Very comfortable.Only 4 stars because it is a little low. Could have been corrected with a longer post on the bottom of the chair. Only noticed the smell for a few hours. Great chair for the price . Got this to replace a chair I paid twice the amount for in 2009, which is falling apart. This one is sturdier, better looking and much better made for 12 the price!! Easy to put together and I am a 64 year old female! I find myself falling to sleep in it all the time! Love it! Would definitely reccommend. Havent noticed the bar on the seat being a problem, but I am only 54 and 135 pds. So maybe someone heavier might have a problem. The top of my head is at the very top of the back cushion when the chair is in all positions. So how anyone 61 could find it comfortable is a mystery to me. That must be the beauty of this chair it seems to fit everyone! So go for it!