5 things you should know about mattress guarantees before hitting the sales

It's bank holiday weekend, so that usually means mattress sales are on. If you need a new one, then this might be a good time to buy a replacement – but make sure you read our five tips about guarantees.

We agree, it's not an exciting subject, but if you're planning on hitting the mattress sales – and you should have plenty of choice – then it's worth knowing what to look out for now to save you hassle later.

Should your dream choice turn into a nightmare for some reason, your guarantee can come to the rescue. Read on to find out more about why this matters and how to make the most of it.

Save time and find out the best mattress deals before you head to the sales

1. Guarantees can differ from one mattress to another, even from the same manufacturer 

The word guarantee is often used synonymously with warranty, but there are differences between the two and it's important to know what each covers.

• A guarantee is the assurance regarding quality and lifespan, with a promise to repair or replace if the product doesn't live up to its name.
• Warranties last longer than guarantees, may offer additional protection and you usually need to pay extra for them.

Our mattress reviews contain guarantee information for brands. Bear in mind that the guarantee may differ from one mattress to another from the same manufacturer, so check before you buy.

A warranty or guarantee doesn't replace your statutory rights.

What's the best mattress you can buy? Our mattress reviews are based on robust lab tests and reveal which ones won't let you down

2. It’s easy to inadvertently void your mattress guarantee 

Some mattress guarantees may only cover issues with specific parts, such as the springs or stitching, and many won't cover problems that are caused by you handling or cleaning the mattress incorrectly.

For example:

• Some guarantees won't cover you if using mattresses on the wrong type of bed frame or if you use it on a bed base with slats that are greater than a specific distance apart. Read all our expert advice about mattresses.
• Some have a weight limit: 20 stone/130kg for Eve mattresses, for example.
• You could also invalidate your guarantee by not cleaning or caring for your mattress according to the instructions.

Always check the T&Cs of any guarantee or warranty before buying. Many of us are guilty of not bothering to do this, but it's worth the extra five minutes so that you don't inadvertently void your guarantee.

Need a new mattress, but don't have a big budget? Head to our round up of the top five cheapest options

3. Read sleep trial terms and conditions carefully: some are very specific

Sleep trials, favoured by some bed-in-a-box brands, are a useful way to check if a mattress is right for you.

Before opting for a sleep trial, some of which can be as long as 365 nights, it's essential that you read the T&Cs.

Check how you need to return it if you don't like it. Some sleep trials allow you to return it for free with a full refund – and you won't even have to try and get it back into the packaging. Other sleep trials aren't so generous, though, and will only let you exchange or upgrade your mattress. You may even have to pay an arrangement fee.

Most sleep trials have rules about using a mattress protector during the trial and many (quite reasonably) won't accept a soiled mattress back.

Be aware that some guarantees stipulate you need to sleep on a mattress for a minimum number of nights before you can return it, which is so you can get used to it.

Find out all you need to know about returning a mattress

4. Testing a mattress in store isn’t the same as sleeping on it

If you prefer shopping at a physical store, it means you can try out a mattress in person.

Spend at least 10 minutes on a mattress – this will give you some impression of what it would be like to sleep on. You can also ask a sales assistant for tailored advice.

Bear in mind, though, that trying out one in store, even for 10 minutes or more, won't tell you the full story of what a mattress will be like in the long term. At best, it's an indication.

We survey Which? members to find out how they rate comfort for each of the big brands. Find out more about the best and worst mattress brands, as rated by 3,530 Which? members.

Our mattress testing also involves simulating six to 10 years' worth of use, so we can tell you which products will sag or soften over time.

If you're not wedded to the idea of testing a mattress in person, there are benefits to buying online.

For a start, it gives you a chance to change your mind – you're entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you receive goods. This means you can cancel your order at any time from the moment you order up to 14 days from the date it arrives and the seller is obliged to refund you.

Not sure where to buy from? Our latest survey reveals the best mattress shops, whether you're shopping in store or online

5. If your mattress isn't what you ordered, you could claim a refund 

If something goes wrong with your mattress, don't be fobbed off. The first place to go is the retailer – the company that sold you the product not the manufacturer.

If what you've been sold isn't of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose or as described, then it's possibly in breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. You have 30 days from taking ownership of a product to claim a refund if it's faulty. If you notice the fault after 30 days but within six months, you're entitled to a repair or replacement.

Our faulty goods complaint tool is a good place to start as it will guide you through questions about your issue and generate a ready-to-go complaint letter.

Even if there's an issue outside of the guarantee period, you may still be able to take action.

Your consumer rights apply even if your manufacturer's warranty or guarantee has expired – and retailers can't ignore this. Check how long you have to return a faulty product or what to do if the retailer refuses to help.

Don’t panic – mattress sales happen all year round

If you desperately need a new mattress, there are plenty of sales happening throughout the year. You don't need to wait for a bank holiday to get a good deal and you don't need to be pressured into buying a mattress because of a countdown timer or the promise of a large discount. 

With sales happening both in store and online, there's plenty of choice. If your heart is set on a specific brand that isn't on sale, then it's worth holding out if you don't need to buy immediately. If you're a bit more flexible, then the mattress sales world is your oyster.

And if your mattress hasn't quite given up the ghost yet, take a look at our best toppers. These will help provide a little extra comfort and support, so you can hold out a little longer and you'll more than likely find the mattress you're after on sale somewhere before too long.

Don't be pressured into buying too quickly in a sale – find out why Which? urges popular mattress companies to play by the rules