I'm 5'5" and don't have a particularly long (or short) torso, and the size works ok for me. I'm using this as part of my regimen to rehabilitate my back. You start out resting on this for 5 minutes, then increase by a minute a day until you get to 20 - 30 minutes. This is what the instructions say, which differs from the add that says 15-20 minutes. I like that this gently stretches the spine and neck. I think it could be cheaper for what you get, it's basically just a foam piece with a fabric cover. You are supposed to relax on it, not multi-task by watching TV at the same time. The instructions also say that it's not designed to sleep on. My experience is that it's not particularly comfortable, but this is to be expected because stretching in general isn't all that comfortable. It does get more comfortable with continued use. This seems to suggest that it does make the spine more limber.