How To Put a Mattress Cover On: Simple Steps for a Smooth Fit

If you’re wondering how to put a mattress cover on without it bunching, slipping, or feeling too tight, you’re not alone. A mattress cover (also called a protector or encasement) can be awkward to handle, especially on larger beds. This guide walks you through the process step by step and answers the most common questions about getting a mattress cover on correctly.

What Is a Mattress Cover and Why Does It Matter?

A mattress cover is a removable fabric layer that goes directly over your mattress. It can be:

  • A fitted-style protector (like a fitted sheet)
  • A full encasement with a zipper that surrounds the entire mattress

Knowing how to put a mattress cover on properly matters because it helps:

  • Keep the cover smooth and comfortable under your sheets
  • Protect the mattress from everyday wear and minor spills
  • Prevent shifting and bunching, which can affect how your bed feels

When it’s put on the right way, you usually don’t notice it’s there.

Step-by-Step: How To Put a Mattress Cover On

1. Prepare the Bed

  • Strip off all bedding: sheets, blankets, and toppers.
  • If possible, lift the mattress slightly or move it away from the wall to give yourself room to work.
  • Make sure the cover is the correct size (twin, full, queen, etc.) and suitable for your mattress height.

2. Identify the Corners and Orientation

Before you start, find:

  • The top and bottom of the cover (head vs. foot of the bed)
  • The sides that match the length of your mattress
  • The opening or zipper (for encasements)

Laying the cover flat and checking labels or seams first keeps you from having to redo it halfway through.

3. How To Put a Mattress Cover On a Fitted-Style Protector

For a cover that looks like a deep fitted sheet:

  1. Start at one corner at the head of the bed. Hook the elastic over the mattress corner.
  2. Move diagonally to the opposite corner at the foot of the bed and secure that corner.
  3. Fit the remaining two corners, one at a time.
  4. Smooth the sides, making sure the elastic is fully tucked under the mattress all the way around.

If it feels too tight, check that:

  • You have the correct size
  • The cover is not twisted
  • The mattress topper (if any) is not making the bed higher than the cover allows

4. How To Put a Mattress Cover On a Zippered Encasement

Encasements can feel trickier, but going slowly helps:

  1. Stand the mattress up on its side if you can, or slide it slightly off the bed frame.
  2. Open the zipper fully and slide the cover over the top of the mattress like a sleeve.
  3. Gently pull the cover down, working evenly from both sides so it doesn’t stretch too much in one spot.
  4. Once the mattress is fully inside, lay it back onto the bed frame.
  5. Carefully close the zipper, making sure fabric doesn’t get caught.

For very heavy mattresses, it can be helpful to have a second person support one side while you pull the encasement into place.

Common Questions About Putting a Mattress Cover On

How tight should a mattress cover feel?

A mattress cover should feel snug but not strained. If you notice:

  • Fabric pulling extremely tight at the corners
  • The zipper resisting strongly
  • Seams stretching or warping

then the cover may be too small or too shallow for your mattress height.

Do I put sheets over the mattress cover?

Yes. The mattress cover goes on first, directly on the mattress, and then:

  1. Fitted sheet
  2. Flat sheet (if you use one)
  3. Blanket, duvet, or comforter

The cover is designed to be a protective layer, not a replacement for bedding.

Can I use a mattress topper and a mattress cover together?

Yes, but order matters:

  • If the cover is deep enough, you can put the topper on the mattress, then the cover over both.
  • If the cover is shallow, place the cover on the mattress first, then put the topper on top and cover it with your fitted sheet.

Check the depth listing of your cover and compare it with the combined height of your mattress and topper.

What To Watch For When Putting a Mattress Cover On

When learning how to put a mattress cover on, keep these points in mind:

  • Mattress height: Standard covers fit certain depths; extra-thick mattresses may need “deep” or “extra-deep” covers.
  • Material and stretch: Some fabrics have more give, making them easier to pull over corners.
  • Zipper placement: On encasements, the position of the zipper can affect how easily you can get the cover on and off.
  • Ease of removal: If you plan to wash it often, consider how much effort it takes to lift your mattress or manage the zipper.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about how to put a mattress cover on

  • Always confirm size and depth before you start, so the cover actually fits your mattress.
  • Start with one corner (or one end) and work diagonally to keep the cover evenly stretched.
  • For encasements, standing the mattress on its side can make sliding the cover on much easier.
  • The mattress cover goes directly on the mattress, with sheets and bedding on top.
  • If the cover is extremely tight, re-check orientation and fit rather than forcing it.
  • A properly fitted cover should feel smooth, secure, and unnoticeable once the bed is made.

With a bit of preparation and the right order of steps, how to put a mattress cover on becomes a quick, straightforward task that helps keep your mattress cleaner and more comfortable over time.