Padded Floor Mat vs Foam Play Mat: The Ultimate Showdown!

If you’re trying to create a safe and comfortable play area for your kids, you need to choose the right mat. With so many options out there, you must choose one that is either a padded floor mat or a foam play mat. We are here to help you figure out what’s the difference between these two mats so that you can make an informed decision and pick the one that you and your children will love. 

How to build a foam play mat?

First and most importantly, make sure you know what you’re doing. If possible always purchase a play mat which is guaranteed to keep whoever is using it SAFE. If you want a high quality padded mat, check out our Shaggy Relax Mat and order it today. But, if you want to make one yourself, you’ll need a few things and a bit of expertise. 

First, choose your foam. Make sure you get a high-quality foam that is made from non-toxic materials and is considered safe for children. Materials such as TPU are considered durable, flexible and smooth, and can be found relatively cheap. Next, cut the foam to your preferred size. Make sure you measure the area where you place this mat and cut it accordingly. Do not make sharp corners and use a long knife or scalper. Finally, cover up the foam with any durable fabric that can withstand heavy use. Some TPU-coated covers can be a smarter choice because of the added spill-resistant properties and it’s usually easier to clean.

How to clean a foam play mat?

Usually, cleaning foam mats is a breeze but some stains can prove to be tougher than they look. Here’s a quick and simple solution which able to clean most stains.

• Wipe Down: Use a damp microfiber cloth, mild detergent and some warm water. Make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals or abrasive agents.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure to dry the mat thoroughly to prevent mould and mildew.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Make sure you keep sharp objects such as pens, toys or markers away from the mat since they can easily stain or damage the mat permanently.
• Avoid hard cleaning: Always use a mild detergent and water, and never use stronger chemicals that can cause discolouration or damage to both the material and the cover fabric. 

What are the two types of mats?

There are two popular play mats you can choose from. One is a padded floor mat and the other is a foam play mat. Whether it's for a baby tummy time, or if you're looking to replace the rug with a safe play space, here are some of the main features of each mat: 

Deluxe Shaggy Relax Mat - 35mm Memory Foam

• Thickness & Comfort: Our mat is 35mm thick and it offers the ultimate softness and comfort. It uses memory foam which is proven to be the best material for the entire family.
• Style & Versatility: Our Deluxe Shaggy Relax Mat comes with a fashionable high pile topping and is great for adding a cozy touch to any room in your house.
• Safety: Our padded floor mat has an anti-slip bottom which ensures that it stays in place, making any area where it is placed, a very safe space to walk on.

Foam Play Mats

• Thickness & Durability: Usually, foam play mats made from TPU are generally thinner (15mm) but are usually highly shock-absorbent and durable.
• Functionality: Foam play mats are designed to be easy to clean, flexible and non-toxic, which makes them a perfect play area for all children.
• Design: Some foam mats offer a reversible stylish design that can help complement your home décor in various ways.

Are foam mats slippery?

In short, foam mats are usually slippery. This is especially true for mats made from TPU that don’t have any additional slip-resistant material on the bottom. It’s always a good idea to check the product specifications as well as the customer reviews which can help you make the right choice and get a mat that suits your needs. For example, our Deluxe Shaggy Relax Mat has an anti-slip bottom which offers additional safety and stability.

Why choose non-toxic Play Mats in Australia

If you can for the health and safety of your little ones, you should always make sure that the play mat is made out of non-toxic materials. These mats are free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates, heavy metals and PVC. These materials can be dangerous for your child and providing your child with a safe area free of these materials is of paramount importance. This way the risk of developing allergic reactions is reduced because the environment is safe from toxic materials. Additionally, long-term health issues can be safely avoided by utilising these safe mats. Usually, these mats are considered durable, easy to clean and eco-friendly which contributes to a healthier planet. Memory foam baby play mats for example can help provide peace of mind for Australian parents.

Difference between Memory padded foam play mats and Standard foam play mats

Even though they both have the word foam in the name, these are two very different materials, each one with its unique properties, structure and composition. Memory foam was originally developed by NASA ( Yes, that NASA ) and it's a type of polyurethane foam that is very famous for its viscoelastic properties. Playmats that have memory foam are able to contour to the shape of the body, thus providing excellent pressure relief and support points. It's usually an ideal choice for mattresses, high-comfort applications and floor mats. Memory foam is usually much denser and durable, making it a perfect choice for those seeking high comfort and therapeutical uses. 

In contrast, regular foam lacks all the viscoelastic properties of memory foam and it does not conform to the body. This type of foam is usually used in general cushioning where additional body support is not critical. This includes furniture padding, packaging or lower-quality floor mats. Regular foam is usually light and very flexible which makes it a standard choice for any application where versatility and cost-effectiveness are preferred. Both mats are designed to offer the ultimate baby play area but TPU foam might be considered the worse choice or the two. 

The Verdict

Both foam and padded floor mats have their own unique benefits but if you’re looking for an ultra-soft and luxurious solution for your needs, choose our Deluxe Shaggy Relax Mat. It’s a fantastic choice for the entire family! It can be perfect for almost any room with its 35mm memory foam and stylish shaggy high pile. You can order yours today right here. Give yourself and your family the best gift they can ask for.