Purchased this for my home office. Even though it did not come recommended for thick home carpet surfaces it works fine. In my opinion there's no need to spend extra money for the mat that is reinforced for carpets unless you expect to have heavy traffic in this area.
The strong "chemical" smell nearly cost this product its 5 star rating -- After three days in a well ventilated storeroom it "earned" its way back into my office. A great carpet protector despite my 220 lb body weight.
The mat may prove to be too soft/too thin because depressions are forming where my chair usually is positioned. I've had it only for a week so it's too soon to tell whether it will discolor.