Yoga is pretty great, if you’ve experienced it. The deep stretching and coordinated breathing makes for a fantastic workout, or just a relaxing way to keep in shape and alleviate stress. It helps people of all fitness levels and is a great way to meet people. It does, however, require a piece of equipment called a yoga mat.
When it comes to yoga mats, there are two materials that are most commonly used — one that’s made of rubber and one made of cotton. The rubber is what they use in fitness centers and can come in two thicknesses — soft and sticky, or firm and non-sticky.
The cotton yoga mats are the least expensive of the two and the ones that most people own, which is why we’re focused on these today. So, what are the best yoga mats for sensitive knees?
We’re going to look at five of the top brands to see which one will suit your needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Gaiam Yoga Mat | Best Overall |  |
| ProsourceFit Yoga Knee Pad and Elbow Cushion 15mm | Budget Pick |  |
| Yoga Cloud | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Gaiam Yoga Mat
Pros:
- Can be wiped clean or washed in the machine
- Reversible
- Firm cushioned support
- 6mm thick, PVC mat
- Sticky, Non-slip texture
- 68" x 24" full size mat
- Lifetime guarantee
- 6P Free
Cons:
- It may be too thick for some people
- Some colors may not be as vibrant as shown in pictures
- The smell may need days to go away
Let’s be honest, yoga mats are usually used and stored in the same room, making them prone to possible allergens that may produce an offensive odor. Having a yoga mat with anti-microbial properties will help prevent any bacteria from building up and creating an unpleasant smell. The thickness is good enough to support sensitive knees. That’s precisely what the Gaiam brand has done.
Their studio yoga mats are designed with a carbon-infused technology that prevents the growth of bacteria, mildew, and odor to keep things smelling fresher for longer durations of time.
Once you’ve received your Gaiam Yoga Mat, it’s recommended to air it out for a day or two. The smell will fade over time, but your new yoga mat should be ready to use after a day or two of airing out.
Read more about the Gaiam Yoga Mat
2. Yoga Cloud
Pros:
- Non-slip, grippy foam
- Longer length for added coverage
- Comfortable cross-strap shoulder sling for carrying
- Pretty affordable
- Lightweight, but also sturdy
- Sensitive and gentle on knees
- Machine-washable (air dry only!)
- Safe for use on hardwood floors, carpets, and other surfaces
- It's available in a variety of colors: black, pink, blue, and red
Cons:
- Not long-lasting and not durable
- Smelly
The Yoga Cloud is the best yoga mat for sensitive knees. It’s a highly affordable option that comes with a nifty shoulder sling that makes it easy and safe to carry.
It’s also made from an extra-thick, soft, and non-slip foam, so it stays firmly in place when you’re exercising. Exercising on surfaces with a high level of shock absorption is vitally important for the health of your joints.
Read more about the Yoga Cloud
3. ProsourceFit Yoga Knee Pad and Elbow Cushion 15mm
Pros:
- Small size to place on a yoga mat for joint support
- Soft and comfortable
- Portable and foldable for easy storage
- ⅝" thick NBR Foam
- Reduce knee pain
Cons:
- Not machine washable
- Takes a long time to dry
With 12 inches wide x 24 inches long, this large yoga knee pad is made to fit all types of yoga mats, including Manduka mats, Gaiam mats, and Yogitoes mats. Its soft, gentle and comfortable surface will help you prevent chafing and pain of your knee joints. With its lightweight foam padding, this knee pad will be comfortable and stay in place during your practice.
Read more about the ProsourceFit Yoga Knee Pad and Elbow Cushion 15mm
4. SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion
Pros:
- Cushioned foam material
- Great for hands and knees
- Comfortable to kneel or rest on
- 15mm thick
- Works well with sensitive knees
- This yoga mat has a curved split design
Cons:
- It may not be big enough for tall people
The SUKHAMAT Knee Pad is a combination of compression fabrics and gel-filled stitched pockets. The soft knit and elastic injected materials proves the pad comfortable and strong. It features high density gel-filled straps and closed cell sponge material for ultimate stability. The pad features a special curved shape for intense compression.
Yoga is a fantastic way to build muscle strength and flexibility. It also helps improve your balance, speed up the metabolism, and boost your mental health.
Read more about the SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion
5. Aurorae Classic/Printed Extra Thick and Long 72" Premium Yoga Mat
Pros:
- Extra thick material provides comfort and support
- The extra-long length offers a lot of versatility in movements
- Non-slip material keeps it in place if you sweat
- PER absorbs moisture and makes it comfortable to practice on
- Strong, durable and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
- The thickness makes it heavier than other options
- May develop tears along with the trim after a while; may want to use a yoga mat protector
The 1/4" thick, 72" long, 24" wide Yoga mat with Rising Moon Focal point Icon to help you focus with illuminating colors. These mats are durable, lightweight, odorless and easy-to-care for wash.
These mats have been tested and Safe No Phthalates, Phenols, PAHS, Latex, Silicone or Rubber. Aurorae all-purpose yoga mats are suitable for men, women and kids. At 72"x24" and 1/4" inch, it's great for Pilates, aerobics, and Yoga.
Read more about the Aurorae Classic/Printed Extra Thick and Long 72" Premium Yoga Mat
Conclusion
The material of the best yoga mats for sensitive knees should be the first thing to consider when choosing your next yoga mat. If the material can resist stretching and cracking, your mat will last longer. You should also check to see if it protects your knees and other sensitive areas of your body from the hard floor.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Gaiam Yoga Mat | Best Overall | |
| ProsourceFit Yoga Knee Pad and Elbow Cushion 15mm | Budget Pick | |
| Yoga Cloud | Upgrade Pick | |