Ok from start to finish... I was expecting an actual mattress to be delivered but it was actually delivered in a box. I actually liked that because it made it way easier to get it into the house. Once I had that accomplished and the box on my bed frame, I began to dig in, accompanied by a very curious cat. I right away appreciated that the mattress was double boxed and had double plastic on it. I had to work the day this was going to be delivered and the weather was iffy so it would have stood up to inclement weather if it had needed too. Alright so box set aside and the cat is showing no interest in that of all things. I make a slit in the plastic and then my cat is sitting on that while I'm undoing the rest of the plastic. As I'm trying to pull the plastic out from underneath the mattress, my cat is acting like this is a carnival ride or something. So now I set aside the plastic where she can't get at it without me noticing, still no interest in the box which is usually every kitty's delight! Ok so the actual unfolding of the mattress was a little difficult, especially maneuvering around the cat since she needed to be checking out every inch of this process and new thing that was invading her sleeping area. Just a side note too... the smell that comes with the mattress isn't hideous at all, I actually kind of liked it myself and it only lasted a couple of hours. So I have one half of the mattress unfolded and Pebbles, my calico cat was totally involved in checking out that half. She wasn't used to the sinking in part, so then she is trying to walk on her tip toes, then she starts doing the kneading process and finally lays down. Then she starts rolling all over on the mattress, stretching out on her back and finding another cozy spot. I joined her because I was still in the process of getting the other side to lay flat. I was really interested in getting a softer mattress but this one is probably more firm than the mattress I originally had, which my neighbor took by the way. Ok but I did enjoy the sinking in process and how it does seem to conform directly to your body. I took a short nap with my cat. I quickly realized the 12" thickness of the mattress was going to make it very difficult for getting in and out of bed. Had I have had it to do over again, I would have ordered the 8" mattress by the same company. My bed frame is already kind of high to begin with. So now I need to disappoint my cat and move her from the bed so I can put the sheets and blankets back on the bed. So I get the bottom sheet on and she jumps back up there, well that's fine because she usually sleeps underneath all of the blankets anyways, so I just put everything back on and covered her up and she was totally contented with that. A couple hours later she reappeared and made her presence visible again. So many hours later I'm all ready for my first nights sleep on my new mattress. First off I need to make an effort now to climb into bed. I feel like I need a pair of those cat steps now to make the process a bit easier, though it is no problem for my cat whatsoever. She probably doesn't even realize there is a difference. I'm in my 50's. I was experiencing morning back and hip pain which is why I went searching for a new mattress to begin with. I liked the sinking in process as stated earlier. I automatically rolled onto my left side and maybe because of this sinking in process now my pillow didn't seem to align with my head as it did before, so am working on that issue now, no big deal. Maybe because of the foam it seems like more of a process to just move around or roll over, maybe I need silkier sheets or something now. I'm still like a pancake I flip and toss all night long. The new mattress didn't solve that problem at all. I didn't notice any deeper sleep whatsoever. All I did notice was that in the morning I didn't have back pain or hip pain, so it did solve those issues. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this mattress to others. It is a new experience, maybe I'll like it better as I continue to get used to it. Pebbles would give it a 4 paws up, she's crazy about it, kitty paradise for her. From a human standpoint, I'd give it a C -. Pictures of the "nap queen" included, before the new mattress. After sleeping on this mattress, I'm really not liking it, it is too hard and I'm really not sleeping well at all. I never seem to get into a deep sleep and rarely even dream anymore. I toss and turn all night long. Wish I would've looked around more, but the "reviews" on this one were so positive that I thought I was going to be happy with it. So now I spent almost 500.00 to make my cat happy. I only have 1 BR so, I can't even throw it in a spare room. I put my old mattress topper on top of this new mattress to see if that solves any of my issues. I wouldn't recommend this mattress to others. Ok so here's my update... Now that I've been sleeping on this mattress for a few weeks now, it is more of the mattress that I expected it should be. I am sleeping deeply again and my dreams are back. I'm still tossing and turning but seems like not as much. I guess you need an adjustment period to get used to this kind of mattress. Pebbles is still loving it too. I would up my rating on this mattress to a B+. It does seem a little hot but don't know if that is the mattress or because I have hot flashes. Since I had hot flashes prior to the purchase of this mattress, I just can't say for sure. One thing though you will have to purchase deep pocket sheets, my fitted sheet keeps coming off on one corner. Overall now I would rate it a good mattress to purchase. I'm sleeping soundly once again and loving it! I would still give Sleep Innovations a F on customer service, they never respond to your emails.