How to Stop a Mattress Sliding

A mattress slides because there is no friction between it and the base. Almost every fix is about adding some, and the cheapest ones work as well as the expensive ones.

First, check the obvious cause

A mattress on a slatted frame with a surround does not slide, because the surround stops it. A mattress on a flat divan or a platform with no lip has nothing holding it. If yours has started sliding recently and did not before, something changed — usually a new mattress with a slippery quilted underside, or a protector between the two.

A waterproof protector wrapped round the base of the mattress is a very common cause. Plastic on polished wood has almost no friction.

The fixes, cheapest first

1. Non-slip matting — about £5

The rubberised mesh sold for rugs and kitchen drawers. Cut a piece slightly smaller than the mattress and lay it between mattress and base. This solves the problem outright in most cases and it also improves airflow underneath, which is a second benefit for nothing.

2. Velcro strips — about £8

Heavy-duty hook-and-loop, adhesive side to the base, sewn or stuck side to the mattress. Effective and invisible. Do not stick adhesive Velcro directly to a mattress cover you may want to remove and wash — attach it to a protector instead.

3. A fitted sheet over both

A deep fitted sheet stretched over the mattress and the top of the base binds the two together. Free if you already own a deep sheet, and it also stops a topper wandering.

4. A rubber-backed mattress protector

Solves sliding, but adds a non-breathable layer. Choose one with a breathable membrane rather than solid PVC.

5. Add a surround or stop rail

A timber batten screwed to the base at the head end gives the mattress something to push against. Ten minutes with a drill and the problem never returns.

What not to do

• Do not use double-sided carpet tape. It bonds to the mattress ticking and tears it when you next move the bed.
• Do not wedge something under one end. You will introduce a slope and, over time, a permanent bend in the mattress.
• Do not ignore it. A mattress that shifts every night wears unevenly at the edges and the corners take the abuse.

If it is the topper sliding rather than the mattress

Elastic corner straps are the designed answer, and every topper we make has them. If they are not enough on a very slippery quilted surface, a fitted sheet over both is the fix — see toppers, pads and protectors.

Common questions

Is a sliding mattress a fault?

No, and no guarantee covers it. It is a friction problem between two objects.

Does a heavier mattress slide less?

Somewhat, but weight is no substitute for friction. A heavy latex mattress on a polished platform still moves.

Will non-slip matting damage the mattress?

No, and open mesh actually helps the underside breathe.