Just got back from the mattress store, where I "test drove" various models of Tempurpedic. I was amazed at how comfortable the Tempurpedic Rhapsody mattress is, for me. It isn't cheap, but I think it just might be the perfect mattress.
"Old lady" observation about bedroom sets. Many of today's mattress setups result in a bed that you need a step ladder to climb on. Before you buy a box spring determine how high you want your bed to be. Also, take a look at your fitted sheets. You may find that your sheets won't fit the new mattress. A decent sheet set can easily cost $60+.
The perfect height for the mattress for me is 17"-18" off the floor (the height of the demo in the store was 17", and that was fine but an inch higher would work as well). Anything 20" or higher would be too high. (Thanks, Brat, for the post that I quoted above that alerted me to this possible issue. Also thanks again, I will allow some in the budget for new sheets.)
I am going to buy new bedroom furniture first because I want it and I don't like my old bed. I can save $400 by choosing a platform bed, because I wouldn't have to buy the Tempurpedic box springs equivalent. So now, my next quest is to find a decent quality platform bed of the correct height, and matching dresser and so on.
Most furniture these days seems pretty shoddy but hopefully I can find something reasonable. Sturdy, functional, and pretty would be nice but I am so picky.
The mattress salesman didn't seem too eager at all. I guess he figured I'd probably buy the Tempurpedic online, since we have a nearly 10% sales tax here and since these mattresses cost the same wherever one buys them. Maybe when I am ready to buy, I could get him to throw in free delivery and setup, some free sheets and pillows, or something along those lines since I can't haggle.