A split king mattress is a fantastic option for couples. While there are still many areas in life where two members of a couple need to compromise, fortunately, your sleeping surface is no longer one of them. A split king allows two people to sleep together without compromising their sleeping preferences.
However, one common problem with this otherwise perfect setup is that the two halves of the mattress can shift and move apart as you sleep. If you’re tired of drifting away from your partner every night, read on for some easy tips to keep your split king mattress together.
How to keep a split king mattress together
Since a split king mattress is essentially two twin XL mattresses put together, it’s not surprising that they may drift apart during the night—especially as you move in your sleep. Luckily, there are some easy measures you can take to prevent that from happening.
1. Secure the legs
If your mattress doesn’t have a sturdy enough support, it’s more likely to split. To give it the support it needs, secure the legs of your bed frame.
There are specialized straps you can buy to help you secure the legs. You can also use elastic bungee cords or velcro straps to help secure them and create a steadfast foundation to resist any movement.
If you have hardwood or tiled floors, you can also use non-slip furniture coasters to both protect your flooring and create an unmovable anchor for your bed frame.
2. Use non-slip pads under mattresses
Another easy low-cost solution is to use non-slip rubber pads under your mattresses. These pads (also sometimes called “mattress grippers”) are similar to the rubber pads placed under carpets to prevent them from slipping.
In this case, the non-slip pads are placed on top of the bed’s foundation and under your mattress to introduce some friction between the two and prevent the mattress from slipping around.
These rubber pads are usually trimmable, meaning you can use scissors to trim them to the right size so they perfectly align with your mattress and don’t show on the outside.
3. Connect the frames
If your two mattresses sit on separate adjacent bed frames, you can use special connectors to connect the two frames and form a single base. Connecting the bed frames can help lessen the chance of the two mattresses slipping.
4. Add a headboard
You’d be surprised but headboards aren’t there just for looks. A unified headboard can help stabilize your bed frame and make it easier to maintain the mattresses aligned with the bed frame.
5. Install a mattress bridge
If nothing else helps, or if you can still feel the gap between the mattresses and it interferes with your sleep, there’s one more thing you can try: install a mattress bridge between the two mattresses.
A mattress bridge (or a bed bridge) is essentially a wedge, typically made of foam, that has been specially designed to fill the gap between the two mattresses.
Ideally, you want two people to properly install the bed bridge, but installing it is pretty simple. Simply move the two parts of your split king as close together as possible and place the mattress bridge between them.
You’ll likely find that in addition to preventing the mattresses from moving, the mattress bridge also makes them more comfy: Should you want to cuddle together in the middle of the bed on a cold winter night, the mattress bridge will help you not feel the boundary between the mattresses.
One caveat, though: This isn’t the best solution for an adjustable split king base as installing the wedge will prevent the two bases from operating independently.
6. Add a king-size mattress topper
Mattress toppers are known to enhance sleep quality as they can make your sleeping surface more comfortable—but that’s not the only thing they do. Placed on top of a split king mattress, a mattress topper might just do the job of preventing the two parts from separating.
And the added bonus, of course, is that you’ll get better sleep and extend the life of your mattress by adding another layer that protects it from dirt, dust, and body odor.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Contour5 Mattress
Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Saatva HD Mattress
This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
Check out our selection of split king mattresses
Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
FAQs
How do you fill the gap in a split king bed?
There are several easy ways to fill a gap in a split king bed. You can install a mattress bridge, add a headboard, secure and connect the legs of the frames to keep the foundation steadfast, put non-slip mattress pads between the mattress and the foundation, or use a mattress topper.
Can you fall in the crack of a split king?
It’s nearly impossible for an adult to fall into the crack of a split king mattress—however, sleeping on top of the gap might make you quite uncomfortable. To cover the gap, install a mattress bridge or use a mattress topper.
How do I keep my split king from sliding apart?
There are several easy ways to keep your split king from sliding apart. Securing the legs of the bed, adding a headboard, placing non-slip pads under your mattress, using a mattress topper, or installing a bed bridge will all do the job and prevent the two parts of the mattress from separating.
Find the best split king mattress for you at Saatva
Now that you know how to keep a split king mattress together, check out our selection of split king mattresses to find the perfect one for you.
Our
Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options
adjustable firmness mattress is available in split king and can be paired with our
Our deluxe adjustable base with even more customized comfort options
for the most customizable sleep experience for couples.
