Tricks to Stop Pillows Slipping Behind Your Bed

Tossing and turning is inevitable during a night's sleep. As sleepers adjust positions, pillows often get knocked askew. When placed too close to the edge of the bed or headboard, pillows can easily slip over the side into the abyss behind the bed. This mishap occurs frequently if there is a gap between the headboard and the wall behind it.

Pillows that have fallen down this black hole are difficult to retrieve. Reaching down to grab them is annoying and can cause back strain. Over time, lost pillows accumulate dust and dirt. Constant compression also causes them to become lumpy and misshapen, necessitating early replacement.

Common Causes of Pillows Falling

There are three key reasons pillows end up slipping down into the nightstand void behind beds:

• Tossing and turning - Sleepers moving around inadvertently knock pillows off the bed. This jostling dislodges pillows from their position.
• Incorrect pillow placement - Putting pillows too close to the bed's edge or not centering them properly increases chances of them falling. Pillows should be positioned at least 5 inches away from the edge.
• Bed position & headboard gap - A spacious gap between the headboard and wall enables wayward pillows to disappear readily. Even the slightest gap gives pillows an opening to escape.

Problematic Consequences of Lost Pillows

When pillows vanish from sight, several annoying consequences occur that can disrupt sleep:

• Difficulty retrieving them from the cramped gap space.
• Accumulation of dust and dirt degrades pillow cleanliness and quality.
• Constant compression flattens pillow shape causing neck pain and stiffness .
• Frequent pillow replacement becomes necessary.

Clever Precautions Before Bedtime

Using the following clever tactics before climbing into bed will help thwart those disappearing pillows:

Place Bed Flush Against Wall

Eliminating the troublesome headboard gap by moving the bed to be flush with the wall leaves no room for pillows to fall behind. This completely cuts off access to the space behind the bed to prevent pillow disappearance.

Choose Non-Slip Pillows & Cases

Pillows and cases designed with non-slip fabrics or grippers significantly reduce sliding. Silky pillowcases are slippery culprits when it comes to pillow falls. Opt instead for cotton, microfiber, or textured fabrics that increase friction against standard bed sheets. Non-skid mesh strips sewn into pillowcases also restrain pillow sliding.

Secure Pillows in Snug Cases

Enclosing pillows securely in properly sized cases is important. Cases that are oversized allow too much internal pillow movement. Ensure pillowcases have a snug fit with no excess fabric and consider using ones with zipper enclosures or envelope flaps to contain pillows.

Wrap Straps Around Pillows

Restraining pillow mobility can be achieved by strapping them down. Securing straps completely underneath the mattress anchors pillows firmly in position. Straps can be velcro, elastic bands, or specially designed metal braces with clamps.

Wedge Pillow Stoppers in Place

Wedge-shaped pillow stoppers braced behind pillows obstruct them from slipping backwards. These rigid barriers come in various sizes and can be positioned against both headboards and wall gaps.

DIY Solutions For Existing Bed Gaps

For beds not positioned fully flush to the wall, the gap space needs special attention. Clever DIY fillers serve as excellent pillow blockers by plugging this space:

Everyday Household Item Pillow Blockers

Odd items around the house transform into handy gap fillers:

• Rolled up towels or pool noodles wedged deeply into the gap.
• Chopped foam tubing stacked to desired height to fill void.
• Packed row of rolled up t-shirts, blankets or other fabric items.

Inflatable & Foam Bed Gap Fillers

Custom solutions for awkward bed gap spaces include:

• Inflatable bumpers that adjust to fit gap width.
• Sturdy foam blocks cut to properly fill space.
• Bed rails with adjustable height settings installed to eliminate gap.

Retrieval Methods for Fallen Pillows

Even with all precautions taken, a pillow may still occasionally elude defenses and fall out of sight. Swift action is then required to regain the pillow without strain or struggle:

Use a Grabber Tool

Keep a handy grabbing tool near the bed to securely clamp onto the pillow for easy extraction without back strain.

Temporarily Pull Bed Away From Wall

Carefully pull the bed forward a few inches to better access the tight space behind. Retrieving pillows is easier with improved visibility and range of motion. Replace bed flush against the wall afterwards.

Briefly Lift Mattress Upright

A more labor intensive but very effective approach is to temporarily lift up your mattress and prop it vertically against the headboard to grab pillows from the newly exposed gap.

Proper Pillow Maintenance

To maximize pillow longevity despite those occasional unfortunate falls behind the bed:

Frequently Wash Pillows

Regularly washing pillows eliminates accumulated dust mites, skin cell bacteria, and other allergens picked up over time. A thorough cleaning revitalizes pillows.

Replace Misshapen Pillows

Inspect pillows frequently and replace ones that become overly flattened or lumpy. This maintains healthy neck support and comfort.

Freshen Pillows Between Washes

To keep pillows smells fresh, use scented inserts or periodic spritzes of essential oil pillow mists.

Additional recommendations ensure pillows stay firmly anchored all night long:

• Avoid overloading bed with too many pillows. Limit to 1-2 per person.
• Check pillowcases have proper tapered fit and are not overpacked.
• Before getting into bed, verify pillows are correctly positioned at least 5 inches from edges.
• Periodically check pillow placement has not shifted throughout the night after position changes or getting in and out of bed.

With a few precautionary steps, pillows don't need to be in the bed. Place effective fillers to block gaps, secure pillows tightly into their cases, and keep your bed pushed firmly against the wall. Soon you can enjoy undisturbed nights with every pillow exactly where it belongs.