[armonraphiel]

After buying and returning multiple beds in the last year, I learned a few things:

- Bed reviews are either very anecdotal or company sponsored.

- Do not buy a bed without testing it. Bring a pillow and spend at least 15 minutes relaxing on each candidate.

- If you can afford it, avoid “beds in a box”. They retain serious heat, provide little support for any sleeping position, and are not easy to return. Casper beds specifically caused me and my spouse a month of back pain.

- Test the softest version of the bed before making a decision, even if you prefer firm beds. There is a often a significant positive difference between “medium” and “extra plush”.

- Beware “free” add-ons. Mattress stores use them to hedge against returns and refunds by applying the value of the items to the mattress. This means if you return the mattress, you won’t get the full refund back.

- Shop at local mattress outlets, if possible. I was able to save $1,200 on the same exact model quoted (also at discount) at the major mattress chain with no haggling.