A system and method are disclosed for positioning a patient on an operating table. The patient positioning system includes a positioning pad having a body formed from a compressible material including a slip-resistant surface. The body has a thickness which increases from a first end of the positioning pad to a second end of the positioning pad. A plurality of tethers are fixedly secured to the body. Each of the tethers includes a fastening member adapted to secure the body to an operating table.