The 1.5 Inch Warranty Trap

Why your "Lifetime Warranty" might be useless even if your bed has a visible crater.

The "Standard" Industry Policy

Most mattress warranties (Nectar, DreamCloud, WinkBed, etc.) only cover visible indentations greater than 1.5 inches.

This measurement must be taken with no weight on the bed. You often have to run a string or broomstick across the bed and use a ruler to prove the depth.

The Catch: Memory foam is resilient. It often springs back to look flat (visibly < 1 inch dip) but has lost all structural support. You sink in when you lie down (3+ inches), but the warranty claim will be denied because the "unweighted" sag is too shallow.

0.75 Inches

Standard threshold for Latex or premium store brands (Tempur-Pedic often uses 0.75"). Better coverage.

Standard

1.5 Inches

The "industry standard" for bed-in-a-box foam hybrids. Designed to filter out most softness complaints.

2.0 Inches

Predatory threshold used by ultra-budget brands on Amazon (Zinus, etc.). Almost impossible to claim.

How to Win a Warranty Claim

  1. Remove all bedding. Sheets hide impressions.
  2. Use a straight edge. A broomstick or level across the dip.
  3. Use a rigid ruler. Measure the deepest point from the bottom of the straight edge to the mattress surface.
  4. Do not press down. The ruler must rest gently on the fabric.
  5. Check your foundation. If your slats are too wide (>3 inches) or your frame is broken, they will deny the claim immediately, blaming your frame for the sag. (See our Foundation Guide).

Related Questions