What Is Mattress Ticking?

Mattress ticking is the outermost, non-removable fabric that covers your mattress. It’s what you see and touch every day – but it’s much more than just surface appeal.

The word “ticking” comes from the Greek theka, meaning a case or covering. Historically, ticking was made from tightly woven cotton or linen that protected mattress fillings like straw or feathers, preventing them from poking through. Sometimes it was reinforced with wax, starch, or soap for extra strength.

While modern mattresses are far more refined, the need for a strong, breathable, and flexible outer layer remains. Today’s ticking materials include blends of wool, cotton, polyester, and sometimes feature additional elements like non-slip bottoms or reinforced sides for added support.

Types of Mattress Ticking

Mattress ticking comes in various materials and constructions, but most can be grouped into four categories:

1. Woven/Damask Fabrics
Damask is a tightly woven, breathable fabric, often featuring classic patterns like subtle stripes. It can be made from natural or synthetic fibres and is known for its durability and flexibility. Our access to weaving machines with 40 End Warp configuration means we can facilitate products for the more discerning of clients. Utilising Viscose, Wool & Modal yarn to create the most luxurious mattress ticking. The flagship for our Natural Woven collections.

2. Knitted Fabrics
Commonly used on memory foam or latex mattresses, knitted ticking is soft, stretchy, and allows for better contouring with the mattress surface. While it’s not as breathable as damask, some versions include cooling mattress ticking which provides a sense of coolness that helps the body stay cool. Cooler fabrics are highly conductive; instantly transferring heat away from the body to help maximize sleep quality by providing a relaxing sleep environment.

3. Specialty Fabrics
These include any ticking made from unique or blended materials – think waterproof fabrics, hypoallergenic covers, recycled polyester or those with anti-bacterial treatments. These fabrics often cater to specific needs or market trends. Our Sleep Concepts page has the latest trends and technologies from around the globe.

4. Contract Fabrics

We offer an extensive catalogue of versatile, heavy-duty, and durable contract fabrics, specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of the hospitality sector. Whether you’re furnishing a hotel, restaurant, bar, or leisure venue, our collection provides both style and substance – combining aesthetics with exceptional performance. All our contract fabrics are available with a wide range of flame-retardant (FR) treatments to ensure compliance with UK contract safety regulations, including Crib 5 and other relevant British Standards. This makes them ideal for use in high-traffic, commercial environments where safety, durability, and long-term wear are critical.

If you’d like to learn more about the mattress ticking options we offer – including fabric types, treatments, and suitability for your specific needs – our team is here to help. Whether you’re sourcing for a new project or simply looking to upgrade your current range, we can provide expert guidance and tailored recommendations.

We also welcome you to visit our showroom, where you can see and feel the quality of our fabrics in person and discuss your requirements with one of our specialists.

To arrange a visit or speak with a member of our team, please get in touch:

📧 sales@originalfabrics.co.uk
📞 01706 318030

We look forward to helping you find the perfect fabric solution.