I finally decided on a mattress for my 270 lb frame after weeks of research. The checkout page had a pre-checked box for a $120 mattress protector. I unchecked it, but then got a pop-up asking if I was sure, warning that without it my warranty could be void. I went back and read the warranty terms and it says stains void the warranty. So I guess I had to buy it? But now I'm wondering if I got played. Anyone else deal with this?
Protectors
Why was the mattress protector pushed so hard at checkout?
That's a common tactic. They know heavy sleepers sweat more and are more lkely to stain, so they push it hard. It's not technically required by law, but it's required by their warranty terms. You can buy a cheaper one elsewhere though.
I got the same pop-up. I just closed it and bought a protector from a different store for half the price. My warranty is still valid as long as the mattress isn't stained, and a cheaper protector does the same job.
Wait, so if I don't use thir protector, I'm screwed if there's a stain? That seems like a trap.
I used to work at a mattress store. The protectors have huge margins. We were told to push them hard. The warranty thing is real though, but you can use any protector, not just theirs. They just want the sale.
Yeah, exactly. The margin on those is like 80%. And for heavier folks, they know you're more likely to sweat through, so they really lean on the warranty angle.
I'm 300 lbs and I've had my mattress for 3 years without a protector. No stains stains. I just don't eat in bed. But I guess it depends on how much you sweat.
That's a good point. I think the protectors are more about avoiding sweat stains than spills. For heavy sleepers, sweat is the main issue.
Sweat is the big one. And for he avier people, more surface area and more pressure means more sweat. So they push it hard.
I bought a cheap waterproof one online and it's been fine. It's not as fancy but it does the job. Just make sure it's breathable, otherwise you'll sweat more.
Thanks for the input. I ended up cancelling the protector and ordering a different one. I'll just make sure it's waterproof and breathable. The whole thing felt pushy but I get it now.
Good call. You saved some money. Just be careful with the warranty—if you do get a stain, they might deny a claim. But as long as you're careful, you should be fine.
I've never had a warranty claim anyway. Most of the time it's not worth the hassle.
What about the ones that come with the mattress? Are they any good?
Usually they're cheap. Better to buy a separate one. Look for one with a membrane that blocks liquid but lets air thrrough.
I second that.The ones that come with the mattress are often thin and don't last. Invest in a decent one, especially for heavy sleepers.