This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Sleep Number.

Waking up with a stiff back is a miserable way to start the day. The usual advice is to buy the firmest mattress you can find. It sounds reasonable, but your spine, shoulders, and hips don’t work that way. The needs differ for each person, but there are a few ways you can get that healthy sleep with the right mattress.

Quick answer: A medium-firm mattress is a sensible starting point for many people dealing with nonspecific lower back pain. It can offer enough give around pressure points while still supporting the body. But the right firmness depends on how you sleep, your build, and what you personally find comfortable. It pays to look beyond the firmness label.

Is a medium-firm mattress actually better for back pain?

Research has challenged the long-standing idea that firmer automatically means healthier for your spine.…