Extra Thick Mat
featureYoga mat with 6mm or more thickness providing maximum joint cushioning for sensitive knees and wrists
An extra thick yoga mat typically measures 6mm or more in depth, compared to the standard 4mm used by most mid-range mats. These mats prioritize joint protection and comfort, making them particularly valuable for practitioners with sensitive or injured joints.
When Extra Thickness Helps
Knee pain: The most common reason practitioners seek thicker mats. In kneeling poses like low lunges, pigeon pose, and table pose, thin mats offer inadequate cushioning on hard floors.
Wrist sensitivity: Extra thickness under the hands absorbs impact in poses like plank, chaturanga, and downward dog where body weight passes through the wrists.
Hip and shoulder protection: Floor poses like pigeon and side-lying poses benefit from extra padding under bony prominences.
Restorative and Yin yoga: Long-held floor poses benefit from cushioning that prevents discomfort from extended static pressure.
The Stability Trade-off
More cushioning creates more instability. On a thick, spongy mat:
- Balance poses become more challenging as the surface compresses unpredictably
- Standing poses lose ground connection — proprioception is reduced
- Advanced practitioners and those doing balance-heavy practices often prefer thinner mats
Common Thickness Options
- 3mm: Thin, minimal cushioning, preferred by advanced practitioners for ground feel
- 4mm: Standard balance of cushioning and stability
- 5mm: Moderate extra cushioning, suitable for most practitioners
- 6mm: Extra cushioning, popular for beginners and sensitive joints
- 8-10mm: Maximum cushioning, primarily for restorative practice or specific therapeutic use