A mattress is the most important investment you can make. Your body heals when you sleep. So, if you are not sleeping well because of a bad mattress, then you are not healing your body. This propetuates the continuing pain you may have. Your mattress is ready to be replaced when it is 8 years old or older. If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, then a mattress could qualify as a medical device. If you are seeing a chiropractor, you need to get a prescription for your mattress before you buy one. This saves you all the taxes off the mattress price which is sometimes between $200-$500 dollars. This is a great savings and it may even be a tax deduction. This has been another FYI by Dr. Baker. Send me any questions you may have about this or other concerns.