First of all, the most important thing for an ideal yoga mat is its "material". Because only the right material can provide the three essential points required for yoga exercises: comfort, support, and durability.
The materials currently used in most yoga mats are: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). For the average person, the names of these materials can be a bit complicated. But after reading this article, you will understand the difference between them
Today, I will talk about the difference between them, and the answer will finally be revealed!
1. The cheapest PVC yoga mat
is a yoga mat made of foamed PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ), which is currently the cheapest yoga mat. Its advantages are low price and light weight. But it performs the worst when it comes to the most important aspects of a yoga mat, comfort and support.
Because the buffering properties of PVC material are poor. To test cushioning, we pressed our fingers onto a yoga mat. You can see that the fingers are almost touching the floor. This means that when we do some yoga poses, our knees are almost directly touching the ground.
In terms of durability, , polyvinyl chloride yoga mat also has the worst durability. As it is used for a long time, its texture will become rougher and rougher, and it will last for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the yoga mat made of PVC will peel off.
As a carcinogenic material, on October 27, 2017, in the list of carcinogens released by the World Health Organization, polyvinyl chloride was placed in the list of Category 3 carcinogens.
Obviously, for us yoga enthusiasts, please do not choose yoga mats made of PVC.
2. The moderate nitrile rubber yoga mat
NBR (nitrile rubber) has excellent oil resistance, high wear resistance and good heat resistance. It is widely used in manufacturing various oil-resistant rubber products, while butadiene rubber is used. Yoga mats made of nitrile rubber, can provide better cushioning compared to PVC materials.
NBR material yoga mat
However, because nitrile rubber has better oil resistance and water resistance, there will be stability problems when it is used on yoga mats. Especially when you do yoga exercises on the soles of your feet or your body starts to sweat, they will become slippery, weakening your grip, causing stability to deteriorate, and you will start to be cautious, affecting the effect of yoga exercises.
In terms of durability, nitrile rubber yoga mats are considered average. Generally, you will see some cracks on the mat after 3 months of use.
3. Very hard EVA yoga mat
As a high-quality foam material, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) has good cushioning and shock resistance advantages, so it is widely used in our shoes. At this time, many people may ask: "EVA material is similar to plastic. It is so hard, can it be used as a yoga mat?" Of course it can.
Because is in terms of durability, the EVA material yoga mat can perfectly handle various wear and tear. In terms of durability, it won’t crack and peel either. You can use it for several years without any problems. You can engage in any form of exercise on the EVA material yoga mat, including throwing away your dumbbells at any time. This is a perfect option for our friends who work out at home. The disadvantage of
is that the EVA material yoga mat lacks sufficient buffering. This yoga mat does not conform when you press it between your fingers.
4. The perfect TPE yoga mat
As the most perfect yoga mat material, TPE ( thermoplastic elastomer ) is obviously well-deserved. TPE, as a new generation of synthetic rubber , has begun to replace some traditional synthetic rubber.
7mm TPE yoga mat for beginners
Since TPE has the advantages of both rubber and plastic, after being used in yoga mats, TPE material shows excellent balance, stability and comfort. Durability-wise, it performs perfectly. Even after 1 year of use, it looks like new.
There is no doubt that TPE is the best yoga mat material currently on the market.
5. Summary
- PVC material yoga mat: the most affordable but not durable.
- NBR material yoga mat: the most comfortable but not stable.
- EVA Material Yoga Mat: Most stable but least cushioned.
- TPE material yoga mat: perfect in every way. How about
? Do you understand?
