Scottmel, I think I know what you mean, I myself have had knee surgeries as results of torn cartilage and was in a accident with a fractured hip. All this seems to affect my lower back, especially when sitting for a long time. I find that my posture and keeping a good posture when sitting helps more than anything. I suggest is first understand what your best seat depth should be; measure from the inside of your knee to your back while your sitting in a good posture. This should give you a basic starting point to work from. Best to have the seats and back pillow in foam encased inside a envelope or wrapped that has no more than 3/4" thickness of polyester fiber or memory foam around the foam. The seat foam should be a HR foam 2.0 or higher density and a ILD of 28 - 32. This is a standard Firm seat that will remain the same firmness for many years. The back cushions should have no less than 1.8 density and 18- 22 ILD. A tight back sofa is fine too if you can find the one with the right depth to your size. A pillow back will allow for a easier adjustment for the manufacturer. I think your best option is to find a custom built sofa to fit your requirements. One that offers a number of choices for seating comfort ie: a firmer seat. Of course I built my own sofa specifically for my hips and knees, well because I am the owner of a upholstery plant.

I am with d0ug on this one. I go this route for my arthritis. I have had a messed up knee (right side) for a good 20 years of my life (since my late teens). At times it was so inflamed that I had to keep it extended and had next to no range of motion. My worse flare up two years ago is what got me try the natural route. I wasn't ready to move onto the next medication and I knew my body couldn't handle it as I was already rejecting the tried and true ones. I was so amazed by what and elimination diet did for me. I wasn't diagnosed with Fibro. but am pretty sure that I had that too along with three other autoimmune conditions. I am drug free and short of getting some tightness in my joints there is no major inflammation anymore. Look up inflammatory foods and play around. One week of a hardcore elimination diet did more for me than any medication has. I would look up nightshades, gluten, dairy, soy, sugar and the joint pain connection. I wish I would have gone this route as soon as my first autoimmune condition came out. I know it sounds crazy but it has been my life saver. Oh yeah, a food journal has to be your best friend during this time - tracking everything - foods and any symptom experienced. A lot of it can be done on your own if you are willing to research online.

I have no idea why the back grooved material costs less. But grooves on the back help keep wood boards flatter. The forces that cause cupping are greatly reduced by grooves.

Sorry, I missed a bunch of posts here. This "temporary" flooring will be used for the next 1.5 yr or so until I undertake the kitchen remodel. There will be NO salvaging the rug. It's disgusting and while I didnt intentionally spill the paint-- lukki is right that it is a happy accident! I also nix sheet vinyl. I hate it.. would rather do anything else but. My long term vision for the kitchen is only partially worked through so it's hard to say what I envision for the long term. IF I can bring in flooring that will last through a reno, then I'll be more likely to take the time to choose carefully. As I've said a few times, I love the look and features of cork. However, I think I could also be happy with some other options. I am definitely intrigued by the poly plywood suggestion-- and had already hoped to paint the subfloor (until I discovered that it will require a great deal of work). I could move forward with that as soon as the painters are through. I don't mind spending some money on the flooring-- it's worth it to be rid of the carpet. What I don't have much to spare is time... so all of the quick and easy options are high on the list. Bee.. that's funny! I said that very same thing to my bf (who thought Ollie's was a hoot.) Thank you all-- love the range of ideas and suggestions! I just need to spend some time mulling them over now.