Help Center - PRO Series Yoga Mats | Manduka EU

September 18, 2023

Manduka Europe PRO Yoga Mat Series FAQ Help Center

FAQ'S

THE PRO SERIES IS CONSTRUCTED OF A CLOSED-CELL SURFACE (NON-ABSORBENT), WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The PRO Series is constructed of a closed-cell surface (non-absorbent), which prevents bacteria and moisture from being absorbed. This feature allows the yoga mat to be kept highly hygienic over time and last much longer than yoga mats that do absorb sweat or moisture.

Pair the PRO Yoga Mat with one of our eQua® or Yogitoes® hand yoga towels to absorb moisture and increase grip when starting to sweat.
During a more warm/sweaty practice pair the PRO Yoga Mat with one of our eQua® full mat towels or Yogitoes® full mat towels.
Manduka Yoga Grip Gel works like a liquid chalk and creates a barrier between you and your yoga mat to prevent any slippage from occurring.

PRO Series Care

Daily refresh: Mat Wash & Refresh

Use this product for a daily wash to keep your yoga mat smelling fresh.

Thorough clean: Botanical Cleaner

This product contains Thymol, with natural antiseptic properties. Use this product when your yoga mat needs a thorough clean. Recommended after studio use.

Useful Tips

I HAVE A LATEX SENSITIVITY, CAN I USE THE PRO SERIES?

Yes - This is a yoga mat we recommend to yogi's that have even the slightest sensitivity to latex. The Manduka PRO Series Yoga Mats are 100% latex-free and they are all made of OEKO-TEX 100 certified PVC!

IS THE PRO MAT AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT SIZES AND THICKNESSES?

Yes - Manduka is proud to currently offer the PRO Yoga Mat in various sizes.

PRO 180 x 66 cm, 6mm
PRO Long 215 cm x 66 cm, 6 mm
PRO Long & Wide 200 x 132 cm, 6 mm thick
PROlite 180 x 61 cm, 4.7mm thick
PROlite Long 200 x 61 cm, 4,7 mm
PROlite Long & Wide 200 x 76 cm, 4,7 mm thick
PRO Squared 198 x 198 cm, 6 mm thick

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MANDUKA PRO™ AND THE PROLITE®?

These yoga mats are actually more similar than they are different! Both the Manduka PRO™ and PROlite® feature the same performance surface, dense support, and a Lifetime Guarantee. They have been Manduka’s top-selling yoga mats for 10+ years! So what sets them apart? The differences are found in their weight, thickness and color. The PROlite® was designed for yogis who want the look and feel of the Manduka PRO™, but prefer a lighter version. Available in several passion-inspiring colors, the PROlite® offers superior quality and comfort, just like big brother Manduka PRO™, but weighs in at just 1.9 kg.

For a comparison between our PRO Series, meet the PRO and PROlite® here!

WHAT ARE PRO SERIES YOGA MATS MADE OF?

All of our yoga mats have been designed by yoga teachers for function, comfort and longevity. The PRO Series is made from OEKO TEX-certified safe PVC and are made using a closed cell material, meaning nothing can be absorbed into the yoga mat, and the yoga mat can be cleaned thoroughly on the surface every time.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PRO AND EKO® SERIES YOGA MATS?

Our PRO Series has been known as the Taj Mahal of yoga mats for 10+ years. Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee, the single-layer construction provides dense support while the surface allows optimal movement between poses. Designed to last a lifetime (or two), Manduka PRO series yoga mats curb the amount of PVC that enter landfills each year and reduces overall yoga mat consumption.

The eKO® Series, made of all natural non-Amazon harvested tree rubber, is the next generation of eco-friendly yoga mats. Developed over four years of research, the closed-cell surface provides a stable practice with dry-grip. We are proud to say that Manduka’s eKO® Series is manufactured without any toxic glues or foaming agents and is more durable than other natural rubber yoga mats found in the marketplace.

Wondering why we keep mentioning cells? A closed-cell surface means your yoga mat will not absorb sweat and moisture, where other yoga mats might. If you sweat regularly in your practice, consider pairing any of our yoga mats with a yoga towel to keep your yoga mat dry, and your practice in place.

DO THE EKO® AND PRO SERIES FEEL DIFFERENT WHEN PRACTICING?

Both the eKO® Series and the PRO Series have been designed and engineered by yoga teachers to provide the ultimate surface to practice yoga. However, due to the different properties of the materials, they offer a different experience when practicing!

The PRO Series offers the ultimate durability, comfort and performance. In terms of thickness, the PRO Yoga Mat (6mm) is a bit thicker than the eKO® Yoga Mat (5mm). All PRO Series Yoga Mats offer strong and dense support, ideal for sensitive knees and joints.

The eKO® Yoga Mat has two layers of different densities to simultaneously provide comfort and durability. The eKO® Series offers a soft, spongy support, ideal for yogis who like a grounding experience and a great dry grip.

DOES THE PRO TRAVEL FOLD EASILY INTO MY SUITCASE?

Yes, the PRO travel can be folded together so you can easily fit it in your suitcase or bag instead of having to roll it like thicker yoga mats. It might have creases immediately when you unfold it, but they will go away after a while when the yoga mat is laid out flat or rolled together.

IS THE PRO SERIES OEKO-TEX®️ CERTIFIED?

Yes - The PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️ (12.HUS.17706 | Hohenstein HTTI) to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances.

MEET THE PRO SERIES

Learn more about the Manduka PRO Series here!

WHERE IS THE PRO SERIES MADE?

This series is sustainably made in Germany from PVC. The PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️ (12.HUS.17706 | Hohenstein HTTI) to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances.

USE & CARE

HOW DO I “BREAK IN” THE PRO SERIES?

Just like your favorite pair of jeans or a well-worn baseball glove, the PRO requires a break-in process, or PROcess as we like to call it, which is really more like a ritual. As you practice, the top surface will naturally wear in, transforming it into one that’s uniquely yours. The more you stretch, twist, sweat and breathe together, the better it gets—just like your practice.

Designed to last (with a guarantee to back it up), you’ll never wear your PRO Yoga Mat "out", you’ll just wear it "in". In fact, some of our very first (and now legendary) Black Mat PROs are still being used today—that’s over 20 years of practice and still flowing strong. Regardless of which break-in method you use, it’s really all about making the yoga mat yours.

The best way to break in your yoga mat is practice, practice, practice! Using a performance hand towel can help give you some extra grip while you break in your yoga mat (and always). Another alternative is the Manduka Yoga Grip Gel for an instantaneous grippy feeling.

WHICH SIDE OF THE YOGA MAT SHOULD I USE?

The top of the yoga mat has a frog logo in the top right-hand corner. The bottom has a dot pattern texture, which prevents the yoga mat from sliding on the floor.

HOW DO I GET MY YOGA MAT TO LIE FLAT AFTER IT HAS BEEN ROLLED UP?

If you store your yoga mat rolled up, try rolling it so the top surface is facing outwards. This keeps the corners of the yoga mat flat when practicing.

HOW LONG DOES THE BREAK-IN PERIOD OF MY PRO SERIES YOGA MAT TAKE?

Much like a baseball glove, there is a break-in period for all PRO Series. The more the yoga mat is used, the softer and grippier the material becomes!

The break-in period varies from yoga mat to yoga mat since it is a textile and also because each yogi’s practice varies quite a bit. Typically, it takes about three months of daily practice and a bit of slipping during that time so that the friction of feet and hands break-in the yoga mat.

All PRO Series Yoga Mats have a closed-cell surface, which will never absorb moisture. Because of this, if you are warm/sweaty at all, the yoga mat will feel slippery, so we always recommend pairing it with one of our performance hand towels to absorb moisture and provide extra traction. If you're practicing hot yoga, we recommend a performance mat towel for full yoga mat coverage. Check out this blog post for more tips to decrease slip and increase grip.

MY HANDS ARE SLIPPING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The PRO series Yoga Mat is constructed of a closed-cell surface, which prevents bacteria and moisture from being absorbed. As you begin to sweat it will not be absorb into the yoga mat and if enough moisture is accumulating between the contact points, such as your hand and feet, and the yoga mat, slippage can occur.

When this occurs we recommend pairing the PRO Yoga Mat with one of our performance hand towels for extra traction. If you're practicing hot yoga, we recommend a performance mat towel for full yoga mat coverage.

If your hands are slipping from the beginning of the practice, or if you don't like to use towels, we can also recommend the Manduka Yoga Grip Gel. Manduka Yoga Grip is a grip enhancer and evaporating gel that creates a moisture barrier between your skin and your yoga mat. It is specifically designed to support new yogis learning to develop their grip through regular practice.

For more guidance check out the Manduka blog: A complete guide to less slide in yoga.

WHEN DO I DO THE SALT METHOD?

The salt method is recommended when you want some extra help to speed up the break-in process. When applying the salt method please use salt that does not contain any additional oils (e.g. bath salts). Please keep in mind that the salt method will not alter the surface material of the yoga mat and is only recommended as a method to speed up the break-in process of the PRO series.

It is not a requirement before starting to practice on the PRO Yoga Mats because the yoga mat will endure its own break-in process naturally the more you practice!

If you are looking for additional grip during you practice because you are slipping on your yoga mat, then we recommend pairing the yoga mat with one of our hand towels for extra traction and if you're practicing hot yoga, we recommend a yoga mat towel for full yoga mat coverage. If you don't like to use accessories, such as towels, in your practice, you can also try the Manduka Yoga Grip Gel. Manduka Yoga Grip is a grip enhancer and evaporating gel that creates a moisture barrier between your skin and your yoga mat. It is specifically designed to support new yogis learning to develop their grip through regular practice.

DO I HAVE TO DO THE SALT METHOD BEFORE PRACTICING ON MY NEW PRO YOGA MAT?

The salt treatment isn’t a necessary action to take before using the yoga mat but is only a suggestion if a yogi wants to speed up the process of breaking in the yoga mat. The yoga mat can also be used immediately without doing the salt treatment. The salt treatment will not alter the surface of the yoga mat or turn it sticky.

HOW DO I STORE THE PRO SERIES?

We recommend to store your PRO Series Yoga Mat rolled up in dry surroundings with the top side facing outwards. This keeps the corners of the yoga mat flat when practicing.

HOW DO I CARE FOR THE PRO SERIES?

Your PRO Yoga Mat will continue to improve through use and as the yoga mat ages, creating more surface roughness and reduced slippage.

Keep your PRO Yoga Mat in its best condition by wiping it down after every practice with Manduka’s Mat Wash & Refresh. Spray the entire surface of the yoga mat. Use a clean cloth to wipe the yoga mat dry before rolling or using. Never soak, shower or submerge your yoga mat in water. Store in a cool, dry place.

For a Deeper Refresh: Spray generously until the yoga mat is visibly wet. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Use a clean cloth to gently scrub any areas that have dirt or stains. Dry your yoga mat before rolling or using.

To Thoroughly Clean Your Yoga Mat: Use Manduka's Botanical Cleaner. This yoga mat care product contains Thymol to thoroughly clean the surface of the yoga mat.

For further yoga mat care guidance, check out our Yoga Mat Care Guide. Other cleaning solutions are not tested or recommended and can void the Lifetime Guarantee, this includes home-made solutions and those provided by studios which are not from Manduka.

What makes Manduka Care Solutions better than home solutions?

To put it simply: ingredients and preparation. It’s true, our product, just like homemade solutions, is built on water and essential oil. But, as we all know, water and oil don’t mix – at least not without a lot of help. That’s why we add a bio-based fragrance solubilizer that not only helps our cosmetic level organic essential oil spread evenly through our purified water, but also ensures it stays there (versus separating and floating to the top). Then we thoroughly mix our three simple ingredients in an industrial mixer at 1700 rpm (a home stand mixer tops out at about 280 rpm). That ensures every spray from our bottle delivers the right balance of water and essential oil to your yoga mat.

THESE YOGA MAT CARE PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED TO USE ON THE PRO SERIES

The following yoga mat care products can be used on the PRO Series:

Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh for daily refresh
Botanical Mat Cleaner for thorough clean

If you don't want to purchase a Manduka Yoga Mat Care product we recommend to only clean the yoga mat with a cloth dampened with water.

Other cleaning solutions are not tested nor recommended and can void the Lifetime Guarantee. Other cleaning solutions or disinfectants (including home-made and those provided by studios which are not from Manduka) can lead to a negative impact on the performance and/or long-term damage to the yoga mat.

IS THIS NORMAL?

MY PRO YOGA MAT IS SLIGHTLY SHORTER THAN 180 CM - IS THIS NORMAL?

Yes - Each PRO Yoga Mat is unique!

The PRO Series are all hand-cut during production, which means that we have a slight variance that is allowed in the length of the yoga mats. Some yoga mats may therefore be slightly shorter, however we are confident that this will not have any impact on the performance of the PRO Yoga Mat!
The PRO Series are made with an internal scrim - a woven layer that gives the yoga mat its shape and keeps it from stretching. Depending on how tight the scrim is, the yoga mat can, over time, pull the yoga mat slightly tighter causing it to shrink slightly.
It could also be that you purchased a PRO Yoga Mat from our Almost Perfect Collection. The Almost Perfect Yoga Mats can be shorter and have a slightly larger deviation than our standard PRO Yoga Mats. But don't worry - all these yoga mats have been quality tested and have the same performance as the standard PRO Yoga Mats.

MY PRO/PROLITE COLOR FIELD YOGA MAT LOOKS DIFFERENT COMPARED TO THE IMAGES ONLINE - IS THIS NORMAL?

The Colorfield yoga mats are hand-processed, so each pattern will be unique. The yoga mats can therefore vary in their patterns compared to the product images. We can't guarantee the yoga mat will match the image exactly.

We recommend to pair your practice with a full yoga mat towel: yogitoes® Mat Towel or eQua® Mat Towel.

Full yoga mat towels are for when your body sweats and drips from head to toe, like you would during hot yoga. The towel absorbs the moisture falling from you thus activating the grip where you need it in the hands and feet and more importantly removing any pooling of sweat on the yoga mat, making the class still comfortable as you lie on your yoga mat for all floor based asanas. It’s never comfortable trying to relax in Savasana lying in pools of sweat. The yogitoes® towels have the most absorbency (higher saturation) compared to the eQua® Towel. If you sweat heavily during your hot yoga class and want to ensure absorption for comfort while you want a firm hold to the yoga mat with the silicone nubs and a great grip for your hands and feet, we recommend the yogitoes®. The eQua® towels will have a faster and better first sweat activated grip but will start to weaken once it is saturated with sweat and might start to bunch under the feet when forced when saturated.

So if absorption is the priority yogitoes® towels will support your practice the best, if fast grip is the priority then eQua towels will support your practice best.

We recommend to pair your practice with a yogitoes® Hand Towel.

A yogitoes hand towel is excellent for the heavy yoga flow practices where a solid hand or foot holding is required. The extra grip of the nubs of the towel will hold the towel in place in the positions where the grip is essential to the yoga mat and yogi. For example, if you need the grip such as in Ashtanga yoga where you are moving with heat, but not dripping as in hot yoga, the yogitoes® Hand Towel is perfect for that extra grip when the heat starts to build up.

We recommend to pair your practice with an eQua® Hand Towel.

When you feel slip begin to happen, placing a yoga hand towel on the yoga mat under your hands will absorb your sweat and provide the missing grip. As everyone is different this can also happen at your feet and so with its size you can easily move it around the yoga mat to where you need the grip or your feet can use it when in warrior lunge poses for your front foot. The towel provides a barrier for sweat absorption and will add traction to sweaty palms or feet. It’s our favourite tool for any yogi as slip is the biggest physical challenge in yoga, every class and every person can have a different experience every day, so this simple tool can be kept next to your yoga mat like a block, strap, water bottle can help make your experience be a little more smooth. The eQua® yoga hand towel is the perfect accessory to any yoga mat.

Why only a hand towel and not a full yoga mat towel? A full yoga mat towel is used for hot yoga. This means the yogi has to be warm and sweating all over to make the yoga mat work as yogitoes® and eQua towels are sweat or moisture activated. If you only slip from the hands, the small amount of moisture on your hands will activate a hand towel keeping you in place.

Another option to imporve the grip and prevent slippage, is our Manduka Yoga Grip Gel. Manduka Yoga Grip is a grip enhancer and evaporating gel that creates a moisture barrier between your skin and your yoga mat. It is specifically designed to support new yogis learning to develop their grip through regular practice.

If you are not warm or sweating or you are slipping immediately then read our Guide to Less Slip. As it is you and a full towel will only make it worse - towels will only grip as it begins to get moist. You might have to work on your core basics, learn more about yoga mat care or even avoid hand cream.

Another suggestion is to try out our Yoga Grip Gel. The grip gel works like liquid chalk and creates a dry feeling on your hands. It will enhance your grip from the beginning of the practice and can easily be removed by washing your hands afterwards.

MY YOGA MAT HAS HARDENED OVER TIME - IS THIS NORMAL?

The use of detergents can over time change the characteristics of the PVC surface of the PRO Series. PVC is a plastic and detergents can harden the surface thus giving it less cushion and possibly loosing grip.

For further yoga mat care guidance, check out our mat care guide. Other cleaning solutions are not tested or recommended and can void the Lifetime Guarantee, this includes home-made solutions and those provided by studio which are not from Manduka.

PRO SERIES LIFETIME GUARANTEE

WHAT IS THE PRO SERIES LIFETIME GUARANTEE?

Manduka guarantees the Manduka PRO™, PROlite® and PRO Travel yoga mats to be free of manufacturer defects and to last a lifetime, if used and cared for properly. If the product wears out from regular use, under normal conditions, we will replace the product, regardless of where it was purchased. Please keep in mind that a proof of payment is required to request a replacement. Damage resulting from improper handling or care, post-purchase modifications, alterations, negligence, and use for a purpose other than for which it was designed, are not covered by the Lifetime Guarantee.

If you would like to request a replacement yoga mat, please fill out a PRO Series Lifetime Guarantee Form. Manduka will review the submission, determine if the PRO Series yoga mat falls under the Lifetime Guarantee criteria, and provide further instruction. You will receive a response to your inquiry within five business days.

WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE CRITERIA COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME GUARANTEE?

Criteria covered by the Lifetime Guarantee:

Wear to the top surface of the yoga mat from regular use that impacts its performance.

Please see the Lifetime Guarantee page for picture examples.

What is not covered under the Lifetime Guarantee?

Criteria not covered under the Lifetime Guarantee:

Cosmetic wear to the surface that does not affect the performance of the yoga mat
Uneven color patterns, stains, or discoloration at time of purchase or from use
Creases and folds from improper handling and/or storing. It is best to lay the yoga mat flat or keep it rolled up.
Damage from excessive amounts of water or other liquids i.e. submerging the yoga mat under water
Improper cleaning with anything other than Manduka Yoga Mat Care products or water
Damage from a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, etc.
Damage from use other than yoga or similar fitness activities
Damage from outside elements or factors
Slipping on the yoga mat
Bad odor due to usage and lack of cleaning
Yoga Mats purchased before September 1, 2008
Yoga Mats marked as "Irregular" at time of purchase
The PRO Squared is not covered by the Lifetime Guarantee
Almost Perfect PRO Series Yoga Mats are not covered by the Lifetime Guarantee
YOGA MATS USED BY STUDIOS FOR IN-STUDIO EQUIPMENT USE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE LIFETIME GUARANTEE.

How do I make a claim for the Lifetime Guarantee?

If you would like to request a replacement yoga mat, please fill out the Lifetime Guarantee request and attached is to our Contact Us form. Proof of purchase is required for all Lifetime Guarantee claims. Manduka will review the submission, determine if the PRO® Series Yoga Mat falls under our Lifetime Guarantee criteria, and provide further instruction. You will receive a response to your request within five business days.

I purchased my PRO Yoga Mat from another retailer, is it still covered by the Lifetime Guarantee?

Yes - If you have bought a PRO Series Yoga Mat from a 3rd party retailer the Lifetime Guarantee still applies. You can fill out the Lifetime Guarantee request form, found at the bottom of the Lifetime Guarantee page on our website, and send it with all the required information in our Contact Us form. Please note, that a sales receipt is required for us to process the request.

Sustainability

Is the PRO Series environmentally conscious?

We consider a PRO purchase an environmentally conscious choice. In general, PVC is not environmentally friendly, as it seeps toxins into landfills and toxins are often released during the manufacturing process. However, we are happy to report that that our PRO Series Yoga Mats are free of toxins (specifically phthalate free) and that the PRO manufacturing process is certified emissions free. Additionally, OEKO-TEX, a European association for textile industries, certifies the Manduka PRO Series Yoga Mats are safe and free of harmful substances.

Eco-responsibility starts by reducing consumption. The product’s durability will drastically reduce the amount of yoga mats bought and thrown out into landfills. It also allows people to donate the yoga mats when they are ready for something new to people who may not be able to afford a new yoga mat.

What is sustainable about the PRO Series?

Designed to last years, the PRO Series curb the amount of PVC yoga mats that enter landfills every year and reduces overall yoga mat consumption. During the manufacturing of most PVC products, toxic emissions may be released into the air. However, the PRO Series are manufactured through a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. The PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️ (12.HUS.17706 | Hohenstein HTTI) to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances. Crafted in Germany.

PRO Series Almost Perfect Yoga Mats

What type of imperfections can I expect from the Almost Perfect Yoga Mats?

The Almost Perfect Yoga Mats may differ in appearance and dimensions from the Manduka's manufacturing specification in ways such as:

Colourfields will have large variations from imagery
May differ in length
May vary in thickness
May vary in weight
May have surface imperfections
May have nicks on the bottom side
May differ in color/logo
May have variations in cut, i.e. may be cut askew

All the yoga mats have been quality tested and has the same performance as the standard PRO Series Yoga Mats. While the Lifetime Guarantee doesn't apply to "Almost Perfect" Yoga Mats, we know they will last (and you will love them) for many years to come!

Can you give me the exact imperfections of a specific Almost Perfect Yoga Mat?

The Almost Perfect Yoga Mats might have any of the listed imperfections. We are unable to predict which imperfection an individual yoga mat might come with.

Colourfields will have large variations from imagery
May differ in length
May vary in thickness
May vary in weight
May have surface imperfections
May have nicks on the bottom side
May differ in color/logo
May have variations in cut, i.e. may be cut askew

Are the PRO Series Almost Perfect Yoga Mats covered by the lifetime guarantee?

The Lifetime Guarantee doesn't apply to "Almost Perfect" PRO Series, but we know they will last (and you will love them) for many years to come! All the yoga mats have been quality tested and have the same performance as the standard PRO Series.

The Almost Perfect PRO series is constructed of a closed-cell surface, what does this mean?

Because of this, if you are warm/sweaty at all, the yoga mat will feel slippery, so we always recommend pairing it with one of our hand towels to absorb moisture and provide extra traction. If you're practicing hot yoga, we recommend a yoga mat towel for full mat coverage. Another option to prevent slippage in your practice, is to use Manduka Yoga Grip Gel. Manduka Yoga Grip is a grip enhancer and evaporating gel that creates a moisture barrier between your skin and your yoga mat. It is specifically designed to support new yogis learning to develop their grip through regular practice.

Check out this blog post for more tips to decrease slip and increase grip.

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