Help Center - Yoga Mats Overview

Help Center - Yoga Mats Overview

Meet the Manduka Yoga Mat Series

We know yoga mats can be confusing so we’ve made it easy to understand the differences between our collections.

Here’s a quick guide to the Manduka Yoga Mat Series:

  • Manduka PRO™ (6mm)

  • PROlite® (4.7mm)

  • GRP Adapt® (5mm)

  • eKO® (5mm)

  • eKO® Lite (4mm)

  • eKO® SuperLite (1.5mm)

  • Manduka X Mat (5mm)

  • Begin Mat (5mm)

New to Yoga? Here’s Our Recommendation

Starting your yoga journey can feel a little overwhelming especially with so many guides and “must-have” lists online. It’s easy to think you need to spend a lot before you even reach your first Savasana!

The truth is, you don’t need much at all. In fact, you probably already have everything you need to begin.

Take a look at our blog, [New to Yoga: First Essentials], where we walk you through the basics and help you discover what truly matters as you start your practice.

And when you’re ready to choose your first mat, check out our post on [What to Consider Before Buying a Yoga Mat] for some helpful tips to find the perfect fit.

Which Mats Can I Use for Fitness or Cross-Training?

If you’re looking for a mat that works for both yoga and fitness-based exercises, the Manduka X Yoga Mat is your best choice. Designed for multi-purpose use, this mat can handle everything from yoga to HIIT sessions. Its textured surface makes it footwear-friendly, while its lightweight design makes it great for home workouts or classes on the go.
Just keep in mind because of the material, it will naturally show signs of wear over time.

The PRO Series is another excellent option for fitness-related exercises. Built to last, these mats are extremely durable and can handle vigorous movement with ease. However, we don’t recommend using shoes on the PRO mats, as footwear may cause surface damage.

Both the Manduka X and PRO Series feature a closed-cell surface, which means sweat and bacteria can’t soak in. This also means the mats can feel slippery when you’re warm or sweating, so we recommend pairing your mat with one of our hand towels for better traction.
If you’re practicing hot yoga, go for a full mat towel for maximum grip and coverage. Check out our [Guide to Yoga Towels] for tips on choosing the right one and improving your grip.

Please note: our eKO® and GRP® Series mats are designed specifically for yoga. These mats are made from natural and more sensitive materials, so they’re not suitable for workouts that require shoes or intense exercise, as they may wear down faster than our PRO mats.

For a complete overview of all our mat collections, our Mat Overview Guide.

What’s the Difference Between the eKO® and PRO Series Mats?

Both the eKO® Series and the PRO Series were designed by yoga teachers to give you the best surface for your practice. While they share the same purpose supporting you through every pose the feel and performance of each are quite different because of the materials used.

The PRO Series has earned its reputation as the “Taj Mahal of yoga mats” for good reason.

  • Built to last a lifetime, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

  • The closed-cell construction keeps moisture and bacteria out, while offering dense, stable support that’s especially kind to sensitive knees and joints.

  • Its performance surface lets you move smoothly from pose to pose, striking the perfect balance between grip and glide.

  • And because it’s designed to last, the PRO helps reduce waste and limit the amount of PVC that ends up in landfills making it an eco-conscious choice that truly goes the distance.

In comparison, the eKO® Series is made from sustainably harvested natural tree rubber, giving it a more earthy, grounded feel and excellent natural grip right out of the box.
It’s the ideal choice if you prefer a mat made from natural materials and want a bit more connection to the earth beneath you.

As for thickness, the PRO (6mm) is slightly thicker and denser than the eKO (5mm), offering a bit more cushion and support for your joints.

The eKO® Series

The eKO® Series, made from all-natural, non-Amazon harvested tree rubber, represents the next generation of eco-friendly yoga mats.

Developed through four years of research and testing, the eKO® mat features a closed-cell surface that offers a stable practice and a reliable dry-grip feel. It’s also completely free from toxic glues and foaming agents, making it a safer choice for both you and the planet.

What sets the eKO® apart is its dual-layer design, combining two different densities for the perfect balance of comfort and durability. The result is a mat that feels soft and spongy under your hands and feet ideal for yogis who enjoy a grounded, natural connection during practice.

And in case you’re wondering why we keep mentioning “closed-cell” that means the surface won’t absorb sweat or moisture, helping your mat stay cleaner and last longer. If you tend to sweat during your practice, we recommend pairing your mat with a yoga towel to keep things dry, stable, and slip-free.

What’s the Difference Between an Open-Cell (Porous) and Closed-Cell (Non-Porous) Surface?

Understanding how your yoga mat is made can help you take better care of it and choose the one that fits your practice best.

Closed-Cell (Non-Porous / Non-Absorbent)

Closed-cell mats don’t absorb moisture, sweat, or bacteria. This makes them more hygienic, easier to clean, and generally longer-lasting than mats with porous surfaces.

However, since the surface doesn’t absorb moisture, it can feel a bit slippery when you’re warm or sweating. To help with grip, we recommend pairing your mat with a hand towel to absorb moisture, or a full mat towel if you’re practicing hot yoga.

Open-Cell (Porous / Absorbent)

Open-cell mats are more absorbent, which allows them to provide excellent natural grip, even during sweaty practices. The trade-off is that they tend to wear out faster and require a bit more care to keep clean and fresh over time.

Mat Care Tips

It’s important to know what type of material your Manduka mat is made from, as each one needs slightly different care.

  • PRO Series – PRO, PROlite, and PRO Travel:
    These mats are made from closed-cell material, so moisture and bacteria can’t penetrate the surface. You can simply wipe them clean after each use to keep them fresh and ready for your next session.

Mat Care Guide: How to Clean and Care for Your Manduka Mat

Each Manduka mat is crafted with unique materials and caring for them properly will help extend their life and performance. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your mat fresh, clean, and ready for practice.

PRO Series

(PRO, PROlite, PRO Travel)
Made with a closed-cell PVC surface, these mats don’t absorb moisture, making them easy to keep clean and hygienic. Simply wipe down after practice to maintain their surface.

Clean with: Mat Wash & Refresh + Botanical Cleaner

eKO® Series

(eKO, eKO Lite, eKO SuperLite)
Crafted from natural tree rubber, the eKO Series also features a closed-cell surface. They’re easy to clean, but it’s important to let them air dry completely after each cleaning to preserve their quality and prevent damage.

Clean with: Mat Wash & Refresh + Natural Rubber Mat Restore + Botanical Cleaner

GRP® Series

(GRP, GRP Lite, Adapt)
Designed with an open-cell PU and rubber construction, GRP mats absorb moisture to deliver maximum grip especially when wet. Because of this, they require extra care and regular cleaning to keep them performing at their best.

Clean with: Mat Wash & Refresh + GRP Restore

Foundation Series

(Manduka X, Begin Mat)
These mats use TPE closed-cell material, so moisture and bacteria can’t seep in. They’re lightweight, easy to maintain, and can be thoroughly cleaned right on the surface.

Clean with: Mat Wash & Refresh + Botanical Cleaner

What’s the Difference Between the GRP® Adapt and the GRP® (Hot Yoga) Mats?

Just like the original GRP®, the GRP® Adapt is made with an absorbent PU top layer and a natural rubber base. The key difference lies in the texture:

  • The GRP® Adapt features a smoother PU surface, giving it a softer feel under your hands and feet.

  • It’s designed for all conditions both dry and wet making it a versatile choice for any type of class, from cool studio sessions to hot yoga flows.

If you mainly practice hot yoga, the original GRP® Hot Yoga Mat offers maximum grip as it gets wetter, making it the ultimate companion for high-sweat sessions.

👉 Meet the GRP® Series to find your perfect fit.

Do the PRO and eKO® Series Feel Different When Practicing?

Both the PRO Series and the eKO® Series were developed by yoga teachers to create the ultimate surface for practice but each offers a distinct feel because of their materials.

  • The PRO Series delivers dense, cushioned support and long-lasting durability. At 6mm thick, it’s slightly thicker than the eKO and provides excellent protection for sensitive knees and joints. Its smooth, closed-cell surface allows for fluid movement and easy cleaning a mat designed to last a lifetime.

  • The eKO® Series, on the other hand, features a dual-layer natural rubber construction that combines comfort and durability. At 5mm thick, it feels softer and more grounded, giving you a natural connection to the earth beneath you.

Both are premium mats your choice simply depends on the feel you prefer:

  • PRO → stable, dense, and built for endurance

  • eKO → soft, grippy, and naturally grounding

I’m Slipping on My Mat — What Can I Do?

No matter which mat you use, it’s normal for your hands or feet to slip from time to time especially as you start to sweat. But don’t worry, there are a few simple ways to keep your flow steady and secure.

If you notice slipping, try pairing your mat with a hand towel wherever you need a little extra traction. For hot yoga or high-sweat sessions, a performance mat towel that covers your entire mat will help you stay grounded throughout your practice.

If you’d rather skip accessories altogether, try our Manduka Yoga Grip Gel. This quick-drying, evaporating gel enhances grip by creating a light moisture barrier between your skin and the mat perfect for new yogis who are still developing their natural grip through regular practice.

For more helpful tips, explore our blog post: [A Complete Guide to Less Slide in Yoga].

Need Help Choosing a New Mat?

There comes a point in every yogi’s journey when it’s time to invest in your own mat. With so many options out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming so we’ve made it easier for you.

Check out our guide: [A Few Things to Consider Before Buying a Mat], where we break down what to look for based on your style, needs, and practice goals.

Are All Manduka Mats Covered by the Lifetime Guarantee?

The Lifetime Guarantee applies only to our standard PRO Series mats. Other series including eKO®, GRP®, Foundation, and Almost Perfect are not covered under this guarantee.

Heading to a Yoga Retreat?

Booking a yoga retreat is an amazing step toward giving yourself some real me-time. While yoga is ultimately about being present, having a few essential tools and gear can make a big difference in your comfort and practice.

Whether it’s your first Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course or a rejuvenating retreat, we’ve put together our pro tips and tricks for yoga gear designed to help you get the most out of your yoga adventure.

Read on: [What to Pack for a Yoga Retreat]

Back to Products Guides