I bought this pillow because we were driving from New York to Florida (non-stop). I have used other pillows before on previous trips and this one is the BEST!! It is firm but soft at the same time. The key to this design is that it snaps together in the front so it doesn't SLIP AWAY from you as you sleep. So glad I found this pillow. Does have a "smell" to it, but just air it out before you use it.