How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat Material

How To Choose the Best Yoga Mat Material [Pros and Cons]

Yoga mats are made of synthetic and natural materials. Your choice of a yoga mat material will depend on the type of yoga and the place of your practice. Considering the price alone may leave you with a yoga mat that’s toxic for your health and the environment.

The right yoga mat material needs to be comfortable for you to be on, keep you warm from the cold floor and have a good grip. Eco-friendly yoga mats are made from organic natural materials from sustainable sources.

Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects you to yourself and your environment. Yoga practice encourages living in a more natural way. If you are interested in an eco-friendly yoga mat, here’s an article to help you choose one.

To give you an overview, let’s have a look at different options of yoga mat materials. Some yoga mats are toxic, and others are more friendly to you and the environment.

With a wide range of yoga mat materials available, you can take your pick. Here’s a full guide on how to choose the right yoga mat for beginners. The common synthetic materials for yoga mats are PVC, TPE, NBR, EVA and PU. The eco-friendly yoga mat materials include Cork and Natural rubber, Cotton, Jute and Wool.


Synthetic Yoga Mat Materials

Synthetic Yoga Mat Materials

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Yoga Mat Material

One of the most common yoga mat materials is PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), a plastic toxic for our health and the environment. 

When you look into yoga mat materials, PVC is one of the first materials you will come across. Why?

PVC is one of the first plastics ever manufactured. You can find it in products like shower curtains, sewage pipes, cables, vinyl records among many others.

PVC is composed of organochlorides. These chemicals create toxic by-products dangerous for animals and plants. Organochloride compounds accumulate in fatty tissues, reaching all levels of the food chain (Source).

PVC manufacturing has a big eco-footprint in the environment. It requires the use of organochlorides and a lot of electricity. In fact, it uses about 1 per cent of the world’s total electricity output.

PVC has been found to cause cancer, disrupt the endocrine system, impair the foetus development, and suppress the immune system (Source). PVC contains substances such as phthalates and vinyl chloride and reacts with other compounds to create toxic chemicals that damage the health of animals, plants and humans.

These chemicals concentrate in breast milk and can harm babies. They can also cross the placental barrier and damage the foetus (Source). PVC can take up to 500 years to degrade. It also releases toxic chemicals during degradation.

PVC yoga mats have some benefits. They are cheap, easy to wash, resist bacterial growth and have a long life. PVC yoga mats also have a good grip and cushioning.

However, PVC toxicity outweighs any of its benefits. PVC yoga mats have an open-cell structure, which means they aren’t waterproof and easily absorb water. Because of this, you can’t wash them and they aren’t suitable for Hot yoga. They also have a strong plastic smell when new that doesn’t go away easily.

You can’t recycle PVC, so it ends up in landfills where it produces toxic chemicals, dioxins and chlorine compounds.


PER Yoga Mat Material

PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) is essentially PVC that has been stabilized with additives, although not as toxic as the ones used in PVC production. Even though the degradation of PER isn’t as polluting as that of PVC, it still releases toxic chemicals into the environment.

The downside of PER yoga mat materials is their high eco-footprint during the production of PVC. PER is not recyclable.


TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) Yoga Mat Material

TPE is a polymer, a type of plastic with thermic and elastic properties. TPE doesn’t require reinforcing agents or stabilizers and because of this, it’s less reactive and polluting than PVC. Which makes it a better alternative to PVC. 

TPE is easily moulded, extruded and reused. However, it’s not easily recyclable. While TPE is better than PVC, it still has a big carbon footprint because it’s produced from fossil fuels (like all synthetic materials).

TPE yoga mats are moderately priced and have a closed-cell structure which provides good cushioning and insulation. TPE is resistant to oil and water, as well as having anti-bacterial properties. TPE yoga mat material is popular because of its low weight and long life. The downside of TPE yoga mat material is that it isn’t recyclable and degrades slowly in a landfill. It also has a strong plastic smell when new.


NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) Yoga Mat Material

NBR is a synthetic rubber material commonly used in the automotive and aeronautical industry. It has become popular among yoga mats as it provides good insulation and cushioning. 

NBR manufacturing isn’t friendly to the environment. Europe, USA and Canada don’t produce NBR because of the toxic substances such as Butadiene used during the manufacturing process.

NBR degrades faster than other synthetic materials if it has additives to speed up the process. 

The NBR yoga mat is cheap, provides good insulation and cushioning. It’s light and has a long life. Closed-cell structure makes it washable and resistant to bacterial growth, oils and water. The downside is that NBR degrades slowly in a landfill and isn’t recyclable.


EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Yoga Mat Material

EVA is made from blended copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It’s commonly found in shoe soles, toys, foam tiles, sports helmets, among many others. 

EVA yoga mats are cheap and light. They provide good insulation and cushioning. EVA yoga mats come in different thicknesses, but if they are too thick, they don’t provide good stability. A closed-cell structure that makes it water-resistant and antibacterial. EVA is a material that is non-reactive to fat or oils.

The EVA downside is that it will compact with use, making it unstable for your practice. It has a plastic smell when new that disappears after a few weeks. EVA recycling is extremely localized and usually ends up in landfills.


PU (Polyurethane) Yoga Mat Material

Polyurethanes (PU) are synthetic polymers that can be processed in a variety of different ways. There are two types of PU: biodegradable and non-biodegradable (source).

The use of PU outside yoga mats extends to furniture coatings, adhesives, construction materials, flame retardants, fibres, paddings, paints, elastomeric parts, and synthetic skins.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers polyurethane foam fabrication facilities potential major sources of several hazardous air pollutants including methylene chloride, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hydrogen cyanide.

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has yet to establish exposure limits on carcinogenicity for polyurethane foam. (Source)

You may come across PU yoga mats. They tend to be cheap, offer good cushioning and insulation. PU isn’t friendly to the environment, as an alternative, companies like Liforme has created an eco-PU which biodegrades in between 1-5 years in landfill conditions without releasing toxic chemicals.


Comparison of Synthetic Yoga Mat Materials

PROSCONS
PVCCheap
Good grip
Easy to wash
Anti-bacterial
Lightweight
Long life
Open-cell construction absorbs moisture
Strong plastic smell
Non-recyclable
Toxic
TPEModerately priced
Good insulation
Lightweight
Anti-bacterial
Long life
Washable
Waterproof
Degradation doesn’t cause hazardous byproducts.
Slow degradation in a landfill
Plastic odour when new
Non-recyclable
NBRCheap
Oil and water resistance
Good insulation and cushioning
Lightweight
Anti-bacterial
Long life
Washable
Slow degradation in landfill
Non-recyclable

EVACheap
Lightweight
Good insulation
and cushioning
Water-resistant
Anti-bacterial
Non-reactive to fats and oils.
Washable
The plastic smell disappears after a few weeks.
EVA compacts slightly with use
EVA material degrades if it contains additives to speed up the process.
Recycling is low and localized.
Usually ends up in landfills
PERModerate price
Ok insulation and cushioning
Washable
Nearly odourless
Biodegradable


Less grip than some PVC mats
Coarse to the skin when mixed with Jute
Requires a break-in period to develop maximum grip
PUCheap
Good insulation and cushioning
Washable
Not good for hot yoga
Its production releases toxic fumes
Non-recyclable

Natural Yoga Mat Materials

Natural Yoga Mat Materials

JUTE Yoga Mat Material

Jute is a natural fibre from a plant from the Corchorus genus. It’s second to cotton in the amount produced and variety of uses.

Jute is a rain-fed crop with little need for fertilizers or pesticides, in contrast to cotton’s heavy requirements. Jute’s production is mostly in Bangladesh, India’s states of Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Jute yoga mats usually have one side made of Jute and the other from PVC or PER. They are washable and provide good cushioning, insulation and durability. but require a period of breaking in and can be a bit coarse to the skin.


Cork Yoga Mat Material

Cork is a natural material made from the cortex of the oak tree. It’s a renewable resource that doesn’t damage the trees during its harvesting. Cork yoga mats usually have one side made of cork and the other from a different material to make them non-slippery on the floor surface.

Cork yoga mats can be 100% cork or mixed with other materials such as TPE, PU or Natural rubber. An eco-friendly option is a cork mixed with natural rubber. When the cork is mixed with PER, TPE or PU the eco-friendliness of the cork yoga mat is negated by these synthetic materials.

A cork yoga provides a good grip for your practice, even when wet. This makes it a great material for hot yoga, power yoga, Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga.

Cork is antibacterial, so you won’t need to worry about your yoga mat growing bacteria or mould. You can also wash your cork yoga mat or wipe it after each use. Cork yoga mat gives you good insulation and cushioning. It will last around 2-3 years depending on how well you look after it.


Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Material

Natural rubber is also known as latex or caucho. Natural rubber is made from the sap of rubber trees found in South America (Brazil) and South Asia (Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia).

Natural rubber is harvested from trees by making incisions in the bark and collecting the milky fluid. Different items can be made from natural rubber. It’s one of the best options for a yoga mat.

Natural rubber yoga mats are impermeable, have a good grip and are washable. Natural rubber comes from sustainable and renewable sources, it’s biodegradable. Natural rubber yoga mats have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. It’s not recommended for hot yoga as it can get slippery.

The downside of natural rubber is its smell when new that takes a few weeks to air out. It’s not recommended for people with latex allergies. It can degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight or when used in hot and humid climates.
Natural rubber yoga mats can be expensive and heavy.


Cotton Yoga Mat Material

The production of cotton has a high environmental impact because of the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and huge amounts of water.

Some cotton crops are genetically modified. These crops require herbicide glyphosate, which poses risks to our health and the environment.

If you are getting a cotton yoga mat, go for an organic option. Its production doesn’t use pesticides, chemical fertilizers and relies on rainfall. Organic cotton production also benefits local communities who have ethical working conditions.

Cotton yoga mats are the traditional yoga mats. They have a great grip even when wet. This quality makes them great for all types of yoga including Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Power yoga. A cotton yoga mat is washable, great for outdoor yoga practice and light to carry around. It’s biodegradable.

The downside is that the cotton yoga mat doesn’t provide that much cushioning so you may like to combine it with another yoga mat. The other downside is that depending on the flooring you practice, the cotton yoga mat can slip, so you may need to use anti-slippery pad underneath.


Wool Yoga Mat Material

Wool is a sustainable resource that doesn’t harm sheep during the process. If the wool is organic, it benefits small producers and has a low impact on the environment.

A wool yoga mat is great for calmer types of yoga such as Yin yoga, Kundalini yoga, Mantra yoga, Meditation and Relaxation.

The wool yoga mat is ideal for indoor practice. It provides great insulation and cushioning. It has a long lifespan, and it’s biodegradable.

The downside of a wool yoga mat is that it can be coarse to the skin and some people may have some sensitivity to wool.


Comparison of Natural Yoga Mat Materials

PROSCONS
CorkImpermeable
Elastic
Good insulator
Good grip
Waterproof
Lifespan 2-3 years
Washable
Bacterial growth resistant
Environmentally friendly
Sustainable
Recyclable
Fire retardant
More expensive than synthetic yoga mats.

Natural RubberGood grip
Impermeable
Waterproof
Lifespan 2-3 years
Washable
From sustainable sources
Biodegradable
Renewable
Can cause allergies and sensitivity.
It’s not recommended for people with latex allergies.
Not good for hot yoga, it can be slippery.
It gets damaged when exposed to sunlight and in hot and humid climates.
Expensive
Heavyweight
Emits strong odour when new, it needs a few weeks to air out
CottonGreat grip
Light
Absorbance of sweat
Great for all types of yoga, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Power yoga.
Great for outdoors
Washable
Long lifespan
Biodegradable
Moderate cushioning.
Can be a bit coarse to the skin.
May need an anti-slippery pad if used over hard flooring.
JuteGood grip
Good cushioning and insulation
ok for indoors and outdoors
Washable
Recyclable
Biodegradable
The natural fibres can be coarse to the skin.
Usually combined with PER
WoolGood cushioning and insulation
For indoor practice
Biodegradable
Long lifespan
Great for Yin, Kundalini yoga, meditation and relaxation.
The wool can be a bit coarse to the skin

Conclusion

There is a wide range of yoga mat materials available. You can take your pick to suit your preferences and values. Choosing an eco-friendly yoga mat benefits your health and the environment.

One thing to keep in mind is that PVC, TPE, NBR, EVA and Natural Latex yoga mats are made of a single material. Whereas yoga mats from Jute or Cork contain 2 different materials – one for each side.

The top part is a natural material and the bottom part is synthetic. This provides more grip and insulation. Pure Jute and pure cork are more expensive.

Some yoga mats are recyclable or made with recycled materials. If you care about the environment, choose a yoga mat from a natural and non-toxic material.

When you buy a yoga mat, check the material it’s made of. The label will give you a clue to know whether the material is biodegradable, recyclable or environmentally friendly.

Most of the synthetic yoga mats have a big carbon footprint and will take a long time to degrade. Some yoga mat materials are toxic and have detrimental effects on our health in the long term. PVC is the most toxic. Other synthetic materials use additives.

When choosing a yoga mat material, apart from the core material, one thing to keep in mind is the manufacturing process. For example, natural rubber itself may not be harmful or cause allergies. But the chemicals that turn a blob of natural rubber into a yoga mat may allergenic.

If you walk or jog to your yoga class, a lightweight yoga mat material like a thin cork yoga mat or a cotton yoga mat can be good. Whereas if you are driving or practising at home, a natural rubber yoga mat is a good option.

If you are planning to practice outdoors, consider a yoga mat material that’s durable and easy to wash.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I balance my chakras with essential oils?

Using essential oils with a grounding effect will help you calm down overactive chakras. On the opposite, using essential oils with energising properties can be used to activate underactive chakras.

Where do you apply throat chakra oil?

You can apply the essential oils around your neck, rub it around the neck, or place some dots in the crevice of your neck.

What blocks the throat chakra?

Not being able to express your thoughts and feelings. Being bullied, believing that your opinion doesn’t matter. Being forced to lie. Having thyroid problems.

What causes overactive throat chakra?

An overactive throat chakra can be caused by stress, fear, emotional distress that will imbalance your throat chakra and manifest as having difficulty to empathise with others, talking too much and not listening.

What does a blocked throat chakra feel like?

A blocked throat chakra is underactive, it can be identified as a struggling to express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and emotions. Having fear of speaking in public. Physically you can feel a constraint in your throat area whenever you want to speak in front of more than one person or in front of an authority figure. Your voice will be weak and you your communication as a whole will be quite poor.

What essential oils are good for the throat chakra?

Depending on whether you need to activate or calm the throat chakra, the essential oils you will use would be different. For an underactive throat chakra use Lemon and Lavender essential oil. For an overactive throat chakra use Vanilla and Chamomille. For everyday maintenance use Coriander essential oil.

What essential oils help release emotions?

Essential oils for the heart will help you release emotions. Whenever you need to release emotions is because you were unable to express them so they bottled up in your body. You may have stored them in your heart area or in the sacral area. If you feel the emotions are more in your chest try Rose and Rosewood essential oils. If you feel your emotions are somewhere lower try Cardamon essential oil.

What are yoga mats made of?

There is a handful of materials, overall yoga mats can be made of synthetic polymers, natural materials either fabrics or natural rubber and a combination of both.

What is a yoga block?

A yoga block is a prop that helps us during yoga practice to achieve a position with more ease. A yoga block helps us get into the correct alignment and develop into a posture.

What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?

The thickness of your yoga mat will depend on two things the type of flooring where you will be performing yoga and the type of yoga you are doing.

What makes a good yoga mat?

A good yoga mat will ideally have the right size for your body, be comfortable, cushioned, have a good grip, and be environmentally friendly.

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