Buying a new mattress involves determining the level of firmness you need, the kind and size of mattress you want and even scrutinizing the quality of construction. Consumers are also advised to check the warranty. But what’s in a mattress warranty, anyway?
You’ve got manufacturers selling products with warranties up to 30 years. That’s surely impressive and would make one whip out their payment card right away and purchase a mattress right then and there. According to the National Sleep Foundation however, most mattresses have a lifespan of 8 years, which means that you may have to replace your mattress way before the warranty expires.
Does this mean that a mattress with a 10-year warranty is enough? Let’s delve into what a mattress warranty really is about.
Mattress Warranties
Written warranties are not required by law but they do come with most major purchases like a mattress. With written warranties, the Federal Trade Commission recommends checking the following:
- Length and coverage of the warranty – when does it begin and expire, and just what does the warranty cover? What are the conditions that may make the coverage void?
- Warranty contact information – if you need your mattress repaired or replaced,a or have any questions about the warranty, who do you need to contact, the manufacturer or the seller?
- Action in case of product problems – will your mattress be repaired or replaced, or will you get a refund instead? What do you need to do to have it done? Will the company shoulder the cost of transporting the mattress for replacement or repair?
There are also implied warranties, which are created by state law and is required in all states. According to the FTC, if there are issues in your mattress that are not covered by the written warranty, you may investigate the protection provided by the implied warranty. An implied warranty means that the manufacturer or seller guarantees that a product does what it is supposed to.
Warranty and Life Expectancy
The length of the warranty validity doesn’t equate with the lifespan of the mattress. Most written warranties are valid for at least five years but a 30-year warranty doesn’t mean your mattress will last that long in the same condition you bought it – unless you never use it.
The life expectancy of your mattress will depend on several factors such as its original quality and usage. A mattress that is used regularly, even if properly maintained, will still wear out before the warranty expires.
Usual coverage
A standard mattress warranty usually covers manufacturing defects, not damage from use or the normal wear and tear. A typical warranty may cover body indentations or premature sagging (up to a depth of 1.5 inches), which is often the result of faulty inner springs or other manufacturing defect. Other physical defects covered under warranty may include broken or protruding coils or wires, irregular bunching, torn handles and seams that come undone.
The terms and conditions of a mattress warranty would vary among different mattress companies. You need to check and understand the conditions of a warranty before purchase. If something needs clarification, it’s best to ask the manufacturer directly and have it explained in writing.