Mattress Warranties By Brand

Mattress Warranty

Just like purchasing machinery or home electronics, when buying mattresses, you get warranties. A standard quality mattress should last 8 to 10 years. However, this isn't usually the case. Some mattresses last more than 10 years while others barely get to 5 years. Either way, only one thing will save your bucks - mattress warranty.

In our 2-stage process, we like to check the mattress quality and see if it will beat its warranty or fall apart sooner. Let's take a walk down the road of mattress warranties and learn what they are, what they cover, and common things that can void them. Stick around to also find out our favorite mattress brand that offers a lifetime warranty.

What is a Mattress Warranty?

A mattress warranty is basically a customer service policy provided by the manufacturer to protect shoppers in case their new mattress is defective. Nearly all companies offer warranties that cover issues with workmanship or manufacturing during a specified period. However, these mattress warranties often differ between mattress brands and models. Some mattress manufacturers may decide to repair or provide a replacement mattress, while others may opt to offer a full refund.  

Mattress Warranty vs Sleep Trial

While a few of you may confuse a warranty with a sleep trial, they are quite different. The main difference is the duration of the two. Unlike warranties, sleep trials don't often last past one year. Most of them are 100-120 nights. Plus, some companies may need customers to use their beds for a minimum period (often 30 nights) before they can initiate an exchange or return.

Sleep trials are made for sleepers to test out the mattress to determine whether it's suitable for their personal preferences, and a sleeper can return the mattress for minor reasons, such as if it's not comfortable enough. With mattress warranties, you've already tried out the mattress and you like it, but a structural issue occurs months or years into using it. And provided you don't do anything that can void your warranty, you'll be covered in the event that the mattress has a defect.

Importance of a Mattress Warranty

Mattress purchases are long-term financial investments that require careful planning and consideration. With mattresses costing up to $4000 or more, you can't afford to be blind to the policies. If you get a mattress that can last 15 years, no matter its cost, you'll have saved that much money times 15. On the other hand, If you get poor-quality mattresses, no matter how cheap they are, you may need to get a new one annually or bi-annually, and that adds up to spending more money in the long run.

Warranties often reflect the confidence mattress manufacturers have in their products. A good mattress warranty saves you money. It also saves you the headache of wondering which mattress brand to trust. Together with sleep trials, you'll be able to choose the ideal mattress without spending a dime more. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that you won't be stuck with a defective mattress without recourse. Keep in mind that the specifics of mattress warranties vary greatly between mattress brands, so it's crucial to go through the terms of your warranty and understand what they entail before making a purchase decision. 

What Does a Mattress Warranty Entail?

What Does a Mattress Warranty Entail

Knowing how many years you have with your mattress isn't all you need to know. There's so much more that is often explained in a company's policy or terms page. Allow us to break it down for you.

Warranty length - your warranty will have a start date and an expiry date. Find out if it starts immediately after you make a purchase or after your night trials are over. The duration of the warranty usually varies by brand, retailer, and mattress model. Some manufacturers even offer lifetime mattress warranties that cover your bed for as long as you own it.

What's featured in the warranty period - what are you allowed to report on? Cover tears, odors, spring issues, etc. Does the warranty cover normal wear and tear and consequential damages on items like sheets, foundations, etc.? Some warranties offer comprehensive coverage, while others are limited, covering only specific parts of your mattress. You also want to know who covers shipping charges in case you decide to return the mattress and whether there are any hidden costs like paying for labor or transportation in the event of repairs.

Warranty void - what does the mattress brand consider a void of warranty? Food stains, beverage spills, none? Can selling the mattress also void your warranty?

Filing a mattress warranty claim - who should you contact when addressing a mattress issue? Is there contact information readily available?

What's required to qualify for a warranty - some companies require buyers to purchase and use a mattress protector for the warranty to suffice. Others require the mattress to be used by a specific frame/base/foundation.

Warranty solutions - what happens when you file a claim? Will the company issue a full refund, partial refund, fix the mattress issue, or agree to exchange the mattress?

Types of Mattress Warranties

There are generally 3 types of warranties, each offering different levels of coverage. Your warranty may cover all charges for shipping and repairs, expect you to cover a certain percentage of the cost, or put more of the expenses on you. Below, we'll talk about these warranties in great detail to give you a clear picture of what you'll be getting with each coverage.

Prorated warranty

A prorated mattress warranty is a type of coverage that decreases over time. In the initial years of your warrant, your company may be responsible for paying the full cost of repairing or replacing the mattress. As your mattress ages with time, the coverage offered by your warranty diminishes. So, if you want to use the warranty, you'll be responsible for paying a percentage of the charges. The amount customers pay usually depends on how long they've used the mattress. For instance, if your mattress has a 10-year prorated warranty and it becomes faulty after 4 years, you may have to pay 40% of the replacement or repair charges. 

Non prorated warranty

In this case, the manufacturer covers the full cost of replacing or repairing your mattress during the designated warranty period. Unlike prorated warranties, the level of coverage here doesn't decrease over time. This means that if your mattress becomes defective, the manufacturer will handle all the charges, whether it's the first or last year of your warranty. However, you might still be responsible for handling other charges, like shipping fees, when returning the mattress for repairs. These warranties vary in length, with some companies even offering a lifetime warranty.

Combination warranties

Also known as a divided warranty, a combination warranty combines the elements of prorated and non-prorated warranties. This means that for the first few years, your warranty will cover all the repair or replacement costs, and after that period, it becomes prorated, where the charges are shared between you and the manufacturer based on the age of your mattress. This type of warranty offers a perfect balance between full protection and minimized coverage over time. Make sure you go through the warranty document carefully to know the terms and period of coverage. 

What Does a Mattress Warranty Cover?

While the specific conditions of warranties differ among mattress brands and sellers, most mattress warranties cover:

Construction Defects

Many mattress manufacturers will guarantee replacement or repair of your mattress due to manufacturing defects like unraveling seams, foam degradation, torn mattress fabric, or bent innerspring coils. If your mattress comes with other components, such as a box spring, most warranties will also extend coverage to these sleep accessories. However, certain limitations may apply

Premature Sagging

Premature sagging is among the most common issues covered by mattress warranties. Over time, your mattress may start to deteriorate and form permanent body indentations due to normal wear and tear. Since this is a natural decline that occurs as you continue using your mattress, it won't qualify for coverage. However, in case of excessive sagging or indentations that happen early in the life of the mattress, the manufacturers or sellers will either replace or repair your mattress, as this is a sign that something about your new mattress might be defective. Keep in mind that warranties often handle a specific sagging depth, so you'll need to measure the indentations first to determine whether your warranty covers your bed's sagging level. While this depth can vary by mattress brand, it's usually around 1.5 inches.

What's Not Covered Under Mattress Warranties

Generally, warranties exist to protect you in case you purchase a mattress with manufacturing defects or physical flaws. So, any problem that doesn't qualify to be a defect or manufacturing flaw is unlikely to be covered by your warranty. These include.

  • Normal wear and tear: Your mattress is likely to lose its comfort and support over time, which isn't considered a defect.
  • User-inflicted mattress damage: Any mattress damage caused by the mattress owner, such as accidental stains, burns, tears, or scratches, isn't covered by most warranties.
  • Comfort preference: If you don't like the firmness and feel of your mattress, you may take advantage of the sleep trial period but once it ends, you can't return the mattress as comfort preference isn't covered under warranty. Most mattress warranties also won't cover changes in your bed's feel over time, such as a decline in firmness or softness as your mattress ages.
  • Sagging below a certain depth: Most warranties won't cover indentations that don't exceed a certain depth, normally around 1 to 1.5 inches.
  • Mold and mildew: Issues caused by lack of proper ventilation or damp environments aren't covered.

Factors that Can Void a Mattress Warranty

Certain actions can void your mattress warranty, making it vital to adhere to the conditions set by the manufacturer to preserve your warranty's coverage. Below are some of the most common scenarios where a mattress warranty can be voided:

  • Transferring ownership: Mattress warranties are only valid for the original owner, so once you pass the mattress to someone else (either as a gift or sale), the warranty will become void.
  • Removing the mattress tag: Also referred to as a law label, a mattress tag is usually attached to the mattress and features vital information, including product authenticity, safety standards, care instructions, and manufacturer's details. In most cases, removing this tag may void the warranty.
  • Stains or discoloration - Damaging the mattress with fluids, such as coffee spills and even food stains, can void the warranty.
  • Improper support - Not using the right mattress foundation or base as specified by the manufacturer can eventually lead to problems that are not covered. Putting the mattress on the floor can also void the warranty.
  • Failing to flip or rotate the mattress - Flipping and rotating the mattress on a consistent basis ensures it wears evenly. In some instances, failing to do so might void the warranty. However, not all mattresses need flipping and rotating, so it's crucial to go through the specific warranty in question.
  • Failure to remove the mattress from shipping packaging - If you don't remove the mattress from its shipping materials within a certain period, it can void the warranty.
  • Customer misuse - Damages caused by misuse, such as burns, cuts, and tears, are typically not covered.

Examples of Mattress Warranties from Different Brands

In order to give shoppers a sense of what warranty coverage might look like in the real world, we've put together some examples from our top mattress brands.

PlushBeds

Generally, PlushBeds stands out from the competition for its focus on manufacturing American-made, all-natural, and sustainable sleep products. They offer a 100-night free sleep trial period for their premium quality latex mattresses, allowing shoppers ample time to test out their new bed's comfort and support level in their own home.

PlushBeds additionally provides a limited lifetime warranty on all their bedroom mattresses. This coverage is among the best in the mattress industry and reflects PlushBeds' confidence in the durability and quality of their product. During the first 10 years, the company will replace or repair your mattress if a material or manufacturing defect occurs. However, if defects occur during the remaining term of the warranty, the company will either replace the defective bed at a prorated charge to the client or repair it at a handling cost to the shopper. Shoppers may also be responsible for transportation fees for shipping and returns when necessary. 

Overall, PlushBeds mattresses are engineered to cater to all types of sleepers, irrespective of their body types and sleep preferences. Their organic latex mattresses offer a combination of support and comfort while also being environmentally friendly. Our favorite PlushBeds mattress is the Organic Botanical Bliss which we're sure you'll love.

Amerisleep

Amerisleep is known for being a top manufacturer and retailer of American-made memory foam and hybrid beds, including our fan-favorite Amerisleep AS3 mattress. It covers their mattresses with a 100-night sleep trial period, giving shoppers plenty of time to test their mattresses. If you're not satisfied with its performance, you'll be required to sleep on the Amerisleep Mattress before you initiate a return.

In terms of warranty, Amerisleep offers a lengthy 20-year warranty for their mattresses. This coverage is split into 2 parts. For the first 10 years, Amerisleep will offer full replacement or repair of the mattress free of charge. During the next 10 years, they'll issue a replacement bed at a 50% discount.

Generally, Amerisleep mattresses are engineered to accommodate a diverse range of shoppers, with specific versions tailored to different sleep positions and preferences. These mattresses stand out for their use of Bio-Pur foam, a plant-based spin on standard foam that offers countless benefits. For starters, it features an open-cell structure, making it more breathable than traditional foam. This helps keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night. Plus, these mattress materials quickly adapts to the shape of the body as you change positions at night, offering optimum support and cradling comfort without the memory foam feeling of being stuck on the surface.

Molecule

Molecule is mainly recognized for its focus on optimal recovery and performance in sleep products. All their mattresses are backed by a 100-night risk-free sleep trial period. Like other mattress brands in our list, Molecule requires its customers to have the mattress for at least 30 nights before they can initiate a return. 

Each purchase also comes with a 15-year warranty that covers physical defects, manufacturing flaws, and visible indentations of the bed greater than 1 inch. This coverage is a testament to Molecule's confidence in the durability and quality of its mattresses, ensuring your product is protected for years to come. 

We think the best feature of Molecule mattresses is their open-cell Air-Engineered Comfort system, which is specially made to maximize comfort, heat dissipation, and support for improved recovery and performance. This makes Molecule Mattress models an ideal pick for sleepers who lead active lifestyles and need a good night's sleep to recover from their activities. If you're looking for a Molecule powerhouse, go for the Molecule 2 Airtec mattress.

How to Enhance Mattress Durability

First and foremost, note that even the most durable mattress can wear fast if used wrongly. That said, before getting into the tips for maintaining the durability of your mattress, let's start by getting the right mattress. If you're a heavy sleeper, get a firm or extra-firm mattress. If you get a plush mattress, it'll sag faster and cause you back pain. If you're a lightweight sleeper, get a soft mattress, and if you're an average-weight sleeper, get a medium to medium-firm mattress. By getting the right mattress, you'll be able to utilize it accordingly and enjoy its perks for longer.

Now, let's see other simple tips for extending the life of your mattress.

Use a Mattress Protector

One of the best ways of making your mattress last longer is by using a waterproof mattress protector. Aside from protecting your mattress against stains, mattress protectors can help keep dead skin cells, dust mites, bed bugs, and molds from collecting on your sleep surface. Some can even regulate body temperature and offer additional comfort and cushioning thanks to the extra padding.

Avoid Playing on Beds - Jumping, Especially

While this can be quite hard to follow, especially if you have kids in the house, you want to make sure you keep your children from bouncing on the bed at all costs. This is because jumping on the bed can break the inner coils, causing permanent indentations in the surface. 

Avoid Eating and Spilling on Your Bed

Nowadays, most sleepers believe that having their meals in bed is among life's greatest pleasures. What most of them don't know is that bugs and other pets also benefit from that. Even the tiniest food scraps and soup stains can attract pets and rodents, which may eat up your mattress' fabrics and materials, reducing its useful lifespan. Plus, it creates a mess in your sleep environment, which can make it hard for you to have the restorative sleep you deserve. That said, try to refrain from eating on your mattress, even if it means banning food from your bedroom.

Use the Ideal Bed Frame

Different mattresses need different types of foundations and bases, so it's crucial to conduct thorough research to find the right foundation for your mattress. Otherwise, you might end up voiding your warranty when your bed damages your mattress.

Rotate your Mattress to Distribute Wear


As we mentioned earlier, flipping your mattress allows it to wear evenly, which helps preserve its lifespan. However, not all mattresses need flipping, as doing this may either damage your mattress or void your warranty. For instance, one-sided memory foam and latex foam mattresses can benefit the most from a 180-degree rotation at least every 3 months. That being said, always go through the manufacturer's guidelines or contact your company to determine the best course of action.  

Keep your Mattress Clean - Spot clean, Vacuum, Wash Cover, If Allowed 

You may also want to consider spot-cleaning your new mattress regularly and vacuuming it at least twice a year to remove and prevent dust, allergens, and skin cell buildup. While you're at it, consider also washing your bedding to keep you and your sleep surface healthier for years to come. Make sure you give your mattress sufficient time to fully dry before covering it up and sleeping on it. This will help prevent the growth of mold, dust, and mildew over time, 

Use Mattress Toppers When Need Be

Even when your mattress starts to deteriorate and lose its comfort and support level, you can use it for long by getting a mattress topper. Toppers are cheaper than purchasing a new mattress. In fact, they work as well as a mattress as long as you get the right one.

How to File Warranty Claims

If you think your mattress has a manufacturing defect that falls under the warranty coverage, you may have to file a warranty claim. Here are the key steps you can follow:

Review your Warranty Terms

First things first, you'll want to review your warranty before you file any claim. Look at the part that talks about what's covered by the warranty to ensure your complaint meets the mattress warranty's coverage.

Contact the Mattress Retailer

Next, contact the store where you purchased the mattress. If this isn't helpful, you may have to contact the mattress manufacturer. In both cases, make sure you provide detailed information about the problem, such as the nature of the issue, when it first happened, and any other relevant information. We recommend taking detailed photos of the affected region and taking measurements to show the extent of mattress defects, such as sagging and stitching issues. Also, consider using certified mail with return receipts if you're mailing warranty forms and other documentation.

Check-in and Follow-Up

Once you've submitted your warranty, it's always wise to check in frequently. This helps you stay updated on how the manufacturers are planning to handle your issue. Most companies complete their review process after a few weeks and resolve the claim. However, if your manufacturer doesn't cooperate, you may have to contact the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) for further assistance.

Other Things to Consider When Buying a Mattress

Aside from warranty terms, buyers often need to remember to inquire about some important details, such as shipping costs and return policies.

Shipping Costs

When purchasing a mattress, it's always wise to consider shipping charges before making a purchase decision. You need to confirm whether the shipping fee is included in the buying price or it's an extra charge that shoppers need to account for. Some mattress companies provide free ground shipping, which can be a great saving. Other retailers may also offer to remove your old mattress and help you set up the new one, which could save you additional expenses. 

Return Policies

You also want to go through the return policy carefully before making a purchase. Check for details on restocking charges, return shipping fees, and the procedure for scheduling a mattress return. Some mattress companies provide free returns while others might charge you for pick ups and returns. That said, always ensure that you're contented with your brand's return policy before completing your purchase.

Conclusion

Overall, knowing the terms and conditions of a mattress warranty can help ensure your investment in restorative sleep is protected. In addition to having an idea of your product's expected lifespan, you'll know how to care for your mattress and the proper channels to follow when filing a claim. Keep in mind that a mattress warranty is a pledge from the retailer or manufacturer to stand behind their mattress, and as a client, you have a right to hold your manufacturer to that promise.

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