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

Remove all bedding. Sheets hide impressions.
Use a straight edge. A broomstick or level across the dip.
Use a rigid ruler. Measure the deepest point from the bottom of the straight edge to the mattress surface.
Do not press down. The ruler must rest gently on the fabric.
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).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1.5-inch indentation rule?

Most mattress warranties consider sagging to be "normal wear and tear" unless the indentation is deeper than 1.5 inches. This is a huge gap—deep enough to cause back pain, but not deep enough to qualify for a replacement.

How do I measure mattress indentation for a warranty claim?

To measure accurately, place a straight edge (like a broomstick or yardstick) across the mattress surface. Then, use a ruler to measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the straight edge to the deepest point of the sag without pressing down on the mattress.

Which brands have the best indentation coverage?

Some brands like Saatva and some high-end hybrids offer better coverage, triggering the warranty at 0.75 inches or 1 inch. Always check the fine print for the specific "indentation threshold."

Sources

Updated 2025-01-24