Mattresses

Published July 29, 2022

9 min

How To Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding

A mattress topper is a great way to revitalize the old mattress without spending on a new one. It is a thin cushiony layer that can be an affordable and quick fix for one that is too soft or too firm

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

Use a Tight Fitted Sheet Sheet Suspenders Velcro Strips Non-skid Mats Safety Pins Duct Tape Get a Non-slip Mattress Topper Increase Friction With a Cotton Layer Add a Footboard Why Do Mattress Toppers Slide Understanding Mattress Toppers Final Thoughts Frequently Asked Questions

A mattress topper is a great way to revitalize the old mattress without spending on a new one. It is a thin cushiony layer that can be an affordable and quick fix for one that is too soft or too firm for the sleeper.However, there is one issue that is common in all the toppers, which is "How to keep a mattress topper from sliding?". Certainly, there's always an option to buy a new one from the bedding brands that design their toppers with technologies to keep it in place. But if a person has already found their favorite mattress topper, this article has curated below some simple ways to keep the topper from slipping.

Use a Tight Fitted Sheet

A tightly fitted sheet over the topper and mattress is all a person needs to keep the topper in place. But if it still slides off, check the elastics; they might have lost their elasticity, so it's time to buy a new one. Also, remember to get deep-pocketed sheets so that the topper and the mattress can fit perfectly. Moreover, laying a flat bed sheet over the topper and the mattress will not do the trick since it may slide off during the tossing and turning.

Sheet Suspenders

A sheet suspender is an excellent solution for when the mattress topper slides. A sheet suspenders are two stretchy bands attached perpendicularly with clips on each end. These bands run across the edge of the bed and tuck under the mattress, which keeps the topper from sliding.Although these suspenders were originally made for sheets, they can be used for strapping the topper. However, make sure the mattress topper straps tightly to ensure sliding.

Velcro Strips

A velcro strap is a versatile essential around the house when it requires a little DIY. However, it can become tricky since using velcro tape may require custom work if a person's mattress topper keeps sliding.The best way to use a velcro strip is to attach the hook side to the topper and the loop side to the mattress. And when laying the topper, make sure the strips align with each other to ensure maximum hold. In addition, sewing or using safety pins to attach the velcro is the best alternative since the adhesive can lose its stickiness over time.

Non-skid Mats

Non-skid mats are similar to those used in the shower and the kitchen to prevent slipping. These mats are a patterned rubber sheet that can be placed between the mattress and the topper. The friction will keep the topper from sliding. That's how to keep memory foam mattress topper from sliding. Since rubber mats work especially well with memory foam mattressesBut certainly, using a non-skid mat identically as large as the mattress and the topper is a given. However, if a person can't find a large one, then use two mats side by side.

Safety Pins

Safety pins are the most convenient option for keeping both items in place. For one, it is easy, less time-consuming, and the cheapest way to attach the mattress pad to the bed. Use at least five pins on each side to hold the thing in place.However, one of the biggest concerns of using a safety pin is it can potentially damage the item or void its warranty. Especially with foam mattresses, they can damage the surface during penetration.

Duct Tape

Duct tapes are sticky and strong enough to hold almost everything, including the mattress and the topper. The strong adhesive secures the topper in place.To use duct tape, place the topper over the mattress and tape it at the corner and along the sides. Although liquid or spray adhesive may acquire the same effect, they may leave a stain when the topper or the mattress needs to shift or rotate.

Get a Non-slip Mattress Topper

If the above ways aren't appealing or working, getting a non-slip mattress topper can also be an option. Many brands design their topper with technologies to keep it in place. Some sheets or beds have built-in suspender straps that do not require extra measures. It wraps around the mattress securely, ensuring and preventing the topper from slipping.

Increase Friction With a Cotton Layer

The lack of friction between the smooth mattress surface and the smooth topper bottom can also cause the topper to slip. And one way to counteract this issue is to create friction with a cotton layer.The easiest way is to use two cotton fitted sheets. One just over the mattress and under the topper. And the other to hold the whole bedding down.

Add a Footboard

The last resort for "how to stop mattress topper from sliding" is to add a headboard or footboard. However, adding a footboard or headboard is pricier and more labor intensive.And if the bed frame does not have any brackets to attach to the footboard, getting a new bed frame can be the only option. That is, if the person was already thinking of getting a new bed.

Why Do Mattress Toppers Slide

Before opting for the solution, it is best to know the cause of the issue. And there can be several reasons that cause the topper to slide off the mattress, some of which are listed below.

Smooth Mattress Cover

Slippery mattress covers offer little to no friction, which can affect the grip quality. However, the smoothness of the material depends on the weaving of the fabric. And both natural and synthetic fabric can offer sleek surfaces, which can cause the topper to slip off.

Absence of Headboard and Footboard

The headboard and footboard keep the mattress topper leveled on the mattress surface and prevent the topper from slipping up and down. However, the headboard and the footboard can not entirely prevent the topper from slipping sideways.

Incompatible Size

The mismatched size of the mattress and the topper can cause disbalance. A mattress topper too big on a small mattress will naturally cause it to slip off.

Unstable Base

Sometimes lightweight bed frames glide across and may have slippery surfaces. This can also cause the mattress to slip, ultimately causing the topper to slip.

Tossing and Turning

Above all, the most common reason for the topper to slip off the mattress is constant tossing and turnings. Using a fitted sheet will keep everything in place, even throughout the tossing and turning.

Understanding Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper or pad can change the mattress's firmness. It enhances comfort and support and provides extra pressure relief. They are also great for when it's time to get a new mattress but aren't quite ready to get one yet.It is worth noting that a mattress topper can improve comfort and promotes durability. And though they improvise the mattress' feel, however, it may not help with the lumping and sagging in the mattress.

Final Thoughts

Although the mattress toppers improve mattress comfort and overall sleep quality, they can get uncomfortable from all the sliding and slipping. And before purchasing a new mattress, try the aforementioned tips to see if they work for you.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding on a mattress? You can try several things to prevent a mattress topper from sliding. These include using safety pins, duct tapes, sheet suspenders, or a tightly-fitted sheet. Why won't my mattress topper stay on my bed? Your mattress topper won’t stay on the bed if its size is too small or too big. Alternatively, if your bed frame is of incorrect size, it is likely to cause sliding in your mattress topper too. How do you keep a mattress cover in place? To keep your mattress cover or topper in place, use safety pins, sheet suspenders, or carpet tapes. How do you keep a memory foam mattress in place? You can use non-slip mattress pads, rug pad mattress grippers, or velcro tapes to keep your memory foam mattress in place and prevent it from sliding.