Thick Pilates Mat Reviews

Compiled and last updated 8/21/13 by Bob Hannum What follows are reviews, comparisons, and information for the best Pilates mats, meaning thicker mats of at least 1/2″ or more. There are many fine mats at lesser thicknesses but as I explain in my “Before You Buy” article, thicker is better.

• This is the mat I use. Not the cheapest at $45 plus shipping, but it’s not the most expensive either, and I believe after much comparison that it’s the best quality thick roll-up mat.
• Sissel says that this product “provides a pleasant, warm, hygienic, easy to clean surface for your workout. It has optimal shock absorbing qualities, and is easy to roll up for better storage and transport.”
• The size is 180cm (70.9″) x 60cm (23.6″) x 1.5cm (a bit over 1/2″ thick). Colors are blue, red, and green. Made in Sweden. Non-slip ribbed surface. Does not stretch too much. Seamed around all the edges to eliminate fraying. No PVC, phlalates, or other chemical off-gassing. Closed-cell foam. No straps but you can order a carrying bag as seen in the picture. Not made of recycled material, but is recyclable. With bag $63 plus shipping. To order simply click the button below.
• These are the thickest (5/8″ and 3/4″) and cheapest (starting at $33 plus shipping) phthlalate-free foam rollup mats I have found. They also come in wider and longer varieties. However they are made in China where the contents of some foam products have been found to contain toxic chemicals. Aside from this well-deserved mistrust of China’s quality control, this is a fine mat option.
• The TPE in these mats is a better alternative to the cheaper mats made of harmful PVC, but it’s important to realise that TPE is not entirely safe either. For a detailed expIanation click here. For example, I found this comment from one user: “I bought and used one of these mats from Aeromat. I took it to the studio and removed it from its sealed packaging and then worked out on it for 90 minutes. It had a distinct chemical smell. The manufacturer has since told me that I didn’t smell chemicals, but the “natural odor of the foam”. In a later email I was told that the ‘pvc, phthalate free matt’ is “a blend of natural and synthetic rubber”…”
• Four sizes ranging from 2′ to 3′ wide, and 4 1/2′ to 6′ long. Thickness is 5/8″ to 3/4″. Prices range from $33 to $65 plus shipping. Colors are blue, green, and black. You can also buy the mats with straps or a bag for easy carrying. There is also an “EcoWise” model that is “constructed from New EcoWise TPE closed cell foam material that is latex, PVC, and chloride free.” This mat is 72” long x 23” wide and 5/8″ thick in blue or green.
• Here’s what the Aeromats website says: “these premium mats are constructed of tear resistant closed-cell polyfoam that provides extra cushion for added comfort plus insulation from cold floors. The mats are water resistant and each mat contains two non-slip sides; one smooth surface and another with a ribbed surface for added traction. Perfect for Pilates, stretching and daily workouts. All easily roll up for storage or travel.” To order from the company click here. Amazon offers one of their thick mats at a reduced price by clicking the button click below.

• All these thick mats are under $25 plus shipping. In many cases there are a variety of colors to choose from and carrying straps included. All these products are PVC foam made in China. PVC foam has phlalates which have been proven to cause cancer, but to provide some perspective the smell (off-gassing) from these mats are the same as what you smell when you buy a new plastic shower curtain or a new car! This somewhat harmful off-gassing does not pose any threat to your skin and it dissipate within a few days after which there is no further harm to the lungs.
• Several varieties are available at Amazon.com by pressing the button below.
• This will be my next mat! From an exciting company! All contents are eco-friendly and made in the USA. You can even custom order if you want thicker, wider, or longer dimension. Most exciting of all – they have a 2″ thick all-cotton mat. The company rep recommends that you also purchase the all-cotton cover and wash that regularly instead of the mat. Only 10 lbs. And the price is extremely reasonable at $64 plus shipping. To order click here. The mat comes only in natural white, but the all-cotton cover and carrying bag come in a variety of colors.

• Here’s what the company says on their website: “We’re passionate about our planet. We’re crazy about comfort. At our eco-friendly manufacturing facility we handcraft environmentally friendly home essentials designed with your wellbeing and our planet’s furure in  iond. And we’ve been doing it long before “green” was cool, since 1987. Our products are different, and they make a difference by providing superior comfort utilizing sustainable resources such as Organic Cottons, Hemp, Kaprok, Buckwheat Hulls, Natural Latex, and Recycled Poly Fiber.”