– EVA. Short for ethylene vinyl acetate. This is an environmentally friendly, highly effective modern polymer, foamed rubber. The material is resistant to bacteria and fungi, does not cause allergies. Mats made of this material are unusually light and compact, they are 4 times lighter than PVC. The porous structure of the material gives the mat shock-absorbing properties, softness, and resistance to abrasion. EVA mats are more suitable for medium-intensity practices. A completely new mat may have a specific smell that disappears very quickly. Mats made of this material are the most budget-friendly.
– PVC. The most popular material for yoga mats is PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This is the earliest artificial material, invented in the 19th century. 90% of all existing mats are made of PVC, both budget and high-cost mats. More expensive models use high-strength PVC, the so-called HD PVC. Mats made of this material have better anti-slip properties and wear resistance characteristics. Some manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on such mats.
– TPE, short for Thermal Plastic Elastomer. This is a relatively new synthetic hypoallergenic material, chlorine is not used in its production. TPE is much lighter than rubber, and at the same time is not inferior to it in anti-slip properties. This material is softer, and therefore slightly less durable. There are not many TPE mats on the market, but the popularity of the material is gaining momentum.
– Natural rubber. These are eco-friendly mats. They have high sticky properties. The material does not contain PVC, toxins, heavy metals or dyes. Natural rubber is a natural material that does not pollute the environment. The mat is pleasant to the touch and does not cause allergies. Rubber mats are sticky and environmentally friendly. The cost of rubber mats starts from 3000 rubles. These are expensive yoga mats, but very high quality. The weight of such mats exceeds 2 kg, they are considered heavy mats and are not very suitable as a hiking option when active movements are required. Such mats can be thin, thick, long and even colored. They are classified as professional and are chosen by those who are serious about yoga for a long time.
– Latex. It is an ecological and the most expensive material, made without the use of dangerous phthalates, plasticizers, heavy metals or PVC, without allergens or polluting chemicals. Undoubtedly, latex mats are the best on the market in terms of their characteristics. The mats provide excellent grip, do not smell, are very durable and can last almost forever. In terms of their stickiness, they are superior to rubber mats. These are relatively heavy yoga mats. Latex mats usually weigh more than 2 kg.
– Cotton mats. These are natural handmade yoga mats made of pure cotton. This mat has been used in India for yoga since ancient times. Cotton is a hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly material that perfectly absorbs moisture. As a rule, the pattern of the mat is an ethnic ornament that will decorate any activity and will ideally fit into any interior. You need to get used to a cotton mat, its property is such that the wetter it becomes, the greater the grip it provides. A cotton mat is used as an overlay on a regular carpet. Thus, the surface of the mat will become softer, and the thermal insulation will protect the body. We have various cotton mats, choose to your taste.
– Combo mats. These are combined natural mats with a microfiber surface and a rubber base. Such mats appeared in the USA and are now actively gaining popularity around the world. The main advantage is the variety of designs . Using this technology, you can even create your own mat. As for the characteristics, such mats do not slip when wet, are ideal for Bikram yoga, hot, power and for those who actively get wet during classes. The price of the mats is about 5000 rubles. And they are not the lightest, although there are thin hiking versions of such mats.
– Cork yoga mats. This is a natural mat. Its top layer is cork tree bark, and the base is natural rubber. Despite the smooth surface, this mat does not slip and perfectly absorbs moisture. Cork carpets have excellent antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Even if your carpet is constantly damp from practice, germs will not be scary to it. Such a yoga mat is suitable for people with high sensitivity to various materials.
