Update: 2/27/18: After about 6 uses, I am seeing some indents where my feet and hands normally are placed. Not sure if this is premature wearing or not. Also, it seems this company generates a lot of reviews by offering free samples for giving a review of 100 words or more on their product. I received a pamphlet with my mat on their warranty and review process, posted a review, and then they sent me an e-mail "gift claim form" where I can basically get something for free from them since I provided a review.

I purchased this for yoga, based on all the reviews this item has, and so far I've used it 3 times over the past week. It's worked great so far, and here are my thoughts based on other reviews:

1) Squeakiness/noise: Yes, it does make some noise as I move into different poses. I do yoga at home, so it doesn't bug me, but I could see it being a problem in a yoga studio or in a group of people. It doesn't constantly squeak, but as I move my feet around, it does make some noise. I think it's more the mat and the wooden floor it's on which creates the noise.

2) Falling apart: Some reviews mentioned it immediately starts to disintegrate. I have noticed a couple of strands of rubber come off as I unroll it, but it doesn't seem that bad at all. I'll update this if it continues to come apart as other reviews had indicated.

3) Smell: It smells a little bit, kind of like a latex pillow or other similar rubber/plastic product. I only noticed it today when I had my face down on it, so it's not strong at all.

4) Movement: I haven't noticed it moving around at all. It sticks to my wooden floor pretty well, so no complaints there.

5) Squishiness: Some people have said it's too thick and they sink into the mat. I haven't noticed this at all. Prior to this mat, I was using a thin yoga mat and any time I was on my hands or knees for a long time it was very uncomfortable. This mat still allows me to do the poses, but much more comfortably than before.

I am very disapointed. I paid a dollar more for an Amazon Basics mat. It was 10 times better than this mat. The Amazon mat came with the carry strap, (which this is supposed to come with one.), and is bigger by almost 3 inches. It may not appear that way in the pictures, but it is definitely shorter. It also is a cleaner cut. Both mats are the same thickness, but this mat doesn't have near the comfort and support as the Amazon Basics mat. I am returning this mat and spending the extra dollar for the Amazon Basics Mat. In my opinion, it's sad that the house brand not only beat, but destroyed the national brand.

I just received this in the mail, and I knew immediately I would like it. It is incredibly cushioned, which for me is of major importance. I have bad knees, and regular mats are never cushioned enough for me. I bruise easily, but this seems like it will prevent any sort of bruising or soreness on my knees or hips. I don't really do any impact type exercise, so I cannot give a review to it on that. I do however do Piyo daily, as well as a few other body weight resistance and strengthening exercises, and this has an awesome grip. No more sliding or falling due to instability issues caused by no traction. I look forward to being able to do the exercises without fear of a few routines again! On a side note, I haven't noticed any odd or offensive smells, so that's a bonus! I am actually considering ordering a second mat for my husband! He is 6'3, and this seems like it is long enough, and soft enough for his back injury, for him to use as well

Came in on time, class tomorrow. I unrolled it and I'm so glad I got the 1/2 inch thickness it feels great on my feet. The mat is very long too which is nice. I love purple so yay on the color. Love the carrying strap, makes it so easy to contain and carry. Can't wait to go to class tomorrow!! There was a small abnormality in the foam but it doesn't go all the through and is no issue at all, you can see in pic it's about the size of the tip of my pinky finger and does effect use of the mat at all.

Update: down to 2 stars. The mat is comfy but it's not good. After two uses the rubber looks likes it's starting to break down. The mat moves a lot during a session and squeeks which is annoying and embarrassing. Returned

ok, this is the first yoga mat I've ever purchased, so I don't have others to compare it too. First off, I'm not an avid yoga practitioner--I just wanted something with enough cushioning to pad my bones on a hard floor. This def'ly does that--it is very cushiony and soft. one side is completely smooth and the other is slightly corrugated. I assumed smooth was for the down side, and used it that way. Had no problems with slipping at all. I see that others have had issues with tears. I can see where that could happen--the foam is very soft. It is in fact softer, that I expected for something labeled high density. However, since every other pad I saw in stores was only a 1/4" thick for the same price, I am very happy with it so far.

Edit--I should have added, you'll need to be sure your floor and shoes are clear of any grit--the foam is soft enough that any odd bits of stuff are going to imbed into it.