I have several mats-a couple I inherited from a friend from France, but don't think they are self-healing. My favorite is the Olfa Duraheal-24" x 36" and is a really good size for my cutting table. It is blue, and has held up for about 8 years so far, even in the tropical humidity where I use to live. I never noticed a smell, but when I bought it at Joann's, it was not wrapped or in a box. I also have a small 6" x 8" which is perfect just next to my machine for the small tasks. I never use any of my other mats for rotary cutting, but still find other uses for them in the sewing room. I would certainly recommend buying the larger size of any self-healing mat, and with 40% - 50% coupons periodically available at Joann's, it makes it much more affordable. In fact, I never buy a large ticket item unless I have the coupon. I just wait until one comes out. I even use it to buy whole bolts of backing fabric, which they still count as one single-cut. If you plan to make allot of rotary cut quilts, it is a key piece of equipment which will last years.