How To Keep Mattress From Sliding - Keep Mattress From Sliding

This complete guide will help you out. Let’s take a look!

I. Why do mattresses slide?
 

1. Lack of friction

Lack of friction seems to be the biggest reason for mattress sliding. Even though a lack of friction can happen to even the best mattresses, double-sided or flippable mattresses are more prone to sliding. Both sides have a smooth cover to provide comfortable sleep but usually fail to offer friction against the beds' base.

Sometimes there is no friction between the box spring and the mattress because of the mattress cover. If the mattress cover is too smooth, it offers little or no friction, resulting in a bad grip on the bed frame. Natural and synthetic cover materials tend to provide frictionless surfaces, affecting the grip quality.

High-quality, well-built memory foam mattresses or spring and hybrid beds are usually made from non-slip, grippy material. This type of fabric creates additional resistance, preventing them from sliding.

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2. Sizing problems

Sizing might not sound like a problem at all because every mattress size is supposed to fit the size of its bed frame. However, there are possible manufacturing flaws that potentially led to incorrect standard dimensions.

The result is your mattress doesn’t fit on the bed frame well enough , causing it to slide. Sometimes a queen size bed frame has some excess space on its sides and edges, making your mattress slide off its frame.

3. Old and dirty mattresses

Old and dirty mattresses can be a common cause of sliding. Most mattresses need to be replaced every ten years. Even expensive and durable beds can start to get saggy and lose some of their support over time.

If you do not use mattress protectors under the sheets, chances are you’ll have to replace them even sooner. The longer you use your mattress, the more bodily fluids, dirt, dust, and even crumbs accumulated on it, potentially causing the bed to slide.

4. Mattress shrinkage

Mattresses shrink in size over time. Most of us spend 8 - 10 hours sleeping or sitting down on bed per day. The overall depth of the mattress shrinks and can even form an indentation. They can initially fit properly on a bed frame when you first bought them but slowly begin to slide.

The best way to prevent it from shrinking is to take good care of it and flip it over regularly to prolong its shape.

Also, there have been many cases when people compress their memory foam mattress when moving into a new house. Once they settle in, the mattress does not expand to its original size, which might cause sliding problems. Given this, make sure you compress a memory foam correctly before moving so that it will expand to its original size after inflation.

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5. Poor support

The build of your bed’s base can also make it slide. Box spring beds and platform beds have flat and smooth tops, making them slide more often. They do not have a slip-resistant, grippy bottom to prevent shifting, resulting in the cushion being pushed around.

Bed bases with rails provide better support, preventing them from moving. These rails add up a few inches above the slats, providing more space for the bed to sit in. Even though there are a few temporary solutions to add more grip to a mattress base that does not come with a built-in gripping feature, we recommend you purchase a new bed frame.

Aside from the bed’s base, the foundation’s legs can also cause mattress skidding. If you see that the mattress slides because of the legs, then chances are these legs sit on tile, wood, or vinyl floors, which offer no friction.

6. The bed frame is bigger than the mattress 

If there is a gap between the bed frame and the mattress, it naturally gives room for the bed to slide around a bit. The best solution is to get an appropriately-sized frame for the bed. Still, many people would use a mattress non-slip pad and hook-and-loop strips.

If you can’t, there are other fixes. One is to use wood planks or rolled-up towels to fill the gap between the mattress and the metal frame. This temporary solution can stop your bed from moving. However, the wood planks can splinter and damage the structure, while the towel needs to be washed regularly.

7. Bed skirts

Many people use bed skirts to cover the unsightly metal bed frames. Unfortunately, those made from synthetic materials can create a slippery layer between the brackets and your mattress. We would remove the bed skirts or replace them with cotton-made ones to keep the mattress from sliding.

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8. Constant jumping of flopping

Kids love to jump on a bed but, sometimes, so do adults... After an exhausting day at work, we usually flop onto bed. The force of your body will shift your mattress slightly, causing sliding issues over time.

So If we were asked “how to stop mattress from sliding off metal frame", we would say you’d better get into bed gently to help eliminate the sliding problem. However, if it’s not realistic, you can try hook and loop strips to keep the mattress in place.

II. How to keep mattress from sliding
 

1. Use Mattress Non-Slip Pad

The most common answer to the question “how to keep mattress from sliding on adjustable bed frame” is: use non-slip material surfaces. Mattress non-slip pads or rubber mats are inexpensive, so they’re one of the best solutions to stop the mattress sliding. You only need to place them between your mattress and bed frame to prevent mattress from sliding, and you’re done.

They are usually made from rubber or foam, and since these pads are thin, they won’t change your bed's feel. You can easily find them in local furniture stores and DIY stores. There’re also many available options on Amazon, which cost roughly around $15-$20/each.

Before buying, it’s best to make sure that you know your bed measurements to help you pick the pads' correct size. If your bed is a standard queen size, it’s 60’’W x 80’’L. If it’s a Twin XL, the size is 39’’ x 80’’.

We recommend you go a little bigger than your beds' size, as trimming it down is easy. In case you can’t find a size big enough for your bed, you can always buy two pads or mats and pair them together.

Alternatively, you can also use carpet pads or clean rubber welcome mats and cut them down to match your mattress's size. Besides, foam rubber strips can also work. Simply place their sticky side on the top of the bed frame so it can keep the mattress from slipping.

Another short-term solution is using the yoga mats, but of course, they only work as a quick fix while. Let’s say you’re ordered a non-slip pad, and while waiting for it to be delivered to your home, a yoga mat can work as a great alternative.

2. Secure the mattress with tape or hook-and-loop strips

You probably think that this sounds too easy to work as a solution, but using Velcro tape to secure the perimeter of your mattress is a great idea. Velcro is durable and can be bought in strips, making it convenient to use. You only need to choose those with strong enough adhesive backing to handle the weight of your mattress.

Placing the hook-and-loop strips around your mattress requires precision. The hook sides need to meet the loop sides. Otherwise, they won’t work. You can start with a set of strips on each corner of the mattress and check if it works. If it doesn’t, add a few more.

Some bedding retailers might recommend you purchase double-sided carpet tape to keep mattress from sliding, but Velcro tape works better. The strong adhesives of carpet tape can pull threads from the fabric cover and damage your bed.

3. Vacuum under the mattress

Sometimes the answer to the question “how to keep mattress topper from sliding” is very simple. The causes of mattress sliding might not be the mattress or bed frame materials. Perhaps there is accumulated dirt and debris under the mattress. If your pets also sleep in your bed, it’s very likely that you can find pet hair under the bed frame.

If you’ve had the mattress for a long time, this problem is normal. There is no need to purchase another mattress or do serious work to fix it.

Simply take the mattress off the bed, lean it against the wall and clean the bed frame. You only need to use a well-made vacuum cleaner to pick up dirt, debris, and pet fur (if you have pets) from the bed frame underneath.

A portable stick like the Shark HV382 Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light

or a compact handheld vacuum like the Bissell 33A1 would be the best tools for this task. Once you’re done cleaning the top of the bed frame, you might also want to vacuum the base of the adjustable bed frame and the bottom of the mattress.

Even though dust on the mattress is not as visible as dust on the bed frame, how much dirt and debris a good vacuum cleaner can pick up from your bed can surprise you. While lightweight vacuums work best on this cleaning task, robot vacuums or full-sized canister, or upright machines with a long power cord will be helpful, too.

4. Place an area rug between the bed and the floor

The solution is quite simple, as you only need to place an area rug under the bed to stop it from sliding. If chosen carefully, this area rug can even add decorative details to your room.

Even though this is probably the most stylish tip, it’s not the easiest one as you’ll need to make sure the rug is large and thick-pile. Only the high-pile area rug will allow the bed legs to create friction on the rug, keeping it firmly set.

Choosing a larger rug than the bed frame's perimeter will ensure that it is less likely to move. During the winter months, this rug also keeps your toes warm when you get out of bed in the morning.

5. Use bed rubber feet

This solution is subtle as they come in the right size for your bed feet. They’re also easy to find, with the adhesive on one side, making it easy to temporarily or permanently stick to the legs' frames with built-in screws.

6. Attach your bed frame to the wall

The last solution is to drill holes on the wall and permanently attach the bed frame to it. But you should only choose this way if other suggestions do not work, because leaving holes on the wall might make it look unsightly. Also, this method is advised for those homeowners with solid and sturdy walls only.

It’s important to note that you’ll need to place the bed exactly where you want and do a few trials first before firmly fixing it to the wall.

Alternatively, you can try moving your mattress closer to the wall. Though this method won’t stop the sliding problem completely, your bed will at least move in one direction only.

III. Tips to keep your mattress in good shape longer

Mattress sliding can be annoying as you wake up finding a part of your body is hanging over the edge of your bed. Not to mention that this problem can also lead to several health issues like sleep deprivation, back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint soreness because of uncomfortable sleeping positions.

You can try out as many solutions as you like to stop the sliding. Nonetheless, it’s best to avoid doing anything that can damage your mattress and the floor.

As you can see from the two sections above, mattress sliding can result from improper maintenance, so in this section, we’ll share with you a few tips on how to make your mattress last longer.

1. Use a mattress protector

Mattress protectors sit below your sheets. These removable bedding items are usually made from polyester or cotton and designed to repel liquid and prevent other damage like pet urine or stains.

With no visible impact, mattress protectors do not change the way the mattress feels, and they are probably one of the easiest and simplest ways to prolong your bed’s longevity.

Unlike mattresses, protectors can be washed regularly and easily, eliminating dust mites. Besides, they provide a perfect waterproof barrier to protect the bed against spills while keeping sweats, excrete oils, and shed skin cells off your mattress.

2. Make sure it has proper support

You can keep the mattress from sliding simply by making sure that it has proper support. Solid support systems will prevent early wear. However, not all mattress types are compatible with every bed mattress support system.

Box Springs, Foundation Supports, and Platform are the three most common mattress support systems. Perhaps you’re now wondering which one is the best. It depends on what type of mattress the system is designed to support.

• Box springs

Box springs are meant to be used with innerspring mattresses, so if you’re sleeping on a latex or memory foam mattress, box spring support is not a good fit.

Box spring support systems is a wooden box placed on a metal bed frame. It’s a supportive square to provide underlying support for the mattress and protect the mattress by absorbing impact.

They come in two options: cone-shaped interior coils or square coils. Both provide superior support and flexibility to extend the life of your mattress. Besides, both can help the mattress feel softer as the box springs’ coils flex in sync with the sleeper’s weight and positions.

• Platform beds

Platform beds can accommodate all mattress types, making them the most versatile support system. They have solid, flat surfaces, providing optimum comfort and support.

With low, one-piece bed frames, they support mattresses with wooden slats. As mattress owners can place their mattresses directly on the platform, they can save the extra cost for a box spring or foundation.

These economical bed support systems come in various sizes, fitting all mattress sizes from Twin to California King. Besides, they’re available in multiple design styles, from Modern, Asian to European. You can also find many models with space-saving storage drawers beneath the platform, making them an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms with limited closet space.

If you’re shopping for a new mattress to use with a platform bed, make sure you only choose a solid platform one. It's more comfortable and durable, preventing sleepers from waking up with lower back pain or a stiff neck.

• Foundations

Foundations look much like box springs with fabric covers. However, they’re made to support the mattress, and they’re not meant to distribute the sleepers’ weight and motion evenly like what box springs do.

Similar to platform beds, foundations are also made from wooden frames and slats to support the mattress. Foundations are gaining popularity these days because many people choose to use foam and memory foam over innerspring mattresses.

There are two popular types of foundations: a platform base and a bunkie board.

Platform base is a low-profile bed frame made of a series of wood beams that fit inside a supportive and solid platform with a central support beam. These platform bases replace traditional box springs, supporting memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses.

Most of them are about 8 to 10 inches, and they're meant to lift your mattress to a comfortable height, but if you prefer a low-profile base, you can always lower it down to 4 to 6 inches. They’re all easy to assemble with no specialised tools required.

Pairing them with bed frames is also easy. You only need to remove the slats and replace them with your new platform base.

Bunkie boards have recently become a popular alternative for box springs. They fit between the mattress and the surface it sits on, creating a stable and even surface. A bunkie board is typically lower than a platform base, with just around 3 to inches thick.

They’re also made of wood, particleboard or plywood, and fit with most bed frames, from metal to box springs and slatted foundation.

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3. Rotate the mattress every three months

All types of mattresses benefit from being rotated regularly. Rotating helps keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed, ensuring both sides of the mattress get equal wear. Besides, rotating it regularly also reduces the risks of dips and sagging - common signs of wear.

Though rotating a mattress sounds simple, it can significantly improve the lifespan of your mattress. Simply move your mattress 180 degrees from the head of your bed to its foot. If your mattress is single-sided, you can rotate it from end to end. If it’s double-sided, you will need to rotate from end-to-end and then turn it over.

Though we recommend you rotate your mattress every three months, it’s best to check manufacturers’ using guides as it might vary. In case you and your partner’s weight are significantly different, you should rotate your mattress more frequently to prevent the bed from dipping or sagging on one side.

4. Move your mattress carefully

How to keep mattress from sliding after moving into a new house? This question is one of the most frequently asked questions on online home care groups and forums. As briefly mentioned above, one of the reasons for mattress sliding is improper care when moving.

You can encase your mattress in plastic to avoid bending or folding. House moving services usually provide heavy-duty bags to secure your bed with tape, keeping it off from dirt and water. When you move, make sure that the mattress is kept in an upright position so that it doesn’t sag or crease in transport.

5. Put it in the sun once in a while

Airing your mattress regularly is necessary but often neglected. If it is aired regularly, it will have fewer allergens and germs than those not aired.

UV rays can help disinfect your mattress, eliminate dust mites, and prevent excess moisture from both the sleepers and humidity. So when you have a sunny day, strip the linens off and open all windows to allow the sun to shine on your mattress.

Airing the bed out for a few hours will naturally help purge it from many germs and bacteria. This simple act can be done indoors or outdoors by integrating it into your monthly home cleaning routine.

If you can air it outside, make sure that where you’re placing the mattress on is not close to puddles or wetness. Also, stay away from potential exposure to dripping. Ideally, lean your bed against the wall or a vertical beam to allow a maximum amount of sunlight to reach it.

6. Clean it regularly

Though each brand has a specific guideline on cleaning its mattress, all mattress manufacturers recommend that their customers keep the bed clean and protect it from accidents or damage.

Regular mattress cleaning will ensure a healthy sleeping environment while extending the lifespan of your bed. Read on as we share with you a few tips on how to clean your mattress correctly.

IV. How to clean your mattress properly

To prevent the mattress from sliding, we suggest a thorough mattress cleaning every three months because one of the reasons for mattress sliding is a poorly maintained bed.

Most of us spend at least 6 hours in bed every night. Imagine all of the bodily fluids, dead skin cells accumulated in our mattresses everyday. Regular cleaning can remove dust, bacteria and prevent serious problems like the build up of odor or mold.

But how can you keep this cleaning process simple and less time-consuming? By following these simple steps:

1. Gather necessary mattress cleaning tools and materials

You will need:

• A vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachments
• A small bowl
• Clean towels
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Spray bottles
• Blow dryer
• White vinegar
• Clean water

2. Strip the bed

Take off sheets, mattress covers, pillowcases, blankets from your bed. It’s now the best time to put them in the washing machine while you clean the mattress.

Your pillows and mattress toppers should be washed as well, but you might need to check the care label to see if they’re washable first. The best mattress topper and pillows usually include a user guide in which manufacturers provide instructions on how to wash them.

3. Vacuum the mattress

In the above section, “how to keep the mattress from sliding", we’ve advised you to vacuum underneath the mattress. So after vacuuming bed frames, you also need to clean the mattress as well.

A powerful vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment would be helpful for this task. This accessory is usually 4 to 6’’ wide, helping users effectively direct a band of suction over upholstery fibers. It’s the perfect tool to pick up dirt and debris caught in the fabric strips.

4. Clean the stains

Spot cleaning or stain cleaning requires extra caution because many types of mattresses are not supposed to get wet at all.

Simply follow the two steps below to get rid of sweat, urine, vomit, blood, and the likes:

• Spray the cleaner onto a piece of clean white cloth, then use it to blot the stained spot.
• Apply cold water to a different clean cloth, continue blotting until the stain goes away.

By repeating these two steps, you can gradually remove the stains without using too much moisture and cleaner.

5. Use baking soda to sprinkle the entire mattress

We already recommend that you air your mattress out by putting it under the sun. However, during the winter months, airing it out doesn’t sound practical. Instead, you can use baking soda to absorb moisture and odors.

Simply use a strainer to sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda all over the top of the mattress, then leave it for at least several hours. Open all the windows in the room and let the light and outdoor air in.

Once the baking soda has done its work, you can vacuum it off the mattress.

6.  Flip the mattress

After getting one side of the mattress cleaned, flip it over and repeat steps 1 to 5 to ensure that both sides are equally clean. The underside might not have stains, but you still need to vacuum it thoroughly, especially if you have pets.

To keep the mattress from sliding, sanitizing it should be one of the first solutions one should think of. Unsanitary mattresses tend to harbor allergens, sweat, stains, making them easy to glide off their frames.

Now you’ve known how to keep your mattress clean, but not all cleaning products are safe to use. In the following sections, we’ll share with you a few natural methods to sanitize mattresses. Read on as we explore more!

V. Simple solutions to naturally sanitize the mattress
 

1. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is quite similar to dry cleaning. You only need a handheld steamer to break up stains and get rid of dust mites. One helpful tip is to avoid soaking up the mattress, so it’s best to use only short bursts of steam when cleaning.

2. Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaner works great on tough stains and odors, not only on mattresses but also carpets. You can quickly make this natural cleaner at home by using kitchen scraps. Below are what you’ll need:

• 4 cups of filtered water
• One teaspoon of bakers’ yeast
• 2 cups of citrus rinds (or other kitchen scraps like oranges, pineapples, kiwis)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1-gallon glass jar

Here are the instructions, step by step:

• Place the citrus rinds in the jar, add water.
•  Screw on the lid, shake it well, mix them all. Now you can place them in a dark cabinet to let them ferment.
• Shake the mixture twice a day, unscrew the lid to release pressure from the jar.
• Strain the liquid into a spray bottle after four weeks. You can also squeeze the solid scraps to get any remaining enzymes.

Now apply this home-made enzyme cleaner to the affected area of your mattress, leave it to sit for a few hours. Next, you can take a damp cloth and blot the stain, then allow it to air dry and vacuum the entire bed to get rid of the moisture.

3. Antibacterial Spray

The antibacterial spray works just as well as steam cleaning. It helps to kill germs, bacteria and break up sweat stains, but bleach sprays might damage the mattress fiber.

We recommend that you pick bleach-free wipes only. Another important note is that not all non-bleach disinfectants can be used on mattresses. Some are made for countertops, doorknobs, light switches only. Given this, you’d better reach the label carefully and make sure that the sprays you purchase can be used on fabric.

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The bottom line

Before finding out how to keep mattress from sliding, it’s best to identify the causes of mattress sliding first. Once learning why your mattress slides, you’ll figure out what the most suitable solution for your problem is.

We’ve explored some of the most common reasons for a sliding mattress and how to fix it. Keeping the mattress in good shape is the key to preventing it from sliding, so we also provided tips on cleaning and maintaining your bed. We hope this complete guide is helpful for you.