What is on the back side of the mat? It appears to be rubber, which can emit quite an odor.
1455009
one side is jute fabric, the other side seems man-made material. During yoga practice I could not smell odor, when I lie down on it, I do smell a little bit man-made material smell, not strong.
1455010
It is not rubber! Our mats are made from natural jute fabric and eco-PVC dipping material underneath. We decided from the very beginning not to use any material that would emit a rubbery smell. The Jute plant was our choice. It is a natural fiber. But I will admit it does have a particular smell! When you first open the package it smells like a rope, simply because they're both are made from the same Jute plant!.
2129894
I check today, it does still has some urine odor on the pad, I might try to add some bleach in it next time.
2008781
Hi - I bought a mat just like this. Not only were the "pebbles" too bumpy to actually stand on (it hurt my feet!), but it also smelled quite foul. After about two weeks it was still "off-gassing" after taking it out of the packaging. I would get light-headed from the chemicals, just being in the bathroom with it, and could even smell from down the hall. Finally, I just threw it away, it was not worth keeping it in a house with baby.
148234
I'm guessing it's not. It smells like new plastic when first used, though the smell fades over time. I believe the smell is probably the mat killing me as I use it to become healthier - cruel irony!
539761
It seems to be a rubber like smell and it doesn't bother me at all. You could try a clothes dryer sheet and leave it in the case.
639118
Do not recall where it was made, but yes, I have a large Nordictrack treadmill that is sitting on the rubber mat, which is stretch out over a carpet in my living room. Also, this mat does not give out any foul odors that sometimes comes with rubber / plastic products.
239329
I have purchased two of these mats. The first one was too small because I didn't notice that you could order different sizes. I used that one in a smaller downstairs room and used the larger one for myself in my office. I did notice a plastic odor (very faint) on the first one (like newly formed plastic) but no odor at all on the second one (the larger of the two). If it holds up and doesn't break over time I will be very pleased with the mat.
35994
I certainly remember a bit of 'out gassing' when the waterproof cover was new, but I don't recall any chemical issue with the mat itself. That's not to say there wasn't some, but I've had my mat for several years and only remember the phenomenal reduction in pain, increase in mobility, and little else. While I notice chemical smells and am bothered when they are strong, I don't have the sensitivity that plagues some people and can't speak to whether that would be an issue for you. Perhaps you can visit a mat in person before purchasing?
771501
It's a very thick rubber. Of course a scratching post nearby might solve the issue.
73748
I received the mat over a year ago, but that I recall it had a slight smell that went away almost immediately.
2051169
I can't tell, but I'm not that happy with the mat. It indents with anything that is put on it.It's too soft.
469414
I have found it to work very well, and stays non-slip. My only issue with this so far is a strong rubber smell that has yet to dissipate. If anyone has some ideas for that, I'd appreciate it!
293481
It doesn't have any strong rubber odors. I haven't noticed any slighter odors either. I am fragrance free too, so I would notice if it had a bad odor.
995397
The backing is a thick, burlap-feeling material. It helps the mat stay in place on any carpeted surface, & it can be easily be spot-cleaned.
2174759
Ours did not have an unpleasant odor when we received it. Smelt like the typical plastic, rubber item. Maybe to speed up the process of getting rid of the smell let it soak in a strong fragrant soap? Hope this helps you out.
2174758
Tough question to answer... is this an odor from the silicone material or from being used?
432633
There was the initial packing smell that dissipated within a couple hours. We have a small bathroom and didn't notice any odors from the mat after it was properly aired out.