It arrived in a reasonable size box (maybe about 1/3 the size of the mattress after it unfolded and expanded) but easy enough for me to carry it -- though it is not a tiny box. I did not notice any significant odor. We did end up getting a thin foam mattress topper to put on top and that made it comfortable enough for every night sleeping. We wanted something for a small apartment that is reasonably priced, comfortable and easy to move when its time to move on -- this works for us. Probably a little thicker mattress would have eliminated the need for the topper and that is why I gave it 4 stars.