I've had this item about 2 months now and only once have I needed to add air, and only a few pumps of it. The pump itself is flimsy and requires 2 hands, but I've noticed with other exercise balls I've owned that it's the same issue. The only thing I wish would be different is the color - I use this as a chair at work and I've gotten quite a few stares. A grey/silver or even a more muted blue would have worked better!