Hi Ironist,
Hopefully you’ve read the tutorial post here which has all the basic information, steps, and guidelines you will need to make the best possible choice … and know how to avoid the worst ones.
If you have every sleeping problem there is then how you do your research and your choice of mattresses and materials is likely to make a significant difference yes because you will likely be more on the “princess and the pea” end of the range than the “I can sleep on anything” end of the range.
As one of the members said here very well … there really are no shortcuts because nobody else can feel what you feel on a mattress.
There are really only two ways to choose a mattress. The first is with careful and objective local testing using the testing guidelines in the tutorial post. The second is based on more detailed conversations with online vendors who can use their knowledge and experience and the information you provide them to help you choose the mattress they offer that has the best chance of success based on the “averages” of their customers that may be similar to you (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here). In some cases (more commonly with memory foam mattresses) they will also sell mattresses that approximate some of the more well known major brands (usually Tempurpedic) that you can use as a reference point. There are too many variables, unknowns, and personal preferences involved to use a “formula” or “theory at a distance” to predict which mattress is best for you with any certainty.
If you do choose to make an online purchase (or if you don’t have any confidence in your local testing) then the exchange or return policies that are available to you after a purchase may be an important part of your personal value equation so you can use your own sleeping experience to tell whether a mattress is suitable for you. I would also keep in mind that exchange policies are built into the cost of a mattress (the people who don’t exchange a mattress pay for the ones who do).
In many cases … who you deal with can be one of the most important parts of a successful mattress purchase and if you are that close to Quality Sleep / My Green Mattress I think it would be well worth finding the time to make the trip (see post #5 here).
Phoenix