There are two important things about buying a mattress or bed: firstly, only you can decide if it’s comfortable or not (not the salesperson). Secondly, always buy your bed on discount!

No salesperson can possibly know what makes you sleep well, however what they should know about is the different quality between the beds they sell - and there’s good evidence that a cheap bed does not equal a good night’s sleep, for most people.

When it comes to buying a bed for a comfortable night’s sleep, we’re all different. Size, shape, weight, body temperature, positions we sleep in (back, front, side), we all have individual night-time patterns.

Which is why you should know the following seven things, if you want to get a good night’s sleep from your new bed:

The bed/mattress business operates on a discount model. For a good night’s sleep free of money worries, buy your bed at a discount. If you’re set on a certain model, and it’s not discounted, either wait until it is - or ask for one and you’ll most likely get it!

Decide on inner-spring/box base set, inner-spring/slatted base set, latex or memory-foam. These are the four main categories of beds. Each have advantages and disadvantages, and very different price points. Whatever you choose, you should be able to turn easily on the bed, and your body should neither sag into the mattress nor lie stiffly on top of it.

Lie on as many beds as you possibly can - in store. There’s plenty of evidence to show that if you lie on a bed for at least 30 minutes (or more) before you buy, you’ll be happier with your purchase. And even more evidence you should do this with your sleeping partner, if you have one.

Visit as many bed stores as you possibly can. Choose bed stores that stock lots of brands. And remember that in-store beds get laid on a lot, some more than others. So if you find a comfortable bed, try the same bed in another store (difficult! - see below), to make sure you’re not just experiencing a well worn-in model.

It’s difficult to find identical models in different bed stores. Shopping around for a best price is difficult because all stores want to carry their own `exclusive’ models for their customers - e.g. low-budget, luxury etc. However, many beds at different price points are very similar (especially inside - and this is what gives you comfort over the years), so ask the salesperson to see a cross-section. If they can’t show you, don’t buy from that store.

Don’t buy a bed or mattress because of a long warranty. It’s no guarantee of durability, and won’t help you if the bed manufacturer goes out of business. Any warranty should clearly state what will be fixed in design/materials/construction faults. But always read the fine print (see below) and check who pays transport for returning your bed, most likely it’s you.

Always read the fine print! Most retailers only allow returns for defects. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you might find what you consider is a `defect’ (e.g. bed is too hot) is not from the retailers point of view. And there is nothing you can do to solve a hot bed issue - other than to get out!

Check out mattresses and beds on Lasoo.