We use these for our home offices. While they are necessary to protect the rug it is also expected that you need to replace every 2 years becuase they do crack over time.
Bought two less than a year ago for use on thick pile carpet. They both began to wear out within six months and now both have a huge hole in the center. Now I need to replace them. Would not recommend these for use on thick pile carpet.
I have bought and replaced a number of these mats. You would think that a good one could be made. These mats are lousy... good for only a few months if that!