TPE Rubber Professional Yoga Mat China

TPE Rubber Professional 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.

For years, yoga has been celebrated for its many positive effects on your mind and body. Consistent practice can help you build flexibility and strength while relieving stress and improving physical and mental wellness.

Compared to other types of fitness activities, yoga doesn't require much gear when getting started. If you decide to take classes at a yoga studio, it will likely provide all beginners' equipment. While this is true, investing in your own yoga mat, yoga clothing, and a few more items can make the class and experience more enjoyable.

While each item is important to your practice and enjoyment of yoga, the first thing you need to think about and consider is the mat. The right yoga mats are foundational to your entire yoga practice. Finding the right one is imperative to ensure a positive experience.

I tested out a variety of yoga mats, and there is one TPE yoga mat to rule them all: the Manduka Pro 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.

TPE's Impact on the Environment

While TPE isn't bad for the environment, it isn't completely good for it, either. This can be confusing, but it is important to understand why this is the case.

TPE is biodegradable and recyclable. Those are two eco-positive factors. After all, this means it won't hang out in landfills for 1,000 years. It is also great to know that when the mat is damaged or another issue occurs, it is 100% recyclable.

While this is true, it's worth noting that biodegradable may mean several different things. For example, this quasi-plastic mat isn't going to break down as quickly as a newspaper or brown paper bag. When it comes to recycling, you can't just drop it off in a local recycling bin (in most cases). Instead, you will have to find a recycling service that takes this material to ensure it doesn't wind up in the landfill.

The Yoga Mat

Finding the top yoga mat may seem simple. Go to the store, buy a mat. However, you have to consider several factors to ensure the right mat is found and purchased. There are several factors to consider to ensure the right and best mat is purchased.

One of the newest players in the yoga industry is TPE material yoga mats. These offer an array of benefits; however, you still have to put effort into finding the right one. Keep reading to learn more about what to consider when buying a yoga mat, why TPE is a good material to consider, and find some of the top TPE mat options available and reviewed here.

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-friendliness

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.

Material Considerations: TPE vs. Other Yoga Mat Materials

You will find multiple material options used for yoga mats. You can find everything from synthetic materials to more eco-friendly options. While TPE is a smart option to consider, it is also a good idea to get to know more about the other yoga mat materials to make a fully informed decision about what to purchase.

All Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

The all-natural rubber yoga mats offer the highest level of slip resistance today. These are open-celled mats, which means the mat "suctions" to your feet and hands, providing a "super sticky" yoga experience.

Also, the mats are quite resilient and easily bounce back after being used. The material provides a superior level of cushion and isn't harmful to the environment.

Foam Yoga Mats

Long-lasting and inexpensive, foam mats are phthalate and latex-free. Usually, the mats will weigh between two and four points based on how thick they are. You will also find this is one of the most affordable options available. If you are just starting out, this is a great beginner mat.

Cotton Yoga Mats

This type of mat comes "straight from nature." They don't provide the typical yoga experience.

The mats are designed to be extra thick and ideal for yin yoga, restorative yoga, and meditation. They are often compared to a thick cotton blanket.

Something similar to a cotton yoga mat is a yoga rug. These are thick and tightly woven to protect outside or while you are meditating.

Cork Yoga Mats

Cork Yoga Mats are one of the most eco-friendly yoga mats on the market and are starting to rise in popularity. They are usually constructed with a natural rubber bottom and a cork top.

These types of mats provide great anti-slip support as it absorbs moisture. However, cork can crack and degrade overtime especially if you try rolling it up like other mats.