I purchased this to take with me on trips. I find most hotel beds to be too soft and saggy. I need the support of a firm mattress due to a back injury. So far I have only had the experience of 2 night's sleep on this mattress - so my review is from that. The mattress is 3" thick and firm, but not hard even though I was on the floor. I found it to be very comfortable. I did not need any extra padding - the 3" was enough. FYI, I am 5'5" and weigh 125 lbs. I slept very well both nights and look forward to using it on future trips.