I have had a water bed since 1980! It's the only way for me to sleep because it conforms to my body and I never wake up with an arm or leg that is sleeping... tingles! I can't sleep on a regular hard bed, just too uncomfortable. That said, I have had my last water bed mattress for several years and it felt like it was starting to stretch. I kept having to increase the amount of water to keep it filled at the level I like. I ordered this new mattress. Came in a single box. I installed the liner that came with it, and it is very good and fairly solid sides. Placed the new mattress in the liner/frame. Used the included filling tools to fill the mattress with water. Took about an hour or so. Used a broomstick to push the excess air out of the filled mattress. Turned on the heater (my heater, mattress does not include a heater). First night I put a thick comforter on top and slept on that so I would not get cold from the unheated water. Last night was night number 2 and the bed was nice and toasty warm. Slept like a log! I read a number of reviews here that complain about the terrible smell. My mattress has no smell at all. I was expecting it after everything I read here, but there is no smell whatsoever. I am extremely happy with this mattress. It is built well and comes with everything you need to set it up. You do have to own your own waterbed heater or buy one. The mattress is wave-less and just plain nice to lay on. I'm back in heaven now!