Studies have shown that 80% of Americans will experience a back problem at some time in their lives. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also reported that half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year, and worldwide back pain is the single leading cause of disability.

How much of that is bed-related? It’s hard to confirm, but in a 90-day study of 313 patients suffering from lower back pain, the majority reported experiencing less pain, both while lying in bed and long afterward, when they slept on “medium-firm” rather than “firm” mattresses.

An old or unsupportive bed can wreak havoc on your sleep — and your body — but there is no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to mattresses. What works for one person may not work for another. And, although many people still believe that firm is best, the term applied to bedding is really a holdover from decades ago, when a bed had to very hard to be supportive.

With advances in technology and sophisticated engineering, mattresses can now have a comfortable, softer top layer and still be highly supportive. What’s more, firmness is subjective: One person’s firm might be another person’s medium-firm or soft. That’s why it’s a good idea to try mattresses before you buy. Visiting a store can help you find the right mattress for you. Use this checklist when you are shopping to make a smart selection.

While you are looking to purchase a new mattress, use the CertiPUR-US® Directory to ensure that the flexible polyurethane foam used in the mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified. Certified foams are screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, that are classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins and are harmful to human health. Certified foams are made without formaldehyde; ozone depleters; mercury, lead and other heavy metals; or phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and have low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million).

In addition to choosing the best level of mattress firmness, the ACA has several other recommendations for preventing back pain, including following healthy nutrition and exercise guidelines, regularly stretching and avoiding being too sedentary, having good posture and wearing supportive shoes, using proper lifting techniques, not smoking, and having an ergonomic workstation.

Back pain can be debilitating. Sleeping on a mattress that supports your body sufficiently is one step you can take to prevent back pain.