If you're tired of waking up with a sore back, it may be time for a new mattress. Buying a mattress is not fun. It's an unnecessarily complicated task that involves setting aside half your Saturday to try out one piece of furniture for about 10 minutes, only to find that there are about a million different types to choose from. It really can be a complex and daunting task. The sheer volume of options available (innerspring, foam, hybrid, latex) and the fact that you have to be content with your choice for years can make it stressful. To make matters worse, many retailers are more interested in pushing their products than finding you the right fit.

Get good rest before mattress shopping.

If you don't have time to do this, consider going during the day when you're less likely to drop off while lying on a mattress in the store.

You'll also want to avoid activities that might make you feel sore or stiff before shopping, such as exercising or working in the yard.

Be sure to note how your body feels when you wake up in the morning and any areas where you feel pain or pressure points. This will help you determine what type of mattress will offer your body the most support and comfort.

Ask for a trial run.

The most important thing you can do in the mattress shopping process is get a trial run. Most people don't realize that, and if you want to get a great night's sleep, you should consider it.

Be sure you're getting a mattress from a store that allows you to try it out for 30 days. This gives you the best chance to make sure the store has the right size for your body type. Also, when you come back to purchase your mattress, bring a friend with you and have them try the bed out. This will help you avoid surprises or snags as your new mattress settles in overtime.

Choose your preferred firmness in a mattress

Some mattresses are labeled "memory foam," meaning they contour to the sleeper's body shape. Others are more traditional, with springs supporting their weight. The latter tend to be firmer - simply put; they feel better than their softer counterparts. But the difference can be subtle, especially among high-end models. If you don't know what type of mattress is right for you, ask the salesperson what type it is and how firm or soft it is before committing to a purchase - and even then, don't buy until you give it a try in your own home.

Consider the prices

Prices can vary between stores and within the same store depending on whether they're in stock or not, so don't assume they're reasonable just because they seem like a great deal now. Also, prices vary widely for mattresses with different firmness ratings. So does the quality of those mattresses, depending on what kind of person is buying them.

If you pay $2,000 for a queen-size mattress, you might be paying more than anyone else in your neighborhood. But if you pay that much for an inferior bed, it will wear out sooner and give you less sleep than other beds at the exact cost. For example, if you spend $1,000 on an in-store, the price won't tell you if it lasts five years or five minutes. You should also consider how much time and money it will take to replace it if it becomes too worn out.

Not all warranties are the same

You may be surprised at how much exclusion there is in warranties, so read the fine print carefully before making a purchase. Here are some things that you should look out for:

A prorated warranty means that your warranty can expire after a certain number of years, and you will have to pay for any repairs needed for your mattress.

A non-prorated warranty means that no matter how long you own your mattress, the company will cover all repairs or replacement costs if damage occurs.

Measure Your Space First.

If you have an old mattress to remove, measure the space it takes up before heading out to shop. Do some investigating before you head to the store by measuring your bedroom space and any furniture that will fit into it. The last thing you want is to get home with your new bed only to realize that it doesn't fit through the door or up the stairs. If you can't get it in your room, you're forced to make another trip back to the store, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Take note of each piece of furniture, including any shelves or dressers already in your room. Be sure to write down each measurement, so you remember them when you shop.

Buying a Mattress Takes Time

If you're like most people, you spend about a third of your life in bed asleep, so be prepared for that fact when buying a new mattress. Most people don't give enough time to shopping for a mattress. Although there are plenty of options, it can still take time to find the right one for you. To find the best option for you, plan to spend at least some minutes lying on different models. Hence don't rush into it or buy anything because you feel pressured to do so. Take your time.