Waking up still tangled in sheets while half your mattress topper has slid off to the floor is annoying. Stop ruining your sleep, damaging your mattress topper, and making making the bed seem like an Olympic sport!
We’ve tried and tested 7 ways to keep your mattress topper from sliding around in the UK. They range from super cheap DIY fixes to specially designed products.
Here’s how to stop your mattress topper from sliding around. We’ll break down which solutions work best with which type of mattress/topper combination:
Why Is Your Mattress Topper Sliding?
Knowing the “why” will help you choose a solution:
Opposing Materials: Materials like memory foam against polyester mattress coverings stick and slip against each other.
Nothing to Anchorage It: Feather/fibre toppers lack weight, making them want to move around.
Too Smooth: Smooth leatherette divan bases or adjustable bed frames offer nothing for your topper to grip onto.
Size Creep: Is your mattress slightly smaller than your bed? Your topper will creep towards the floor every time you move.
Best Methods for Stopping Your Mattress Topper from Sliding
1. Non-Slip Mattress Topper Pad (Best Overall)
This underlayer goes between your mattress and your mattress topper.
On one side, it sticks to your mattress. On the other, it sticks to your mattress topper.
They’re made specifically to solve slipping. They work with all mattress topper materials/types.
Buy this if you have a slippery-feeling mattress topper like memory foam or feathers.
Tips for UK Buyers: Search “rubberised waffle grip mattress topper pad” or “non-slip mattress underlay.” Check that it’s breathable. Get the size to fit your bed (UK King, not US King, etc.). Departments stores like Dunelm and John Lewis sell them too.
PROS:
- Very effective
- Cheap
- Easy to use
- Protects against moisture absorption
CONS:
- Can feel a bit plasticky
- Need to remove to air your mattress
2. Deep-Fitted Sheet / Topper-Specific Sheet (Good Simple Fix)
Take your deep-pocketed fitted sheet and place your mattress and topper inside, together.
The elasticated skirt acts like a bear hug for your mattress + topper, holding them together.
Buy this if you have a fairly thin mattress topper (8-10cm thick or less).
UK Sizing Tip: Measure your mattress + mattress topper height. UK standard deep pockets are ~30cm. You’ll probably want an “Extra Deep” fitted sheet (35cm-45cm pocket size). Most major mattress/topper retailers in the UK sell deep-pocket sheets, like Soak & Sleep or Bedsocks.
PROS:
- It doubles as your bottom sheet, so very tidy
- Adds extra anchorage/stability
CONS:
- May struggle with ultra-thick or very slippery mattress toppers on their own. Might need to use this with a non-slip pad
- Have to buy a new sheet
3. Bed Suspenders / Sheet Straps (Works with Anything)
Sheet straps are elastic straps with clips. You stretch them underneath your mattress to clip the topper (or sheet) to the corners of your bed.
Imagine they form a secure web of tension, keeping your mattress topper pinned to the bed.
Buy these if you have a very thick mattress topper (>10cm) or heavy latex topper that nothing else can handle.
UK Tip: Look for “Mattress Topper Grippers” or “Non-Slip Sheet Straps“. Check the clips are sturdy and won’t damage your mattress fabric.
PROS:
- Super secure
- Works with any mattress/topper thickness
- Adjustable strength
CONS:
- A bit of faff to fit
- Could be uncomfortable if you have a very soft mattress
4. Anti-Slip Rug Tape or Dots (Good In-a-Pinch Hack)
Rug tape is double-sided tape that has a grippy texture on both sides (think fuzzyfelt but rubbery). It’s used to keep rugs from sliding around on your floors.
Instead, use it to stick strips/patches to your mattress or bottom of your mattress topper to increase friction.
Buy this if you need to stop minor shifting on a guest bed. Or as a temporary solution while you order a proper non-slip pad.
UK Warning: Please don’t use standard industrial-strength adhesive duct tape or similar. It will melt your fabrics! Only buy carpet-specific, removable double-sided anti-slip tape.
PROS:
- Incredibly cheap
- Easy to find at hardware stores
CONS
- Adhesive will eventually fail. Ruin your washing routine.
5. Mattress Encasement (Most Effective but Overkill)
A mattress encasement is basically a zip-up cover that covers your mattress and mattress topper together.
Since everything is contained within a single unit, there’s no way for it to shift around.
Buy this if You want full coverage from dust mites, bed bugs, allergens, spills, and won’t be defeated by a topper sliding.
UK Buying Note: Make sure you buy a mattress encasement that will fit over your mattress AND mattress topper. Sizes don’t always include the extra bulk. Look for breathable waterproof mattress protectors.
PROS:
- Can’t move around at all
CONS:
- More expensive than other options
- Can get hot
- Hassle to remove and wash
6. The “Layer & Tuck Method” (Freebut Ineffective)
Get a non-slip mattress pad or something else with a high friction bottom (like an old camping blanket) and place it between your mattress and mattress topper. Then… Make sure the non-slip pad is larger than your mattress topper and tug the excess material tightly under the mattress.
Why does it work? The friction of the non-slip layer, and tension from the “tuck” create friction.
Buy this if you have a feather or fibre topper and are on a budget.
PROS:
- FREE if you already have a spare blanket
CONS:
- Creates lumps in your bed
7. Non-Slip Shelf Liner (Another Quick Hack)
You know that sticky, grid-like rug you put in drawers to keep cutlery from sliding? Yep, that stuff.
Cut some to the size of your bed and place it between your mattress and mattress topper.
The rubbery mesh provides tonnes of friction to keep your mattress topper in place.
Buy this if you have a memory foam mattress topper. It works EXCEPTIONALLY well with the weight of memory foam.
Note for UK Buyers: Sold in IKEA, B&Q and on Amazon as “Grip Liner.”
PROS:
- Super grippy
- Cheap
- Can cut to exact size
- Machine washable
CONS:
- Difficult to keep flat when you’re putting your sheets on
- May need multiple liners to cover your whole bed
Decision Guide: Which Solution is Right For You?
Do you have a thin or lightweight mattress topper? -> Start with a Non-Slip Mattress Pad.
Do you have an extremely thick/heavy mattress topper? (latex) -> Use Bed Suspenders.
Do you want by far the simplest, integrated solution? -> Get some Extra Deep Fitted Sheets.
Is your bed sliding around right now and you need a cheap solution for tonight? -> “Layer and Tuck” or use Shelf Liner.
Types of Mattress Topper and What Works Best
Memory Foam/Latex: It’s heavy. Use something like a non-slip pad or shelf liner to take advantage of its weight. Both will usually be enough friction to prevent your foam topper from creeping around.
Feather/Down: These slide around A LOT and are very light. You need something to anchor it down AND something to stick it to the bed. Get a non-slip pad and a deep fitted sheet to go over it.
Wool: Wool has some natural grip to it. A deep fitted sheet will likely suffice.
On a Memory Foam Mattress: Memory foam toppers love sliding around on memory foam mattresses. The surface area friction is very high. A rubberised non-slip pad is a MUST to break them apart.
FAQs
Q: Will a mattress protector keep my mattress topper from sliding?
A: Not usually. Most mattress protectors are made out of slippery polyester. Some mattress protectors are rubber backed or offer non-slip features (such as many waterproof mattress protectors). It’s much better to use a designated non-slip pad underneath your mattress topper and then a mattress protector over it.
Q: Can I just sew/stick my mattress topper to the mattress?
A: Do not do this. You will ruin the internal structure of your mattress and topper. Likely create lumps in your mattress. Void any warranties. There are gentle ways to keep your mattress topper in place. Don’t stab it with needles.
Q: The edges of my mattress non-slip pad are curling up. What should I do?
A: Make sure you bought one that fits your bed perfectly. If it’s too big, you can tuck the edges underneath your mattress. If it’s a cheap PVC pad, it may curl up on you. Consider buying a nicer quality gripper pad with fabric edges.
Q: Do those mattress topper straps actually work?
A: You bet. If you have a thick/heavy mattress topper they’re fantastic. We recommended bed straps for very thick/heavy toppers like latex or 4-inch memory foam that nothing else will keep in place.
Our Recommended Topper Set Up (for Ultimate Security)
If you’re lazy like us and just want one recommended method to stop your mattress topper from sliding, here it is:
Start with your mattress.
Add a Non-Slip Mattress Pad that fits your bed perfectly. (Make sure you cut it to size if it’s too big.)
Then add your mattress topper on top.
Lastly, get an extra deep fitted sheet to stretch over all 3 layers.
For super thick/heavy mattress toppers add Bed Suspenders on top of the fitted sheet at the corners.
Sleep Soundly, and Don’t Let Your Mattress Topper Slide
Pick a solution that works for you. Use our shopping tips to find the perfect mattress topper solution for your home in the UK.
Not sure where to start? Shop our range of high quality non-slip mattress pads and extra deep fitted sheets at MyHomeLiving.co.uk. We ONLY sell UK-sized products designed to keep your mattress topers from sliding.