First off: yes I would recommend this very solid chair pad. I live in an apartment with standard apartment carpeting (medium?). The chair pad stays put with daily use (I weigh 125 lbs) although when you sit in the same position for a while there will be indentations; just move the chair so that the wheels aren't in the same spot all the time. I have had the same type before (but with lip) and it finally started cracking after about 5 or six years. So when I replaced it I decided on one without a lip (a plain rectangle); I figure that when it starts cracking again in a few years (they all do eventually) I can simply turn it around which will double its lifespan. As for shipping it arrived flat -- not rolled -- and very promptly.