The All Foam custom mattress builder offers no cover or a made to measure cover for custom rectangular sizes. The right choice depends on whether you need a finished mattress or a foam core for an existing cover or upholstery project.
A cover is not a decorative extra. It protects the foam, creates the finished sleeping surface and affects the final dimensions and manufacturing time.
The simple choice
Choose a custom cover when you want a complete mattress ready for bedding. Choose no cover when you already have a suitable cover or need the foam core for an upholstery project. Measure carefully because a cover affects the finished fit and cannot correct an incorrect foam size.
Choose a made to measure cover when
A custom cover is the better option when:
- the mattress will be used directly for sleeping
- there is no existing suitable cover
- you want a finished removable outer layer
- the foam needs protection during normal use
- the mattress dimensions are non standard
The cover is made for the selected rectangular size. Allow 2 to 3 working days for the mattress and cover to be made and dispatched.
Choose no cover when
No cover can be appropriate when:
- the foam will fit an existing mattress cover
- an upholsterer will finish the product
- the foam is an internal component
- a separate specialist cover has already been ordered
- the project is a temporary pad rather than a finished mattress
Uncovered custom foam normally follows the standard one working day dispatch process.
Measure an existing cover correctly
If the foam must fit an existing cover, measure the inside dimensions and consider how the old foam has changed.
Old foam may have:
- shrunk
- crumbled
- taken a permanent set
- rounded at the edges
- stretched the cover
Do not copy a damaged foam core without checking the cover and frame. Measure the intended finished fit.
Do not order the cover size as the foam size blindly
A cover has seams, fabric stretch and construction allowances. The foam dimensions should match the intended internal fit, not simply the outside edge of an empty cover laid flat.
If the cover is complex, tapered or shaped, contact the team rather than assuming the rectangular online builder will reproduce it.
A cover protects the foam
Foam can be damaged by:
- dirt and body oils
- spills
- abrasion
- direct sunlight
- repeated pulling during movement
- pets and sharp objects
A suitable cover reduces everyday exposure. A mattress protector can add another removable layer but does not replace the mattress cover itself.
Does the cover change the feel?
Yes. Fabric, quilting and tension can influence the first contact feel.
A tight or thick cover may reduce how closely a soft comfort layer follows the body. A flexible cover allows more of the foam response to be felt.
This is one reason a bare foam sample and a finished mattress can feel different.
Does the cover add to the dimensions?
The cover adds a small amount around the foam and can affect the finished depth. When a mattress must fit tightly inside a frame, confirm whether the supplied measurements refer to the foam core or the finished product.
The online builder uses the entered custom dimensions to price the mattress and cover. Review the final summary and contact All Foam if the fit has almost no tolerance.
What if the mattress is for an antique bed?
A made to measure cover is normally useful for a finished antique bed mattress because standard bedding and covers may not fit.
Measure the frame carefully and read the custom mattress for antique beds guide before ordering.
For cut outs, rounded corners or shaped beds, a template and custom discussion are required.
What if the foam is for a day bed or window seat?
Choose a cover based on the main use.
A day bed used for sleeping benefits from a proper mattress cover. A window seat being upholstered with decorative fabric may need uncovered foam for the upholsterer.
Read the day bed and guest mattress guide for dual purpose projects.
Cleaning and care
Follow the cover care label. Do not assume every removable zip cover can be machine washed or tumble dried.
Keep the foam dry. If the cover is removed, avoid pulling or tearing the foam and make sure the cover is fully dry before refitting.
Use a suitable mattress protector for spills and routine hygiene.
Dispatch differences
The cover choice changes the lead time:
- No cover: normal one working day dispatch applies
- Made to measure cover: allow 2 to 3 working days to make and dispatch
Delivery time begins after dispatch and depends on the delivery service and destination. Review the delivery information before ordering.
Price differences
A made to measure cover adds to the live price because it is manufactured for the custom dimensions.
The price summary should show the selected cover option. Do not compare a no cover custom foam price directly with a complete standard mattress price without accounting for the missing finished cover.
Check the basket description
Before checkout, confirm the basket shows:
- width and length
- total thickness
- layer count and foam grades
- cover or no cover choice
- correct price
If the description does not match the intended product, remove it and rebuild the configuration rather than placing the order with incorrect details.
Inspect an existing cover before reusing it
Check the zip, seams, fabric and internal lining. A cover that has stretched, torn or shrunk may not fit a new foam core correctly.
Look for damp, staining and odour. Reusing an unhygienic cover over new foam defeats much of the purpose of replacement. Clean it only according to its care label and make sure it is fully dry.
Zip position and handling
A made to measure cover must still be handled carefully. Open the zip fully and compress the foam gradually rather than forcing it through a small opening.
Note where the zip sits if the mattress is enclosed by a frame. A zip against a wall or inaccessible side can make future removal difficult.
Protector, cover and fitted sheet are different layers
The mattress cover encloses the foam. A protector sits above it to reduce exposure to spills and everyday dirt. The fitted sheet is the removable bedding surface.
Using all three correctly improves hygiene and makes routine cleaning easier. A protector should fit without pulling the cover tight or causing the mattress edges to curl.
Moving uncovered foam
Uncovered foam is easier to mark, tear or contaminate during handling. Keep it wrapped until the work area is clean and ready.
Support a large sheet across its width rather than dragging it by one corner. Once it is fitted into the final cover, check that the foam has settled evenly before use.
When to ask before ordering
Contact All Foam when the cover needs rounded corners, cut outs, unusual zip placement or another shaped detail. The online cover option is intended for the rectangular custom size entered in the builder.
Provide a drawing and photographs of the frame or existing cover, but be prepared to supply a template where shape accuracy matters.
Choosing a cover with confidence
Choose a made to measure cover when you need a complete custom mattress ready for normal sleeping use. Choose no cover when the foam will go into an existing suitable cover or be finished by an upholsterer.
Measure carefully, account for the finished fit and remember the dispatch difference. The cover option should be decided before ordering because it affects the price, manufacturing time and how the mattress will be used.