Why wonu2019t my mattress topper stay on my bed?

Slick mattress covers, oversized toppers, and restless sleepers can all contribute to a topper that wonu2019t stay put. Finding a way to fasten your topper to your mattress should keep it in place.

How to Keep a Mattress Topper From Sliding

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December 14, 2022

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You want your bed to feel like a cozy oasis, a place where you can relax and drift off into a peaceful slumber. And nothing will interrupt that peace faster than a mattress topper that refuses to stay put.

If you’re constantly adjusting your topper or find it bunched up at the foot of the bed every morning, it’s time to take action. With a few simple tricks, you can keep your mattress topper in place—and maintain that perfect level of comfort—all night long.

Why Do Mattress Toppers Slide Around?

The first step in taming a wayward topper is understanding why it’s misbehaving in the first place. In most cases, there are a few key reasons why mattress toppers slide around:

They lack a securing feature. Many mattress toppers have some gripping texture or strap system to keep them in place. However, not all of them do. If your topper is missing this key feature, it’s likely to slide around—especially if you move a lot in your sleep or are a combination sleeper.
They’re on top of a slick surface. If you’re using a mattress protector to protect your investment, that’s great. But some covers are made of slick materials (like polyester or nylon) that don’t provide much friction. This can cause your topper to move around more than usual.
You’re a restless sleeper. Constant tossing and turning can cause even the best-secured mattress topper to shift. If you find yourself flipping and flopping all night long, it might be time to add some extra gripping measures.
You have kids or pets. If you’ve ever had a pet jump on the bed, you know that they can cause quite a stir. The same goes for kids—especially if they like to play on the bed. All that extra movement can loosen a mattress topper and cause it to slide around.
Your topper is the wrong size. A mattress topper that’s too big or small for your bed is more likely to move around. That’s because there’s either too much space for it to shift (if it’s too big) or not enough weight to keep it in place (if it’s too small).
Your mattress is old. An older mattress might not provide enough support for a mattress topper, causing it to sink in and shift around. If your bed is on the older side, you might need to invest in a new one—or at least a mattress topper with some more securing features.
You don’t have a headboard or footboard. Having some sort of barrier at the head and foot of your bed can help keep your topper in place. However, this won’t stop it from slipping side to side.
Your mattress is dusty. A layer of dust between your mattress and your mattress topper can make it harder for the topper to grip the surface. If your bed is looking a little dusty, give it a good vacuum before you add the topper.

6 Ways to Prevent Mattress Toppers From Sliding Around

No one wants to fight with an inanimate object all night. If you’re ready to put an end to your mattress topper woes, there are a few simple solutions that can help.

1. Add a Fitted Sheet

Your fitted sheet just might be the saving grace your bed needs. Throw it on top of your mattress cover, and then tuck it under the corners of your mattress topper. Make sure you choose a sheet with deep pockets large enough to accommodate all of that material.

2. Opt for a Mattress Topper with Straps

If your mattress topper doesn’t come with straps, you can easily find some that do. These handy little features help to keep your topper in place by attaching it to your mattress—no slipping or sliding allowed.

3. Clip in Some Sheet Straps

Not ready to part with your favorite topper? That’s okay. You can turn any old topper into a stay-put solution with some sheet straps. All you have to do is clip the straps onto the corners of your topper and then tuck them under your mattress.

4. Throw on a Non-Skid Mat

If you’re using a mattress cover that’s made of a slick material, try placing a non-skid mat between it and your topper. This will add some much-needed friction and help to keep your topper in place. Just make sure you choose a mat that’s as large as your mattress, or get two mats and place them side by side.

5. Sew in Some Fasteners

Want a more long-lasting solution? Try sewing some fabric fasteners into the corners of your topper. Usually, Velcro strips will do the trick. Just make sure you space them evenly along both the top and bottom of your topper, so it doesn’t shift from side to side.

6. Strategically Place a Few Safety Pins

If you need a more immediate (or budget-friendly) fix, reach for some safety pins. Place them around the entire perimeter of your topper and then tuck them under your mattress, so they don’t poke you in the middle of the night. This is not an ideal solution if you move around a lot in your sleep.

Takeaway

All-night comfort is key when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. If your slippery mattress topper is constantly waking you up, it’s time to take action. Luckily, you don’t have to let go of your favorite topper to achieve some much-needed stability. Most solutions are budget-friendly and easy to DIY.

Whether you opt for a fitted sheet, some mattress topper straps, or just a few safety pins, you can say goodbye to those pesky sliding issues for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will safety pins shred your mattress?

Tearing is a potential risk if you use safety pins. People who move a lot in their sleep should opt for sheet straps or a non-skid mat instead.

What’s the ideal thickness of a mattress topper?

It depends on your preferences and how much cushioning you enjoy, but three inches is usually plenty.

How necessary is a mattress topper?

Mattress toppers are not necessary unless your mattress is particularly old or uncomfortable and you don’t have the budget to invest in a new one.

Why won’t my mattress topper stay on my bed?

Slick mattress covers, oversized toppers, and restless sleepers can all contribute to a topper that won’t stay put. Finding a way to fasten your topper to your mattress should keep it in place.