The pesky gap between your mattress and headboard can cause a lot of disturbance and discomfort after you lose your pillows for the umpteenth time. If you’ve ever had to get up in the middle of the night just to reclaim pillows that were stuck in the gap, you know just how annoying these disruptions to a good night’s sleep are.
On top of that, these gaps can be a health hazard to your children, as they might get their necks or legs stuck inside these gaps with dire consequences. Whether these gaps are due to a small mattress on a large bedframe or adjustment issues, we will help you plug the gap and have a good night’s sleep in this article.
The gap between Mattress and Headboard
The gap between a mattress and a headboard is not always a design flaw, as a small gap makes it easier for you to change their sheets.
While this gap is an intentional part of bed design, it can be really annoying if you sleep close to the headboard and lose your pillows to the gap. If you are using a bedframe with this gap built in, then you are generally stuck with it, but you can use tools like bed frame gap fillers to prevent your pillows falling victim to this design quirk.
Ways to Fix your Bed Frame Gap
If your bedframe has a gap between the mattress and headboard built in, then your options are limited, though you can use gap fillers or gap eliminators. There are many pre-made gap fillers on the market, but you can always improvise a filler of your own, which we discuss below:
1. Wedge or Mattress Extender
Using a wedge pillow is the best solution for those pesky gaps between your mattress and headboard, especially if you sleep too close to the headboard, as it completely blocks the gap. Just like the name implies, a wedge is a long, angular piece of foam that is designed to perfectly plug this gap. Pillow wedges come in a variety of different sizes and shapes to suit twin-size headboards or super king size headboards alike, so don’t despair.
Mattress extenders are similar in function to wedges, as they fill the gap with cushioning foam that supports you like a mattress. You can either place these foam extenders between your mattress and headboard or your mattress and footboard.
2. Fill the Gap with Pad
Another great way of hiding small gaps is to use upholstered headboard padding, as it will make your headboard look sleek and modern whilst hiding that annoying crack. These pads are normally built into the headboards and provide support to the pillows, so this solution best suited to small gaps. However, padding should not be used on your children’s beds, as it does not fill the gap and your children can still get their hands or feet stuck inside the space.
3. Use Wooden Boards
If you know your way around a saw and sander, then you could always go the DIY route and use wooden boards to fill the gap: Measure the size of your headboard and the height of your mattress, taking special notice of the gap between. Cut out boards of the same size, making sure they fill the width with the gap perfectly, then push the mattress fully to the headboard and place these boards inside the gap.
4. Adjustable base
If you’re willing to make a serious investment in your bed, then we recommend you get an adjustable base for your bed, as it solves the gap problem and adds functionality. These adjustable basses are power-operated base that can be adjusted in a wide variety of ways, allowing you to elevate your head, feet and side however you wish.
5. Get Rid of the Headboard
If all these solutions sound like a lot of fuss, you could always get rid of your headboard altogether: After all, headboards aren’t mandatory and you could always push your bed to the wall. Alternatively, try hanging a tapestry behind your bed for aesthetics, or use a wooden board or folding screen as an alternative to your headboard.
Ways to Fix Your Mattress and Headboard Gap
You may be using a mattress that is a different size to your bed frame without realizing it: Queen-size mattresses won’t fit well with super king size headboards or bed frames, causing your mattress to slide and move because of the extra space on the base of your bed. You can’t solve this problem just by using a filler between the headboard and mattress, so you may need to buy a new mattress or frame is this is the case.:
Change your Mattress
If your mattress is too big or too small for your bedframe, then replacing it might be the best way to get rid of that pesky headboard gap. Make sure you know the exact size of your bed frame and buy a mattress of matching size to avoid any kind of gaps.
Change Your Bed Frame
If your bedframe is looking a little tired but your mattress is still going strong, you should consider replacing your bedframe with a newer (or at least better sized) model: Choose a bed frame that will fit your mattress perfectly, and make sure you pick one that supports the mattress from all sides to prevent the mattress from sliding around.
Replace your Headboard
If your headboard is separate to your bedframe, than it may not be a perfect fit, creating weird gaps between the headboard, bedframe and mattress. Headboards should be the same size as your bedframe and mattress, so consider replacing your headboard if it’s not a good fit for the rest of your bed.
Space between your Mattress and Headboard
If your mattress isn’t properly supported or secured by the bedframe, it may move during the night, resulting in pesky gaps that your pillows may get stuck in. Fortunately, using rubber or yoga mats between the mattress and frame will help to prevent unwanted movement, as will non-slip mattress pads, which can easily be bought online.
Ways to Fix Your Bed Frame
If your mattress and bed frame are the same size, then there’s a high chance that your bed frame needs a quick fix. Fortunately, there are some simple adjustments you can do to eliminate the gap between your mattress and headboard, including:
Push Your Mattress Closer to the Headboard
If the gap between the mattress and headboard is larger than it should be, try pushing your mattress closer to the headboard. This will make the gap smaller, preventing pillows and other things from getting in it, so remember to push your mattress back every time if it slides off.
Remove Any Obstructions
If your mattress is not touching the headboard even after you try to push and slide it, there may be something in the way. If you suspect an obstruction, remove the mattress, clear the area between mattress and headboard, then replace the mattress and push it into place to get rid of the gap.
Adjust Your Boxspring
If you’re using a box spring to support your mattress, then this is one more thing that could be causing the gap between mattress and headboard if it is off-center. If you suspect your box-spring, remove the mattress then push your box-spring to the end of the bed and replace your mattress on top.
Adjust the Bed Frame
If you’ve tried everything else, then maybe the problem lies with your bed frame: Make sure that your bed frame is properly aligned with your headboard by removing your box spring (if using) and mattress then positioning it flush with the headboard.
Bottom Line
The gaps between the mattresses and headboards can be due to many reasons, so you may need to exhaust all the possibilities to find the root cause, though the fix is usually simple. However, prevention is the best cure so you should try to get a mattress that snugly fits your bedframe or use fillers to plug any unavoidable gaps.
FAQs
Using a wedge pillow is the best solution for those pesky gaps between your mattress and headboard, especially if you sleep too close to the headboard, as it completely blocks the gap. Just like the name implies, a wedge is a long, angular piece of foam that is designed to perfectly plug this gap.
How do you fill gaps between mattresses? ›
The quickest and cheapest solution to eliminate the seam between two mattresses is a mattress wedge, which the French call pont d'amour - love bridge. It is also known as a bridge connector or a mattress gap filler.
Should a headboard sit on the mattress? ›
Should a headboard sit on the mattress? No, as a general rule, the bottom edge of the headboard should be hidden behind the mattress. Most headboards sit 3 to 4 inches below the mattress. That way, they provide proper back support when you are sitting up in bed.
Why is my bed frame longer than my mattress? ›
The bed frame dimensions should roughly match the mattress size, mattresses have standard sizes like a twin, full, or king size mattress. The size of a bed frame may have a few inches added to the width and length of a mattress. This can be because of the structure of the frame or to make space for bedding.
Is there a way to fix a dip in a mattress? ›
If you are wondering how to fix a sunken mattress, it might be time to invest in a high-quality mattress topper. To up mattress thickness, toppers are your best bet to remedy a sagging area of the mattress.
What is used as filler in mattress? ›
Cotton is used as fillers in objects like mattresses and pillows .
What is bed bridge? ›
A bed bridge is a piece of foam that is used to connect two mattresses, making them into one large mattress. The bed bridge fills the gap in-between the two mattresses so that the sleeper does not end up falling into the crack in the middle of the beds.
How far should headboard be above mattress? ›
Headboard Heights
Standard headboards are 14 inches off the top of the mattress for twin beds, 28 inches for queen beds, and 58 inches for king and California king beds. However, there are short, tall, and adjustable headboards that fall outside of this range.
Is it tacky to not have a headboard? ›
A headboard is an optional part of your bed, so it's completely fine to go without. Most people today consider headboards a decorative piece of furniture, even though there are other uses for them.
Should a headboard be wider than the mattress? ›
Typically, headboards are as wide as their compatible mattress sizes or around 2 to 4 inches wider. You may need 2 inches of space on either side of the bed to fit a headboard. When buying a new headboard, factor in this extra space so you can buy your other furniture accordingly and avoid overcrowding your room.
A bed that is too low can block the flow of chi, and a bed that is too high can create a buildup of energy and cause restlessness in the night. According to feng shui experts, the best bet is a medium-height bed with a clear and open space underneath.
Why is there a gap in my bed frame? ›
For example, your bed frame might be Queen sized, but your mattress is only Full sized. Or your bed frame is Twin-XL sized while your mattress is Twin sized. Whatever the case, the difference in sizes is what creates gaps between the components.
What to do if bed frame is too long? ›
The first thing you can do is buy a mattress extender. This is a wedge-like, soft piece of cushioning foam that can fill that annoying gap between your mattress and headboard, or mattress and footboard. You can place your pillow on top of it, and voila! The gap is sealed and out of sight!
How often should a mattress be replaced? ›
Therefore, it's important to invest in the best mattress possible, and replace it according to expert guidelines. But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Why is there a dip in the middle of my bed? ›
The weight of your mattress is not substantial enough to compress the slats, so the rigid central support bar on your frame will become the dip.
Does a mattress topper help a sagging mattress? ›
They're wonderful choices for folks who don't want to buy a new mattress but want to make their current one more comfortable. Mattress toppers do not restore a sagging mattress, but they do help to decrease the effects of sagging by providing an even sleeping surface.
Can a dip in my mattress cause back pain? ›
Unlike a sinking mattress that enfolds your whole body, a saggy mattress droops where you need support the most — usually right under your lower back. Mattress sag can cause spine misalignment, which can contribute to back pain.
How many years does a mattress last? ›
Most mattresses should last between 7 and 10 years. However, there are many variables that can influence mattress lifespan. The original build quality of the mattress, the materials used, and even the weight and sleeping styles of the sleepers can all influence a bed's longevity.
What is a mattress encasing? ›
A mattress encasem*nt is a six-sided barrier that completely covers every part of your mattress. The purpose of a mattress encasem*nt is to protect your mattress from contaminants, including moisture, mildew, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.
What is a mattress retainer? ›
Retainer bars are necessary if you choose to use a mattress other than a Sleep Number mattress with your FlexFit adjustable base. They are used to keep the mattress from sliding off when the base is raised and lowered.
What Are The Best Mattress Fillings?
- Polyester. Renowned for its hypoallergenic properties, polyester-filled mattresses are perfect for hayfever and dust mite allergy sufferers. ...
- Memory foam. ...
- Reflex foam. ...
- Cotton. ...
- Wool. ...
- Lambswool. ...
- Alpaca. ...
- Mohair.
Although you may move around in your sleep, starting in slightly different locations can help to reduce the amount of time your body is pressing on the same surface area. Use a mattress topper or mattress pad over a flat, firm mattress. A latex topper likely won't gain an impression.
How do you fix a sunk in bed? ›
How Do You Fix a Sagging Mattress?
- Flip the Mattress Upside Down. This solution is excellent for double-sided memory foam mattresses. ...
- Rotate the Bed. Sometimes, the mattress cannot be removed from the bed, so you cannot flip it upside down. ...
- Use a Mattress Topper. ...
- Use a Piece of Plywood. ...
- Inspect the Box Spring or Bed Frame.
A ripple mattress is a mattress system that is part of or is placed on a hospital bed. Its function is to lower the interface pressure between patient skin and the support medium. It achieves this by uniformly and alternatively supporting the patient contact skin area through air pressurizing of air cushions.
What is bed overlay? ›
What is a mattress overlay? A mattress overlay is a layer of cushioning that can be added to the top of a mattress to help enhance a mattress's comfort level by providing additional softness, pressure point reduction, or increased air circulation.
What is a zip link bed? ›
A zip and link mattress is quite simply two mattresses zipped together to create one larger mattress, usually a super king size, and can be used on a standard super king base or a zip and link bed base.
How do you know if your bed is too high? ›
Finding the right bed height for your height
Preferably your feet should be flat against the floor and your knees in line with your hips. However, if your knees are above your hips, the bed may be too low for you. If your knees are below your hips, or your feet can't reach the floor, the bed is too high.
What can I put above my bed instead of a headboard? ›
60 Ideas for Filling the Empty Space Above Your Bed
- Hang a map. ...
- Try three different-sized frames. ...
- Use wallpaper and nothing else. ...
- Frame a retro piece of art. ...
- Go for stability with shelves. ...
- Wallpaper a wall. ...
- Install a shelf. ...
- Art + sconces = beautiful utility.
Entrapment can happen between the end of the bed rail and the headboard if the gap is inappropriate. Avoid gaps over 60 mm which could be enough to cause neck entrapment.
Are headboards outdated? ›
Short answer is: no, headboards are far from outdated. They've got a long lifespan and will have a place in our homes for years to come. From a stylistic perspective, it all comes down to the look and feel you want to have in your room and choosing a headboard that compliments your vision.
Nowadays, headboards serve more of a decorative purpose than anything and can help elevate the look of your bedroom, tenfold. They are also a great option for smaller rooms that can't accommodate a full bed frame. And while they do look fantastic and can make for a stylish statement, they aren't a necessity in a room.
Why a headboard is important? ›
Why is a headboard important and necessary? A headboard gives support to your bed, but most importantly it protects your wall against abrasion. As well as a headboard's practical uses, a headboard can also give your bedroom a very personal touch.
What is the best position for a headboard? ›
According to sleep expert Ryan Thaker from MattressNextDay (opens in new tab), you should place your headboard on the longest wall in your bedroom. This gives the room more balance, but it will also lead to a better night's sleep.
Does a large headboard make a room look smaller? ›
Rather than making a bedroom look smaller, oversized headboards create a multifunctional area and can even give you more room to work with. We discovered 5 reasons oversized headboards are a design necessity for small spaces.
Can you use pillows instead of a headboard? ›
Perhaps you don't need or want a headboard at all, and that's a completely valid choice. Don't let your space feel unfinished though. A minor contrast in pillows combined with a piece of art will make your sleeping space feel complete without going overboard.
Why are modern beds so low? ›
Today, low beds are used in modern interior design to soften areas and feel more dynamic. The eye is drawn upwards by dropping a bed down, and because there is more space to see, the impression of a larger area is guaranteed.
Why are American beds so high? ›
Colonial beds are so high to avoid cool drafts that were close to the ground. Typically, the higher the bed off the ground, the closer it would be to the warmer air.
How high should a bed be for an elderly person? ›
Ideal Bed Height for Elderly People
But a rough ballpark figure for safe bed height is between 18” to 23”; approximately the same height as a chair.
How should a mattress fit on a bed frame? ›
The size of your bed frame should match the size of your mattress. For example, a king-size mattress should be placed on a king bed frame. If the bed frame is too big, there will be gaps on the side of the mattress. If the frame is too small, the mattress may bend or fold, which could cause sagging.
Why you shouldn't make your bed right away? ›
If you make your bed right when you wake up, you trap that moisture in the sheets allowing dust mites to thrive. Researchers found a simple solution. Leaving the bed unmade allowed the moisture to dry up reducing the dust mites in the bed.
If everything seems fine, you may be left scratching your head as to what the problem is. In this case, it could be that your mattress is simply too heavy for the bed frame - which can also cause you to roll together into the middle.
Why you shouldn't make your bed straight away? ›
This is so your skin absorbs them as opposed to your bedding. The CEO of Mattress Online (opens in new tab), Steve Adams agrees that it's 'not a good idea to make your bed straight away when you wake up, as this traps the dust mites and bacteria which are naturally left behind after sleeping.
How high should a headboard be above the mattress? ›
Standard headboards are 14 inches off the top of the mattress for twin beds, 28 inches for queen beds, and 58 inches for king and California king beds. However, there are short, tall, and adjustable headboards that fall outside of this range.
How often do you need to replace your mattress? ›
Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various factors that influence when you should replace your mattress.
When should bed rails not be used? ›
An individual risk assessment (see Appendix 1) must be completed prior to bed rail usage with any patient. Bed rails should not usually be used: • if the patient is agile enough and/or confused enough, to climb over them; • if the patient would be independently mobile if the bedrails were not in place.
What is the main cause of death from bed rail use? ›
Poorly fitting bed rails have caused deaths where a person's neck, chest or limbs become trapped in gaps between the bed rails or between the bed rail and the bed, headboard, or mattress. Other risks are: rolling over the top of the rail.
How do seniors use bed rails? ›
There are several different types of bed rails for the seniors.
...
Steps:
- Assemble bed rail.
- Position bed rail between mattress and box spring.
- Push bed rail into position until it is flush with the edge of the mattress.
- Adjust leg height to match the height of your bed.
noun. : a bed so constructed that it may be folded and stood or hung vertically in a recess or closet when not in use compare door bed.
