What Does Mattress Warranties Cover?

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Mattress warranties last anywhere from 5 to 20 years and protect your investment in better sleep. These warranties include specific terms that cover manufacturing defects, broken spring coils, and major sagging problems.

Your mattress warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to fix, replace, or give you money back for a defective product. The coverage includes common problems like faulty materials, bad stitching, broken zippers, and sagging deeper than 1.5 inches. The protection applies only to the original purchaser and you can’t transfer it to someone else.

This article explains everything about mattress warranty coverage. You’ll learn about simple protection terms and how to file successful claims. We want buyers to understand their rights and what they need to do under these agreements.

What is a Mattress Warranty?

A mattress warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer or retailer, covering defects in materials or workmanship for a specific period. It typically ensures the mattress meets quality standards and protects against issues like sagging broken springs, or manufacturing flaws. 

Warranties vary in duration and coverage. They often require proof of purchase and proper care, such as using a suitable foundation. They usually exclude damage caused by misuse, stains, or normal wear and tear. A warranty gives buyers confidence in their purchase, ensuring they receive a reliable and durable product. Always review the terms for specific coverage details.

Understanding Your Mattress Warranty Basics

Mattress warranties come in three distinct categories that protect buyers in different ways. The main types include:

• Non-prorated warranties: Cover full repair or replacement costs throughout the warranty period
• Prorated warranties: Require increasing customer contribution based on mattress age
• Combination warranties: Blend both coverage types, starting with non-prorated protection before switching to prorated coverage

The Federal Trade Commission requires sellers to make warranty information available while you shop. Warranties exist in three simple forms: written, spoken, and implied. Most major purchases include written warranties that last between 5 to 20 years, though they’re not legally required. Salespeople’s verbal commitments create spoken warranties, but getting these promises in writing is vital.

A mattress’s warranty length tells you its expected lifespan. For instance, a 5-year warranty suggests a 4-year lifespan, while a 10-year warranty points to 7 years of use, and a 20-year warranty indicates an 8-year lifespan. Different manufacturers offer warranties ranging from simple 5-year coverage to lifetime guarantees.

Understanding prorated terms helps you decode warranty documents. With prorated coverage, you pay more for repairs or replacements as your mattress gets older. The warranty’s value drops over time. Limited warranties protect specific components or defects unique to particular distributors, while full warranties cover the entire product.

The warranty period starts on your purchase date once you keep the mattress. Most warranties use similar language about coverage, but specific terms vary between brands. You should focus on whether the warranty offers prorated or non-prorated terms since this affects future costs for defective mattress claims.

What’s Covered in a Mattress Warranty?

While mattress warranties vary between manufacturers they have common elements and protections. Most warranties focus on manufacturing defects with a emphasis on structural issues like sagging and material defects from poor manufacturing process.

Sagging

Sagging is the most common issue covered in the warranty. A good mattress is designed to provide consistent support and maintain its shape for 7-10 years of normal use. Some compression is normal over time but excessive or premature sagging is a manufacturing defect.

Manufacturers of sagging warranty claims have specific measurement requirements. Most warranties require the depression to reach a certain depth, usually around 1 inch, but this can vary between manufacturers and models.

Read Also: Mattress Sagging vs Body Impression: Which One Can You Fix?

Faulty Materials

Warranties also cover manufacturing defects in material and construction. Common examples of material defects covered under warranty:

• Damaged or misshapen coils in innerspring or hybrid mattresses
• Seam failure or stitching issues
• Excessive foam compression or bunching beyond normal use
• Damage to mattress handles or support components

What’s Not Covered in a Mattress Warranty?

Warranty coverage is for manufacturing defects not for wear and tear or misuse. Knowing these limitations will help you set realistic expectations on warranty protection.

Sagging Below Minimum Depth

When the mattress sags but doesn’t reach the minimum depth required in your warranty you won’t be eligible for warranty service. In this case, a mattress topper might provide temporary relief until replacement is needed.

Normal Wear and Tear

Minor imperfections, gradual discoloration, surface marks or slight material compression are expected signs of use and are not covered under warranty. These are signs of aging, not manufacturing defects.

User-Inflicted Damage

Damage from misuse such as tears from moving, surface damage from accidents or structural issues from jumping, isn’t covered under warranty.

Not Happy with the Product

Mattress warranties do not cover refunds or replacements if you’re unhappy with your purchase due to size, comfort level or performance. Sleep trials are designed to prevent customers from being stuck with a mattress they don’t like. Failing to return the product within the trial period means you can’t make warranty claims for a different mattress or request a refund.

Also, if your mattress becomes uncomfortable or loses its support during normal use, the manufacturers don’t have to replace it.

Non-Defective Parts

When a mattress has an isolated defect like a single faulty seam, manufacturers only have to fix that specific issue, not the whole mattress. For mattresses with electronic components like those with remote controls, separate warranty terms apply and replacement parts are handled separately from the main mattress warranty.

What Can Void a Mattress Warranty?

There are several situations that can void your mattress warranty. Knowing and avoiding these will help you maintain warranty coverage throughout.

Proper mattress maintenance is key to keeping warranty protection. This means following the specific guidelines for flipping or rotating your mattress as stated in the warranty. Some models need to be rotated and flipped to ensure even wear and tear while others should never be flipped due to their unique layer construction. Always check manufacturer guidelines and warranty specifications for care instructions.

Many warranties require customers to use a suitable foundation for their mattresses. This could be a box spring, platform bed or other base type. Following the manufacturer’s support specifications will keep you eligible for a warranty.

Liquid damage voids mattress warranties, as fluids can accelerate material breakdown. To prevent this, it is recommended that you use a mattress protector.

Warranty coverage ends if the mattress is sold or transferred to another owner as warranties are only valid for the original purchaser.

Read Also: Mattress Pad vs Mattress Protector

Warranty Length and Mattress Lifespan

Standard mattress warranties are 10-20 years. But warranty length doesn’t equal mattress lifespan. Most mattresses have a practical lifespan shorter than their warranty by at least a year. Based on warranty length, here’s the typical mattress lifespan:

• 5-year warranty: 4-year lifespan
• 10-year warranty: 7-year lifespan
• 20-year warranty: 8-year lifespan

For a mattress that won’t sag, look for options with a full warranty that covers sagging. This means the manufacturer has confidence in their product.

How to File a Warranty Claim Successfully

A successful warranty claim needs proper documentation and attention to detail. You need solid evidence of your mattress defect to start the process.

Documenting mattress issues properly

Good documentation helps you win a warranty claim. Take off all bedding from your mattress to get clear photos of the defect. You can measure sagging spots with a straight edge like a broomstick or yardstick. A quarter or ruler will help measure the depth.

Your warranty claim needs these important items:

• Photos showing the whole mattress without bedding
• Detailed shots of the defective spots
• Images of the base or foundation
• Your original purchase receipt or bank statement
• The law tag on your mattress

Contact procedures and requirements

Start by reaching out to the store where you bought your mattress. The manufacturer should be your next stop if the store can’t help or has closed down. Many companies now have online claim forms that make the process easier.

You’ll need to write a detailed description of the defect and submit all required documents after making contact. Some companies charge $50 to $80 for inspection fees. These fees pay for an expert who will check your mattress’s condition.

Timeline and what to expect

The warranty team reviews your claim carefully after it is submitted. They check it against their warranty terms and guidelines. Most companies finish their review quickly and email their decision.

Approved claims might lead to these solutions:

• A brand new mattress
• Fixes for your current mattress
• Store credit or your money back

You can ask a customer service manager to review denied claims. Some companies use third-party arbitration to handle disputed claims. Make sure you have backup sleeping arrangements if shipping is needed – inspections can take several days.

How to Extend Your Mattress Lifespan

Proper mattress maintenance can prevent warranty claims altogether. Since a mattress is a big investment look after it and make it perform and last longer. Maintenance plays a big role in extending your mattress life.

• Use a mattress protector: A mattress protector or cover is a must-have waterproof barrier that protects your mattress from stains, accidental spills, dust accumulation, and yellowing. You must use a protector consistently. You can choose between fitted protectors or full encasements, the latter covering all six sides of your mattress.
• Get a proper foundation: Make sure your mattress’s foundation meets your warranty requirements. There are several foundation options to choose from: modern adjustable bases, traditional slatted wood platforms, and sturdy bunkie boards, each with its own benefits for mattress support.
• Maintain the mattress: Follow a regular maintenance schedule – rotate or flip your mattress every 3-6 months, vacuum clean twice a year, and address minor stains through spot cleaning. Wash protectors monthly or bi-monthly and sheets every 1-2 weeks.
• Don’t eat and drink in bed: Stop eating and drinking in bed as food particles can attract pests and cause stains. Water spills won’t permanently damage your mattress but it’s important to absorb any liquid with a towel as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Don’t jump on the bed: While kids love to jump on the bed, discourage this habit as it can cause structural damage – broken coils in innerspring and hybrid mattresses and visible indentations or cracks in memory foam mattresses.

FAQs

1. What is usually covered by a mattress warranty?

Manufacturing defects are the main coverage in most mattress warranties, including excessive sagging (more than 1-1.5 inches), broken coils, separated seams and foam deterioration. Coverage details vary by manufacturer and warranty.

2. Does a mattress warranty cover normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear, including minor depressions or color changes, are not covered by the warranty. Warranties cover manufacturing defects, not natural mattress aging.

3. Are stains or spills covered by the warranty?

Warranty does not cover damage from stains, spills or misuse. Most warranties require you to keep the mattress in good condition and will be void if soiled. Using a mattress protector is highly recommended.

4. Is sagging always covered by the warranty?

Sagging is only covered when it exceeds the manufacturer’s measurement (usually 1 inch or more). Damage from inadequate support system like unsuitable bed frames or foundations is not covered.

5. What will void the warranty?

Warranty will be void if you use the wrong foundations, remove the law tags, cause stains or damage or disregard the manufacturer’s care instructions. Read the warranty terms carefully to keep your coverage.

Conclusion

Mattress warranties protect your big investment in better sleep. You must learn about warranty coverage to get the most protection during your mattress’s life. These warranties protect you against manufacturing defects and structural problems. But you must pay attention to maintenance needs and keep proper documents.

Your warranty claims will succeed if you keep good records and follow care guidelines. The warranty stays valid when you use the right foundation support, rotate regularly, and protect against stains or damage. Warranties don’t cover normal wear and your comfort priorities, but they offer valuable protection against real manufacturing defects and early material breakdown.

Smart buyers consider warranty terms before purchase to determine what protection they’ll get. Most warranties last 5 to 20 years, though their actual value decreases through prorated coverage. Mattress owners should keep detailed records, follow care instructions, and quickly act when real warranty problems arise.