this is a great mat and there is no smell and it flattens out nicely. My only problem was the initial delivery with a tape that left a residue that couldn't be removed.
Nice and thick. I have a low pile commercial carpet in my office and it works great. Had it about 4 weeks and I'm thinking of getting a couple more for the other office workers.
As another reviewer also said Staples ships this bare and open. They left it on the ground on my front porch. Between the dirt and the stickiness from the shipping stickers you start off hating the mat before you even use it! Once cleaned up and in use it actually is a good mat. So pick it up at the store if possible and you'll be set!