How mattress warranties work – everything you need to know

A mattress is a major investment. When you're spending that much money on a brand-new bed, you want to know that you can protect your purchase from defects and deterioration. A good mattress warranty should give you that peace of mind.

The length and terms of your mattress warranty will vary from product to product, as well as between brands. Before you buy a bed, you need to work out what your warranty does and doesn't cover and what you should and shouldn't do to prevent voiding your warranty.

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I lead a team of expert testers in the search to find the world's best mattress. We assess each mattress for comfort, cooling, and support before we consider the more practical aspects of buying a bed, from the length of the sleep trial to the terms of the mattress warranty. This article should tell you everything you need to know about the different types of mattress warranties and what to do if you need to file a claim.

Mattress warranties – what you need to know

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. I asked mattress salesman Andy Bloom to tell us more about mattress warranties and what they mean for you, the consumer.

What is a mattress warranty?

A mattress warranty is a written guarantee, extended by the manufacturer to the purchaser, to repair or replace your mattress if necessary within a specified period of time.

In the age of online mattress shopping, getting a good mattress warranty is more important than ever. It protects you against material defects that you can't see from the product listing and that you might not even feel in a mattress showroom.

The length of the mattress warranty and the extent of its coverage will vary from brand to brand. Some warranties last five years, whereas others last 20; some warranties only cover particular manufacturing defects, while others cover all sorts of mattress flaws.

'As a mattress retailer, we get questions about mattress warranties all the time,' says Andy Bloom, owner of Home Mattress Center. 'The specific terms and conditions of mattress warranties can vary between mattress manufacturers, but there are basic types.' Let's break them down.

• Full replacement warranty: 'This type of warranty covers the entire cost of replacing a defective mattress with a new one,' says Andy. 'It typically includes defects in materials or workmanship.'
• Prorated warranty: 'This type of warranty provides coverage for a specified period of time, after which the value of the warranty decreases,' Andy explains. 'If a defect arises within the initial coverage period, the manufacturer will typically replace or repair the mattress at no cost. However, as the warranty progresses, you may be responsible for a portion of the cost.'
• Limited warranty: This type of warranty offers the least protection. Andy explains that 'a limited warranty covers only specific components or issues within the mattress, such as broken coils or foam deterioration.' It's worth checking the exact terms and conditions of your warranty to work out what's in and what's out.
• Extended warranty: This type of warranty offers the most comprehensive protection. 'A few manufacturers offer the option to purchase an extended warranty, which extends the coverage period beyond the standard warranty duration,' says Andy. 'This provides additional protection and peace of mind'.

Andy Bloom

Along with his wife, Katie, Andy owns and operates the Home Mattress Center store and showroom. Andy has sold thousands of beds over the last 30 years in the mattress industry.

What does a mattress warranty cover?

The exact details of your mattress warranty will vary from brand to brand, but typically include defects in materials or workmanship, such as:

• Significant, premature sagging: over the years, any mattress will start to sag under the pressure of nightly use. Still, if your mattress shows signs of excessive sagging within the first few years of use, then you may be entitled to compensation.
• Broken coils: if the coils in your bed break, you'll know about it. You'll hear them squeak and creak as you toss and turn, and you might feel them digging into your side as you start to sleep.
• Faulty stitching: this sort of defect is a manufacturing error, which is covered by your average mattress warranty.

From the shopper's point of view, the best mattress warranties are the most comprehensive. You're looking for a warranty that covers all the major defects in material and manufacture to last as long as your mattress does.

Below, I've picked out a few of my favorite beds that come with extensive mattress warranties. Each mattress is tried and tested by an H&G sleep expert for comfort; support; breathability; motion isolation; edge support; and the all-important cost.

What does a mattress warranty not cover?

A mattress warranty does not cover any damage done to a mattress through regular, normal use. Any damage incurred through the owner's negligence is also not covered by a mattress warranty. In practice, that might look like:

• Regular mattress sagging: if your mattress starts to accrue indents and impressions over the years, this is considered normal wear and tear, so it is not covered by a mattress warranty.
• Spills, stains, and other physical flaws caused by the owner: your average mattress warranty only covers defects caused by the manufacturer.

Also, if you buy a bed and decide that it doesn't meet your sleep needs, any replacement or exchange you might make will not be covered by the original mattress warranty.

Mattress warranty FAQs

What can void a mattress warranty?

These are the most common mistakes shoppers make to accidentally void their mattress warranty.

• Not following care instructions: 'If you fail to follow the care instructions issued by the manufacturer, and you don't use a proper foundation or a mattress protector, then your warranty may be voided,' says Andy.
• Removal of tags: the law labels and care tags attached to your mattress are important proof of its authenticity.
• Inappropriate use: according to Andy, this is a catch-all term. 'If you use the mattress for any purpose other than its intended use (sleeping), then the warranty might be voided.'
• Selling or buying a mattress second-hand: your average mattress warranty only applies to the original purchaser of the mattress. If you buy a mattress second-hand, and notice that it starts to sag, then you won't be entitled to compensation.

How can I file a warranty claim?

First, gather all the relevant information to prove your purchase and your problem. This includes your original receipt, your warranty card, and photographs that clearly show the defects in your mattress.

Next, contact the manufacturer or the store where you bought the mattress. They'll want to hear more about your problems with the mattress, so compile a list of any relevant details or evidence.

Once your claim is verified and approved, the manufacturer should offer some sort of solution. This might involve repairs, replacement, or refund, depending on the terms of the warranty.

Final thoughts

To meet the terms and conditions of your warranty, you need to take good care of your mattress. I suggest you invest in the best mattress protector to safeguard your bed from sweat, spills, and stains. It's all part of proper use.