Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was pleased with the reviews, too, so I knew I needed to order one to find out if this is effective with helping alleviate morning-backaches. The pillow arrived rolled up in a box. (see photo) It is wrapped in an air-vacuumed plastic. Being that I had memory foam pillows and mattresses before, I opened the package right away and knew that I had to let it "breathe" for sometime to allow it to get to its maximum fluff potential. After some waiting, I tried lying on it and I liked it a lot! A LOT! My back and my head affixes in the pillow properly. It is comfortable. It is not too soft, yet not too hard. It is just right for my and spouse's liking. At first, I couldn't figure out which side has the gel because it "felt" the same when laid on. But hey, a simple peek by opening the zipper will help identify where the gel-side is, so you know you are lying on the correct side. 4 out of 5 stars. I took out one star because I somehow find the smell (perhaps of the gel? or because it's new?) a little noticeable. Do not get me wrong, it is not bothering me. But just the thought that I am lying on something that's supposed to be therapeutic but strongly smells does not sit well with me. Perhaps a few days of waiting to find out if it gets better, if it does, I will update my review for sure. We'll see. --- UPDATE: As of 2/5/16, still has faint smell. I guess my nose is just too sensitve. I don't know, I have never experienced this kind of smell in my other memory foam products. But, like I said, it does not smell like a threatening scent. Just a little "off" to have this smell when my other memory foams, even brand new, do not have it. -- UPDATE: As of 3/28/16 - around two months later. Hey I'm back to let everyone know that the smell never went away. It no longer is as noticeable as the first time I got this, but it is still there when you stick your nose to the foam and whiff. So, I guess the smell is something that is "part" of this product. Luckily, the sheet is washable and using a good detergent helps in masking the smell. Like I said in my first review: the smell is not at all bothering. I just feel the need to share the fact that this has a smell that none of my other memory foam pillows from other companies have. Other than that, this has been a staple pillow for me for two months now and has really helped me with my morning backaches. I still get aches once in a while though, perhaps affected by my daily activities already and the blame should not be on the pillow. Also, the quality is still as though I just got it today -- pillow is still intact and never had softer areas! Very impressive. I hope the review, and my two updates, help everyone. (PS: If you feel that my review has helped you, and influenced your decision in buying (or not buying) this product, please click on the YES button that says that my review is helpful to others. Thank you.)