Receiving the mattress in a box is very convenient and setting it up was easy. There was a faint wool smell once the mattress was unwrapped. It was not an unpleasant smell. The mattress is well made and comfortable; however it is very firm. I wish I would have spent the extra money for something just a little more plush. I just didn't want to put that much into a kids mattress. Either way, I can rest easy knowing that my kids are not sleeping on a toxic mattress.