Whether Rest Mats must be purchased for Daycare for profit, Church, State, Municipal, College or Government programs, one thing is for certain-each state will have regulations which mandate the sleeping/rest items which are to be used.  And there is no "one" standard.  Certain states require mats to be separated so that the sleeping surfaces do not face.  Other states require 2" thick mats. 

And then there is the storage consideration at the center or school.  Should the mats fold so they can be stuffed into a certain size opening.  Folding mats are certainly not ideal as folding shortens the life of the mat.  Other locations will have a closet or storage area where non-folding mats can be stored on edge or flat.  This is by far the best way if possible.  A one section, non-folding mat will last much longer than the folding styles.

Then there is the question of construction.  Most buyers are concerned about the cost of this required item.  But, you do get what you pay for.  A Triple laminated covered mat will last several years longer than a mat covered with a single layer of vinyl film.  But the laminated mat will cost 50% to 100% more.  It is up to the buyer to determine which mat is adequate for the job.

And should the mat be sewn or heat sealed.  We have been manufacturing mats for over 25 years and have looked at every conceivable way to close a mat and after that long period of time, we still sew our mats.  Heat sealing or UV Sealing sounds good but in reality it decreases the life of the mat.  The sealed seam becomes brittle and will crack and break at the seal point.  And, to produce a mat with a sealer is faster and cheaper.     You do the math..