Choosing a mattress is a tricky business. There's a lot at stake. We spend hours a day in our beds, and a good night's sleep can help us have the energy to get up and tackle our day.

Mattresses are also not cheap, and one that might feel comfortable in the store may turn out to be a torture device after you have brought it home and slept on it for a few nights.

Yes, buying a mattress is a tricky business and it's even more difficult when you are trying to find a mattress for back pain relief. However, there are a few important things to consider when you start your mattress search.

Why a Mattress Matters

According to the Harvard Medical School Health Review, back pain is one of the primary reasons that people lose their mobility as they age. Back pain can reduce the likelihood that a person will be physically active, which can contribute to losses in their balance, stamina and overall strength.

Ultimately, there isn't one end-all, be-all mattress for back pain relief. Each person is an individual in how their back needs to be supported and how they choose to sleep, so the mattress selection process is highly dependent on your individual needs and preferences.

Firmness

When you lie down on a mattress, how much does your body sink in? For people with back pain, you need to find the correct level of support to keep your spine and hips in alignment, and softness to cradle the pressure points that make contact with the mattress itself.

Consumer Reports recommends that you take the time to thoroughly test the mattress in the store, for at least 5-10 minutes. Lie down on your back, both sides and on your stomach, if you sleep in that position. And if you do decide to purchase that mattress, ensure that you are getting the exact model that you tested out on the showroom floor.

Adjustments To Make at Home

If you want to test out what your mattress would be like if it were slightly firmer, you can add a board underneath it to increase the support. Alternatively, if you want to test what a softer mattress would feel like, you can add a relatively inexpensive pillow topper to your current mattress and see how that helps with your back pain.

A Return Policy

A good return policy is worth its weight in gold, especially for mattresses that you buy online. Some companies will offer a 100-night guarantee, and they will refund your money and help you donate the old mattress to someone in need. This will give you peace of mind when you decide to make your purchase, should you feel that your mattress isn't meeting your needs.

Choosing a mattress is hardly simple but is nevertheless an essential part of your overall health and well being.