Glad to see I'm not the only one. Wife had fusion surgery about 4 years ago. Decided she had to have a sleep number. She loves it. I hate it. Glorified air mattress. Never woke with a stiff back until we bought it. Tried all the various settings with no joy. $8k wasted in my mind.
I'm like you and like firm mattresses. I'd sleep on the floor if the dog hadn't already claimed it. Best mattress I ever had was bought out of a warehouse without a sign for $200.