I read a lot of reviews on several futon mattresses, even on different sites. I suppose that's my biggest issue with ordering online is you can't see for yourself. Didn't seem to find one online that at its worst review didn't state having some type of chemical smell. This one, does have a smell to it, but to me it smells more or less like cedar wood. My assumption is the mattress is a hit or miss in production for a faulty one. The mattress is bulky and to me it doesn't have a designated creased side to better serve as a couch when you want to convert your bed. In my opinion it's too stiff of a mattress, but my 3 year old doesn't seem to mind.