Yoga Starter Kit vs Almost Perfect PRO Yoga Mat: which is safer?
Manduka Almost Perfect PRO Yoga Mat is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
GoFit
Yoga Starter Kit
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleVOC off-gassing (PVC and TPE)
PossiblePhthalates in PVC
PossibleWear and microparticle shedding
Our pick
Manduka
Almost Perfect PRO Yoga Mat
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde off-gassing
PossibleNatural rubber protein allergen (latex sensitivity)
PossibleMicroparticle shedding from foam and rubber degradation
Where these two actually differ
- We flag VOC off-gassing (PVC and TPE), Phthalates in PVC and Wear and microparticle shedding on the GoFit and not on the Manduka.
- We flag Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde off-gassing, Natural rubber protein allergen (latex sensitivity) and Microparticle shedding from foam and rubber degradation on the Manduka and not on the GoFit.
- The GoFit is yoga mat (PVC or TPE), strap (polyester/nylon), blocks (EVA foam or cork) where the Manduka is closed-cell PVC-free foam, rubber top, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 25 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Manduka is the one to buy.
- We are less certain about the GoFit grade, at 62% confidence against 88%, because it discloses less.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More yoga & exercise mats: see the full ranking