"Filing a warranty claim is a bureaucratic dance governed by fine print that most of us ignore until it’s too late."
We all know the feeling. You buy a mattress—and you sleep soundly knowing it comes with a "Lifetime Warranty." But five years later, when you notice a sinkhole forming on the left side of the bed, you realize that safety net is full of holes.
After analyzing the warranty policies of dozens of major brands—from Casper and DreamCloud to Layla and Allswell—we uncovered the counter-intuitive "gotchas" that separate a replacement mattress from a rejection letter.
The "Foundation" Trap
Almost every major manufacturer, including Layla and Allswell, explicitly states that using an "improper foundation" voids the warranty immediately.
If you are using a slat bed frame, the distance between the slats is critical. Many warranties specify that slats must be no more than 3 to 4 inches apart.
Foundation Gap Checker
Warranty policies are strict about slat spacing. Use the slider to see if your bed frame is "Void-Proof."
Danger! Gaps wider than 4 inches cause the mattress to 'dip' between slats. This is the first thing an inspector checks.
The Coffee Stain Rule
Even if your coils have collapsed or the foam has split, a single coffee stain can void your claim. Manufacturers cite hygiene safety to refuse handling or inspecting unsanitary products.
The Fix: Always use a high-quality waterproof mattress protector. It isn't just about hygiene—it's about protecting your right to a warranty claim.
The "Sag" Measurement
Subjective discomfort (feeling "too soft") is not a defect. To win a claim, you need objective proof of indentation.
The "Indentation" Threshold
0.75" Indentation
Tempur-Pedic Limit
Very strict. Even a minor dip qualifies for a swap.
1.5" Indentation
Industry Average
Must be deeper than a ping-pong ball. Harder to prove.
The Catch: This indentation must be visible without weight. If the bed only sags when you lay on it, it's considered "normal wear and tear."
Prorated "Lifetimes"
Brands like DreamCloud and Bear offer lifetime coverage, but the terms change as the product ages.
Years 0-10
Full replacement or repair at zero cost to the customer.
Years 11+
Often prorated. You may pay 50% of retail or shipping costs ($100+).
Do Not Trust the Zipper
Modern "bed-in-a-box" mattresses often come with a zipper. Do not unzip it.
Nectar and other brands warn that removing the cover exposes the fire-retardant sock (often containing silica or fiberglass). Unzipping can create a health hazard and immediately voids the contract.
The Law Tag is Law
That "Do Not Remove" tag isn't for the police—it's for the warranty inspector. It contains the batch numbers and manufacturing codes required to verify your mattress.
If you cut it off, you've essentially shredded your warranty contract.
Summary Checklist
Still confused about your specific policy? Our sleep auditors can help.
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