No local stores carried the medium. I took a leap of faith! S and F or highly recommended by two of my friends. The firm was a little too firm for me so medium I went! Coming from a mattress that I was fully in love with, but couldn't purchase again because of the type of bed I wanted I bought Stearns and Foster without even laying on it! Doesn't disappoint. It is so comfortable my pressure points are relieved. It's been very nice thus far, I recommend!