Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Mat Thickness: What Is a Double Thick Yoga Mat?
- Why You Might Need Extra Cushioning
- The Pros and Cons of a Double Thick Yoga Mat
- Choosing the Right Material for Your Thick Mat
- How to Maintain Balance on a Cushioned Surface
- Caring for Your High-Density Yoga Mat
- Beyond the Mat: Using Props for Extra Support
- The Yoga Design Lab Approach to Design and Function
- Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Practice
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
You are sinking into a deep Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana), but instead of focusing on your breath, you are distracted by the sharp pressure of the hardwood floor against your knee. We have all been there. A thin mat can turn a grounding practice into a painful one. This is why many practitioners are turning to a double thick yoga mat to provide the necessary barrier between their joints and the ground. At Yoga Design Lab, we believe that your gear should support your practice, not hinder it. Whether you are recovering from an injury, have sensitive joints, or simply prefer a plush feel, choosing the right thickness is a vital decision. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about extra-cushioned mats, from material choices to performance benefits, to help you find your perfect mat.
Understanding Mat Thickness: What Is a Double Thick Yoga Mat?
Most standard yoga mats fall into the 3mm to 4mm range. While this is sufficient for many, it often feels lacking for those who practice on hard surfaces like wood, tile, or concrete. A double thick yoga mat typically refers to anything from 5mm to 8mm, though some ultra-thick versions for Pilates or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) can reach 12mm or more.
The primary goal of a thicker mat is to provide impact absorption. When you place your weight on a smaller surface area—like your knees in Tabletop pose or your sit-bones in Boat pose (Navasana)—the pressure is concentrated. A thicker mat spreads that pressure, offering a "squish" factor that protects the connective tissues. However, thickness is only half of the story. Density is the other half. A mat can be thick but "foamy," meaning you sink right through it to the floor. A high-quality thick mat should be dense enough to keep you suspended.
Why You Might Need Extra Cushioning
Not every yogi needs a thick mat, but for certain populations and styles of practice, it is a significant upgrade. If you find yourself folding the edge of your mat over to double it up during kneeling poses, you are a prime candidate for a more substantial surface.
Support for Sensitive Joints
As we age or if we have previous injuries, our joints often require more care. For those with wrist sensitivity, a thicker mat can help dampen the pressure during Plank or Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). The extra padding provides a buffer that can make these fundamental poses accessible again.
Hard Floor Practice
Many of us practice at home. While a thin mat might feel fine on a carpeted spare room, it often feels like paper on a basement floor or a tiled living room. A double thick yoga mat transforms any hard surface into a professional-grade studio space.
Restorative and Yin Yoga
In Yin or Restorative yoga, you hold poses for several minutes at a time. The goal is to relax the muscles and target the deeper fascia. It is very difficult to relax when your ankle bone is pressing into a hard floor. A cushioned mat provides a soft "nest" for these long-held, floor-based shapes.
Quick Answer: A double thick yoga mat is typically 5mm to 8mm thick. It is designed to provide extra joint protection and comfort, making it ideal for restorative practices, practitioners with sensitive knees, or those practicing on hard surfaces.
The Pros and Cons of a Double Thick Yoga Mat
Before investing in a thicker mat, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. While the comfort is undeniable, there are trade-offs in terms of stability and portability.
The Benefits
- Enhanced Comfort: The most obvious benefit is the plush feel. It makes floor work much more enjoyable.
- Joint Longevity: By reducing the repetitive impact on your knees and spine, you may support the longevity of your physical practice.
- Warmth: Thicker mats provide better insulation from cold studio or home floors.
The Trade-offs
- Weight: More material means more weight. A high-density 6mm mat can be significantly heavier than a travel mat, making it less ideal for long commutes.
- Stability Challenges: In standing balance poses like Tree Pose (Vrksasana), a very soft, thick mat can make you feel "wobbly." Because your foot sinks into the mat, your ankle has to work harder to find center.
- Bulk: These mats take up more space when rolled, which might require a larger mat bag or a dedicated storage spot at home.
| Mat Type | Thickness | Best For | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Mat | 1.5mm | Commuting, layering | Excellent (Foldable) |
| Standard Mat | 3mm - 4mm | Vinyasa, Flow, General use | Good |
| Thick Mat | 5mm - 6mm | All-around practice, joint support | Moderate |
| Ultra Thick | 8mm - 12mm | Restorative, Pilates, HIIT | Low |
Choosing the Right Material for Your Thick Mat
The material of your mat determines how it feels, how it grips, and how it impacts the planet. When you choose a double thick yoga mat, the material choice is even more important because there is more of it.
Natural Tree Rubber
Natural rubber is the gold standard for many yogis. It is sustainable, biodegradable, and offers an incredible, grounded feel. Rubber is naturally dense, so a 5mm rubber mat will feel much more supportive than a 5mm foam mat. Our Infinity Mat, for example, uses a 5mm thickness to provide a high-performance, cushioned experience that doesn't sacrifice stability. It is an excellent choice for those who want that "pro" feel with extra joint protection.
Recycled PET Microfiber
For those who practice hot yoga or sweat heavily, a mat that incorporates recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microfiber is a smart choice. This material, often made from recycled plastic bottles, acts as a built-in towel. Our Combo Mat is a great example of this. By bonding a recycled microfiber top to a natural rubber base, we create a mat that provides both the thickness needed for comfort and the moisture-activated grip needed for a sweaty session.
Sustainable Cork
Cork is another fantastic option for a thicker mat. It is naturally antimicrobial and becomes grippier as it gets wet. A cork mat with a natural rubber base provides a firm, earthy foundation. Because cork is slightly less "squishy" than foam, it offers great support for your spine in Savasana (Corpse Pose) while still maintaining a very stable surface for standing poses.
Key Takeaway: Thickness should be paired with density. A natural rubber base provides the weight and stability needed to ensure that a thick mat remains supportive rather than just soft.
How to Maintain Balance on a Cushioned Surface
One common complaint about a double thick yoga mat is that it makes balance poses more difficult. While this is true initially, you can adapt your technique to stay stable.
Engage your feet. In a thick mat, you cannot simply "hang out" in your joints. You must actively engage the muscles of your feet. Spread your toes wide and press down through the four corners of your feet (the big toe mound, the pinky toe mound, and the inner and outer heel). This engagement helps you stay "on top" of the cushion rather than sinking into it.
Step off for balance. If you are struggling with a particularly challenging balance sequence, there is no shame in stepping off your mat onto the hard floor. This gives you the solid feedback you need for your vestibular system to find center. You can then step back onto your plush mat for the floor work.
Focus your gaze. Use your Drishti (focused gaze) even more intentionally. By picking a non-moving point on the floor or wall, you provide your brain with a secondary source of stability to counteract the softness of the mat.
Caring for Your High-Density Yoga Mat
Because a double thick yoga mat contains more material, it can hold onto more moisture and dust if not cared for properly. Proper maintenance ensures that your investment lasts for years.
Step 1: Wipe it down after every practice. Use a gentle, vegan-friendly mat wash or a simple solution of water and a drop of mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down natural rubber or cork.
Step 2: Air dry completely. Never roll up a thick mat while it is still damp. Because of the density, moisture can get trapped in the texture, leading to odors. Hang it over a chair or a drying rack out of direct sunlight.
Step 3: Store it correctly. Roll your mat with the top side facing out. This helps the mat lay flat the next time you roll it out. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, as extreme heat can damage natural materials like rubber.
Step 4: Deep clean occasionally. Depending on how often you practice, give your mat a deeper scrub once a month. For microfiber-top mats like our Combo Mat, you can even use a gentle machine wash on a cold cycle with no bleach and then hang it to dry.
Beyond the Mat: Using Props for Extra Support
Sometimes, even a double thick yoga mat isn't enough for specific poses. This is where props come in. Combining a cushioned mat with the right accessories can create a truly customized support system.
- Yoga Blankets: A folded blanket can be placed under the knees for extra padding in poses like Camel (Ustrasana).
- Yoga Blocks: If your mat is thick, you might find that the floor feels "further away" in poses like Triangle (Trikonasana). Use a cork or foam block to bring the floor to you, maintaining your alignment.
- Yoga Bolsters: For restorative shapes, a bolster provides the ultimate elevation and support for the spine or legs.
- Yoga Knee Pads: If you only need extra cushion for your knees, small gel or foam pads can be moved around your mat as needed.
For added support, explore our yoga blocks, yoga bolster, yoga strap, and yoga wheel options.
The Yoga Design Lab Approach to Design and Function
We believe that yoga gear should be as beautiful as it is functional. When our founder, Chad Turner, looked around a yoga studio in Ubud, Bali, he saw a sea of plain, uninspiring mats. He realized that if people were excited to roll out their mats, they would be more likely to show up for their practice.
Every Yoga Design Lab product is designed with this philosophy in mind. We combine stunning, nature-inspired prints with high-performance, sustainable materials. Our thicker mats, like the 5.5mm Combo Mat and the 5mm Infinity Mat, are engineered to provide the grip and cushion you need while looking like a piece of art in your home studio. By using recycled PET from plastic bottles and natural tree rubber, we ensure that your choice to support your joints is also a choice to support the planet. Learn more about our sustainability commitment and our Bali origin story.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Practice
Choosing the right mat thickness is a personal journey. It depends on your body, your preferred yoga style, and where you choose to practice. If you are still unsure which thickness is right for you, we recommend trying our Mat Quiz. It is a personalized tool designed to help you navigate our collection and find the mat that matches your specific needs.
Bottom line: A double thick yoga mat is an investment in your comfort and joint health. By prioritizing high-density materials like natural rubber, you can enjoy the "cloud-like" feel of extra cushion without sacrificing the stability of your standing poses.
Conclusion
A double thick yoga mat is more than just a piece of foam; it is a foundation for a sustainable, lifelong practice. By choosing a mat that offers the right balance of thickness, density, and grip, you remove the physical distractions that can pull you away from your breath. Whether you are flowing through a high-energy Vinyasa or settling into a long Savasana, having the right support beneath you makes all the difference. We invite you to explore our yoga mat collection and find the one that makes you excited to step onto the mat every single day.
- Assess your primary practice style (Yin, Vinyasa, or Restorative).
- Consider the floor surface where you practice most often.
- Choose a material that aligns with your values, such as natural rubber or recycled PET.
- Use props to supplement your mat for specific poses.
"The right yoga mat doesn't just hold your weight; it holds your intention. When you feel supported, you feel empowered to explore your limits."
FAQ
Is a 6mm yoga mat too thick for balance poses?
While a 6mm mat offers more cushion than a standard mat, most practitioners find it provides an excellent balance of comfort and stability. High-density mats, like our Infinity Mat, are designed to prevent you from sinking too deep, which helps maintain your center of gravity during balance sequences. If you feel unstable, focusing your gaze and engaging your feet can help.
Can I use a thick Pilates mat for yoga?
You can, but there are key differences. Pilates mats are often much thicker (10mm to 15mm) and much softer because Pilates involves a lot of rolling on the spine. However, this extra softness can make yoga standing poses very difficult and potentially lead to ankle strain. A dedicated double thick yoga mat (5mm to 8mm) is usually a better all-around choice for a yoga practice.
How heavy is a double thick yoga mat?
Weight varies by material, but a high-density 5mm to 6mm natural rubber mat usually weighs between 5 and 7 pounds. While this is heavier than a travel mat, many yogis find the tradeoff worth it for the added comfort. If you plan to carry your mat to a studio daily, consider a mat bag with a comfortable strap to help distribute the weight.
Is a thicker mat better for beginners?
Many beginners prefer a thicker mat because it makes the initial stages of practice more comfortable. When you are first building strength, poses like Tabletop or Plank can feel intense on the joints. A double thick yoga mat provides a "safety net" of cushion that allows beginners to focus on their alignment and breathing rather than physical discomfort.
For more guidance on choosing the right setup for heated practice, explore our hot yoga mat guide and hot yoga benefits and safety tips.