It's a typical "bed in a box".  I managed it myself, but it does weigh 80 lbs (according to the box), so you may need an extra set of hands.  I did let it rise for 12 hours before I slept on it and it was okay - a little better the next night once it had finished rising.  I also added a 3" mattress topper on it for the third night, and it was perfect.  Without the topper added, it is a firm mattress as advertised, so if that's what you're looking for you've found it.  The quality is what you would expect for a mattress at this price point.  Overall, I believe I got what I paid for - maybe even a little more.   It finishes on the plus side of value for the buck.