I’m not sure why buying a bed is so difficult in both terms of feeling comfortable owning one and then the actual process of selecting one. But despite having lived on my own since 18, I didn’t actually buy my own bed until I was 25. I literally bought on price (I couldn’t spend more than $400 at the time and needed something ASAP). I never slept well on it and when I left several months later was glad to donate it to charity.

Several years ago I had a big discussion about beds as I was determined to buy something that would help me really sleep since I average perhaps only 4 hours a night and some nights I go without. And I’m a huge bed lover sleeper girl so this just isn’t right.

In 2004 I began the search for a bed. After numerous recommendations (from friends, my chiropractor and online) I purchased a Temperpedic from Relax the Back since going in and out of mattress shops felt sleazier than buying a car. Plus, mattress shops wanted $2500 for the Temperpedic – Relax the Back sold it at a regular price plus a 10% discount when I was there.

I should have considered the source when listening to all the raves. I can see how this bed can work wonders for taller, heavier people with body heat – they can sink into it and it really will conform to the body. However, being petite with little body heat, the bed was always stiff and I would wake up even stiffer, tossing and turning every night. The elusive dream bed still kept me thinking.

When I moved into my new flat in 2007, I rang the Four Seasons, Los Angeles in desperation to order their bed (as I was currently sleeping on an Aero bed during the move). I always slept like a baby there, plus several friends had purchased from them with a great experience. However, they told me the manufacturer stopped making the bed that had been used but I was welcomed to come and try their (non flippable) version. But they were book solid for 3 weeks and then it’d be 6 weeks for delivery. I couldn’t sleep on an Aero bed for that long.

I thought of where I had my second best sleep and that was at Chateau du Sureau (in the room shown above). Their beds were Serta made especially for luxury hotels. When I called they were more than helpful with information on how to buy the bed (and bedding) however, their factory was closed for the summer so again I’d have to wait six weeks.

Then I thought about the W Hotel – always good. I did some research on mattresses and with the tips decided I’d go the W Bed Route. I found a coupon code (do a Google Search) that took $250 off so the bed, with shipping and a feather bed was less than $1000. Within three days I had the mattress delivered and was sleeping like a baby. Topped with some Shabby Chic bedding and I haven’t blinked an eye whilst sleeping in months!

Mattress shopping is a tricky, sometimes horrible business. When I looked years ago, going in and out of mattress shops was a far worse experience than car shopping. Brands have different names for different outlets and mattress salesmen will lie to you about everything. So this time, I chose to go directly to the sources of beds I had loved so that I knew exactly what I was getting. And without having to barter, haggle, or wonder, buy was easy, quick and painless.

And the sleep has been that way too.

Update: I stayed a few nights at the Four Seasons, Beverly Regent in March 2008 and just fell in love with their new beds. I think I’m going to have to go for it although they only sell theirs in King Size.

Update II: Danny Seo, the green Meister himself, has an eco-friendly bed available at JC Penny via Simmons. Sounds promising and affordable.