Other Yoga Mats We Tested
$68 at
If youre looking for a greener yoga practice, the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat is a solid choice. PVC-free and made in the USA, the 4.5-millimeter thick natural rubber mats textured surface offers up a sticky resilience perfect for low-impact and high-octane workouts alike, while the underside stays put on hard floors and carpeting. Available in two lengths , the mat comes in a slew of cute colors, from fire engine red to a pretty slate blue. One downside was that the flat texture of the mat tended to pick up lots of dust and debris off our floors, which made wiping it clean a bit tougher. Bonus: Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold, and even the mats label is printed on recycled paper with soy ink. Unfortunately, the brand offers only a one-year warranty.
$69.98 at
Hot yoga devotees, listen up: The Gaiam Performance Dry Grip Yoga Mat 5MM was created specifically to wick away moisture even as practice temperatures increase, and we can attest it holds up to its promise. During one particularly sweaty yoga session, the mat stayed dried the entire time . We liked the PVC mats smooth surface, and the soft support of its 5-millimeter density. Free of latex and phthalates, this a good option for those looking for a thick, rubber-free mat that is relatively lightweight .
$27.99 at
$39.99 at
More from CNN Underscoreds hands-on testing:
Q: My Natural Rubber Mat Has White Spots On It Is My Mat Ruined
A: Natural rubber experiences a process known as oxidation when the mat is exposed to oxygen and light. We do not recommend leaving your mat in direct sunlight over an extended period of time. Discoloration or white spots can occur as a result of too much sunlight. If this occurs, dont worry your mat can be cleaned with our mat cleanser that is manufactured specifically to renew your mat to its natural state.
How Long Do Manduka Mats Last
Manduka Pro mats are very durable and guaranteed to last at least 10 years. Manduka have a lifetime guarantee where they will replace your mat if it becomes worn within this 10 year period. As for the other mats, there is no guarantee but they usually last around 3-5 years depending upon how frequently you use them.
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Competition: Manduka Pro Vs Manduka Grp
Manduka GRP Yoga Mat: Addressing my primary gripe with the PRO mat, the GRP mat from Manduka is designed with a good, immediate grip in mind. It has an upper layer that provides anti-slip control, particularly in sweaty conditions, and a lower charcoal-infused rubber layer that breathes, absorbs, and eliminates odors. The tradeoff for grip is durability, thoughthe GRP isnt included in Mandukas lifetime warranty.
Buy it if youre ready to work.
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, like yoga itself, is an exercise in patience and a labor of love. Its definitely not for everyone, but if youre willing to put in the time and effort to break it in, the PRO may be the last yoga mat you ever buyand thats definitely worth a $120 price tag.
The Sweat Absorption Is Key
The main issue with my previous yoga matand my main frustration with the practicewas the sweat from a demanding, hot workout. On a regular mat, when you sweat, it pools right there on the surface, meaning any sort of grip you had for balance postures is pretty much non-existent. Thats not a thing at all with Mandukas hot yoga mat. The non-slip top layer combined with a charcoal-infused rubber core means the GRP absorbs any amount of sweat. And, as a guy who sweats a lot during yoga, this mat truly does the trick. In the hottest, most demanding conditions, I never lost a bit of grip on my hands or feet. In fact, I feel like it worked better when it was slightly damp. No longer do I stress about getting too hot and losing focus while trying to not slip around everywhere.
One thing that is also key about this material is that it doesnt show dirt or marks easily, and it doesnt smell like other towels that are taking in your sweat. And, like every other yoga mat that is simple plastic, this one is easy to clean with a simple wipe down, even if it is absorbing moisture.
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Are Manduka Mats Worth It
- Reading time:11 mins read
Manduka is one of the leading names when it comes to yoga mats, but a premium brand also comes with a premium price tag that can verge into a three-figure investment, but, are they worth it? Keep reading to find out my opinion on this and whether they are the best brand on the market.
Contents
Know Your Mat Before You Clean & Disinfect It
Understanding the different materials used in our Manduka mats is important, as there are different methods needed to deep clean them.
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PRO Series PRO, PROlite, PRO Travel These mats are made using a closed cell material, meaning nothing can be absorbed into the mat, and the mat can be cleaned thoroughly on the surface every time.
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eKO Series eKO, eKO Lite, eKO SL These mats are made of a natural rubber, also a closed cell material. These mats can also be easily cleaned and disinfected, but need to be dried properly.
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GRP Series GRP, GRP Lite, Adapt These mats are made from an open cell PU and rubber construction. Their goal is to absorb moisture and provide maximum grip as they get wet, so thoroughly cleaning these mats requires the most attention and care because this material is very absorbent.
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Foundation Series Manduka X, Begin & Welcome Mats These mats are made using a TPE closed cell material, meaning nothing can be absorbed into the mat, and the mat can be cleaned thoroughly on the surface every time.
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Manduka Yoga Mats For Gym Pro Travel 25mm Thin Lightweight Non
About
- Sweat Resistant
- Eco-Friendly
Lightweight and easy to take to your next retreat or anywhere your adventure takes you. At 2.5mm in density, comfortably cushion your spine, hips, knees, elbows, or any point of contact on hard floors. Provides greater stability on any hard or soft surfaces. Proprietary bottom material allows its grip to improve with every use to help prevent injury. Closed-cell construction blocks bacteria and moisture from sweat, which prevents the buildup of odors and makes cleaning a breeze. Responsibly crafted in an emission-free facility. OEKO-TEX certified, meaning its 100% safe for you, your kids, and your pets. Help curb the number of PVC mats that enter landfills every year and reduce overall mat consumption.
Portability: Its No Lightweight
Lugging around the 71-inch mat all day made me glad I hadnt gone for the 85-inch version. Really. At 7.5 pounds of firm, 6-millimeters-thick PVC, the 71-inch mat begs to be stored at a studio, used at home, or at the very least chauffeured around in a car. And the 85-inch mat is 2 pounds heavier!
Lugging around the 71-inch mat all day made me glad I hadnt gone for the 85-inch version.
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Q: How Do I Care For My Grp Mat
A: Mats designed to absorb moisture should never be treated with disinfectant as the liquid will be absorbed into the mat and then cannot be thoroughly cleaned out.
Use Mandukas GRP Yoga Mat Restore to condition, clean and prevent buildup on the surface of your mat, while maximizing the performance and lifetime of your mat.
Wet a clean cloth with water and squeeze out excess water. Pump foam onto damp cloth, apply pressure and wipe down surface of your mat. Use between two to four pumps of restorative solution for each application. Repeat this process until entire mat surface is complete. Rinse cloth thoroughly and wipe down mat with fresh water. Use a dry cloth to soak up any excess water. Hang mat to dry before rolling and storing.
Manduka Grp Remains Grippy When Wet
Next up is the Manduka GRP range. Yet again, a different material is used here which provides a leather-like texture.
Unlike the two previous mats, the GRP series has an open-cell structure, this means that the material is able to absorb some moisture. The benefit of this is that it stays grippy, even when your hands and the mat get sweaty which is great for certain types of yoga.
Open-cell mats are also more cushioned as they contain small air pockets which can compress better than a closed-cell mat. Find out more about the differences between the two in my guide to open-cell vs closed-cell mats.
The downside to the GRP is that they are tougher to clean and can easily absorb smells, so youll need to work harder to keep your mat spick and span.
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Q: Can You Clean A Yoga Mat With Lysol/clorox Wipes
A: Using these products on your yoga mat isnt the best solution. To begin, in order for a disinfectant to be effective, the entire surface needs to be visibly wet for a certain period of time . This may be difficult to achieve with a small wipe of a large surface like your yoga mat. Second, the active ingredients in these disinfectants can have a negative impact on the life of your yoga mat. Finally, if you do use these products on your mat, after waiting the appropriate time, you absolutely must rinse your mat off and wipe it clean to remove as much of the product as possible. Many people experience mild to severe allergic reactions after prolonged skin contact with these chemical disinfectants. In fact, the active ingredient in Clorox wipes is Sodium Hypochlorite, which the EPA has assigned the highest degree of toxicity for causing severe damage to skin and eyes. While the active ingredient in Lysol wipes, Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride is considered highly irritating to eyes and skin by the EPA.
How Thick Are Manduka Yoga Mats
If youre struggling to figure out which Manduka yoga mat is right for you, heres a little more information. Each of these high-end mats is a different thickness. Lets take a look at a quick and easy breakdown of how thick each product is:
- Manduka PRO: 6 mm
- Manduka PRO Lite: 4.7 mm
- Manduka PRO Travel: 2.5 mm
- Manduka eKO Lite: 4.0 mm
- Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel: 1.5 mm
- Manduka PRO Opalescent Yoga: 6 mm
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Manduka Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga Ekolite Premium 4mm Thick Mat Eco Friendly And Made From Natural Tree Rubber Ultimate Catch Grip For Superior Traction Dense Cushioning For Support And Stability In Yoga Pilates
About
- Non-Toxic Foaming
- Zero Waste Manufacturing Process
The comfortably cushioned 68 x 24 eKO Lite Yoga Mat has a natural rubber grip that catches you if you start to slip. With its eco-friendly construction, this biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber mat supports both your practice and our planet. It is made without non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes. All post-industrial scrap is thoughtfully collected and utilized in the production of other materials creating a zero-waste manufacturing process.
Q: How Do I Care For My Pro Mat
A: Your PRO mat will continue to improve through use and as the mat ages, creating more surface roughness and reduced slippage.
Keep your PRO mat in its best condition by wiping it down after every practice with Mandukas Mat Wash & Refresh. Spray the entire surface of the mat. Use a clean cloth to wipe the mat dry before rolling or using. . Never soak, shower or submerge your mat in water. Store in a cool, dry place.
For a Deeper Clean: Spray generously until the mat is visibly wet. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Use a clean cloth to gently scrub any areas that have dirt or stains. Dry your mat before rolling or using.
To Thoroughly Disinfect Your Mat: Use Manduka’s Botanical Disinfecting Cleaner.
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Q: Why Does Using Purified Water Matter
A: If youve ever shopped the water aisle at the grocery store, you know there are many variations of water available, from natural spring to reverse osmosis. When producing cleaning products, many companies use deionized water which is a rapid an inexpensive way to remove minerals. Unfortunately, this process does not remove any microscopic organic molecules, which over time could lead to development of mold. To combat this, many companies add a biocide to their cleaning formulas. We prefer to start by purifying our water to remove not just the minerals but any microscopic organic molecules as well. While its a more expensive process, it means we dont have to add any chemicals to our formula.
Q: Wont Essential Oils Make My Mat Slippery
A: Most yoga mats are closed cell construction, meaning they dont absorb any liquid. Therefore, when you apply any liquids to the surface, they stay there until removed. If you were to apply essential oil directly to your mat, it would become quite slippery. By thoroughly mixing our solution, Mandukas Mat Wash and Refresh delivers a light even layer of essential oil and water all over the mat. While some essential oils can build up over time, our floral based cosmetic grade all-natural essential oils are less likely to build up and negatively affect performance of your mat.
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Q: How Do I Care For My Manduka X
A: Use Mandukas Mat Wash & Refresh to keep your Manduka X mat smelling fresh and clean. Spray the entire surface of the mat. Note: Due to the rough surface texture of the Manduka X, you might find it easier to use a damp clean cloth to wipe the mat clean. Apply more mat wash as necessary. Dry before rolling or using. Never soak, shower or submerge your mat in water. Store in a cool, dry place.
For a Deeper Clean: Spray generously until the mat is visibly wet. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Use a clean cloth to gently scrub any areas that have dirt or stains. Dry your mat before rolling or using.
To Thoroughly Disinfect Your Mat: Use Manduka’s Botanical Disinfecting Cleaner.
Manduka Yoga Mats For Gym Pro Premium 6mm Thick Mat Eco Friendly High
About
- Care Instructions
- Safety Guarantee
Mandukas Closed-cell surface prevents sweat from seeping into the mat cushion These Pro Series mats are built with superior joint protection and offered with a Lifetime Warranty when sold and shipped by Amazon. PRO Series yoga mats are available in two versions that are both thick, dense, and damage-resistant Standard 71 x 26 Inches, 6 mm thick Extra Long 85 x 26 Inches, 6 mm thick. Hold every pose with confidence feeling the benefits of the uniquely formulated material that allows its grip to improve with every use, always leaving you satisfied with top-tier workouts. Roll mats with the top side facing outwards to keep the corners flat during use Wipe down after use with Manduka All-Purpose Mat Wash, used to clean your mat without damaging the surface or causing slippage. Responsibly crafted in an emissions-free facility Tested for harmful substances to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, meaning its safe for you and your kids to touch.
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Q: Can I Use Bleach On My Mat
A: We do NOT recommend bleach. That is one of the harshest cleaners both for the mat and for the user. We would recommend using one of the EPA approved disinfectants listed above, following all the directions for use, and making sure to thoroughly rinse the mat afterwards. Steer clear of solvent based products or harsh chemicals as these will degrade the mat.
Manduka Yoga Mat Vs Lululemon
Another of the leading yoga mat brands out there is Lululemon. In truth, hobbyist yogis should find that the Lululemon offers all they need. It is light-wearing, good-quality and comes with an affordable price tag. However, if youre serious about the practice of yoga, you should get one of the Manduka mats instead. As durable as they are attractive, these renowned mats will stay in mint condition, regardless of how often you use them.
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Manduka Yoga Mats For Gym Ekolite Premium 4mm Thick Mat Eco Friendly And Made From Natural Tree Rubber Ultimate Catch Grip For Superior Traction Dense Cushioning For Support And Stability In Yoga Pilates
About
- Non-Toxic Foaming
- Zero Waste Manufacturing Process
The comfortably cushioned 68 x 24 eKO Lite Yoga Mat has a natural rubber grip that catches you if you start to slip. With its eco-friendly construction, this biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber mat supports both your practice and our planet. It is made without non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes. All post-industrial scrap is thoughtfully collected and utilized in the production of other materials creating a zero-waste manufacturing process.
Which Manduka Yoga Mat Should I Buy
Compared to other manufacturers such as Lululemon and Liforme who tend to stick with one mat design, Manduka have several different ranges to choose from so deciding which one is best for you can be a challenge.
Here is a rundown of each mat with the pros, cons, and best use case from my experience:
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Manduka Yoga Mat For Hot Yoga And Pilates Prolite Lightweight With Dense Cushioning For Support And Stability Mutli Color Multi Size
About
- Sweat Resistant
- Eco-Friendly
Guaranteed to last a lifetime! The superior quality of the PROlite series yoga mat will never peel, flake, or fade. Otherwise, we will replace it! Receive the performance of a PRO in a lightweight form. Grip improves with use over time. At 4.7mm in density, comfortably cushion your spine, hips, knees, elbows, or any point of contact on hard floors. Conveniently portable. Measures 71 x 24. Provides greater stability on any hard or soft surfaces. Proprietary bottom material allows its grip to improve with every use to help prevent injury. Closed-cell construction resistant to sweat, making cleaning a breeze. PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEXï¸ to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances. Responsibly crafted in an emission-free facility to help curb the number of PVC mats that enter landfills every year and reduce overall mat consumption.
