PU vs TPE Yoga Mat: Which Material Matters?
Yoga and Mat Pilates has recently surged in popularity, with more people having to look for the "best and perfect" yoga mat to boost their performance. There are a wide and vast variety of materials available in the market. Be it, Natural Rubber, PVC, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), PU (Polyurethane), Natural Cork etc. These are the main popular choices. Therefore, there is a need for one to make an informed decision on which material to choose when purchasing a yoga mat. Today, we will be narrowing down to the main favourites, which are TPE and PU material yoga mats.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) :
TPE is a popular material, known for its unique blend of plastic and rubber-alike character. They are well known for being lightweight, flexible and soft to the touch feel texture. TPEs can be found in a wide range of products and industries such as, kitchen utensils, phone cases, toys and sports equipment. TPEs are also found in automotive parts used for seals and also footwear.
Polyurethane (PU) :
PU is a highly versatile and high-performance material often used in many applications and industries. They range from footwear, construction, automotive, furniture and sports equipment. They are known for their strong grip, high durability and ability to absorb liquid.
Lets have a simplified overall comparison:
TPE Material Yoga Mat
- TPE offers a decent level of grip, which can be compromised when there is liquid present, aka sweat or moisture.
- TPE has a soft and plushie texture, which are at times good for people who have a slightly weaker joints, also they tend to be thicker at 0.6cm and onwards.
- TPE is recyclable and more eco-friendly than traditional PVC materials.
- TPE can be very prone and sustainable to wear-and-tear over time, especially so, with hard and heavy use.
- Both TPE and PU materials are easy to clean and maintain, with just a wet/damp cloth and mild soap.
- Affordability, TPE mats are usually more affordable than most PU mats.
PU Material Yoga Mat
- PU offers a very strong level of grip, which is even better when exposed to liquid. A perfect choice when conducting a hot yoga session.
- PU mats are at a common and average thickness of 0.4cm, they have a denser and firmer feel compared to TPE. Many mats also offer rubber cushioning on the base for added support.
- PU materials are not as eco-friendly as TPE or Natural Rubber, they also take a slightly longer time to decompose as compared to TPE and Natural Rubber.
- PU mats are very durable and are known for it. They are resistant to wear-and-tear and can last for many years even with hard and heavy use.
- Both TPE and PU materials are easy to clean and maintain, with just a wet/damp cloth and mild soap.
- Affordability wise, they are usually on the expensive side. However, they will be worth the money when one progresses from beginner to advance level. It will be the only one mat that you need to progress from day 1.
Conclusion: Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference. Be it, lightweight, accessibility, convenience etc. All practitioners have their own preferences and there is always a no right or wrong answer to each comparison. TPE might be a worthwhile for a casual practitioner, as it is easy to obtain one. Whereas, PU mat would be an ideal mat for someone who intends to go hard on Yoga/Mat Pilates. As it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run.