Firm Mattress Warranty Canada Protection Guide 2026

📖 13 min read

Canadian Firm Mattress Warranty Standards

Warranty Terms by Mattress Category

Mattress Warranties: What's Actually Covered (and What Isn't)

A 20-year warranty sounds reassuring. But warranty coverage varies dramatically between manufacturers, and many people discover too late that their problem isn't covered. Here's what you actually need to know before buying.

Types of Warranties

Full Replacement

Covers the entire cost of replacing a defective mattress with a new one. This is the best coverage but increasingly rare for the full warranty period.

Prorated

Coverage decreases over time. After a certain point, you become responsible for a portion of the replacement cost based on how long you've owned the mattress. A 20-year prorated warranty might mean full coverage for years 1-5, then increasing out-of-pocket costs thereafter.

Limited

Covers only specific components or issues. Read carefully to understand exactly what's included.

Many warranties combine approaches: full coverage for several years, then prorated coverage, then limited coverage. Understand the entire schedule, not just the total years.

What Warranties Typically Cover

Manufacturing Defects

Problems that exist because of how the mattress was made: broken coils, foam that deteriorates prematurely, seams that split, materials that separate.

Excessive Sagging

This is the most common warranty claim. But here's the catch: warranties specify a sagging depth threshold, often 1 to 1.5 inches. Your mattress must sag that deep at the lowest point to qualify. You might feel uncomfortable long before the sag reaches warranty threshold.

Also note: most warranties require you to measure sagging without bedding and without anyone on the mattress. Body impressions that "spring back" when you get up typically aren't covered.

What Warranties Don't Cover

Comfort Changes

Warranties don't cover "I don't like how it feels anymore." This is why sleep trials matter. If comfort is wrong from the start, you need to return during the trial period, not file a warranty claim later.

Normal Wear and Tear

Gradual softening over years is expected and not covered. The mattress performing somewhat differently at year 7 than year 1 is normal.

Sagging Below Threshold

If your mattress sags 0.75 inches and the warranty threshold is 1 inch, you have no claim. You might sleep poorly, but that's not a covered defect.

Stains and Damage

Here's where many claims get denied. Stains, including small ones you might not think matter, void most warranties. The reasoning: liquid damage corrodes materials and makes the mattress unsanitary to inspect or replace. This is why mattress protectors are essential from day one.

Improper Support

Using an inadequate foundation or bed frame can void warranty coverage. Most manufacturers specify support requirements. If your mattress fails because you put it on an old box spring or slats that are too far apart, that's on you.

How to Protect Your Warranty

Use a Mattress Protector

From the first night. This protects against stains that void warranty coverage. A $50 protector can save a $1,500 warranty claim.

Use Proper Support

Check manufacturer requirements. Most modern mattresses need either a solid platform, a slatted base with slats no more than 3 inches apart, or an adjustable base. Keep your receipt for the foundation too.

Keep Documentation

Receipt, warranty card, any registration information. You may need proof of purchase years later.

Understand Your Timeline

Know when coverage changes from full to prorated, and what your out-of-pocket costs would be at different points.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

1. What's the sagging threshold for warranty coverage?
2. Is the warranty full, prorated, or limited, and when does it change?
3. What's the process for filing a claim?
4. Who handles warranty service: the retailer or manufacturer?
5. What foundation requirements must be met?
6. What voids the warranty?
7. Are shipping costs covered for warranty replacements?

The Local Advantage

One often-overlooked warranty consideration: who handles claims? With online purchases, you're dealing with customer service centers that may be unresponsive or require you to ship a heavy mattress. With local retailers, you have a physical store and people you can talk to.

At Mattress Miracle, we've been handling warranty issues for Brantford customers since 1987. When something goes wrong, you know where to find us. Come to 441½ West Street and ask about warranty coverage on any mattress we sell. We'll explain exactly what's covered and what isn't.

Mattress Miracle: honest warranty information since 1987.