When it comes to enhancing your current mattress, a mattress topper can be a complete game changer. If your current mattress isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, popping on a mattress topper is a quick and inexpensive way to improve your sleep without buying a completely new mattress. The mattress topper market is expansive, so you can choose one that compliments your firmness and material preferences. If you don’t already have one, check out our best mattress toppers roundup.
We love how mattress toppers can enhance your sleep quality, but we don’t love how they sometimes slide around on the mattress. When you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, the last thing you want to do is fuss with a sliding topper. So why does this happen? And how can you make it stop? In this article, I’ll go over all the reasons why your mattress topper could be sliding, as well as some quick fixes to combat this annoyance.
Why Do Mattress Toppers Slide?
You just bought a mattress topper to remedy your mattress issues, but now you’ve discovered a whole new issue — the mattress topper keeps sliding. Many mattress toppers are designed specifically to stay in place all night long. But, some simply aren’t built like that. There can also be a few other reasons why your mattress won’t stay where you want.
Slick Mattress Cover
One of the most common reasons for mattress topper sliding is the lack of friction between the mattress and the topper. If your mattress has a cover that is very smooth and silky, this may prevent the mattress topper from getting a proper grip on the mattress. When you switch positions throughout the night or even slightly shift, your topper is likely to also shift.
No Headboard or Footboard
If you notice that the mattress topper tends to slide off the top or bottom end of your bed, it may be because you don’t have a headboard or footboard. Although these won’t help if your topper is sliding off the sides of your mattress, a headboard and footboard can act as the bookends of your bed and prevent the topper from escaping.
Wrong Size
Make sure your mattress topper is the right size for your mattress. For example, if you have a queen size bed, you shouldn’t be using a king size topper. The extra material will hang off the bed and pull the rest of the topper down with it. Measure the dimensions of your bed and get a topper that fits it perfectly.
Unstable Base
If your bed frame or foundation is unstable or shaky, it makes sense that your mattress and topper would be unstable, too. The movement from the unstable base can easily cause the topper to shift and slide. To combat this, you can try adding a rug or slide-resistant pad under the base.
Old Mattress
If you’re sleeping on an old and worn-out mattress, the mattress topper may be more prone to sliding. Mattresses tend to get weaker and less firm as time goes on, so this can make it harder for the mattress topper to get a strong grip.
Tossing And Turning
Mattress toppers are likely to slip and slide around if you’re the type of sleeper who tends to toss and turn throughout the night. When you move, the topper will move as well, especially if it already has nothing to help hold it in place.
Kids and Pets
Kids and pets often see beds as one big playground. If the bed is being used as a trampoline or wrestling ring, the mattress topper doesn’t stand a chance of staying in place.
Ways To Prevent A Mattress Topper From Sliding
Now that we’ve identified why the topper is sliding, it’s time to fix the issue. Some toppers come with features, like built-in straps, to combat sliding. If your topper doesn’t have these features, don’t worry! Here are a few easy ways to prevent your mattress topper from sliding.
Tight Fitted Sheet
Making sure your fitted sheet is form fitted and taut is a good way to prevent sliding from your mattress topper. If the fitted sheet fits snuggly against the topper, it can hold it in place. If there’s a lot of excess fabric from the fitted sheet, this just gives the topper more room to slide around. Make sure you get a secure sheet with deep pockets so it can fit over both the mattress and the topper.
Mattress Cover
As we mentioned earlier, the material of your mattress cover can lack the texture needed to provide the friction that keeps the topper in place. Adding a cotton or cotton-polyester blend mattress cover or pad can be just what the topper needs to stay in place.
Sheet Straps
While some toppers come with built-in sheet straps, you can also buy them a la carte. Check out our best sheet fasteners roundup for some of our favorites!
Non-Skid Mat
A thin mat with a good grip is an easy way to give your mattress topper something to hold on to. Similar to what you may have in your shower, a non-slip or rubber mat can be placed on top of the mattress and under the topper to prevent sliding.
Tape
It may sound odd, but sometimes the best solutions come from outside the box. Don’t underestimate the power of some heavy-duty tape.
- Double-sided carpet tape: Carpet tape is typically used to keep rugs and carpets from furling, but it can also be used to secure your mattress topper.
- Duct tape: This is a tried and true product that most of us have encountered at some point. Don’t worry about the aesthetics of using duct tape to secure your topper in place — you won’t be able to see it once you put on your bedding.
- Velcro tape: Applying velcro strips or tape to your mattress and topper is another quick way to ensure that the topper stays where you want it.
Safety Pins
This is an easy product that most people have laying around the house. Simply pin the topper to the mattress and it won’t budge.
Upgrade Your Mattress
Sometimes, you simply need a new mattress. Your current mattress may be too old or worn out to properly support a mattress topper. Luckily, we have everything you need to start your search in our mattress guide. We also have roundups of our favorite types of mattresses for specific sleepers, such as the best mattress for side sleepers and best mattresses for hot sleepers.
Understanding Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers should be used to enhance your current mattress, not to replace it. If your current mattress is so uncomfortable or worn out that you’re relying on the mattress topper more than the foundation of the mattress, that’s a sign it may be time to get a better mattress. We love mattress toppers because they can make a bed go from good to great, but they aren’t meant to fix foundational problems.
FAQs
How do I keep my mattress topper from sliding off?
There are a variety of different tricks you can try out to keep your mattress topper from sliding. Some of our favorites are using a snug fitted sheet, buying sheet straps, or using a non-slip mat under the topper.
Do you put a fitted sheet over a mattress topper?
Yes. The mattress topper should act as an extension of your mattress. So, you place your fitted sheet and the rest of your bedding over both.
Can a mattress topper take the place of a mattress?
No. A mattress topper is meant to add to a mattress, not replace it. Mattress toppers aren’t designed to provide the support that mattresses provide.
What is the ideal thickness of a mattress topper?
It depends on your preference! Mattress toppers come in a variety of different thicknesses, firmnesses, and materials. You can choose whatever type feels best to you.
Can safety pins shred your mattress?
Potentially, if you’re not careful. If you use a safety pin to pin your mattress topper to your mattress, then there will inevitably be a small pin-prick hole in both. However, if you make sure to properly close the safety pin, it shouldn’t cause any other problems.
Conclusion
Mattress toppers are a nice way to add a little extra comfort to your mattress. If your mattress is a bit too firm or soft for your liking, a mattress topper can be a quick fix. However, mattress toppers are meant to add to your mattress, not completely replace it. Check out our best mattress toppers roundup for some of our favorite tested toppers!
