Don't count on the cushions "breaking in" to become more comfortable. A good quality cushion can take years before it breaks down enough to be noticeable.

Some manufacturers offer multiple cushion options. It is possible that the company that makes your "firm" sofa also offers other cushion options that are not as hard.

Thank you, Laura.

I had a feeling that one should not count on the cushions to relax right away. While I don't mind firmer cushions, and even prefer a firm mattress, these just didn't have a good sitting quality.

I will ask about cushion options.

Very enlightening.

One common way manufacturers save on costs and make a less expensive sofa, is to use a lower density foam. For the low density foam to last very long, they must make it firmer, because it will loose its support and become soft much quicker than a higher density foam. For more info: http://www.afpf.com/furnguide.html