I'm writing this review only to give perspective customers of a sleep # bed a few hidden costs and the in's and out's of purchasing a bed from this company. I am a former sleep # owner and want to give you an insight as to what you will not be told about the bed, some of it's key aspects, and what to expect when purchasing and/or returning a bed set from this company. Having tried numerous styles and manufacturers of steel spring beds and still being in pain and discomfort from them after decades with no relief, I decided to try/buy a sleep # bed set. I purchased a set from the store inside the Westfield Mall Plaza in Escondido. The staff were totally friendly, helpful, and patient. The sales reps at this location are not high pressure, but keep in mind that no matter what style of sleep # bed, or how fancy it may be, you're still buying an air mattress. Air mattresses are stiff, period. The lowest price set has only about 1 inch of padding on top of the plastic air bags underneath, and believe me you can totally feel them. The more expensive beds have gradually increasing amounts of padding materials on top. Please note as the padding increases in thickness, the price increases dramatically! Additionally each showroom will have only certain models for sale and display. The models each showroom will sell is determined by the manufacturer and can't be changed. If you find a set that meets your needs, but it's not sold at a particular location, you will have to order the set online, and have it shipped out to your home, or go to the showroom where that set is sold. Naturally shipping costs increase proportionally with the distance of delivery. When you initially go into a store to try a set, they may have you lay down on a test bed equipped with a pressure sensor and a computer display of the results. Note this bed is NOT a steel spring mattress. It is a sleep # bed (the least expensive, least padded model) set to #100, the firmest setting. You will be given 2 test results a before & after setting. This is to emulate where pressure points will be if you were to sleep on a perfectly flat surface. Naturally the pressure points will be in three areas: the head, shoulders, and lower back or hips. Now this is where the decision process gets tricky. The sales rep will deflate the bed until it conforms more ergonomically to your own body's weight, curvature and thus comfort level. Obviously it will feel like it's conforming to your shape. Note that ALL models offered by this company will first (and foremost) deflate in the lower back/hip region, slowly followed by the shoulder area. These air bags to NOT deflate uniformly. The more expensive the bed, the less one needs to deflate the mattress. Also all queen and king sized beds will have a hard center divider in every bed that does not move, nor deflate. It's also important to keep in mind that larger, heavier, people, and those who have back injuries/problems, may have more comfort issues with the lower priced models as they may require a firmer or more customized support. Also for side sleepers, (I'm one of them), Sleep # beds may not be for you as they are designed primarily for back sleepers only! Finally we come to the costs. This company's line of mattresses, supports (they are not box springs), bedding, pillows, and framing are exceedingly expensive. Note if you buy a Sleep # bed frame, it does NOT come with legs! They are sold separately with a staring price of $125 or more. The warranty does NOT cover products that are mixed and matched (i.e. buying a sleep# mattress and not buying the support/frame) and does not cover using your own mattress protector. Their protectors (sheets basically) run an average of $200 or more. Originally shipping and return shipping costs are calculated separately and are based on distance and weight. There is a charge for assembly and for "disassembly". Returns are difficult as you MUST wait exactly 30 days before you can get a return authorization. Once authorized the company will give you two options. Disassemble the set yourself, buy shipping crates, and arrange for UPS to pick it up, or you can have the company come to your home to remove the set. All shipping costs are in the hundreds of $ each time and does not include bedding! Bedding is not returnable (i.e. sheets, pillow covers, mattress protectors). Sleep # bed sets are on average cost thousands of dollars. So if you are seriously considering buying one, take at least 1 month to completely consider everything. Lay on the mattress for at least 30 minutes or longer (don't be shy), lay side to side with your partner, and if you adjust the firmness, allow another 10 to 15 minutes for your body to re-adjust. Do this several times on separate days. Choose wisely! When you are going to spend thousands of dollars to sleep on an airbag, take your time! Good luck! read more