STEP 1 — MEASURE THE SAG THE WAY THE WARRANTY DOES. Brands measure an indentation with no weight on the mattress. Strip the bed, lay a straight edge or pull a taut string across the width of the mattress over the deepest part of the impression, and measure from the string down to the surface. Photograph the tape measure in place. Tempur-Pedic covers indentations over 0.75", Purple and Casper over 1", and Nectar, DreamCloud, Helix, Brooklyn Bedding and Avocado over 1.5".
STEP 2 — PHOTOGRAPH THE BASE. This is the step almost everyone skips, and it is the one that decides borderline claims. Every brand excludes sag caused by an improper foundation, so take photos showing the slat spacing with a tape measure across it, the centre support leg on a queen or larger, and the frame as a whole. If your base is compliant, prove it before the brand can suggest otherwise.
STEP 3 — FIND THE PROOF OF PURCHASE. Warranties run from the original purchase or delivery date and require the receipt. Tempur-Pedic asks you to keep the receipt for the full ten years; Brooklyn Bedding and Helix both ask you to retain a copy as proof of purchase. If you bought through a retailer rather than the brand, dig out that invoice too.
STEP 4 — CHECK THE LAW TAG IS STILL THERE. Purple will not process a claim without it. Photograph it with the model name legible.
STEP 5 — SUBMIT THROUGH THE OFFICIAL CHANNEL. Purple and Brooklyn Bedding use online claim forms, Tempur-Pedic uses a claim portal, Helix and Avocado use their support help centres, and Saatva asks to be notified in writing. Going through a retailer's customer service instead of the brand's warranty channel usually adds weeks.
STEP 6 — ASK WHAT IT WILL COST YOU BEFORE YOU AGREE. This is where the money hides. Saatva charges a $149 processing fee for repair and re-cover from year 3. Nectar and DreamCloud charge $50 shipping each way from year 10, refunded if a defect is confirmed. Purple makes transportation the purchaser's responsibility for claims after the first 100 days. Tempur-Pedic makes the purchaser responsible for shipping. Get the figure in writing before collection is booked.
STEP 7 — KNOW WHAT A WIN LOOKS LIKE. A valid claim is settled at the brand's option, not yours: repair, re-cover or replacement. Prorated years change the maths entirely — a Helix or Brooklyn Bedding claim in year 12 means paying 50% of the current retail price, and an Avocado claim after year 10 is a rising percentage of what you originally paid. Work out that number before deciding whether the claim is worth pursuing at all.