A foam mattress cut to size is made to the finished width, length and thickness you provide rather than to a standard Single, Double, King or Super King label. It is useful for non standard bed frames, day beds, guest beds, antique beds and other rectangular sleeping spaces where a ready made mattress leaves a gap or overhang.
The most important part of the order is accurate measurement. A perfectly cut mattress made from incorrect dimensions will still be the wrong fit. Measure the actual space, decide whether a cover is required and choose a layer construction that suits the total thickness.
The practical answer
A foam mattress cut to size should be ordered from the actual internal width and length of the sleeping area. Choose a total thickness that fits the frame, then select a support base and any comfort layers. Add a custom cover when you need a finished mattress rather than a bare foam core.
What does cut to size mean?
For the All Foam online builder, cut to size means a rectangular mattress made to the width and length entered in centimetres. You also enter a whole inch thickness from 1 to 10 inches.
The builder prices the selected foam grades and layer depths. It is not a shape drawing tool. Rounded corners, curves, cut outs and other irregular shapes require a template and should be discussed with the All Foam team before ordering.
When is a made to measure mattress useful?
Common applications include:
- antique or vintage bed frames
- three quarter and non standard beds
- custom built timber frames
- day beds and guest beds
- window seat sleeping areas
- narrow rooms or alcoves
- replacement foam for an existing rectangular cover
- caravans, motorhomes and boats with rectangular sections
For curved marine and leisure vehicle beds, use the separate caravan, motorhome and boat mattress guide because access, ventilation and templates need extra attention.
Measure the finished internal space
Measure the space the mattress will occupy, not the outside of the frame.
Take the width and length at more than one point because older or handmade frames may not be perfectly square. Record the smallest practical finished measurement if the mattress needs to drop into a recess without forcing.
Use a rigid tape measure where possible and write the measurements in centimetres. Do not convert casually from a named bed size. A bed described as a small double or three quarter bed may not match a modern standard dimension.
Our foam measuring guide provides a fuller checklist for frames, cushions and replacement foam.
Allow for the cover
Decide whether the measurements refer to:
- the finished mattress including its cover, or
- an uncovered foam core intended to fit an existing cover
A made to measure cover adds material and seams around the foam. The All Foam builder prices the cover when selected and explains the longer manufacturing time.
Custom rectangular mattresses without a cover normally follow the standard one working day dispatch process. A made to measure cover takes longer because it must be manufactured for the chosen dimensions; allow 2 to 3 working days for the mattress and cover to be made and dispatched.
Choose the total thickness
Thickness affects comfort, support, access and finished bed height. A 2 inch foam pad and a 10 inch layered mattress are not interchangeable products even if the width and length are the same.
The online custom size field accepts whole inches from 1 to 10. Consider:
- the depth available inside the frame
- access through doors, hatches or stairways
- the required sleeping height
- whether the mattress is for occasional or everyday use
- the body weight and comfort preference of the user
- the support provided by the bed base
Do not choose the deepest option simply because it is available. A well chosen thinner mattress can suit a day bed or occasional space, while an everyday bed may benefit from a deeper support construction.
Understand the layer rules
The number of available layers changes with total thickness:
- 1 to 3 inches: one layer only
- 4 to 7 inches: one or two layers
- 8 to 10 inches: one, two or three layers
Each active layer is at least 1 inch. In layered mattresses, the support base normally remains thicker than the upper layers combined. The specific exception is the balanced 4 inch construction with a 2 inch base and 2 inch comfort layer.
These limits keep the choices practical. A very thin mattress divided into several small layers would add complexity without providing a useful support structure.
Choose the base foam first
The base forms the main support section. All Foam builder options include:
- Medium foam for a balanced support feel
- High foam for firmer support
- Severe Very Firm for specialist extra firm use
- Reflex Medium for resilient, quicker recovery support
- Reflex Firm for a firmer resilient feel
- Memory foam, which is normally better suited to an upper comfort role than the complete base
Begin with the support requirement, then choose any upper layer. Do not design the mattress from the top down while ignoring the base.
Choose the comfort layer
An upper comfort layer changes the initial surface response.
- Memory foam gives a slower, body contouring response.
- Reflex Medium gives a quicker, resilient medium feel.
- Reflex Firm gives quicker recovery with a firmer feel.
- Medium or High foam can be used for simpler all foam constructions.
The memory foam vs Reflex foam guide explains the difference in response. A familiar material name is less important than matching the whole build to the intended use.
One layer or several?
A one layer mattress is simple and useful where the chosen foam grade can provide the required feel throughout the depth. It is also the only option below 4 inches.
A two layer mattress separates support and comfort. This is often the clearest choice for a full size sleeping mattress: a deeper base with a selected upper layer.
A three layer mattress is available from 8 inches and can add a middle transition layer. Use it only when each layer has a purpose. Three arbitrary foam choices do not automatically improve the mattress.
Read the detailed guide to one, two and three layer mattresses before selecting a complex construction.
Check the bed base
A foam mattress should sit on a level, supportive base. Check:
- the frame is stable
- slats are not broken or widely spaced
- the platform is dry and clean
- ventilation is appropriate for the setting
- the support area matches the mattress dimensions
Repair a twisted or failing frame before ordering.
Rectangular sizes versus shaped mattresses
The online builder prices rectangles. Contact All Foam for:
- rounded corners
- curved ends
- wheel arch cut outs
- L shaped or tapered mattresses
- hinged or split sections
- templates from an existing irregular mattress
For shaped work, a full size paper or card template may be needed. Label the top, bottom, head and foot, and mark which side faces upward.
Avoid these measuring mistakes
Common errors include:
- measuring the old mattress instead of the frame
- assuming the old mattress has kept its original size
- using one width measurement on an uneven frame
- confusing inches and centimetres
- ordering the outer frame dimension
- failing to allow for a cover
- ignoring a doorway or hatch that limits access
- rounding a measurement without checking the fit
Write the final dimensions clearly as width × length × thickness and review them before adding the product to the basket.
Check the live summary and price
The All Foam custom mattress builder updates the diagram, construction summary and price as choices change. Before ordering, confirm:
- size type is Custom rectangular size
- width and length are correct
- thickness is correct
- number of layers is correct
- each layer thickness is correct
- each foam grade is correct
- cover or no cover selection is correct
- the finished price matches the summary
Unsupported combinations are rejected when the mattress is added to the basket.
Cut to size mattress or standard mattress?
Choose a standard All Foam mattress when a Single, Double, King Size or Super King fits the frame and you want an established mattress construction with a cover included.
Choose cut to size when the finished dimensions or desired layer construction differ from the standard range. Standard sizes in the builder retain 8, 9 and 10 inch depth choices, while custom rectangles can be entered from 1 to 10 whole inches.
Ordering a foam mattress cut to size
To order a foam mattress cut to size, measure the finished internal sleeping space carefully, choose the total thickness, build the support base first and decide whether a made to measure cover is required. Use the online builder for rectangular sizes and contact All Foam for curves, cut outs or shaped work.
Accurate dimensions and a clear purpose for each layer produce the best result.