How to keep a mattress from sliding: Easy fixes

Your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation. However, a sliding mattress can be frustrating. Whether getting in and out of bed or changing sleeping positions, the last thing you need is a sliding mattress. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent it from happening.

What causes a mattress to slide?

There are several reasons why your mattress might slide, but closely inspecting your bed should reveal the main cause of the problem. 

Lack of friction

A lack of friction between the mattress and the bed base usually causes the mattress to slide. Smoother materials, like those used in cheaper quilted mattresses or on the underside of single-sided mattresses, may lack traction and be more prone to sliding.

The mattress is smaller than the bed base

When pairing a mattress with a bed base, it is essential to ensure the two are compatible and the same size. A mattress that is smaller than the bed base will be more prone to sliding around.

Adjustable beds, for example, typically require a mattress that is 200 cm long. However, most standard single mattresses are only 190 cm long, leaving a gap at the bottom where the mattress can slide.

Even if the mattress and bed base are the same size, there may still be a slight gap. This is common when placing a mattress on a bed frame. New mattresses can sometimes contract during shipping, so the gap may be bigger than expected. While this can cause initial sliding, the mattress should return to its normal size with regular use.

Mattress weight

A mattress’s weight often reflects its quality. Higher-quality mattresses contain more materials, making them heavier and less likely to slide. In contrast, cheaper mattresses, such as those containing synthetic materials, tend to be lighter and more prone to moving around.

The size of the mattress can also affect how much it slides. Smaller mattresses, like singles, are lighter and more likely to slide than larger ones.

Lack of support

An uneven or unsupportive bed base can cause a mattress to slide. For example, if you place a new mattress on an old base, it will conform to its shape and dip in the same areas, creating an uneven surface. Similarly, if the slats on a bed frame are too far apart, the mattress will sag between the slats and result in some extra movement.

The type of slats can also have an impact. Sprung slats are typically smoother than solid slats, which may cause the mattress to slide more. However, it’s important to check the condition of the slats before placing your mattress on them. While solid slats offer more traction, splinters or rough spots can damage the mattress.

If the bed isn’t level because of uneven flooring or it hasn’t been assembled correctly, this can also cause the mattress to slide.

Bed frame style

The type of bed frame can also affect how much the mattress slides. Mattresses that sit inside an enclosed frame are less likely to move. In contrast, mattresses are more likely to slide on frames without side rails or a footboard, as they aren’t enclosed and can, therefore, slide more easily. This is common with metal bed frames and slatted ottoman beds.

Your mattress is past its best

If your bed and mattress are unprotected or not kept clean, they can quickly collect dust, debris, sweat, and bodily fluids. This can make the surfaces slippery, causing your mattress to slide around.

Furthermore, an old, unsupportive mattress can lead to poor sleep and frequent tossing and turning, which can cause the mattress to move around during the night.

How to stop a mattress from sliding

There are several ways to stop your mattress from sliding.

Use a breathable blanket or duvet

A simple, cost-effective way to stop a mattress from sliding is to place it on a clean, breathable blanket or duvet that covers the entire underside.

Use a mattress pad

If you’re using a slatted bed frame, placing a mattress pad on top of the slats protects the mattress from splinters and indentations and prevents it from sliding.

Keep your bed clean

Regularly cleaning your mattress and bed base should be part of your routine. Keeping these surfaces free from dust and debris promotes a healthy, hygienic environment and helps prevent your mattress from sliding.

Using a good-quality mattress protector provides an effective barrier against dust, debris, stains and spillages. It also ensures your mattress remains in good condition.

Try Velcro strips

For single-sided mattresses, you can use Velcro pads on the non-sleeping underside to prevent sliding.

Avoid using Velcro strips on mattresses with removable or stretch covers, as the material can snag. Also, avoid using Velcro strips on double-sided mattresses. Applying it to a sleeping surface can damage the cover and prevent you from using both sides.

Mattress grippers

Mattress grippers are another option to prevent sliding. These slip-resistant pads are placed between the mattress and bed base to keep it in place. They can usually be cut down to size so they are not visible when the mattress rests on the bed base.

Change your bed

Older mattresses are more prone to sliding due to natural wear and tear. Over time, dust and dirt build up on the surface, making it more slippery, while the material wears down and loses traction. If your bed is several years old, it’s advisable to replace the mattress and the base at the same time.

Investing in a good-quality mattress can improve your sleep and stop your mattress from sliding.

Check the condition of your bed base, ensuring it provides a flat, even surface, and there are no loose components that could damage the mattress. Avoid placing a new mattress on an old worn-out bed base. Not only could it damage the mattress, but it might also affect your mattress warranty.

If replacing the bed base, divans are a popular option. Many divans have an anti-slip surface to provide extra grip and prevent the mattress from sliding. Alternatively, a tighter-fitting bed frame can also stop your mattress from sliding. However, it helps to maintain a small gap between the frame and the mattress so you can tuck in your bedding.

Invest in a bigger bed

Partner disturbance is a common cause of poor sleep. A bigger bed provides more space for each person, reducing the chances of disturbing one another. This extra space can improve sleep quality, minimise tossing and turning, and help prevent mattress sliding. Also, larger mattresses are usually heavier, making them less likely to move around. 

Attach a headboard

Attaching a headboard to a divan base can help reduce mattress sliding. Most divans allow you to screw a headboard on either end, so you could also attach a footboard to prevent the mattress from sliding off the bed.

However, if you choose the wrong type of headboard, it could make the problem worse. For example, curved headboards or those with pillow stops may push the mattress forward if not properly adjusted. This could cause the mattress to shift and overhang the edge of the bed base.

Can you put a mattress on the floor to stop it sliding?

Although it may be tempting to place your mattress on the floor to stop it from sliding, it’s not recommended. Sleeping on the floor exposes you to cold air, pests, and dust.

The lack of ventilation underneath the mattress can also lead to mould and mildew. 

How to stop a mattress from sliding on an adjustable base

Most adjustable beds have a retainer bar at the foot of the base to prevent the mattress from sliding off during use. A missing retainer bar is one of the main reasons a mattress slides on an adjustable base. You can purchase replacement retainer bars from most manufacturers and retailers. Attaching them to your bed is usually straightforward.

Final thoughts

There are several ways to prevent your mattress from sliding. Some measures may be more effective than others, so you may need to experiment to find the best solution.