comfortable tpe yoga mat

What Is TPE?

Before diving into the specifics of what to consider and look at when choosing a TPE mat, you must understand what it is.

TPE stands for Thermal Plastic Elastomer. It is commonly referred to as thermoplastic rubber in other industries. It is a copolymer class, which means it is made with a mix of polymers. TPE products consist of materials with elastomeric and thermoplastic qualities.

What this means is that TPE yoga mats are made of thermal plastic elastomers and several other materials. The fusion with the other materials is done using closed cell foaming that is under high temperatures. The manufacturing process of TPE yoga mats makes them easier to clean and makes them resistant to some microbes.

Advantages of TPE Compared to Other Yoga Mat Materials like a PVC Yoga Mat

Along with being easier to clean, TPE yoga mats offer other benefits, too. These benefits include:

Increased eco-friendly
Improved elasticity
Recyclability

While TPE material has some characteristics of non-toxic, non-heavy, and non-PVC metal materials, which makes it is the ideal option for use at home or on the go.

Traditional PVC yoga mats aren't environmentally sustainable and PVC is one of the most polluting plastics.

For this reason, you should look at TPE mat or even a natural rubber yoga mat.

The Safety of TPE

Most people want to know how safe material is before using it; this includes TPE.

Right now, there's no black and white answer to this question. It is made with synthetic materials that have not been tested much on humans. Most items made with TPE are free from the biggest toxins that you would likely recognize, such as:

Dioxins

BPA

Phthalates

Lead

PVC

Other toxic chemicals

The general consensus with TPE is that it is an overall safe product. However, this is still something that is being debated. Actual proof of the safety (or lack thereof) is minimal. While this is true, TPE materials and products come in contact with people all the time.

Some of the most common uses for TPE include:

Soft spoons for babies

Grips on tool handles

Seals or liners on soda bottle caps

Sealing rings on car components and parts

TPE is likely completely harmless. However, this is a decision you must make for yourself.