PVC mats in particular, such as the PRO series from Manduka, require some time to develop their full slip resistance. After production, there is still a certain amount of residual moisture on the surface, which only dissolves over time and, above all, with use of the mat. This is because the iron press that presses the mats into shape has to be lubricated with grease to prevent the mat from sticking or melting. This grease can leave invisible residues on the surface of the mat. For this reason, Manduka recommends subjecting the PRO mats to a so-called "break in" process, which gradually removes any residue. Treating the mat (multiple times!) with coarse sea salt should make the surface more grippy overall.

Please note: Salting the mat only applies to the PRO series and is by no means a must - if you don't find your mat slippery, you don't have to "break it up". Depending on how often and how intensively it is used, it can take around three months for a PVC mat to become completely slip-resistant. If, on the other hand, you find your mat very slippery right from the start, a break-in process will most likely not help.

Natural rubber mats and mats made from a material mix with natural rubber are usually non-slip from the very first moment.

If you feel that your mat is starting to become slippery when you sweat, we recommend using a mat towel when doing particularly sweaty exercises. This will reliably prevent slipping when you start to sweat.

PVC mats may not be suitable for you if your palms get damp quickly, as PVC becomes slippery when it comes into contact with moisture. If that applies to you, we would recommend a natural rubber mat.

A yoga mat also needs care: with the right care, the mat's slip resistance is maintained, the material does not wear out so quickly, and the mat remains hygienically clean. Uncleaned mats lose their slip resistance after just a few months, depending on how intensively they are used. So if your yoga mat only starts to become slippery after some time of use, you should check whether you have been caring for it properly. Experience has shown that a decrease in slip resistance is not due to a manufacturer defect. You can find more information on how to care for your mat properly in our care guide.

Depending on the material, yoga mats are sensitive to environmental influences. Yoga mats made from natural materials in particular should be stored protected from light and heat; preferably in a suitable yoga mat bag. Storing them next to a heater or in direct sunlight will cause the yoga mat to discolor and dry out. As a result, the yoga mat will no longer be slip-resistant. PVC yoga mats are generally less sensitive and therefore better suited for use outdoors, for example.

The lifespan of a yoga mat varies depending on the material and use. The durability of yoga mats is not necessarily a quality feature, it is often more a result of the use. Mats made of natural materials are particularly non-slip, but generally have a shorter lifespan. Dynamic yoga styles in particular lead to faster wear of the mat due to the greater stress on the surface. Signs of use on the surface of the yoga mat lead to a decrease in non-slip properties over time. In our yoga mat test you will find information on whether your mat suits your yoga style.