The 5 Best Yoga Mats of 2024: NBR vs TPE vs Rubber vs PU vs PVC

March 07, 2024

Yoga mats are made of many different materials. The common yoga mats in the market are Natural rubber/PER/TPE/Cork/PU/Suede/Fabric/NBR/EVA/PVC/Jute/Woolen yoga mats. Choosing a yoga mat is a very big challenge for beginners. Look no further! We've done the research and gathered the top yoga mats including eco-friendly yoga mat options, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll go over the best yoga mats on the market and compare the advantages and disadvantages.


bulk yoga mat material


When selecting a yoga mat, comfort and functionality are key. A good yoga mat should provide cushioning, insulation from cold surfaces, and excellent traction. Then how to choose a suitable yoga mat for ourselves, what are the differences among the different materials of yoga mats? 


As a yoga mat manufacturer, we will make a full analysis and comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of different yoga mat materials for you.



Note: The description of yoga mats name has many differences, gym mats, fitness mats and exercise mats. For consistency, we will refer to them as yoga mats in the article.


Firstly, The Material of the Yoga Mats

The material of a yoga mat is crucial when making your choice. 

Different types of yoga mats materials will affect the yoga mat lifetime, the eco-friendly performance of yoga mat, yoga mat smell, the yoga mat retrievability, the yoga mat stickiness and the best way to clean gym mats.


1. Rubber Yoga Mats

Rubber pads are good for resilience, durability and anti-skid performance, which will be significantly reduced if your hands and feet sweat. The natural yoga mats texture provides strong friction and traction for your body. The rubber mat has an intrinsic smell that is hard to remove but it is a totally safe and eco friendly yoga mat material. Wavar supplies best rubber yoga mat for your yoga business. 


natural rubber yoga mat


natural rubber yoga mat


   

2. TPE Yoga Mats

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a blend of plastic and rubber polymers commonly used in sports equipment. TPE yoga mats are known for their excellent anti-skid properties, elasticity, and durability, making them ideal for yoga practice. While TPE mats tend to be slightly more expensive, their superior performance justifies the investment, offering enhanced comfort and stability during your exercises.

tpe material yoga mat

 

tpe material yoga mat


3. NBR Yoga Mats 

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber commonly used in oil-resistant products. NBR fitness mats are known for their excellent wear resistance, but they may fall short in terms of non-slip properties and elasticity. Due to the use of calcium oxide as a filler during processing, improper proportions can sometimes lead to skin allergies or a burning sensation. Additionally, the foaming agent used in manufacturing can result in a noticeable odor. NBR yoga mats are often thicker, providing extra cushioning, but it's important to be aware of these potential drawbacks.

nbr material yoga mat

   

nbr material yoga mat



4. PU+Rubber Yoga Mats

PU (Polyurethane) is a versatile organic polymer used in products like artificial leather and automotive interiors. PU yoga mats are praised for their excellent anti-wrinkle, anti-slip, and breathable properties, and they effectively absorb sweat and moisture. However, PU mats are typically more expensive and require more maintenance compared to TPE and other mats. Due to their higher cost and care requirements, PU yoga mats are often not recommended for beginners.


yoga mat pu rubber


yoga mat pu rubber

5. PVC Yoga Mat

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a durable plastic material known for its excellent floor grip and ease of cleaning. It is latex-free, making it a suitable choice for those with latex allergies. However, PVC mats are non-absorbent and can become slippery with heavy sweating. They are also not biodegradable or environmentally friendly, and they tend to flake and lose resilience over time. Due to these drawbacks, PVC yoga mats are becoming less popular among yogis and may not be the best choice for those seeking more sustainable and resilient options.

pvc yoga mat material


pvc yoga mat material


In addition to the above several common yoga mats, Wavar also produces jute yoga mat/cork yoga mat/suede yoga mat/PER yoga mat/cotton yoga mat and woollen yoga mat, the price of these material of yoga mats are higher than others.


Secondly, Thickness and Density of Yoga Mats

The thickness of a yoga mat impacts both comfort and balance. Thicker mats (up to 1/2 inch or 13mm) offer extra cushioning, enhancing comfort and protecting your joints by reducing ground contact. Conversely, thinner mats (as low as 1/8 inch or 3mm) improve balance and stability by bringing you closer to the floor. Wavar offers a range of yoga mats to suit your needs, from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch in thickness.


yoga mat thickness


Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Thickness for Your Needs


Selecting the appropriate yoga mat thickness depends on your experience level and goals:

Beginners and Health Improvement: If you're new to yoga or focused on improving your health, a thicker mat (more than 1/4 inch) is recommended. It provides extra cushioning, helping to buffer your knees, elbows, and spine, making your practice more comfortable and supportive.


Experienced Yogis and Balance Improvement: If you're an experienced practitioner or aiming to enhance your balance, a thinner mat (around 1/8 inch) is ideal. It offers less cushioning but improves stability and control, which is crucial for advanced poses and balance.


By considering these factors, you can choose a mat that best supports your practice and goals.


How to choose the thickness of the yoga mat depends on your aim, each thickness has its own usage. Therefore, it is very important to set a practice target before choose yoga mats. We are a professional yoga mat manufacturer.


Thirdly, The Size of the Yoga Mats

If you are fresh in learning yoga, you are suggested to choose the standard yoga mat (length 68inches, width 24inches), this size is suitable for most people. If you are taller, you can choose large yoga mat in 71 inches, 72 inches, 74 inches and 84 inches, and the width is up to 30inches. Such a size can provide you with enough space to stand and lie supine on the mat. You should mind that the greater the size is, the heavier it will be, and it is not so convenient to store and carry. The length and width you choosing is depend on your height and the needs to comfort level. If you what an extra length and width to improve the comfort level or to do some other exercise, you can choose a longer yoga mat, and practice with Foam Roller and Yoga Brick.


yoga mat size


Forth, The Traction and Texture of The Yoga Mat

The more sticky or grip a yoga mat has, the safer yoga mat to avoid skipping when practicing. And helps you to change the yoga position easily, such as balance, resist gravity or some other movements. Therefore, most yoga mats have uneven textures, which will make your exercise safe and comfortable.

Usually, PVC yoga mat has the best viscidity and traction. TPE or NBR have similar viscidity, but they are slippy on the surface, thus their traction is not as good as PVC yoga mats.


yoga mat texture


PS: How to do with the new yoga mat slipping?

To accelerate the break-in period for a new yoga mat, try using a salt scrub. This treatment helps to improve grip and reduce slippage more quickly. Typically, new yoga mats will become less slippery as they are used more frequently over time.


Fifth, the Types and Designs of Yoga Mats

Wavar offers fully customizable yoga mats, including personalized designs, colors, and patterns, allowing you to highlight your brand or unique style. With our custom yoga mats, you can create a distinct look that stands out, enhancing your brand’s identity. These mats can also add excitement and energy to your yoga classes, making each session feel more engaging and personalized for your clients.


yoga mat design


Yoga Mat with Custom Logo, Double Color PVC Yoga Mat, Suede Fabric & Natural rubber Yoga Mat all support custom patterns and logos. We will help you create your own yoga mat.


Maintenance and Cleaning of the Yoga Mats

We can clean the yoga mat quickly every time we finish our yoga exercise. We only need to wipe the yoga mat with a damp cloth, water or vinegar solution can also work. We do not need to clean the yoga mat too frequently. To keep the yoga mat away from niff or sweat stains is necessary. If your yoga mat is too dirty, you can clean them with detergent, as little as possible. And you must clean up the residual detergent with pure water, because any residual can make the mat slip.


how do you clean your yoga mat


Certain yoga mats made from special materials are machine washable, but it’s important to first check the care instructions. Avoid washing them for extended periods, as prolonged machine washing may cause wear and tear, potentially damaging the mat over time.


The best yoga mat buying guide in 2024 helps you to find your fittest yoga mats. When you choose yoga mats, the main factor is your most concerning function and the exercise types to be performed. After making sure of these contents, you can use the provided information to help you choose the suitable yoga mats for yourself!


Wavar has more than 10 years of experience in the Chinese fitness industry, we have the insider knowledge to guide gym, studio owners and fitness equipment buyers with practical yoga mat buying suggestions. 


Custom and order yoga mats with one-stop factory prices, contact us for more information! 


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