent any possible damages to your mattress or topper.

Ensure that the pins are facing downward to prevent potential injuries. When you use safety pins, you risk voiding the warranty.

Add a Footboard or Headboard To Your Bed Frame

Adding a footboard or headboard can help prevent your topper from sliding up and down. If your current bed doesn't have brackets to add the above, you need to consider purchasing another bed frame. Unfortunately, this method cannot help you if your topper keeps sliding sideways. 

Add a Cotton Layer

The main reason why toppers slide off is that there isn't enough friction between the mattress surface and the topper's surface. Therefore, you can increase friction by adding a cotton layer between the two surfaces. You can achieve this by using two tightly fitted bet sheets.

Buy a Non-Slip Mattress Topper

Instead of using the above methods to keep your topper in place, you can purchase a non-slip mattress topper. The topper comes with built-in sheet straps that you can wrap around your mattress to help it stay in place. Sheet straps can be a game changer.

Related Content: How to store a mattress topper

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Recommended Thickness of a Mattress Topper?

Your needs and sleeping position will determine the thickness of your mattress topper. However, most range between 2 to 4 inches thick.

Can Safety Pins Shred The Mattress?

A safety pin cannot shred your mattress as long as you distribute them evenly. Additionally, you have to use bigger safety pins.

Can A Mattress Topper Replace Your Mattress?

No. Toppers are not as thick as your foam mattress. Therefore, they cannot ensure comfort.

How Much Do Mattress Toppers Cost?

There isn’t a fixed price for mattress toppers. A topper's cost will depend on several factors, such as the material's size and quality.

A mattress topper is essential because it improves comfort and quality of sleep. The above are tips to help you stop your mattress topper from slipping. Most of the tips are budget-friendly and does not consume most of your time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *