How to Fix a Slippery Mattress on an Adjustable Frame

Adjustable bed frames are an excellent way to customize your bedtime setup to your exact needs. Whether you want to lounge and binge your favorite Netflix show, or you’re trying to combat snoring or back pain, the benefits are numerous. One thing that tends to get in the way is a slipping-and-sliding mattress that you have to constantly readjust anytime you change the settings. There are a few things that can cause this to happen, but we’ve got some tips and tricks to prevent it.

Your frame is incompatible with your mattress

Most adjustable frames are standard sizes and compatible with standard mattresses, but there’s always that chance that your frame may be too large. If there’s more than an inch or two of space at the bottom of your frame between your mattress, you may find it sliding around as you adjust the settings. Double check the dimensions of your frame and make sure you’re using the right size mattress. It might seem crazy, but sometimes things get mixed up! Measure your mattress and frame to make sure they fit together.

Your mattress needs replaced

If your mattress has been hanging around for a decade or more, there’s a chance that the support is starting to go. As your mattress loses its structure, it can struggle to hold up to the movement of an adjustable frame. If there’s a decent sized compression where you or your partner sleep, it’s probably time to shop for a new mattress with stronger support.

Not sure if your mattress has compressed? Here’s a simple test. A few hours hours after getting out of bed—so your mattress has time to bounce back from a night’s worth of sleep!—remove all of the bedding and then lay a long, straight rod across the mattress. A broom handle or measuring tape will work for this. From the foot of the bed, crouch down to eye level with your mattress. Then, at the lowest point from the level you’ve used, measure with a ruler the distance between the rod and the mattress. Be sure not to put pressure on the mattress when you measure. If the space between the mattress and the rod is more than ~1.5 inches, it’s probably time to replace it.

There’s no traction

Most mattresses have a soft cover that can easily slip on solid surfaces. To keep your mattress in place, add a non-slip material under it or even rug tape. Something as simple as a few strips of this non-slip material or Gorilla Grip drawer liner should get the job done.

Don’t have non-slip material and need an immediate fix? Here a few household items that you might have on hand:

• Velcro strips
• Yoga mat
• Rubber lining
• Shower lining