Ordered this in 8 ft round for our cafe.  When I opened it, it had a yucky slightly moldy smell and it felt a little damp almost.  I rolled it out until smooth and sprayed with Febreeze.  Have only had a few days but the smell is almost gone.  Other people who have reviewed this rug said it goes completely away.  As for the rug, it lays completely flat and is thin enough that you don't trip over it and soft enough that it feels wonderful on bare feet.  We love it!