Using a mattress topper is a fantastic way to switch up your bed’s firmness and feel without investing in a brand new mattress. With just a few inches of padding (most mattress toppers are between 2 and 6 inches), you can transform your bed and get a more restful night’s sleep.
However, mattress toppers tend to slide around at night, which can be frustrating and take away from a good night’s sleep. Since they aren’t fully attached to your mattress, toppers are liable to some level of movement as you switch sleeping positions. You might also notice your mattress topper slipping if it isn’t the same size as your bed or if it’s rubbing against a smooth surface (like a mattress pad or your mattress itself). From mattress straps to carpet tape, here are a few of the best ways to keep your mattress topper from sliding at night.
1. Layer in a cotton pad or sheet
If the surface of your mattress is too slippery, you can use a cotton mattress pad or top sheet to add a layer of friction that stops your topper from moving around. You probably already have a spare top sheet sitting in your linen closet, so you could give this method a shot before trying other solutions.
Here’s how to do it. Remove your mattress topper and place your cotton pad or sheet directly on top of your mattress. Put your topper back on and check how much it’s sliding around. If you aren’t noticing much movement, you should be set.
2. Add non-slip material underneath your mattress
If your mattress topper is sliding because your mattress is too smooth, you can place several pieces of non-slip material in between the two to create grip. Outside of the bedroom, these mats are also used underneath rugs to keep them fixed to the floor. All in all, non-slip mats are one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to prevent your mattress topper from moving around at night.
You can find special rubber mattress pads online (like this one from Amazon) in various lengths, depending on the size of your bed. You can also purchase the material from your local hardware store. Alternatively, yoga mats will serve the same purpose.
3. Apply velcro strips
Velcro strips are another quick and easy way to create grip between your bed and your mattress topper. These versatile gadgets have many uses around the house since they’re cheap, reliable, and are easy to apply to various surfaces. You’ll find plenty of options through online retailers (here’s a good option) or at brick-and-mortar hardware stores.
You can find velcro strips in a range of lengths and widths, which can be cut to fit your mattress. To use them, place the hook side of the strip along the edges and in the center of your mattress topper. Once they’re secure, attach the opposite side of the strip to your bed, ensuring that each piece aligns with its partner on the mattress topper.
4. Try duct tape
Duct tape is often hailed as a “fix anything” solution, so it should be no surprise that it’s an effective tool to prevent your mattress topper from sliding. Even better? It’s cheap and easy to find at grocery stores, big-box retailers, and even gas stations.
When using duct tape to secure your mattress topper, first make sure that your topper is in position on top of your bed. Then go around the edges of your mattress and tape down each side. Once you’re done, try to nudge your topper gently and see if it moves significantly. If so, continue adding tape until it’s secure. It isn’t the prettiest solution, but you can always cover up your handiwork with sheets or a duvet.
5. Apply carpet tape
If regular duct tape isn’t cutting it, you can always try carpet tape. The adhesive on carpet tape is stronger than duct tape since it’s designed to prevent rugs from sliding along hardwood floors and tile.
You would apply carpet tape to your mattress in the same way that you would use duct tape. Start on one side of your bed and cut off multiple strips to fasten your topper to your mattress, ensuring that it’s evenly applied along all edges.
6. Use safety pins
If you have some spare safety pins sitting in a drawer at home, you can use them as a simple solution to keep your mattress topper in place. You’ll need at least five safety pins on each side of your bed to fasten it properly, so head to your nearest supermarket or craft store if you need to purchase more.
Start by attaching the pins to one side of your mattress and work your way around, making sure that everything is aligned correctly as you go. All of the safety pins should have the sharp end pointed downwards to avoid the risk of poking yourself as you sleep.
7. Look into sheet suspenders or straps
Until this point, we’ve mainly discussed DIY methods of keeping your mattress from sliding. However, there are also special products designed to serve this purpose, including sheet suspenders (also called sheet or mattress straps).
Sheet suspenders look similar to the suspenders you’d use to keep your pants up, with metal fasteners and stretchy material intended to fit various bed sizes. Mattress straps are only effective as a mattress holder if they’re attached tightly, so make sure to fasten them as securely as you can without snapping them.
8. Get a tighter fitted sheet
If your mattress topper is moving around at night, it might just be because your fitted sheet is too loose or not deep enough to cover your mattress and topper. Using a tighter fitted sheet forces your mattress topper and bed together, so it’s harder for them to slip apart.
Can’t find the right fitted sheet to contain your mattress and topper? Check out online retailers like Amazon, which sell a huge variety of sheet sizes to fit nearly any bed.
Final Thoughts
No matter how thick your mattress topper is, one of these methods should help you keep it in place through the night. But if you don’t have any success with these mattress holder solutions, it might be time to buy a new mattress. Check out the Slumber Yard’s overview of the best mattresses on the market right now, including in-depth reviews of each bed and discount codes to save you some cash.