Hey jasker23,
Welcome to the
TMU Forum

! Thanks for your questions.
I have read all of the possible posts regarding this topic, and have studied all of the links you typically share when people ask about this. I am now seeking further advice and impressions on particular covers…I am creating a 10" all talalay mattress, as I found that much of the manufacturers use the thick quilted wool covers which don't have much "hand" or flexible softness to them.
Congrats on your DIY mattress project

! Good job on the research, sounds like you've done your homework here at the forum on pairing your preferences and materials towards building something especially for you.
I want to be able to feel and conform to the latex better than the thick quilt will give, and so I am searching for a cover which will give me that…At the same time, I am aware that latex degrades through sunlight and oxidization. And so… I also want something thick enough that provides that protection from those things (otherwise I would just put a fitted bed sheet over the slabs and call it a day!). I will also use a mattress protector too, with longevity in mind. Again, I know thickness and stretchy usually stand opposed to each other, but I just want something "just thick enough" to get the oxidization protection, while maintaining maximum stretch and feel.
With a latex mattress, you should not have to worry about oxidation unless the bed is in an open sunroom-type environment, indirect sunlight should not be a problem.
Phoenix, I have identified some potential covers which fit my budget (up to a maximum of 200usd). Please let me know your thoughts on if any of the below will fail to provide adequate protection against degradation. Additionally, please let me know your thoughts on if any of the below are not stretchy enough for what I am after. Like I said, i'm after the kind of pliable stretchy material typically found on memory foam mattresses. They are ordered in order of cheapest to highest:
$80 Brentwood Home replacement cover - brentwoodhome.com/products/bamboo-re...?variant=12142706374
Bamboo Gel mattress cover: could not find the fabrication specs on the Brentwood Home site or in a general search, only that they use a "combination of natural, organic, and non-toxic materials" and that they "meet California standards for environmental responsibility". They offer a 30 day return policy on their covers but you would want to verify that in writing and ask what costs may be involved on your end.
$115 FoamOrder 60/40 cover - foamorder.com/mattress/mattress-cover.html
40/60 Organic Cotton Case cover: their web site description reads "soft organic cotton is blended with polyester to make this a machine-washable mattress cover."
Note from Manufacturer: Please take a minute to read the description of these materials or call us to discuss. For sales or product information, call: (415) 503-9314. They don't seem to offer exchanges/ returns, a quick call would confirm what options are available.
$180 FoamOrder also has a "double-knit" organic. Is this more protective/stretchy?
Heavy Organic Cotton Mattress Cover: details from their web site: "This is a thick, soft, and stretch fabric found on most memory foam and latex mattresses…made from certified 100% organic cotton yarn… a thick and luxurious double knit mattress cover". The return policy was confusing, you definitely want to check with them regarding how that works.
$140 SleepOnLatex cover - sleeponlatex.com/products/organic-cotton-cover-1
Topper Cover: details from trusted member
SleepOnLatex
's web site: "The cover completely surrounds the foam but stretches so as not to restrict the foam. It is made with two separate pieces of fabric that zip together around the bottom edge. The washable top piece is a plush knit fabric which contains 80% organic cotton and 20% polyester. The polyester is used to prevent the cover from shrinking when washed. The bottom piece is a 100% organic cotton woven fabric (not washable) that helps to prevent the topper from sliding. Returns/ exchange available for first 30 days."
$195 Sleep Like a bear - bamboo cotton cover - sleeplikeabear.com/collections/topper-ma...?variant=45284394445
SleepLikeABear All-Natural Knit Bamboo and Cotton Zipper Cover: details from their web site: +/-285 g/m² knit cotton/bamboo fabric, made in USA, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, fabric not sewn with any batting or insulating material, waterfall-style edge, no piped or corded edges. They offer returns up to 30 days on (undamaged, unused, unwashed) covers, you will want to contact them and confirm.
LatexMattressFactory also has a stretch knit cover, but they max out at 9" on their website. If this is thick enough and stretchy enough, then I will consider a custom order from them.
Another trusted member,
Latex Mattress Factory would welcome your questions directly on their
"Ask an Expert" LMF forum
should you want their thoughts on whether their 9" cover construction would work for you.
MFC Canada also has what appears to be stretchy covers, but they are over $300 cad, which is over my budget
Trusted member
MFC's DIY mattress cover
details: from their site, "Choose from Tencel (eucalyptus), Bamboo, Teddy (terry cloth) or Wool quilted 100% organic cotton." They do not accept exchanges/ returns.
…do you know how stretchy any of the above options are? Or if any particular one of them I should rule out?
I cannot speak to the amount of "stretchy" qualities these fabrications would have for your individual personal preferences/ PPP. I'd strongly suggest checking in with any of the manufacturers you are considering via chat or call, they could address your specific concerns regarding their products best. FIY, should you opt for working with one of the trusted member manufacturer/ retailers, they offer a small discount to TMU consumer subscribers who have posted at least once to the forum

. I'm moving your post to the general forum, where others following your research may offer their thoughts too. Looking forward to hearing your updates as you continue your DIY mattress journey…
Cheers,
Sensei