Mattresses and improved fabric covers for providing mattresses that have smooth surfaces. Additionally, methods for manufacturing non-quilted mattress covers and for manufacturing mattresses employing non-quilted mattress covers. The systems and methods described herein include mattress panels that can be manufactured separate from the inner core construction, and laid over the inner core to be fastened in place as a sleeping surface for the mattress. Optionally, these mattress panels can include a layer of fire retardant material, that may be added as a layer of material or that may be incorporated into one or more of the layers, such as a filler layer, in the mattress panel.