I got this to help with the pressure of pregnancy (as advised by both my physical therapist and OB) and add flexible labor positioning options (per my doula). I had a well-known, more expensive brand 2 pregnancies ago, and this one matches the quality. If you stick your face right on it, you can smell a slight manufacturing scent, but i distinctly remember that with my previous expensive one, as well, so I'm pretty sure its just how the material and manufacuring process is with these things. You can't smell it (even with sensitive pregnancy nose--thanks, HG!) when just sitting on it. Also, after having it around for a few weeks, the scent is fading. Definitely blow it up, let it sit for a few days, use it some, and blow it up a bit more. Yoga ball material stretches some at first, and you don't want a slouchy ball. It holds air perfect, though...this is just a normal breaking-in period "issue" that all yoga balls have. Pumping it up takes a little while. My previous ball's pump worked better, pumping the expensive brand ball in a matter of 2 minutes or less. This pump functions the same way as that pump (pumps air OUT regardless of whether you're compressing or extending the pump), but it's just not as efficient. I was still able to pump it up in less than 5 mins, though. So, if youre looking to bring your own ball to the hospital, you can certainly deflate it and re-pump it (or, rather, have your partner or doula do that for you!) when you get to your room. Since it works well for pregnancy sitting, it'd also be great for flexible office or school sitting. It's also the right material to be stable and not slippery for actual yoga.

The thickness is definitely a plus. We had another ball that developed a leak because the plastic was not as thick and durable. It holds the inflation well, although it does require topping off once in a while. Inflating the ball fully is a bit tricky, but not any different from the other ball we had. We are really pleased with this ball and would recommend it.

This ball is the only tried and true solution to calm down my fussy/sleepy baby. Works better than any rocking chair. Also great pre labor to expand my tight hips. Easy to inflate, amazing thick latex quality, durable. Really great all around. And when/if im ever done using it i can deflate and store.

I was looking for a durable exercise ball to use for core strength training and yoga, so I ordered this one in a size XL. After trying it out, here is my review: Pros: - The balls inflated easily with the provided hand pump, taking 10 minutes. (Time due to XL size) - The set came with extras like plugs and a plug removal tool, which are nice bonuses. - The material feels thick and durable, which I expect will hold up well over time. - The blue color looks nice and vibrant. Color is as pictured. Cons: - Hand pump, even though it was easy to use but it didn't inflate quickly. Took 10 mins. - The vibration dampening doesn't seem as good as some other brands I've tried. They aren't the highest quality exercise balls on the market, but are decent for the price. Overall, these are good quality balls for the price point, but have some drawbacks compared to premium brands. I'd recommend them for casual home use but not for yoga or professional athletic training. Also, should've gone with the Large size than the XL. Bigger did not seem like better in my case. I'm 5'-4" and this ball was just a bit too big for me to do regular ball exercises with. My suggestion to stick with the Large if you are in my height range. Hope this reviewed helped.

Hard to pump but overall a good exercise ball. Easy to use and fits my body correctly using the infographic.

I absolutely love this ball. It relieves pressure and back pain during pregnancy. It is durable and fast to inflate. I got the large size and my husband and I can both use it easily.

I’ve noticed several reviews that this ball is too small. I sized up according to these reviews. The ball is great so far (I’ll change review if anything goes south). Second time for purchasing this brand and I have no complaints about first ball or this one. However, regarding complaints that this ball is too small - make sure you air it up to 80% of suggested size, let sit for a day, the air to full suggested size. I was afraid to air it up to actual advertised size (thinking I was airing it up fully) and was about to complain that it was too small. I decided to just try putting more air into it and I actually got it to the advertised size for the size I ordered. So just don’t be too afraid of popping your back and air it up properly before assuming it is too small.

The ONLY con to this ball was the time it took to blow it up at the beginning. Like other reviews have said, I did have to re-inflate it about 24 hours after the first time, but since then it's held its air perfectly. I use it every day for stretching and sitting as I'm in my third trimester of pregnancy. It's the perfect size, no chemical scent, and a great price!

I am 5’7’ and I ordered the XL after reading reviews of the ball being smaller than expected. Happy I went with XL, I can add or take away air from a bigger ball to get my perfect height with my knees at 90 degrees which would be more difficult with a smaller ball. The ball is a thick, nice quality material that I foresee will hold up well over time. Took me 20-30 mins to pump it with the manual pump it came with.

I bought this ball for pregnancy. It really helps to relieve pelvic pressure. I have been using it for a few weeks without any issues. It comes with a pump, a few plugs, a plug remover, and a measuring tape. The directions for inflation are simple and straight forward. It is working as advertised, great value for purchase price.