Demystifying Mattress Warranties: Key Info Before You Buy

When shopping for a new mattress, understanding the warranty is crucial to protect your investment. Mattress warranties offer peace of mind, but it's essential to know what they cover and exclude to make an informed decision.

• What does a warranty cover?
• What's excluded from coverage?
• Different types of warranties and their durations

Let's dive into the key aspects of mattress warranties to better protect your purchase.

What Does a Mattress Warranty Cover?

Generally, a mattress warranty covers manufacturing defects and issues that could prematurely damage the mattress. It does not, however, cover normal wear or personal comfort preferences. Here's a closer look:

Sagging and Indentations

Most warranties cover sagging or indentations that reach a certain depth, often between 0.75 and 1.5 inches, depending on the manufacturer. This depth is an indicator of structural failure rather than normal body impressions over time. For specifics, check the terms of your mattress warranty.

Structural Defects

Warranties typically cover structural issues, including:

• Broken or bent coils
• Split or torn seams
• Bunched or shifted foam layers
• Handles or zippers breaking (if included in the mattress design)

Learn more about the importance of structural coverage at Mattress Express and Amerisleep.

What's Not Covered by a Mattress Warranty?

It's just as important to know what warranties don't cover, as it can impact how you care for your mattress:

• Normal wear and tear
• Comfort preference changes
• Improper use (e.g., using an incompatible foundation)
• Stains or discoloration from spills, bodily fluids, or other accidents

For further reading, visit Lucky Mag and The Mattress Buyer Guide for an in-depth look at warranty exclusions.

Types of Mattress Warranties

Mattress warranties generally fall into three categories, each offering a different level of coverage over time. The following table breaks down the primary types of warranties:

Type	Coverage	Cost to Customer	Duration
Non-prorated	Full coverage on repairs or replacement	No cost	Entire warranty period
Prorated	Partial coverage, with increasing customer costs over time	Varies by year	Usually past the initial years
Combination	Full coverage for an initial period, then prorated	Minimal during initial years	Varies (e.g., first 10 years non-prorated, next 10 years prorated)

For a detailed breakdown, visit Sleep Foundation.

Warranty Lengths and Their Meaning

"Warranty length does not always equate to the mattress's expected lifespan." – Sleep Foundation

Standard mattress warranties range from 5 to 20 years, with 10 years being common. Some brands even offer "lifetime" warranties, but this doesn't mean the mattress will necessarily last a lifetime. Generally, a warranty covers only defects and issues from manufacturing, not the gradual wear expected over time.

How to Maintain Your Mattress Warranty

To ensure your warranty remains valid, here's a checklist of necessary steps:

1. Use an appropriate foundation or bed frame.
2. Rotate the mattress regularly, if recommended.
3. Use a mattress protector to guard against stains.
4. Keep your proof of purchase as documentation.
5. Do not remove the law tag from your mattress.

Maintaining the warranty can extend the mattress's useful life. For more, see Lucky Mag and The Mattress Buyer Guide.

Filing a Warranty Claim

If you encounter issues that you believe fall under warranty coverage, follow these steps:

1. Review the warranty terms for specific requirements.
2. Contact the retailer or manufacturer directly.
3. Gather necessary documentation like photos and proof of purchase.
4. Prepare for an inspection if required by the warranty.
5. Understand any costs associated with shipping or handling.

For more on filing claims, see Sleep Foundation and Mattress Clarity.

Final Tips: Warranty vs. Sleep Trial

While a warranty covers manufacturing defects, a sleep trial allows you to return the mattress within a certain period (usually 90-365 days) if it doesn't suit you. Understanding the distinction helps avoid confusion, as these terms are often used interchangeably by customers.

Warranty	Sleep Trial
Long-term coverage against defects	Short-term test period for satisfaction
Usually 5-20 years	Typically 90-365 days
Does not cover comfort preferences	Allows return based on comfort

More on warranties and sleep trials at Amerisleep and Mattress Clarity.