A mattress retainer bar attachment system is provided that includes a mattress retainer bar adapted to preserve a position of a mattress disposed on top of a mattress support. The mattress retainer bar includes a mattress retaining portion that engages the mattress and two U-shaped end portions for attaching the mattress retainer bar to the mattress support. Each of the U-shaped end portions engage an attachment block, which is secured to the mattress support and which includes a throughway for receiving a free end of the U-shaped end portions of the mattress retainer bar and a stop-surface for limiting the movement of the U-shaped end portion over the attachment block. The attachment blocks are configured such that the mattress retainer bar can be removably attached to the mattress support without using tools.