This should probably say "8 inches give or take 2 inches" just to avoid the false advertising aspect. Other than that we were very pleased. This is our first non spring mattress and we were a bit skeptical about it coming deflated and having to rest for 48 hours to reform. 60 hours later we had something less than 8" tall...6" to be exact. Although it never "fluffed" up any more it is still extremely comfortable for us and we are so happy we took the chance on something different. 1/2 the price of the traditional mattress we were looking at and much better. I have to get up a lot during the night to take care of our baby and this mattress allows me to do so without waking my husband. Likewise when he gets up early or is restless during the night. The smell wasn't annoying at all, although it is still present nearly 2 weeks later.