Ask most people and the answer you are likely to hear is, “Get as firm a mattress as you can take.” That’s mostly an urban legend.

But one thing’s for sure, the right mattress can make a difference when you’re trying to find solutions to your back aches and pain. It’s just that the right one won’t be the same for everyone. And the most honest answer to the question would be: It all depends.

How do I even know whether it’s my mattress that’s a problem?

Does your back hurt when you first get out of bed? Does it feel better after you perform some stretching exercises? If the answers are yes, then it seems likely it’s time to consider getting a new mattress.  Also, think about whether you are waking up a lot in the middle of the night because you can’t get in a comfortable position. That can be a sign that it’s time for a new mattress. As a guide, it’s recommended that people buy a new mattress every 7 to 10 years.

This is important, even for those who are not currently experiencing back pain. And old, unsupportive bed places additional strain on pressure points, muscles, and joints. All of these issues can have a negative impact on sleep quality.

So, how do I go about finding the right mattress?

First, you should know that most research on this subject has concluded that you don’t want either a very firm mattress or a soft one. “Medium firm” appears, in general, to be the way to go when trying to either reduce the risk of developing back pain or lessen the pain you already have.

You should also take your specific sleeping position into account, so your mattress can help you maintain proper spinal alignment while sleeping. What is your preferred sleeping position? Side? Back? If you’re a side sleeper, a mattress that has responsive foam layers that cradle your joints might work best. Back sleepers may find more relief with a little firmer feel. Combination sleepers, it stands to reason, should lean in the direction of finding a mattress that’s somewhere in between.

Two Final Notes:

Buying a new mattress is a big investment, but you might be assured to learn that a recent National Sleep Foundation Poll found that 93% of people said a comfortable mattress was important to getting quality sleep.

Also, keep in mind that pillows can help prevent neck pain since they keep your head and spine aligned properly.