When it arrived, it came in a large box, so you take it out, place it on your bed, and cut the plastic, it comes with its own plastic cutter, so you don't cut it. It opens on your bed and the booklet says wait 72 hours before your first use. I laid on it, and it contoured my back, head, hips, legs, and the comfort was like laying on a cloud, totally awesome.p For the price and the comfort it is a 5 star mattress for me...and my dog, Katie, she layed on it, and fell asleep right away, and shes a dachshund