How to Prevent Sheets from Slipping Off a Bed

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 3, 2022 References

If your sheet keeps popping off and moving around, you know how annoying it can be! However, you're not the only one with this issue, so you'll find plenty of solutions to help you out. You can try suspenders or straps, for instance, to help hold your sheets in place. You can also try things like picking better-fitting sheets or placing non-slip rug grips underneath the corners.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Stretchy Straps to Hold Your Sheets

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These bands are basically like large rubber bands that fit over the mattress. They fit over the top and bottom of the mattress. You can find them online, at some big box stores, or at a household item store. Choose the bands based on the size of your bed.
Stretch out 1 band. Find the locking mechanisms. These should be on either side of the mattress. Slide the band onto 1 side at the top of your mattress, go above and below the mattress. Go to the other side and pull the band down on that side. It should be about 1 foot (30 cm) down the mattress. Do the same with the bottom band. Put on your fitted sheet.^{[1]
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Next, put the fitted sheet on the bed like you normally would. You're putting the fitted sheet on over the bands, which will help hold it in place.^{[2]
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The bands should come with knobs that fit into the locking mechanism. Place a knob on each locking mechanism. Click the knob in place over the fitted sheet. Place the rest of your sheets on the bed per normal.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Suspenders to Secure the Sheet

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Suspenders go across the corners of the fitted sheet. Suspenders can have metal clips or plastic locking mechanisms, where a knob fits into place on the other side. Lock them into place on the corners, about 6 inches (15 cm) out on either side of the corner seam. Put the sheet on the bed, tucking the suspenders under the mattress.
Cut a short length of elastic. Use elastic that's 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide or so. A length of about 6 inches (15 cm) should be fine.^{[4]
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Stretch out the corner of the sheet so you have about 6 inches (15 cm) of straight (not ruffled) sheet on either side of the seam at 1 corner. Mark the length on the sheet with a small safety pin on each end.^{[5]
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Use safety pins to attach the elastic to the fitted sheet. Pin the ends of the elastic at each marker. The elastic should draw the corner of each sheet together. Repeat for each corner, and then place the sheet on the bed.^{[6]
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- You can also sew these in place if you prefer.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Other Methods

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While picking sheets that fit well won't automatically stop them from popping off, it can help. Start by measuring the depth of your mattress. When you look at sheets, make sure they fit the mattress you have, as you may need deeper or shallower sheets, depending on your mattress.^{[7]
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2
Use zipping sheets for babies and kids. If your kids are constantly pulling their sheets off, you may want to switch to zipping sheets. The main part of the sheet goes under the bed, but you only put it on once. The top of the sheet zips off, so you can change it out as needed. With the zipper, the sheets stay in place.^{[8]
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- For adults, try drawstring sheets, which allow you to tighten the sheets on the bed underneath the mattress.
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Place non-slip rug corners under the mattress. You may have seen the corners that you place under rugs to keep them from moving. You can also use these for your sheets. Place 1 under each corner of the mattress, and then put the sheets on as normal. The stickiness of the corners keep the sheets in place.^{[9]
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- Foam can also work for this purpose.
Sometimes, if you have silk sheets or other smooth sheets, they're more likely to pop off. Try placing a rougher sheet underneath the fitted sheet, such as a flannel sheet, to help keep the top one from popping off.