The 2 Best Ways To Cover A Memory Foam Topper

covered mattress topper

A memory foam topper without a cover will get dirty and damaged. Learn how you can protect your topper with two easy solutions!

A memory foam topper can be protected by two types of covers. Those who are adept at sewing can make a custom slip-cover. The second option is to securely fold a sheet around the memory foam topper. 

Leaving a memory foam topper without a cover is a surefire way to dramatically shorten its lifespan. We give you the best tips to save your topper!


The Top 2 Ways to Cover A Memory Foam Topper

An uncovered memory foam topper not only faces damage but it can grow into a very unhealthy situation. Dirt and bacterial have easier access to the foam – sometimes even moisture. All of these things can turn your topper unhygienic and even unsafe for those who have respiratory conditions like asthma. 

To protect the topper and yourself, you can try one of the following two options:

  1. A custom-made slip-cover.
  2. Securely fold a sheet around the topper.

The Benefits Of A Custom-Made Cover

sewing custom cover

A cover is a protective layer of fabric that fits snugly around the memory foam topper. That is essential too; a cover must not wrinkle or shift as this will also make your bed very uncomfortable. When you make a cover to tightly fit the memory foam topper, this will never happen. 

Another benefit is that you can make the cover removable. Too many mattress toppers that are sold have covers that cannot be removed and this makes it hard to keep clean. To maintain a hygienic bed, it is essential that you are able to remove as much bedding as possible on laundry day. 

We have also found the best mattress toppers that are available today. Our reviews are critical and look at quality, pricing, and more.

How Do I Make A Custom Cover For My Topper?

There are many tutorials on the web that explains how to sew a custom cover for a mattress but almost none for toppers. This is actually not a problem. Some toppers obviously do not qualify as such but a topper that is a rectangular slab of memory foam is actually just like a mattress. You can find a tutorial that is geared specifically towards making a cover for a memory foam mattress and simply adjust it to the topper. 

If you ever want to buy a new mattress but with a little extra luxury, here are the best pillow-top mattresses

How To Outsource The Task

There are several perks to outsourcing this task to a capable individual or business. 

  • The cover will be completed in a professional and timely manner.
  • You can go on with your life and do something else.
  • If you hate sewing or do not have the equipment, outsourcing is the best option.

Securely Fold A Sheet Around The Memory Foam Topper

bed with hospital corners

You can also wrap a sheet around your topper. However, it needs to be tightly fitted or it will come loose or shift. Either way, a loose sheet create those annoying wrinkles that can make us toss and turn. 

These are the best mattresses for side-sleepers

What Is The Best Folding Technique For A Secure Sheet?

There are several techniques to fold sheets so that they never move a millimetre. The military and hospitals favour one technique and that is the one that we will try today! The name of the technique is apt – folding a sheet with “hospital corners.” 

There are severy methods to fold hospital corners. But whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that the sheet will sit very tightly for a long time. Here are the basics steps and they should be sufficient to keep your cover in place.

Step 1: Drape a flat sheet over the memory foam topper. 

Step 2: Fold the sheet under the foot of the topper. 

Step 3: Make sure that the sheet is smoothed out under the topper.

Step 4: Repeat step 2 and 3 at the top of the memory foam slab.

Step 5: Return to the bottom and choose a corner.

Step 6: Pull the top upwards and fold the bottom under the bed.

Step 7: Pull the top down and over the bottom sheet you had just folded.

Step 8: Tuck the top in under the foam slab.

Step 9: Repeat the process with the remaining 3 corners.


What Type Of Material Is The Best For This Project?

The best type of material for a memory foam topper is any fabric that breathes. What is breathing? This is a term in the mattress world that refers to any kind of material or fabric that allows air to circulate through it. Another trademark of breathable fabric is that it also allows moisture on or below it to evaporate. As you can see, these are important traits for any bedding. Should you choose a breathable fabric, your memory foam topper will be safer (no trapped moisture that invites mould) and its temperature will also be better regulated (warm in winter and colder in summer).

We have also reviewed the best Emma brand mattresses.

What Fabrics Are Considered As Breathable?

If this is the first time that you have heard of the existence of breathable fabrics, no worries! You should already be familiar with most and they are also commonly available in stores. This is a list of breathable fabrics.  

  • Pure cotton.
  • Linen sheets.
  • Silk sheets.
  • Merino wool. (These are the best wool mattresses).
  • Rayon.
  • Nylon.
  • Polyester.
  • Nylon and polyester blends.

Consider Getting A Mattress Protector

Getting a mattress protector is entirely optional. But the reason why we suggest getting one is very simple. If you made the topper’s cover yourself, that involved a lot of hours and handiwork. It would be tragic if a spill or accident ruined your hard work. Even if you just folded a couple of hospital corners, a mattress protector can prevent your topper from absorbing water or other liquids.

If you also think that a mattress protector is a good idea, make sure you pick one that is waterproof and removable. This will thoroughly protect your topper and make washing the protector an easy chore. 

Do not just buy a mattress blind. The best way to know whether you are compatible with a bed is a free trial. Here are the best free mattress trials.


A Quick Summary On How To Cover A Memory Foam Topper

  • Some memory foam toppers need a cover because the old one is torn or they are sold without a cover.
  • A cover can be sewn but this project is not really for the beginner. 
  • You can always outsource the making of a new cover to a sewing business or a professional expert.
  • A memory foam topper can also be covered with a normal flat-sheet folded with hospital corners. 
  • It is essential to use only a breathable type of fabric for your new cover.
  • Breathable fabrics prevent a memory foam topper from moulding and overheating as well.
  • Breathable fabrics include wool, linen, silk, cotton, and nylon. 
  • Strongly consider getting a mattress protector to safeguard your memory foam topper and its new cover. 

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About the Author Tom

My journey into the world of sleep came about through living in several properties over my lifetime and always seeming to have the worst luck with neighbors. All but one have been extremely noisy and very inconsiderate. What this made me realize early on, was that the little sleep my neighbors allowed me to get needed to be of great quality. So I started to learn all about sleep, and what helps people get the best quality sleep possible.