Comes compressed, unwrapped and was full thickness within 1-2 hours. Not enough smell to even mention but, very surprised of the abscence of smell. Placed on our full bed in guest room that is Xtra FIRM! This pad is perfect! Firm 2" pad gives just the right amount of cushioning without the sinking in to it. Liked it so well we are getting another for a Cal-King that we have. Have tried many of these and this is the best we've found. Thanks Wayfair for the fast shipping.