Warranties: What You Should Know

Updated May 25, 2022

Prorated vs. Non-Prorated Warranties

When you purchase something expensive, like a mattress, you certainly want to make sure that your investment is protected. You want to know that you can count on what you purchased to last you as long as it should. You want to know that you're backed by a trusted manufacturer.

Mattress warranties can be a little confusing, especially the terms prorated and non-prorated. It can seem backward because the term "prorated" sounds more positive than "non-prorated," but a non-prorated warranty is actually the better of the two.

What's the difference between a prorated and non-prorated warranty? With a non-prorated warranty, if your mattress fails during the warranty period, it will be replaced or refunded 100%. With a prorated warranty, if your mattress fails during the warranty period, you will be reimbursed for the remaining portion of the warranty.

For example, a prorated mattress with a 10-year warranty that fails after 5 years will be reimbursed 50%. After 7 years, you'd receive a 30% reimbursement.

Divided Warranties

Often, manufacturers will divide a warranty into a non-prorated and prorated term. For instance, a manufacturer may offer a 20-year warranty with the first ten years non-prorated and the last ten years prorated. These are common warranties, and they can be trusted. However, if you come across a mattress with a fully prorated warranty, you should know what that covers. Remember, mattresses aren't cheap, so it's important to purchase one that will accommodate your needs for years to come. The warranty is a big part of the overall value of a mattress.

What Do Mattress Warranties Cover?

A non-prorated warranty protects all aspects of the mattress replacement or repair for the duration of the term. With a non-prorated warranty, you get full protection and will not have to cover any costs for replacement or repair. With a prorated warranty, you may incur some of the costs of repair or replacement. It essentially means that the manufacturer will pay for the part or aspect of the mattress that failed. Unfortunately, you can't really get inside of a mattress and fix individual components like you can with a car. As such, a prorated mattress claim could end up costing you a lot of money.

One feature of a new mattress that you should consider when shopping is its warranty. You never know what can happen in the time you own a mattress. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that the manufacturer will protect your investment is invaluable. A strong mattress warranty will give you that peace of mind. Before you buy a new mattress be sure you know what the warranty details are for the one you've chosen.

Warranty Value

Before you decide on a mattress to purchase, make sure you compare the warranty to that of comparable models. Take a look at the following example:

Mattress X offers a 10-year non-prorated warranty. This means that you have the security of the full warranty for the entire 10-year period. Mattress Y offers a 10-year warranty where the first five years offer full coverage, the last five years are prorated. After five years, you are responsible for paying some of the cost of a replacement mattress. The closer you get to the 10-year mark, the more out-of-pocket expenses you will incur.

So, spending $77 more for Mattress X could end up saving you money. When you consider the cost you may have to contribute to a prorated warranty claim it's a smarter choice.

Protecting Your Mattress and Warranty

Almost all manufacturers will void a warranty on a stained mattress. No matter the stain, no matter the source, if there is a spot on your mattress, then you are likely out of luck. A mattress protector will ensure that any liquid that spills on your bed will not seep into the mattress.

For more information on how to protect your mattress, read this article: The Best Ways To Protect Your Mattress

Related: Why Use a Mattress Protector?

Shop Protectors

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call (800-455-1052). We have a team of mattress experts ready to help you find the perfect mattress and answer any of your questions. 

About the Author, Juliana Huhta, Mattress Expert

Juliana has spent several years in the mattress industry, writing about and reviewing mattresses. She has a deep understanding of how mattresses work for different people and affect sleep.