What a Warranty Means

Warranties may be the most misunderstood part of mattress shopping and are of little help in judging mattress quality. Most manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty on their premium models, although some mattresses come with warranties from 15 years to a lifetime. But this doesn't mean the mattress will last that long—warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, not the gradual loss of comfort or support.

Be aware that some warranties are prorated; as the mattress ages, you receive proportionately less credit towards a new one. A non-prorated warranty will cover 100% of the labor and material costs to repair or replace a defective mattress or box spring. Also, be aware that valid warranty claims are a very small percentage of sales. Structural damage such as loose, broken or protruding coils and wires are rare. Over time, mattresses will wear out or your comfort preference may change—this is not a warranty defect. So when you are shopping, focus on finding a mattress with the best support and most comfortable padding at a price you can afford, not on the length of the manufacturer's warranty.