Hi John and Ryan I'm having a bit of a nightmare and now feel that have no idea what I'm doing, please help!

On finding your website I realise I didn't do enough of my own research but, having said that, I feel I have been really let down by the retailer, Bensons for Beds. I have always preferred a firm feeling mattress but I've never had a new one, always 'inherited' them. As I've got older and had a few mishaps with my back (I'm 44 and 10 1/2 st) I'm beginning to prefer a softer 'feel' although I need good support. I bought a kingsize Bespoke Collection Decadence mattress 2 weeks ago and am already stuck in a valley in the middle of the bed. This means that I do not turn naturally during the night and wake up stiff and sore. Also, it is not very comfortable to sleep on my side as the upward slope means my knees are higher and this makes my back slightly twisted. I understand that settling is normal, but after 2 weeks such a dip can't be right?

I'm rotating it weekly. The salesperson did not explain this to me and also it wasn't until the mattress arrived that I realised it was one sided - I didn't know they even existed. I would not have bought the mattress if I had realised. The salesperson also told me I had a 40 night comfort guarantee, which made me feel better as I was quite worried about making a mistake with such an expensive (for me) purchase. She didn't tell me that there would be a charge or that this didn't apply to a mattress bought on its own, without the base. I can see this in the small print so my bad for not finding it before but I have verbally been given incorrect information. FIRA are coming to look at the mattress, but not for another 3 weeks. My question, and sorry for rambling on, is have I chosen badly?

I need good support for my back but want to feel really snug and cosy in the top layer. I noticed that my mother's cheap and very soft spare room mattress is much more comfortable, I sleep better and I don't feel so sore in the morning. So I went for a level 3 rating (I know the system is flawed) but still the mattress feels extremely firm, notwithstanding the trough in the middle. My shoulders and hips start to ache if I lie on my side. I guess I can fix this with a topper?

But how do I choose more wisely now I've had this experience, especially if they refuse to change it and I've flushed £700 down the pan (half price sale, orignally £1500)?

I'm sure they won't give me a refund. My second choice was a Silentnight Mirapocket Ultimate. Desperate for some advise please. Many thanks!

Claire >