our packaging was fine, no wood chips and assembled no problem... but you DEFINITELY need a box spring. the mattress without it just falls through the cracks. not enough support with three flimsy legs underneath. we did not buy a boxspring, so we went to the hardware store and just grabbed a flat piece of plywood to lay down prior. annoying, but cheaper and works well. just a heads up that you WILL need something! overall great Jenny Lind knockoff for a decent price. we bought it for our 2.5 year old daughter - will see how long it lasts.