PVC or foam yoga mat swap to Cork and natural rubber mat

Why make the swap

• Why switch to cork and natural rubber mat

  Natural rubber (no plasticiser) or cork with a rubber backing.

• What's the concern with PVC or foam yoga mat

  PVC needs plasticisers, and the amount it gives off rises with temperature.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.

• Good to know before you buy

  Both layers include natural rubber, so skip these if anyone at home has a latex allergy. Rubber smells at first.

  Body By Yoga cork mat on natural rubber, 6.5 mm: Cork top on a natural tree rubber base, bonded with what the maker calls a water-based process. Not for anyone with a latex allergy.

  Y O GAYO cork mat on natural rubber: Cork top on a natural tree rubber base. Not for anyone with a latex allergy.

• Sources (2)

  1. Environ Res 2018: phthalate emissions rise with heat (opens in a new tab)
  2. Ecology Center 2019 yoga mat tests (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.