I just graduated from college a month ago and subsequently embarked on my first foray into mattress shopping. As with all of my housewares, I looked at Ikea first. Decent mattresses there cost anywhere from $100-$600, and being newly unemployed, I opted for the $200 one. I've never slept better in my life, no box spring nonsense or sleep numbers to worry about.

I'm shocked that something as basic as a mattress can become a luxury item and place the unwary consumer thousands of dollars in the hole. I guess this is only the first of many shocks I should expect during my grand debut into the "real world."

Like insurance sales in North America, mattress selling is based on guilt - in this case guilt that you haven't bought your loved one, who is going to spend a third of her life on it, the most expensive product in the shop.

Get a platform, and a mattress that feels reasonably comfortable in the shop, and you are done.

If you don't like it, or if it sags, you can replace it three times for the ludicrous price of some of the hyped up gear out there!