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Early last year I was diagnosed with asthma and found myself in a similar situation. I tested a variety of canisters. I already owned a Kenmore Intuition (built by Panasonic) which had many nice features--and though it was highly rated by Consumer Reports, it simply was deficient in what I needed it to do, especially regarding HEPA. However, among the things it had that I learned I really wanted was a headlight on the power nozzle. It surprised me when I went looking that so few European models offer that, but for me it was a deal breaker. I mention this particularly because where it is most useful to me is under the beds--and you mention that task. Otherwise, I really liked the Sebos--way more than the Mieles. My sister has a Miele, and I'm always annoyed when I use it at her lake house--very short cord, very small bag, no headlight (I think you can get one, though). The Miele does a very nice job, but these are things that would drive me nuts on a regular basis, but that's just me.
At the time I was diagnosed with asthma, I needed to buy a vacuum right away. So, although I tested a Riccar Prima prototype and knew how much I liked it, I couldn't wait for it to be introduced. I also tried two of their full-size models--the Impeccable and the Pristine. Both were impressive, but too big for me to carry up and down stairs easily. Riccar was introducing a new dustbag that sealed into the line--like the Miele bag--so I purchased an upright Brilliance with that bag system (the housekeeper prefers an upright) and decided to buy the Prima when it was available. I got that in April, so I now have both the R30P Brilliance and the Prima. In the meantime, I also bought an Electrolux bagless Ultracaptic for our vacation home (I don't want to stock bags there)--which is a very nice, very quiet and powerful sweeper and does a good job--but it is not for people with allergies. I mention it only because it gave me even more basis for comparison. The Prima power nozzle I chose has the headlight I think necessary, does a great job grooming carpets, it's quiet, I love the attachments, except the crevice tool is too short-- but they always are. It has an extremely long hose (as does my Brilliance upright), I have yet to complain about the cord length so it must not be too short, and it's compact enough for me to carry (I'm a small person). I do need to get the Fur Get It tool (we have dogs) and when it's available, the tool for the stairs would be a good idea, too. Some people aren't crazy about the way the tools store, clipped to the hose--I became accustomed to this with the Ultracaptic, and because the Kenmore Intuition often felt like it's going to break while opening the storage compartment and was a struggle, I discovered having them right there is really quite handy.
I'd encourage you to visit a local vacuum shop (or two) and test out some different machines. Some of the simplest things may surprise you, like where the power switches are located.
hth,
Mary
The brush never gats tangled so you can use it on as much hair as u want. Also the machine has a telescopic wand with the floortool that goes flat.
