Yoga mats are made from several types of materials and vary according to what kind of yoga you practice and what your mat preference is. Yoga mats can range in price from $15 to $125 or more. If you don't practice daily, a mat for less than $50 would probably suffice.
"Sticky" Mats Made of PVC
Sticky yoga mats usually refer to those made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. These mats usually have a "pebbled" surface and one side may appear to have a sticky surface or each side may be identical. Set the sticky side on the floor so your mat will not slide when you practice on it. If both sides are the same, you cannot go wrong.
Place "Sticky" Side onto Floor
New sticky yoga mats usually have a kind of chemical "finish" that clings to the mat and might be slippery. If this is the case, wash the mat in hot water and diluted apple cider vinegar to make the mat less slick. Let it air dry fully. By doing this, your sticky mat will become more "tacky" and give you better traction when you set it on the floor.
Reversible Mats of Different Materials
Today, there are many versions of mats: some are made so one side is a sticky mat and the reverse side is made of cotton cloth or a cotton terry similar to a beach towel. Generally, you want to place the side of the mat on the floor that will grip it best and that usually means the "sticky side" is placed down on the floor.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Mats made from eco-friendly materials such as natural rubber, cork, bamboo or other plant-derived materials will vary in their "stickiness." All-natural rubber mats usually are reversible. Experiment if you have an eco-material mat---it will become immediately clear which side has better traction. According to Consumer Search, there are some yoga mats made from polymer environmental resin, or PER for short, and thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE for short, for people who don't want a PVC mat. PVC has been identified as a hormone-disruptor by the non-profit group, according to The Environmental Group. A study published by Environmental Health Perspectives states, PVC "may pose risks of harm to human health," and concludes its effects require more study.
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