Buying a mattress: Does firmness matter?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to buying a mattress. Look for a mattress that comfortably supports your shoulders, hips and lower back. If the mattress is too soft, you might wake up with a backache. If the mattress is too firm, uncomfortable pressure might leave you tossing and turning all night. Don't rely on the advertised level of firmness, which may vary from brand to brand. Instead, spend plenty of time lying on display mattresses to get a feel for what's comfortable. Keep in mind that you and your bed partner might have different preferences about mattress firmness. If you can't agree on what's comfortable, you might consider an adjustable mattress that allows you to set one side of the mattress softer or firmer than the other.