[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] If you decide to purchase the item, don’t use any sharp tool, to remove the plastic. But if you succumb to the temptation, take Elmer Fudd’s advice, “Be vewy, vewy, careful.” Apparently, cutting the waterproof liner enclosing the mattress or puncturing those items, is a common occurrence. “The oops” happened to me, and I noticed that it happened to another reviewer, during their video. Another clue is in GRACO’s warranty no-nos. While we’re on the subject, here’s an inside look at the warranty. (Something I don’t think you get to see until AFTER you buy a product; unless you’re a firm believer in opening the package, while you’re at the store.)
1. The purchaser is responsible for paying for shipping when repair is needed, ‘whether it’s your fault, my fault or nobody’s fault’. (Heard that in a John Wayne movie.)
2. It has a pro-rated 6-year warranty with a 100% trade-in, during the first year of purchase. The warranty isn’t as good as one might hope. Their list of “accidents” is so descriptive, that they gave themselves enough loopholes to get out of further action on their part. Also, it sounds like after the 12 months, they won’t reimburse you for your purchase price, but rather an undisclosed value system, based on the damage.
3. The No-Noes (damages not covered under the warranty): Tears, punctures or damages, due to customer abuse or accidents; damages caused by improper use, negligence, excessive strain, accidents, acts of nature (clever way of saying it.); and damages caused by extreme temperatures.
Apart from shipping accidents, you’re probably not going to use the warranty anyway. I mean, how much does a baby weigh? My dog is 25 pounds and it doesn’t look like she’s even dented the fabric. Everyone expects the diapers and the pads to catch the flowing river. And if that doesn’t happen, you have a back up--a zippered waterproof mattress pad, encasing the mattress. If you want further protection, you could always buy another waterproof mattress pad. I had a twin-size pad, and I covered it over the plastic sheeting. And this method, protected my GRACO mattress and pad from getting soiled, when my dog couldn’t get outside to use the bathroom.
As far as comfort is concerned, I sat on the end with my 150+ pound body, and my posterior didn’t even feel the hard floor. The cushiony foam came to greet all my chunky curves and I felt quite cozy. But alas, the bed is for my dog, who has been sleeping on a towel lately, in between washings of her body pillow. The mattress and its covers, appear to be good quality and made by those busy Chinese hands. Having this product come along, courtesy of the Spark Review program, was such a needed blessing. Because for the past two years, I’ve been waiting for manufacturers to come out with the ultimate dog bed, for a price that doesn’t make me roll my eyes.