Retrospec · Yoga & Exercise Mats
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat Thick w/Nylon Strap for Men & Women
Lower concern yoga mat made from materials not linked to PFAS.
Retrospec Solana is a foam yoga mat with nylon strap. Material as recorded is NBR rubber or TPE foam, neither linked to PFAS. The brand has no PFAS statement on record, and no lab testing was found.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
NBR rubber or TPE foam, nylon strap
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing
NBR and TPE foams may release trace volatile compounds during the first few days after manufacture. This is well below levels associated with health effects in residential use, but odor sensitivity can vary. Airing out the mat resolves this quickly.
Microplastic shedding
TPE and NBR foams can shed microscopic particles with age and friction, particularly at edges or during washing. The nylon strap may also shed fibers. Shed particles are not inhaled during yoga use and do not pose direct health risk during normal indoor use, though environmental leakage during disposal is a concern.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public reports of formaldehyde in Retrospec Solana mats. Modern closed-cell foam mats rarely use formaldehyde-based binders. Nylon straps are not typically bonded with formaldehyde glues, but the lack of a test report means it cannot be ruled out entirely.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
The mat's color comes from standard rubber or TPE pigments and is not directly ingested or absorbed through skin during normal use. No documented cases of heavy metal contamination in similarly made yoga mats exist on public record.
Source, FDA ↗Allergens in synthetic rubber latex alternative
NBR and TPE are synthetic and do not contain natural latex allergens. No reports of contact dermatitis or sensitization specific to this product exist. The nylon strap is hypoallergenic under normal use.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Retrospec Solana uses NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) foam as its core, both petroleum-derived closed-cell foams common in yoga mats. NBR and TPE are chemically stable under normal use and do not off-gas significantly at room temperature, unlike open-cell polyurethane foams. The nylon strap is standard synthetic fabric with minimal direct skin contact. Both materials are unlikely to leach problematic chemicals when used as a yoga mat indoors.
The brand's record and disclosure
Retrospec does not publish detailed material safety disclosures or third-party certifications (such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX or Cradle to Cradle) on their website. No recalls or safety controversies are publicly documented for this specific model. The brand's silent stance on PFAS and other chemical testing reflects a wider industry norm for budget-to-mid-range yoga mats rather than a red flag for this product.
How it compares in its category
This mat sits in the mainstream yoga mat segment alongside Gaiam and BalanceFrom offerings. Premium alternatives (Manduka, Liforme) typically carry certifications and transparency reports; budget mats rarely do. The Solana's NBR/TPE composition presents lower concern than older PVC mats (which can off-gas chlorine) and is comparable to unbranded TPE mats at similar price points. Nylon straps are standard across the category and pose no added risk versus competitors.
If you buy it
Air out the mat for 24-48 hours after unrolling to allow any minor manufacturing odors to dissipate. Store indoors at room temperature and avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat above 140F (60C), which could degrade TPE or NBR over decades. Wipe clean with mild soap and water; do not machine wash or dry clean. Replace the mat if visible cracks, peeling, or sticky residue develop, typically after 5-7 years of regular use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Retrospec has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More yoga & exercise mats grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.