Trideer Yoga Ball Exercise Ball for Working Out, 5 Sizes Gym Ball, Birthing Ball for Pregnancy, Swiss Ball for Physical Therapy, Balance, Stability, Fitness, Office Ball Chair, Quick Pump Included

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.

This ball was exactly what I was looking for to use as an office chair, however it only lasted three months before it deflated for good. I knew it wouldn't last forever, but I was hoping to at least get a year of use out of it before having to buy another one. However, the company contacted me and sent me a new one stating that they had a 12 month guarantee. The customer service was great, and I would happily buy from them again.

It's just what I wanted. Be sure to follow the directions to get started, especially the first step to inflate, let the ball rest the specified amount of time, and deflate. Then it will inflate to its full size. The ball is well made and holds the air. I love it. By adding the base it makes a great desk chair. I did get the solid base, not the one in several pieces that needs to be put together. And I am happy with it.

Update: The seller contacted me and offered to send me a new ball, which I accepted. I got it yesterday in a sealed package and am very happy with it. Like other reviewers have said, it feels like a very sturdy ball. When it's fully inflated, it doesn't sink down like other balls do.The box had been opened and the contents in the plastic bags were opened too, Scotch tape was used to seal them. I felt it may have been a used ball. The ball felt sturdy and I liked it. I did not want to go through the hassle of returning it and the same thing might happen again. So I kept it. I hope it will hold up.

I bought this to replace the ball in a Gaiam medicine ball desk chair I have used for 5 years or so. It fit perfectly and so far (over 6 months), I haven't had any issues with it losing air or anything. It's comfortable and seems solid in its construction.