Hi placcy,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum! … and it sounds like you could use a complete “reset” in how you are looking for a mattress this time around 
The first place I would start is the mattress shopping tutorial here which includes all the basic information, steps, and guidelines that can help you make the best possible choice this time around … and perhaps even more importantly avoid the worst ones including all the manufacturers you mentioned in your post (see the guidelines here).
Two of the more important links in the tutorial that I would especially make sure you’ve read are post #2 here which has more about the different ways to buy a suitable mattress that is the best “match” for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) that can help you assess and minimize the risks of making a choice that doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for that are involved in each of them and post #13 here which has more about the most important parts of the “value” of a mattress purchase which can help you make more meaningful comparisons between mattresses in terms of suitability, durability, and value.
You can also read more about airbeds in this article and I would agree that for most people they wouldn’t be the best choice.
When you get to step 3 (of 5) in the tutorial if you let me know your city or zip code I’d also be happy to let you know about any of the better options or possibilities I’m aware of in your area as well.
Phoenix