The Tumbl Trak Soft Mats are the softer, more cushioned alternative to Tumbl Trak's firm Practice Mats - two sizes of single-density foam gymnastics landing mat used in therapeutic programmes, early childhood and special education settings, occupational therapy spaces, recreational gymnastics classes, and home play areas across North America. Available in 4ft x 8ft x 4in and 5ft x 10ft x 8in, they use a softer, single-density foam than the dual-density construction of the Practice Mat range, producing what Tumbl Trak describes as a "mushy" feel - noticeably softer underfoot and on landing, genuinely comforting for children who find firm surfaces uncomfortable or who are learning beginner skills where confidence and cushioning matter more than rebound.

One important use restriction every buyer should know: the Soft Mat is not recommended for use alone on hard surfaces such as wooden floors or concrete. Its low-density foam requires a base surface - a firm tumbling mat, practice mat, or foam mat underneath - for safe use. Used correctly as a topper mat, it is ideal for adding a soft landing layer at specific stations, play areas, and therapeutic spaces.

Tumbl Trak explicitly positions these mats for therapeutic, special education, physical education, and early childhood programmes in addition to gymnastics and recreational use. The combination of soft cushioning, manageable size, fold-in-half storage, and non-skid base makes the Soft Mat one of the most versatile matting options in the range for non-competitive and therapeutic settings.

How the Soft Mat Differs from the Practice Mat

Both the Practice Mat and the Soft Mat are available in identical sizes (4ft x 8ft x 4in and 5ft x 10ft x 8in). The difference is entirely in the foam:

• Practice Mat - dual-density firm foam (1.5 lbs top / 1.8 lbs bottom for the 4in; 1.5 lbs/50 ILD top / 1.2 lbs/35 ILD bottom for the 8in); designed for skill training where a firm, responsive surface is required
• Soft Mat - single-density softer foam (1.25 lbs density for the 4in; 1.1 lbs/19 ILD for the 8in); designed for soft tumbling drills, beginner skill learning, therapeutic use, and recreational play where cushioning and comfort are the priority

The 19 ILD rating of the 8-inch Soft Mat is the most relevant comparison point: the Practice Mat's equivalent size uses 35-50 ILD. A lower ILD number means softer foam. The Soft Mat is substantially softer and more forgiving at the same thickness.

Key Features of the Tumbl Trak Soft Mats

• Soft Single-Density Foam - "Mushy" Feel - The single-density soft foam produces a noticeably cushioned, forgiving landing surface that Tumbl Trak describes as "mushy" - a deliberate design choice for beginner skill learning, therapeutic settings, and recreational programmes where comfort and safety confidence matter more than a firm, responsive rebound
• 4in Mat: 1.25 lbs Density Foam - The 4ft x 8ft x 4in mat uses 1.25 lbs density foam throughout; lighter and softer than the dual-density construction of the equivalent Practice Mat; suited for lower-impact drills, soft tumbling, and play surface coverage
• 8in Mat: 1.1 lbs Density / 19 ILD Foam - The 5ft x 10ft x 8in mat uses 1.1 lbs/19 ILD foam - among the softest foam densities in the Tumbl Trak mat range; significantly softer than the 35-50 ILD of the equivalent Practice Mat; ideal for deep cushioning at landing stations and sensory play areas
• 18 oz. Coated Vinyl Cover - Durable 18 oz. coated vinyl wraps the foam on all sides; wipes clean easily for hygiene maintenance in therapeutic and early childhood settings with regular daily use
• Folds in Half for Compact Storage - Both sizes fold in half, halving their storage footprint; the fold-in-half profile is manageable for a single adult and makes these mats practical for programmes that move mats between rooms or sessions
• Webbing Handles for Easy Transport - Sturdy webbing handles allow easy single-person carrying and repositioning; essential for therapeutic and educational programmes where mats are moved frequently between activities
• Non-Skid Material on the Bottom - Non-skid material sewn to the base keeps the mat firmly in position on any floor surface during active use; prevents sliding under the weight of landing and active play
• CPSIA-Compliant, Made in the USA - All materials meet CPSIA safety standards; manufactured in the USA to Tumbl Trak's commercial quality standards; appropriate for children of all ages and abilities in commercial and home settings

Skills and Benefits

• Confidence Building for Beginner Skill Learning - The soft, forgiving surface reduces the fear of impact during beginner skill attempts; athletes and children who are apprehensive about landing on firm surfaces find the Soft Mat builds the movement confidence needed to attempt and repeat skills more freely
• Gross Motor Development & Active Play - Jumping, landing, rolling, and general active play on the Soft Mat develops gross motor coordination, spatial awareness, and body confidence in a safe, cushioned format that is welcoming for children of all abilities
• Therapeutic & Sensory Applications - The soft, low-density foam provides a deeply cushioning, pressure-reducing surface that supports therapeutic landing activities, sensory play, and quiet-time spaces in OT clinics, sensory rooms, and special education environments; the "mushy" quality is itself sensory - children with tactile sensitivities often respond positively to a surface that yields noticeably under their weight
• Motor Planning & Body Awareness - Repeated safe landings on a consistent, responsive surface build the body-mapping and proprioceptive awareness that underlies confident physical activity and skill progression

Note: Not for use alone on hard surfaces such as wood floors or concrete. Place on a firm tumbling mat, Practice Mat, or foam mat for safe use. Always use under supervision.

Ideal for

• Occupational therapy clinics and sensory rooms adding a soft cushioning mat for therapeutic activities and landing stations
• Early childhood and special education programmes equipping indoor active play and motor development spaces
• Recreational gymnastics classes where beginner confidence and cushioning take priority over firm rebound
• Physical education programmes adding versatile, foldable soft mats for group activities
• Home play areas where a soft, safe landing surface is needed for children of all abilities