Mattress warranty explained: what’s covered and what voids it
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “10-year warranty” sounds simple, but most people never read what it actually covers until something goes wrong. Here’s the plain-English version of the warranties on everything we sell: what counts as a defect, what doesn’t, the small things that can void a claim, how the adjustable base coverage changes over the years, and exactly how to file a claim with us.
The short answer
- A mattress warranty covers defects, not comfort. Our mattresses carry a 10-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, starting on the date of delivery.
- Sagging is covered only past a set depth. A visible indentation deeper than 3/4 of an inch from foam breakdown is covered, as long as it isn’t caused by a sagging foundation, slats, box spring or platform. Slight body impressions are normal.
- The easy ways to lose coverage: removing the law label, a stained or soiled mattress, liquid damage, using it on a frame without solid support, or buying it secondhand.
- Adjustable bases work differently: full coverage in year 1, motors for 2 years, replacement parts only in years 2–5, and prorated parts in years 6–10.
- We handle the claim for you. Text John your order number and photos, and we deal with the manufacturer.
What “10-year limited warranty” actually means
“Limited” means the warranty lists specific things it covers and specific things it doesn’t. It’s a promise that the mattress is free from manufacturing defects and stays serviceable under normal use. It is not a promise that the mattress will feel exactly like the first night for ten years, and it isn’t a comfort guarantee or a return policy.
Our Warranty page lists two things the mattress warranty covers:
- Foam breakdown that leaves a visible indentation deeper than 3/4 of an inch, when it isn’t caused by a sag in the foundation, slats, box spring or platform underneath.
- A physical flaw that makes the material split or crack despite normal use and proper handling.
If a covered defect is confirmed, the mattress is repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s option. If identical materials aren’t available, materials of equal or greater quality may be used.
Warranty length by product
Every product page lists its own warranty, too. If you’re unsure which coverage applies, ask us before you buy.
| Product | Warranty | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Mattresses & mattress packages | 10-year limited | Starts on the date of delivery; covers defects, not comfort preference |
| Mattress cover (the zip-off cover) | 2 years | Defects in materials or workmanship; not fading, pilling or shrinkage, or a soiled cover |
| Adjustable bases | 10-year limited | Full in year 1, motors 2 years, parts only years 2–5, prorated parts years 6–10 |
| Bed frames & foundations | 1-year limited | Faulty workmanship or structural defects; not misuse or neglect |
| Mattress & pillow protectors | 5-year limited | Not fading, ripping, pilling or shrinkage |
| Pillows | 3-year limited (Essentials Dual Air-Foam: 1 year) | Guaranteed to return to its original shape or be replaced; not improper care |
From our Warranty page and Purchase Policy & Warranty. For pillows, see how often to replace your pillow.
Sagging vs normal body impressions
This is the question we get most about warranties. Foam softens a little as it breaks in, and you’ll often see a slight impression where you sleep. Our Warranty page says that’s normal: it means the mattress is adjusting to your body, and it isn’t a defect. Normal softening and loss of elasticity over time are listed as normal wear and tear.
A defect is a visible indentation deeper than 3/4 of an inch caused by the foam itself breaking down. Two things to check before you call it a sag:
- Check what’s underneath. If the foundation, slats, box spring or platform is sagging or broken, the mattress is just following it down, and that isn’t covered. Take the mattress off and look.
- Measure it the way the claim needs it. Strip the bed, lay a straightedge (a long level or a broom handle) across the dip, and measure from the straightedge down to the deepest point with a ruler. Take a photo showing both the straightedge and the ruler.
Still feels firm or different in the first few weeks? That’s usually the break-in period, not a defect. See how to break in a new mattress.
What isn’t covered (and what can void the warranty)
Straight from our Warranty page, the mattress warranty doesn’t cover:
- A mattress that doesn’t match your comfort preference.
- Normal wear and tear, including normal softening of the foam. Slight body impressions are normal.
- Physical damage: burned, cut, torn, stained, soiled or unsanitary, or damage from misuse or abuse.
- Wear and tear on the outer fabric of the cover.
- Liquid damage of any kind, and mold. A mattress should never get wet or be kept somewhere very humid.
- Use on a frame or bed rails without a continuous, solid support surface.
- Commercial use.
- Claims without proof of purchase, or a mattress bought used, secondhand or from someone other than the original buyer.
- Suitability for any medical condition.
And two things that void it outright or can: removing the law label (the sewn-on tag that shows the date of manufacture) voids the warranty, and not following the manufacturer’s use and care instructions may void it.
7 ways to keep your warranty useful
- Leave the law label on. Tuck it under the sheet if it bothers you, but never cut it off.
- Keep your order confirmation email. Proof of purchase is required, and coverage is for the original purchaser only.
- Use proper support. Our mattress listings say to place the mattress on a continuously solid surface, an adjustable base, or slats no more than 2 inches apart that can support the mattress and the people on it. See what to put under a memory foam mattress.
- Keep it dry. A waterproof protector is recommended, not required, and not using one won’t void your warranty. But liquid damage isn’t covered, so a protector is cheap insurance. See do you need a mattress protector.
- If something spills, remove the cover right away and let the area dry before putting the cover back on. More in how to clean a mattress.
- Follow the care list on the listing: rotate the mattress to give the surface uniform wear, don’t stand or jump on it, don’t fold or bend it for long periods, and wash the cover cold and gentle, then air dry. Don’t dry clean, bleach, iron or steam it.
- Unbox it carefully. The listings say to use scissors, not a razor blade, so you don’t cut the cover or foam.
Adjustable base warranty, year by year
Our adjustable bases carry a 10-year limited warranty, but the coverage changes over time. Here’s how the listings and our Warranty page lay it out:
| When | What’s covered | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Any defective part repaired or replaced | Nothing: authorized labor and transportation are included |
| Years 1–2 (motors) | A failed motor is fully replaced | Nothing: parts, labor and transportation are included |
| Years 2–5 | Defective bed parts replaced for the original purchaser | Service, installation and transportation; return the old part within 14 days of getting the new one, or you may be charged for it |
| Years 6–10 | Defective bed parts replaced (prorated) | 1/180 of the part’s current replacement cost for each month past year 5, plus service, installation and freight |
How the prorating works, with made-up numbers: if a part’s replacement cost were $90 and it failed 18 months after the end of year 5, you’d pay 18/180 of $90, which is $9, plus freight and installation. Near the end of year 10 (60 months past year 5) it would be 60/180, one third of the part’s cost.
Base-specific things that matter:
- Weight limit. Most of our bases list 750 lbs including the mattress and the people on it; the SBKDH lists 700 lbs. Going over the recommended limit may void the warranty. See adjustable bed weight capacity.
- Not covered: misuse, repairs by an unauthorized person, an improper power supply, changes to the base without the manufacturer’s written consent, commercial use, damage to the mattress, bedding or cords, and service calls just to show you how to use the base or find a working outlet.
- e8 High-Low Lift (SBLB): it isn’t meant to replace a medical or hospital bed, and using it that way voids the warranty, as do changes to the lift base handrails.
- Where you live: the adjustable base warranty is valid in the 48 contiguous states. In Alaska or Hawaii, contact us before ordering a base.
Warranty vs returns vs shipping damage
These are three different things, and mixing them up is how people get frustrated. Here’s how ours work:
| Situation | What applies | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The box arrives damaged or something’s missing | Shipping damage (Purchase Policy) | Photo the box and product, keep the packaging, text us within 48 hours. We work with FedEx for you. |
| Want a different size or model before it ships | Order change | Call or text John as soon as you can; we update or cancel unshipped orders. |
| You just don’t like the feel | Not a warranty claim | Mattresses ship vacuum-compressed and can’t be resealed, so there are no returns or sleep trial once shipped. Call or text John; we’ll do everything we can to make it right. |
| A real defect (deep sag, split foam, failed motor) | Manufacturer’s limited warranty | File a claim with us (steps below). |
Because we can’t take returns on opened mattresses, the best protection is picking the right one up front. Start with how to choose a mattress, or tell John how you sleep on our Help me choose form.
How to file a warranty claim with us
- Text or call John at 818-924-3744 (6 AM to 9 PM Pacific) or email john@mimijohn.com.
- Send: your order number, a short description of the problem, photos of the problem and of the law label, and any measurements (for a dip: the straightedge-and-ruler photo).
- Have proof of purchase ready. Your order confirmation works.
- Don’t ship anything back until we contact you. Once the claim is verified, the product is repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s option.
- Know who pays shipping. Except where a warranty says otherwise (like the full first year on adjustable bases), you’re responsible for returning the product and the transportation costs.
We’re a small family business, so you deal with us, not a call center. We handle the claim with the manufacturer for you.
Our mattresses at today’s prices
Every mattress we sell carries the same 10-year limited warranty, ships brand new and factory-sealed, and ships free by FedEx.
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" Daisy Firm | Firm, budget bed for kids and guest rooms | 8BNV-TL |
$259 | $349 | $399 |
| 10" Rose Medium | Everyday medium firm gel memory foam | 10BNV-TL |
$329 | $399 | $469 |
| 10" Gel Comfort Reactive | Gel memory foam, zip-off washable cover | 10ESSCA-TL |
$269 | $399 | $519 |
| 12" Copper Gel | Our best-known copper model | 12BNCOPPER-TL |
$369 | $519 | $629 |
| 10" EcoCore Hybrid Premium | Pocket coils under soy-based foam | 10HSOY-TL |
$499 | $699 | $799 |
| 12" Ananda Pearl & Gel | Medium firm memory foam with gel | 12PEARL-TL |
$599 | $689 | — |
| 12" iSwitch Flippable | Two sides, two feels | 12ISWITCH-TL |
$659 | $769 | $899 |
| 14" ActiveAlign Zoned Hybrid | Zoned pocket-coil hybrid, plush medium soft | 14REACTIVE-TL |
$749 | $889 | $995 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included. A dash means that model isn’t made in that size.
And the adjustable bases (10-year limited warranty, full coverage in year 1):
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | Queen | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBKDH | Head-only lift; 700 lb limit | SBKDH-TL |
$399 | $439 | $959 |
| e3 | Head and foot lift, zero gravity; 750 lb limit | SBKD3-TXL |
$449 | $499 | $1,169 |
| e4 Premium | Adds massage and USB ports; 750 lb limit | SBKDP2-TL |
$599 | $649 | $1,389 |
| Glide | Wall-glide; 750 lb limit | SBKDG2-TL |
$939 | $1,039 | $1,559 |
| e7 Lumbar | Lumbar support and pillow tilt; 750 lb limit | SBKDL2-TL |
$949 | $1,099 | $1,739 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included. A dash means that model isn’t made in that size.
Premium Bamboo Viscose Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic
Liquid damage is the one thing no mattress warranty covers. A waterproof protector on day one keeps spills out of the foam.
- Waterproof, with 5-sided protection against liquid spills
- Fits up to a 16-inch mattress, so it fits every mattress we sell
- Viscose from bamboo
- Twin through split cal king sizes
- 5-year limited warranty
From $60 (Twin) · Queen $69 · See sizes & details
e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance
A solid, supportive base under your mattress, with its own 10-year limited warranty and a full first year.
- Head and foot lift, one-touch Zero Gravity and Flat
- Zero clearance; legs included (3", 6", 9" or 12")
- Weight limit 750 lbs including mattress and users
- Back-up battery strip
- 10-year limited warranty
From $449 (Twin XL) · Queen $499 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
Buying a new mattress? These help you get the most out of the warranty.
- Premium Bamboo Viscose Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic, from $60. Waterproof protector that fits up to 16".
- Terry Cloth Mattress Protector - MATPROC1, from $31. Budget waterproof protector, fits up to 11".
- e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance, from $449. Solid support plus head and foot lift.
- 10" EcoCore Hybrid Premium Soy Foam & Pocket Coil Mattress - Medium Firm, from $499. Pocket-coil hybrid, 10-year limited warranty.
Questions we hear a lot
What does a 10-year mattress warranty cover?
It covers manufacturing defects, not comfort. Our mattress warranty starts on the delivery date and covers foam breakdown that leaves a visible indentation deeper than 3/4 of an inch (when it is not caused by a sagging foundation, slats, box spring or platform) and physical flaws that make the material split or crack despite normal use. Covered defects are repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s option.
Is a sagging mattress covered by the warranty?
Only if the dip is deeper than 3/4 of an inch and comes from the foam itself. Slight body impressions and normal softening are normal wear. Check the base underneath first, then measure with a straightedge across the dip and a ruler at the deepest point, and photograph both.
What voids a mattress warranty?
Removing the law label voids it, and not following the use and care instructions may void it. It also does not cover stained, soiled, torn or burned mattresses, liquid damage or mold, use without a continuous solid support surface, commercial use, or a mattress bought used or secondhand.
Do I need a mattress protector to keep my warranty?
No. A waterproof protector is recommended but not required, and not using one will not void the warranty. Liquid damage of any kind is not covered, though, so a protector is the easiest way to keep a claim possible.
How does the adjustable base warranty work?
Our bases carry a 10-year limited warranty: full coverage including labor and transportation in year 1, motor replacement for 2 years, replacement parts only in years 2 through 5, and prorated parts in years 6 through 10 (1/180 of the part’s cost for each month past year 5). Going over the weight limit may void it.
Questions? Just ask us
Not sure whether something is a defect, or which warranty applies to what you’re buying? Text or call John at 818-924-3744, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific. If your mattress is simply getting old, see how long does a mattress last. The full terms are on our Warranty page.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Warranty terms are summarized from our Warranty page, Purchase Policy and the product listings; the Warranty page is the full, controlling text. The prorating example uses made-up numbers. This is general shopping information, not legal advice. Prices are read live from our catalog and update automatically.