These pillows came in a plastic cylinder compressed. One I could pull out the other I had to cut out of the zippered compression bag.They puffed up nicely, to actually be very full, took a little omph to get them into pillowcases. Because they are made of memory foam pieces you can kind of feel that texture with your hand, but I don’t notice when laying on them or just looking. I’d say they are a firmer feeling memory foam which ends up being more medium I think. The only con is they must really scent them with lavender or some essential oils to the point that when I walk into the bedroom that is what I smell even after 3-4 days. I’m assuming I’ll get used to it, or could try washing the cover but I have not done that yet. It’s not an unpleasant smell I just don’t want to smell my pillows. They also are so full it might put your head at an odd angle. Great for reading a book or watching tv.