How to Keep a Mattress From Sliding

August 27, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

Few things are as disruptive of a good night’s sleep as a mattress that slides around on its frame. Let’s face it: getting your recommended seven to nine hours on a shifting, sliding mattress surface can feel like trying to take a nap in one of those funhouse rooms where the floors keep moving.1

The good news is that a sliding mattress is a problem with a handful of simple solutions. First, troubleshoot the root cause behind your sliding mattress. Then, read up on our quick and easy solutions on how to keep mattress from sliding.

With the right amount of grip, support, and comfort, Casper mattresses are made to ensure you have the most comfortable sleep ever. No more slipping and sliding through the night.

But Wait, Why Is My Mattress Sliding?

Before you can stop your mattress surface from sliding, you need to figure out what’s making it slide. The reason could be anything from the design of the bed frame to the age and condition of the mattress itself. 

Frequent mattress movement is likely the work of one or more of these common culprits:

  • Mattress age It’s not pleasant to think about, but when we sleep, our bodies release oils, sweat, and other secretions that can build up over time and contribute to a sliding sleeping surface. If you’ve used the same mattress for seven years or more, it may be a clear sign you need a new mattress. There are many telltale signs and symptoms to look out for if you feel like you may have a bad bed on your hands. 
  • Mattress size It’s important that the mattress is the proper size for the bed frame. If the mattress is too small for the frame, it’s more prone to sliding off into the extra space at the edges. If you’ve been stuffing your king bed frame with a queen size mattress and hoping for the best, it’s time to remedy the situation with the right mattress size.
  • Support Uneven bed frames or slats that are too wide can contribute to an off-kilter sleeping surface. Does your bed creak as you sleep? If so, the support structure could be your real problem.
  • No railing Bed frames that are designed without rails might look great, but like horses, mattresses can tend to roam when they aren’t fenced in. If you tend to toss and turn in your sleep, railing could help your mattress hold its own.
  • Not enough friction Your mattress might be sliding because it can’t get a grip. Depending on the manufacturer, latex and memory foam mattress types are known to have less traction than other kinds. At Casper, we make sure our mattresses have sufficient grip, but if you’ve outfitted your bed with another brand, the material may be the issue.

How to Keep Mattress from Sliding 

Have you figured out the problem behind your mattress’ nighttime slip-and-slide routine? 

If you want to find a solution, we have six easy hacks for how to stop a mattress from sliding that will have you sleeping soundly—and in one spot—in no time.

# 1 Rug Pad Grippers 

Rubber pads that keep floor rugs from bunching up under your feet can be just as effective in keeping a mattress from sliding. These handy helpers are widely available in a variety of sizes and are relatively inexpensive, so trying them out is a low-risk investment that can yield huge benefits. 

Just place the rubber pad grippers between the mattress and its support structure, be that slats or a bed platform.

#2 Non-slip Mattress Pads

Non-slip mattress pads are another great way to prevent mattress movement. And, because a mattress pad is made specifically for a bed, they’re a bit more durable and come in standard mattress sizes like twin, king, queen, or full. Different from a mattress cover or mattress encasement, a mattress pad can even boost the surface level of cushion.

#3 Velcro Tape 

Velcro strips are a time-tested way of holding things in place, but you’ve probably never thought of using them on your mattress. As it turns out, attaching a velcro strip to the head and foot of your mattress and bed frame is a cheap and easy way to keep your mattress from sliding from side to side.

#4 Vacuum 

Those little dust bunnies that tend to accumulate under your bed aren’t as harmless as their name might suggest. Dust that’s gathered on your mattress and/or bed frame just creates a slicker surface for your mattress to slide across.2 

Use your home vacuum’s mattress or upholstery tool attachment for a quick remedy. 

#5 Add Railing 

Depending on your situation, adding a railing to your bed frame is another potential way to stop your mattress from sliding. You can purchase an adjustable railing or, if you’re handy, you can make your own.

#6 Mattress Extenders and Gap Fillers 

If your mattress is too small for your frame, you might be able to fill the extra space without buying a new mattress. 

Mattress extenders or gap fillers can help give you the length or width you need without breaking the bank, while using stuffing or other padding can provide a temporary solution. 

Bonus Hack: Buy a New Mattress from Casper

A sliding mattress can keep you up at night and prevent you from getting your proper amount of sleep, which can have a negative affect on your health.

There’s no reason to let a sliding mattress keep you up for any longer. 

Is your mattress the wrong size for your beloved bed frame? Perhaps it’s getting up there in years. Or perhaps you have a slippery latex mattress that defies your attempts to craft your way into nocturnal bliss.

Whatever the case, you deserve a good night’s sleep—and in many cases, a new mattress is the most direct route to snooze town.

At Casper, we have a stunning variety of mattresses to meet all your sleep needs. Implementing these tips and tricks might help you squeeze a few more years out of your old mattress, but sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered. Learn more about what to expect in terms of mattress cost if you foresee your current mattress’s life coming to an end in the near future.

Sources: 

  1. Sleep Foundation. How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
  2. Slumberyard. Why Does My Mattress Keep Moving? https://myslumberyard.com/blog/how-to-keep-mattress-from-sliding/