DIY Zippered Mattress Covers: How to Choose The Best One for You

Support layers set the foundation.
Comfort layers set the feel.
The cover ties it all together.

Let’s walk through the options that turn your DIY project into a finished mattress you’ll love.

a person zipping open a diy zippered mattress cover

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This Page: A step-by-step guide to choosing a DIY zippered mattress cover.

Already know what you want?  See our ‘Where to Buy’ directory.

Introduction

Ever wonder how a stack of foam and coils becomes a mattress?

The answer is the cover.

It shapes feel, adds durability, and makes your DIY build look polished and complete.

By now, you’ve tackled the fun parts: picking out your support layers (the sturdy foundation that keeps everything aligned) and your comfort layers (the cozy top that gives you that ‘ooh-ahhh’ feeling).

With those layers in place, it’s time to talk about the final touch of mattress building: the zippered cover (sometimes called ‘ticking’ by people who love old-timey words).

Your DIY zippered mattress cover does a lot of heavy lifting. It holds your layers together and affects how your mattress feels.

The right cover can make your mattress softer/firmer, cooler, cleaner, and easier to maintain.

The good news? You don’t have to agonize over this choice. Once you understand the basic types of covers and a few clever DIY tricks, you’ll be able to pick the one that makes the most sense for your build, without second-guessing yourself.

The Two Main Types of DIY Zippered Mattress Cover

When it comes to covers, you’ll mostly be choosing between two families: knit covers and quilted covers. Both will zip your mattress layers into one tidy package, but they bring very different personalities to the bed.

Knit Covers

Think of these as the yoga pants of mattress covers: soft, stretchy, and all about body contact. Knit covers are usually made from cotton or polyester blends with a lot of give, which means they let your comfort layers shine.

If you’ve chosen latex or memory foam for your comfort layers, a knit cover will help you experience every bit of pressure relief those materials can offer.

  • Pros:
  • Maximizes the ‘hug’ and pressure relief of your foams
  • Lets you feel the full benefits of softer comfort layers
  • Breathable and flexible
  • Cons:
  • Offers little structure, can feel too ‘loose’ for some people
  • More prone to showing coil splay if you’re using pocketed coils as your support layer without reinforcement.
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Quilted Covers

Picture your favorite cozy quilt, only with a zipper. Quilted covers add a thin padded layer (often fiberfill, foam, or wool) stitched into the fabric.

This makes them more structured than knit covers, and it shows up in the feel: a quilted cover will slightly firm up your mattress build. That’s not necessarily bad. Some DIYers actually love the added stability, especially if they feel their comfort layers may be a bit too soft.

  • Pros:
  • Adds durability and stability
  • Smooths out unevenness between layers
  • Often the more affordable option
  • Great for people who prefer a touch of firmness
  • Cons:
  • Can “flatten out” the contouring of memory foam or latex
  • Slightly warmer than knits, depending on quilting material

➡️ Bottom line: If you want your comfort layers to do all the talking, go with a knit. If you’d like a little structure, firmness, or budget-friendliness, a quilted cover might be your best bet.

Cover Configurations:
More Than One Way to Zip It

Most people assume you just buy a DIY zippered mattress cover, stack all your layers inside, zip it up, and call it a day. And yeah, that actually works great.
But part of the fun of DIY mattresses is realizing you don’t have to do things the typical way. You’ve got options.

One Cover (All Layers Together)

This is the simplest and most common route. All your layers, support and comfort, go inside a single zippered cover. It keeps everything snug and aligned, and you only have one piece of fabric to contend with.

  • Great for: people who want a straightforward, polished build with no extra fuss. It’s honestly what most people do.
  • Watch out for: sometimes there is a bit of compromise when choosing a cover if you’d prefer the structure provided by a quilted cover (especially when utilizing pocketed coils as the support layer), but also want the improved body contact offered by knit covers when using quality comfort layer foams (like latex, serene foam, or memory foam).

Split-Cover (Two Separate Covers)

Here’s a slightly advanced DIYer move: put your support layer inside one cover, then use a second cover for your comfort layers (latex, memory foam, etc.).

Why bother?

  • You can mix and match feels: a quilted cover for your base layers, paired with a stretchy knit for your comfort layers.
  • Particularly useful when using pocketed coils as your support layer.

Think of it like layering clothes: one piece brings structure, the other brings stretch and softness.

👉 The takeaway: there’s no single ‘right’ way to use a DIY zippered mattress cover. You can go simple & elegant or split things up for flexibility.

Pro Tips & DIY Hacks

One of the best things about DIY mattress building is that you get access to the collective wisdom of people who’ve been tinkering with this stuff for years. Here are a few tried-and-true tricks to make your DIY zippered mattress cover setup work even better.

Add a Firm Base Layer

Many DIYers like to slip a very firm ½-inch to 1-inch foam sheet (or coco coir mat) under the support layer to create a perfectly flat, sturdy foundation. Feel free to tuck it inside the cover or just set it underneath your finished mattress. It really doesn’t change the performance much either way. Do whatever’s easier.

Double Cover, Double Flexibility

Putting your support layers in one cover and your comfort layers in another doesn’t just keep things organized, it makes it way easier to swap or test out new layers without dismantling your whole bed. This is especially nice if you’re still experimenting to find your perfect ‘feel.’

The Coil Splay Fix

Pocketed coil units occasionally like to spread out inside overly stretchy knit covers. A simple hack: grab a fitted jersey knit sheet (the bottom sheet from a regular bedding set) and pull it over your entire pocketed coil unit before stacking your comfort foams on top. The sheet keeps the coils neatly corralled while still allowing each spring to flex independently.

Topper Covers Count Too

Some latex toppers (and even memory foam toppers) come with their own stretchy zip covers. Don’t feel like you have to strip those off. You can totally use them as-is on top of your mattress build, and just use a different zippered cover for the rest of your build.
It’s modular, clean, and makes swapping layers super simple.
Here’s a discussion from DIYers who do exactly that.

👉 The DIY motto here: use whatever works. Covers aren’t precious or one-size-fits-all. They’re tools you can combine, swap, or even layer to get the performance you want.

Material Considerations

Not all DIY zippered mattress covers are created equal. Beyond knit vs quilted, you’ll notice differences in materials, breathability, washability, and finish. These don’t always change the feel of your mattress in a dramatic way, but they can definitely affect your comfort and convenience over time.

Organic vs. Conventional

  • If eco-friendliness is a top priority, look for covers made with organic cotton or other natural fibers.
  • They’re often more breathable and come with certifications (like GOTS or OEKO-TEX).
  • Downsides: they can be pricier, and sometimes a little less stretchy than polyester blends.

Washability

  • Some covers are fully machine washable, which is a huge win if you’ve got kids, pets, or just want peace of mind.
  • Others may have delicate quilting or materials that require spot cleaning only.
  • Pro tip: if easy cleaning matters, confirm wash instructions before you buy.

Breathability & Temperature

  • Knit covers tend to be cooler since they allow for airflow and don’t trap much heat.
  • Quilted covers can feel warmer, depending on what they’re quilted with. Wool quilting, though, is surprisingly breathable and naturally regulates temperature.

Aesthetics & Finish

  • If you want your DIY build to look like a polished ‘store-bought’ mattress, make sure to choose a cover with nice quilting, sturdy zippers, and clean stitching.
  • If you’re more focused on function than looks, simpler covers can save you money.
  • Remember: you’re the only one who sees what’s under the sheets! (Unless you’re planning to impress guests with your mattress engineering prowess, which, hey, we do it too. lol)

👉 The big takeaway: cover materials won’t make or break your build, but they can definitely make your DIY mattress feel more premium, easier to maintain, or better aligned with your values.

Practical Buying Advice

Once you know whether you’re leaning knit or quilted, here’s how to make sure you can click ‘buy’ with confidence.

Pick the Right Height

  • Most zippered covers come in common mattress heights: (8″, 10″, 12″, etc.)
  • Different vendors offer different mattress cover heights, so make sure to check that your favorite will fit your build.
  • Add up the thickness of your layers to figure out what you need. If you’re at, say, 9.5″, go with the 10″. A little extra room is fine, but undershooting is not.

When in Doubt, Size Up (Usually)

  • It’s generally easier to live with a tiny bit of looseness than trying to squeeze your layers into a too-tight cover.
  • Stretchy knits can forgive a smidge, so if your support and comfort layers total 12.5 inches, you can likely get away with a 12-inch high mattress cover.
  • But quilted covers are less flexible, so in that case, definitely size up to the next full inch, which in the example above, would be 13 inches.

Check the Zippers

  • Look for sturdy, full-perimeter zippers (they’ll run along the entire top or bottom edge, not just partway). This makes layer swaps much easier.
  • Some zippers also have a flap of fabric behind them to help protect against the zipper ‘catching’ on the foams or fibers of your mattress layers. This is nice to have, but not mandatory.
  • Metal zippers are generally preferred to plastic, but are often more expensive.

Price Range

  • Knit covers: often pricier, since they’re higher performance. Expect $200–$400 for queen sizes.
  • Quilted covers: usually cheaper, $100–$250 for queen sizes.
  • Budget tip: covers aren’t necessarily a one-time commitment. You can upgrade later if you want to, so try not to stress too much about it.

Consider Washability & Care

  • Some folks rightly point out that their mattress cover can become stained and ruined over time. A zippered cover can be removed and aired out or hung in the sunshine every year or two to refresh it. Some can even be laundered!
  • If it is really ruined beyond repair, it can be easily and inexpensively replaced, particularly when compared to the cost of replacing an entire mattress. 

Extras That Matter to Some People

  • Organic certifications: For those seeking a sustainable option, a DIY zippered mattress cover made with organic materials can be a great choice. It combines environmental responsibility with personalized comfort.
  • Aesthetic finish (smooth edges, sleek fabric, quilting pattern)

👉 Bottom line: don’t overthink it. Get the right size, pick the style that fits your comfort/support combo, and check for the extras that matter to you. Everything else is just bonus. WHERE TO BUY

a bed with a diy zippered mattress cover in a room with curtains

Wrapping It Up

Your zippered cover is the finishing touch that turns a stack of layers into a real, functional mattress.

Whether you go with a stretchy knit that lets every contour shine, a quilted option that adds structure and durability, or even a split-cover setup for maximum flexibility, the choice isn’t about ‘right or wrong.’ It’s about what works best for your build and your preferences.

Remember, DIY isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about creating something that actually works for you. Covers can be swapped, layered, or upgraded down the road, so don’t stress too much about getting it ‘perfect’ the first time.

Together with your comfort and support layers, the cover ties the whole mattress together. Comfort shapes the feel, support defines the performance, and the cover keeps it all clean, secure, and ready for years of great sleep.

So zip it up, throw on your favorite sheets, and enjoy the fact that you’ve built a bed that’s better than anything you’d find in a showroom.

Where Can You Buy Zippered Mattress Covers?

We maintain a growing directory of DIY zippered mattress cover vendors. These are the same materials used by the factory-mattress manufacturers, but they all sell directly to consumers.

Where To Buy Zippered Covers ➡️

(And if you find a great source we missed, let us know!)

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