Ergohead Standing Desk Mat Review

[Editors’ Note – This product seems to be no longer available from the manufacturer. We will keep this review up for future reference and comparison.]

Review

After Ergodriven successfully launched what seems to be the world’s first calculated terrain mat – and with a self-hosted crowdfunding campaign no less – their competitors, having caught a whiff of a potentially viable market, did not hesitate to churn out a variation of their own calculated terrain standing mat. Ergohead is just one of the mysterious names to have sprung up on Amazon with a vaguely familiar shape (among a string of similarly-named competitors that closely follow the trend).

We’ve searched and looked, but it seems like the brand doesn’t do much other than compete with (or perhaps emulate) the product originator – Ergodriven. It most certainly has nothing to do with open indoor rowing championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands despite bearing the same name. So how does this unknown competitor compare to the two product category leaders, Ergodriven’s Topo Mat and CubeFit’s TerraMat?

Well, its design looks like a blend between the two, actually. With a balance roll, a tear drop mound, side mounds, and a power wedge crammed into one mat, ErgoHead looks like an attempt to marry the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, when it comes to calf stretching and massage, the amount of give in the mat renders all of those features nearly useless. It is simply too soft to allow for any serious stretching or strain-relieving self-massage. The only redeeming quality about it is that the mat is thick enough to provide support for prolonged standing, meaning that it doesn’t allow your feet to sink through. If you prefer a cushier surface to stand on, this is a much better alternative to flimsy foam comfort mats, but if you want your calculated terrain mat to provide you with the capability to relieve strain from your legs and feet, as it should, you’re better off looking further.

Ergohead’s Calculated Terrain Standing Mat in Detail

Since it is made of 100% polyurethane foam, the mat should hold up well against normal wear and tear, although we wouldn’t recommend using it with stiletto heels because of its low density and the obvious safety hazard that all calculated terrain mats pose with their raised rails and mounds. Speaking of safety hazards, Ergohead is so slippery it will glide effortlessly even on carpeted flooring with just a slight push, so beware of the fact if you’re feeling tempted by its cushy surface. Another thing that takes away from the few positive qualities of the mat is off-gassing. Even after a few weeks of usage, Ergohead gives off a noticeable chemical odor.

While Amazon reviews are mostly positive, some users note that they would like the mat to be stiffer and its size more accommodating. Calculated terrain mats are generally tricky to choose when it comes to size for both tall and short individuals, and Ergohead is no exception. Users with bigger shoe sizes may feel constrained by its topography, while the ones of lower height will not be able to take the full advantage of it because all the mounds and features are spread out too wide to comfortably reach them.

Over 10 advertised standing positions are no more than a marketing claim – the mat’s squishy balance roll provides very little support to accommodate that many stances. Additionally, if you’re under 5’4, you won’t be able to comfortably reach the side mounds or the roll, which will considerably limit your standing options. At least the neutral flat area of the mat is thick enough to offer comfort and slimmer raised side rails provide a more neutral (flat) ground area to users than the Topo Mat.

The Takeaway

Ergohead’s design leaves us uncertain. On one hand, it falls short on delivering enough support for calf and foot stretching as well as relieving foot strain through massage mounds. On the other, it offers plenty of cushioning without letting your feet sink through to the floor, leading to pressure build up. As a result, it doesn’t make for a very good calculated terrain mat but rather an intermediate solution between flat and non-flat standing mats. Additionally, a slippery back surface and unpleasant odor solidify its status as a poor imitator rather than a competitor in this emerging product category.

Check out our Calculated Terrain Mat Comparison Review to see our experts’ views on topographic mats currently in the marketplace. And if you’d prefer to look at more traditional, flat standing mats, see our Standing Mat Comparison Review for a round-up of the best on the market.

Definitely take a look at Standing Desk Balance Board Reviews if you want to improve your stand up desk mobility.

Specs

100% Polyurethane Foam

Available sizes:
26″ x 28″ x 2.6″
25″ x”27″ x 2.7″

Shipping

Free shipping.

Shipping weight:
26″ x 28″ – 8.9 lbs
25″ x”27″ x – 6.7 lbs

Warranty

100% money back guarantee

Want To Learn More About Standing Mats?

• Standing Mat Ergonomics

• Standing Mats For Foot Pain

• How To Choose The Right Standing Mat

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