Do yoga mats absorb sound? Can you use them as a replacement for proper soundproofing? Learn about the challenges in using yoga mats for soundproofing.
Sometimes we need a quiet space to relax and rewind. But if you live in an area that is noisy, silence may be a distant dream. Can you use some materials for a DIY soundproofing project?
Suppose you have some new and thick rubber foam mats available. In that case, you might be able to use them for effective sound absorption within your apartment. What’s that: “Do yoga mats absorb sound?”. Yes, they do. Read on to know how this is possible.
Can Mats Absorb Sound?
Some mats have sound absorption features. These are usually 1/8-inch to ½-inch thick, made of rubber or foam. If you have creaking floorboards or want to reduce general noise in a particular area of your apartment, you can use a mat.
You can place mats under rugs or carpets for better sound absorption. When you walk across the site, the mat will absorb any noise produced due to your movement. But this does not mean that mats can soundproof your room.
There are special “soundproofing mats” that are available. They absorb most of the sound produced within the apartment. Placing such mats around your apartment helps to make the place seem quiet but not completely soundproof.
So then, what is the difference between sound absorption and soundproofing?
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Sound Absorption
Well, sound absorption essentially means dampening the noise vibrations. Dampening methods used in sound absorption end up improving the general quality of acoustics within a room.
Sound absorption reduces excess noise that might interfere with the acoustics. Therefore, recording studios often invest in sound absorption techniques.
Sound Proofing
Soundproofing, on the other hand, prevents sound from entering or coming out of a room completely. Soundproofing techniques isolate the sound either inside the room or apartment or block it from entering the space you are in. Soundproofing can be done in your basement or home office, especially if you live in a noisy area or need to do an activity that involves a lot of sounds (like drumming).
Sound absorption materials like foam or rubber mats and carpets cannot achieve soundproofing.
Can You Use a Yoga Mat for Soundproofing?
Foam and rubber yoga mats absorb sound to a certain extent. But they are not suitable for complete soundproofing. However, since they absorb some noise, you can place yoga mats under objects that make the most sound.
Washing Machines and Indoor Trainers
For example, to muffle the sound of your washing machine, place a thick yoga mat under it. You can do the same thing with an indoor trainer or treadmill. Indoor trainers vibrate when you are cycling on them. If you live in a small apartment, these vibrations may disturb others in the building.
To avoid loud vibrations, roll out your yoga mat under the indoor trainer. If the yoga mat is thick and made of good-quality foam, it will absorb most of the vibrations, thus reducing noise. The padding of a yoga mat or the interlocking rubber foam dampens and absorbs all vibrations, preventing them from transferring through the floorboards. But, while yoga mats absorb vibrations, they are not able to eliminate the noise or vibrations completely.
Soundproofing Walls With Yoga Mats: Yay Or Nay?
Pushing yoga mats against the walls to reduce sound is going to be ineffective. If you wish to soundproof your room or apartment, invest in some proper soundproofing materials.
Yoga mats cannot stop outside noise from entering your room. If you are using yoga mats to absorb vibrations to some extent, make sure that they are new ones. The foam in old yoga mats flattens, and their absorption capabilities lessen.
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Do Rubber Mats Absorb Sound?
Rubber mats are best for sound absorption within an apartment. Rubber mats are thick and durable. You can place rubber mats directly underneath any equipment that produces a lot of noise, like your gym equipment. Rubber mats are not suitable for soundproofing floors, but they reduce the sound vibrations bouncing around the room. They are ideal for floor sound insulation.
You can choose elastic rubber mats as well. Flexible rubber mats are better than rigid mats because they provide a smooth surface for increased sound absorption.
Sound absorption for floors is best if the mats used are thick. Rubber mats can have varying thicknesses. You can choose one that is ideal for your floors.
Interlocking Rubber Mats
For effective sound absorption, you should select interlocking rubber mats. You can place interlocking rubber mats all over the floor. If the floor’s entire surface is covered, it will absorb more sound than mats scattered across the floor.
After covering the floor with rubber mats, you can place a carpet or floor mat. Rugs over the rubber mats will add to the thickness and effectively absorb almost all noises.
Do Floor Mats Reduce Noise?
Similar to yoga mats, floor mats or carpets absorb noise created within your apartment or room. Floor mats usually have soft surfaces. Some rugs might also be fluffy. Surfaces of floor mats absorb sound waves and stop them from bouncing around the space. Since most of the vibrations are absorbed, you might think that the area is quieter than before.
However, they do not soundproof the room. They reduce noise within the enclosure but cannot prevent outside noise from coming in. Floor mats cannot effectively minimize outgoing noise.
Rubber Flooring
To make floor mats reduce noise within your home, you need to invest in rubber flooring.
Rubber flooring is tough and long-lasting. Rubber is also suitable for sound absorption. So if you place your floor mats above the rubber flooring, you will be able to reduce noise. Sound absorption with floor mats and rubber flooring is suitable for homes.
Using floor mats over rubber flooring is a cost-effective way of reducing sound. You do not need to invest in expensive soundproofing equipment.
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Yoga Mats For Absorbing Sound: Good For Sound Absorption, Not Soundproofing
Now you know how to use your yoga mats or floor mats for sound reduction. While yoga mats might help with sound absorption, they are not the best choice for sound proofing. You can place thick yoga mats under your gym equipment like treadmills, indoor trainers, washing machines etc. to absorb the vibrations from these equipment and muffle the sound made by them. For perfect soundproofing, especially on walls, we recommend that you buy soundproofing mats that will serve your purpose.
Keep these tips in mind to turn your home into a quiet space. Don’t forget to share this article with others who need some space to work in peace.