Keep Mattress From Sliding On Boxspring

Question: I am having a problem keeping my mattress in place…

It slips and slides and starts hanging off the boxspring seems like I might as well put it on the floor since that’s where it nearly ends up.  I’ve tried this rubbery stuff and it doesn’t help at all. Some of us have to buy the cheaper beds as we don’t have the luxury to buy expensive beds that won’t move around. What would you suggest to help with the problem?

Answer:

I have received several questions along these lines and our goal is to give some real detail to help everyone with similar issues.  While we do see this problem a little more with entry level mattresses that cost less the problem of mattresses moving around happens with more expensive versions as well. I suspect the reason your attempt to stop the mattress from sliding out of position did not work is the same reason rubbery stuff sometimes doesn’t keep area rugs in place.  Slick floors like laminates, hardwoods and tiles need plenty of grippy material to keep them from sliding.  Mattresses with slick finishes are no different; however most include a surface with a good nonskid surface material on top of the boxspring to keep them in place. Whatever is put underneath needs to have an adhesive type quality to help hold it in place. Below are some examples if your mattress is moving and you want to stop it.

Natural Rubber Rug Pad:

All rubber or polymer /polyester coated rug pads coated pads are usually a minimum 1/8″ thick and have holes. These holes have a honey comb or waffle like texture that act as a void where the mattress is not coming in contact with the rubber potentially causing less grip. Sizes are commonly available in 4 x 6, 5 x 8, and 8 x 10 sheets. Keep in mind the best underlay should be only slightly smaller than the mattress size itself which will be most affect at keeping it stuck in place.

Felt Rug Pad:

One side is made with a thick felt rug pad and includes a rubber backing designed to grip. They are offered in large sheets that come 4 x 6, 5 x 8, and 8 x 10. Ideally you want the underlayment to be 1 inch smaller than the mattress just as if you were installing it under an area rug. Trimming them to size is easy. Non-slide rug pads are typically 1/4″ thick, where most rubber ones are half of that at 1/8″. The thicker felt pads include a solid rubber backing which will be most effective at keeping the mattress from sliding and locked into place.

Shelf liner:

Shelf or drawer lining is a cheap low cost version of the natural rubber pad version mentioned earlier. Rubber shelf/drawer liner is a decent idea people frequently try when they are trying to save money.  Lower cost to produce and the fact that it comes in small rolls helps keeps cost down. For some people a couple rolls will get the job done. The rolls are strips usually around 12 and 24 inches wide. Lengths vary greatly but 48” and 60” inches long are common.  For mattresses that do not slide around too bad this can be very affective. It is recommended to add multiple pieces until sliding is minimized or stopped. For bad sliding problems this usually is not enough to keep the mattress in place and secure it from sliding around.

Double sided carpet tape:

Some people say they have used double sided carpet tape. (We have never tried this) If you try it let us know how and if this worked for you.