I always bought beds in the mid range "softness", After the years go by they get like what you are describing. I happen to go into a bed store just to look around. I told the guy "i was cheap" and didn't want to spend a lot on a bed. He just happened to have a bed in the back that was new but had a small rip in the material at the corner. This was a firm bed, Couldn't beat the price he gave me and have been sleeping in it for years now. Definitely check out some firm mattresses and see what you like. Then try to track down one with a discounted price.