When buying a new bed/mattress, what is the most important factor affecting your purchase decision? (Poll Closed)

I suffer from numerous "structural" problems: congenital hip dysphasia (born without any hip socket), radiculopathy and sciatica, very small nibs vs. ribs at T-14 (the large ribs at the very bottom of the rib cage don't really exist), degenerative disc disease, facets, etc. I also have fibromyalgia, and suffer severe flare-ups which are aggravated by my other problems. And, yes, I am in PAIN 24/7.

I bought one of the first well-made foam beds in 2001. I love it. It really does conform to my body, regardless of my position. The warmer the foam, the better it works, so the bed get warm from my body heat during the night. This is great in the winter, esp. when using a "warming" mattress; however, it does get to be "too much" in the summer here in Arizona (I do not have standard A/C).

My bed came with a 10 year guarantee, and is quite well made. It is currently offered by QVC as a Bio-Pedic. I have also just noticed ads from a well known mattress company which is selling a foam bed.

I have not tried the Sleep Number water mattress. Since it does not warm my body, I am really uncertain about it, as I have no one else to adjust the other side of a bed. If someone has any info on the Sleep Number, please post it.

If this is helpful to just one person, I am very happy, especially for those like me, who spend many hours "on" their bed while not sleeping.