As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I'm often asked how to keep a mattress topper from sliding. It's a problem that plagues us in the middle of the night as we try to sleep, then again in the morning as we make the bed. If you find that your topper has an irresistible gravitational pull towards the bottom of the bed, or shifts from side to side in the night, then it's time to take action to save your sleep.
Most of the best mattress toppers come with corner straps to ensure a secure fit. Some manufacturers incorporate a no-slip grip pad into the material of the mattress topper. If you bought your mattress topper on the cheap from your local home retailer, rather than a specialist sleep store, then you might be missing any of these extra features that help to keep your topper in position.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your mattress topper from sliding, so you don't have to throw it out in favor of a new product. I asked a panel of sleep scientists and bedding designers to recommend practical solutions incorporating items you already keep in your tool kit or linen closet. Just in case you're missing anything, I've picked out a few of my favorite products to solve the problem. I've found sheet straps and grip pads for mere pennies.
How to keep your mattress topper from sliding
Before we can solve the problem, it's important to understand why your mattress topper keeps sliding in the first place. I asked sleep scientist and bedding designer James Leinhardt for his theories.
Why does my mattress topper keep sliding?
James says that, 'in order to understand why your mattress topper might be moving around, you need to take it off the bed and have a good look at it. As you inspect, consider: are there any elasticated corners to grab hold of the mattress? Look at the material on the base and feel it for friction: could this topper realistically maintain contact with your mattress?' If, instead, you find a smooth surface without any elasticated corners or straps to grip your mattress, then it is no surprise that your topper keeps sliding.
The second explanation sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it happens. Perhaps your mattress topper is sliding because it isn't quite the same size as your mattress: either too big or too small. This often happens when you buy your mattress from one store and your topper from another, where measurements may vary. If ever you shop for another topper, be sure to consult our mattress size chart before you buy.
How to keep your mattress topper from sliding
- Buy a mattress gripper or non-slip pad: 'these are typically made from rubber or silicone to maintain friction between the mattress and the topper, helping to prevent slipping,' says Martin Seeley, Founder and CEO of MattressNextDay. The Gorilla Grip Original Mattress Slide Stopper gets a great write-up, with more than 8,000 five-star reviews from verified shoppers on Amazon. The pad features dual-sided grip to grab hold of your mattress topper and your mattress at the same time. It comes in every size, from Twin to King, with special options for Couch seats and Armchair cushions.
- Use Hook and Loop Velcro strips: I buy my Hook Loop Strips in bulk from Amazon, but you could shop a set from your local hardware store. You can get 12 pairs of strips for less than $10. Bedding designer Hafiz Shariff uses Hook and Loop strips to keep his topper from slipping and sliding. 'Simply attach one side to the corners and edges of your mattress and the other to the underside of your topper,' says Hafiz. 'Press the Velcro together to create a strong bond between the mattress and the topper.'
- Shop for sheet fasteners: also known as sheet straps, these are elasticated bands with clips on either end. Originally designed to clip onto fitted sheets, you could repurpose sheet fasteners by clipping a strap to each corner of the topper and sliding the band under the mattress. Something like the Bed Maker's Adjustable Sheet Straps would get the job done for less than $5 per pack.
- Use double-sided duct tape: I can almost guarantee that you've got some duct tape hidden away in your kitchen drawer or tool kit. If you haven't, you can pick up 8 yards of Double Sided Cloth Tape for less than $8 at Home Depot. Simply cut some strips, stick them to the corners of your mattress, and lower your topper onto the double-sided tape. 'Make sure to use cloth tape, rather than anything stronger,' advises Hafiz, 'so you don't damage your mattress or topper.'
- Get a nice, tight fitted sheet: bedding designer Parima Ijaz recommends you 'use a taut, snug, secure fitted sheet over your mattress topper for minimal movement. You're looking for something like our Pure Parima Sateen Fitted Sheets, which feature elastic corner straps and an adjustable elastic on each corner.' I can personally vouch for the quality of Parima's sheets, made from soft yet strong Egyptian cotton, but any fitted sheet would do the job, so long as it features deep pockets.
- Buy a mattress encasement: Hafiz suggests you 'use a mattress encasement that covers both your mattress and the topper and wraps them tightly together, reducing the chance of the topper shifting.' A mattress encasement is a special sort of mattress protector that covers the top, bottom, and all four sides or a mattress or topper. My favorite is the SureGuard Mattress Encasement, which comes with installation instructions for an safe, secure fit to protect against dust, dirt, and dander.
There are plenty of easy, affordable ways to keep your topper in contact with your mattress. Just because your mattress topper keeps sliding doesn't mean you need to buy a new one. Still, it's worth saying that a mattress topper is only ever a quick fix for a more persistent problem with a mattress. If you're considering buying a new topper, you might better off saving your money to buy the best mattress you can afford and solving the root of your sleep problems.
