TPU yoga mats are a great option for anyone interested in practicing on eco-friendly, hygienic material that is durable enough to handle frequent use. They are also biodegradable and recyclable, so you can feel good about bringing them to the studio and knowing that they won’t wind up in landfills for 1,000 years. Plus, they’re also affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality mat.
The most common type of TPU yoga mat is made of flexible polyurethane foam, which offers a combination of cushioning and comfort. Its closed-cell construction makes it antimicrobial, which keeps it fresher longer and makes it easy to wipe down. This material is also environmentally friendly, as it breaks down slowly and produces fewer toxic chemicals when exposed to heat.
Other types of TPE are less hygienic but still offer good grip and support for yoga poses. The polyurethane materials are usually mixed with rubber and other ingredients to create a mat that is both resilient and durable. While these mats are not as hygienic, they are not as expensive and they are a great option for those with latex allergies or anyone who wants to practice on an eco-friendly material.
When choosing a TPU yoga mat, you’ll want to consider its thickness and texture. A thin TPE mat is ideal for those who are looking to find solid contact with the floor and maintain stability during powerful movements, such as vinyasa flow or kundalini yoga. Thinner mats are also lighter and easier to transport and carry, so they’re a better choice for those who are taking public transportation to the studio or if you plan on traveling with your mat.
Another advantage of this mat is its textured surface, which provides excellent grip when it’s dry and wet. It’s especially useful during sweaty sessions, when the grippy surface helps prevent bunching of the mat and allows you to hold poses for longer. Our testers found that the textured surface of this mat is a bit of a dust and dirt magnet, but this is nothing that regular cleaning (and a convenient carry bag for storage) can’t resolve.
Aside from the textured surface, this yoga mat is also designed with a recessed alignment system that can help beginners and advanced yogis keep track of their form. The recessed lines are a nice touch that is visually pleasing, and our testers agreed that they were an excellent reminder to pay attention to their alignment during the session. This yoga mat is also made with antimicrobial and odor-repelling materials, which make it a hygienic winner for those who frequently practice at the studio or on-the-go.