This mattress is definitely firmer than I’m used to. My husband has lots of neckback issues and said a firmer mattress would help and I figured I could always tweak my side since I tend to like softer mattresses, even with my own back issues. It felt hard as a rock for the first night, not uncomfortable just not especially comfortable. I’m a side sleeper 100 so I figured with a firmer mattress I’d wake up with my usual shoulder stiffness, if not more, but I woke up feeling great!! Literally no stiffness whatsoever!! Maybe firmer is the key! Love this mattress so far!! Also, I let it “air out” for just over 48 hours. I did not experience any lingering scent whatsoever. Delivered very quickly in a super heavy, long box. Might need assistance in getting it where you need it. Also didn’t realize until after disposing of the box that it came with a cute little Lucid razor-cutter in the box.