Leggett & Platt

Leggett & Platt Tempur-pedic adjustable beds 20 year warranty? Carthage, Missouri

1st of Dec, 2010 by User533934

I purchased a Tempur-pedic mattress and adjustable base in 2006. I bought the best (?), more expensive base that was offered and it is branded as Tempur-pedic. I later found out that Leggett & Platt made the adjustable bases for Tempur-pedic, and the Tempur-pedic name is just on the fabric surrounding the base. I wasn't concerned because I have a 20 year warranty.I later found out that the warranty is pro-rated BUT covers 100% for the first 10 years, then from the 11th year it drops to 50% (half the warranty period is over, so is their coverage). I only had the bed 6 yrs. so I should be ok. My base broke! The foot of the base was hanging down. I called Leggett & Platt and told them my problem. I was told that they would ship a turnbuckle and hinge kit for S&H plus tax which came to about $13.00. While on the phone with them, the person I spoke with explained to me that I had to remove the mattress, remove the bar support at the foot of the bed, turn the base completely over so that it laid flat on the floor and then replace the parts. The parts arrived in just two days. When I complained that considering my age and the weight of the base, I would need someone to do this. I was offered the name of 'an installer' that was over an hour away from me, she had "no idea what he would charge to do the work". (I guess the 20 year warranty is for parts only, and actually not even that because I was charged to ship them.) During this same conversation, the woman on the phone volunteered some info. I enquired how she could be completely certain that the parts she was sending were what was needed. She stated, "It's usually the problem." Indicating to me that it happens quite often! She told me of an elderly woman who was 'bed bound'. People would visit her and sit on the foot of her bed. They had to send this woman the same repair kit she sending to me...on three different occasions! I was also told that "even a very small child" could break the bed by sitting on the foot. "Never let anyone sit on the foot of your bed". If the bed is flat, why should it break? If the foot of the bed is elevated, I could better understand the concern.This puts me in mind of hospital beds. Hospital beds are adjustable. People visit everyday and sit on the foot of these beds. Hospital beds are moved around a lot, support patients of all sizes and accommodate tons of abuse...yet they last for years and years! Plus, they cost less than I paid for my adjustable base! I base the last statements on my experience as a nurse for many years. It's amazing the amount of stress put on them and how well they hold up. Ok. I'm still feeling somewhat tolerant. Strange things happen every day. I called the store where I made the original purchase. They were more than happy to help replace the parts...for a fee. Still, I felt grateful that finally my bed would be repaired. Two men came out and dismantled the bed and turned it over as instructed to repair it. We examined the situation. The protective dust netting under the base had to be cut to examine and replace the hinges. The 'HINGES' were made of plastic! Picture a normal hinge. As the bed was flexed (as adjustable beds are made to do), the plastic hinge stressed where it bends and finally broke! The hinge on the other side shows substantial stress and is ready to 'snap', as well. I paid $55.00 labor to fix the bed. Now, my (100% for the first ten years) 20 year (pro-rated) warranty has cost me $68.00. During the 'repair visit', I was informed that Tempur-pedic does not use my particular adjustable base any more. hmmmm, cause to pause and ponder. Why were these bases not recalled? It seems that the hinges and turnbuckles are NOT tolerating even gentle, normal wear. Why would anyone make a hinge out of plastic in the first place? When you bend a piece of plastic back and forth, it finally breaks! And much more quickly than you would expect when it's actually 'scored' in the center so that it DOES bend!I feel that I can look forward to replacing these hinges again and again. I elevate my legs every night because I stand on them all day. When I'm ready to fall asleep, I lower the foot flat again. I intend to continue to do so since that's the primary reason I bought the adjustable base. Tell me again, the warranty covers what?, for how long? why were the plastic hinges not replaced by something more substantial? why did Tempur-pedic change adjustable bases? why wasn't there a recall? isn't this what they mean by 'false advertising'? I must be really stupid, cuz I just don't 'get it'!

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