Protects the carpet; chair rollers dent surface so you need to push the chair out of one position to make it to another. However main objective is to protect the carpet and it does an okay job in that respect.
I've ordered these over the last 10 yrs for use on low pile commercial carpet. Here's the thing these are cheap but crack in 1-2 yrs depending on the users' weight. But since $130 mats crack in 2-3 yrs as well at $30-$40 each these still offer the best value prop. Average lifespan I've seen is about one year is you weigh 200lbs (like me) and 2-3 yrs if you weigh 125-150lbs. If anyone experiences a 5 yr life on more expensive Quill mats please post it because I'll definitely give them a try!
This mat comes in a box rolled up. Unrolling it should be on funniest home videos. I am now ordering the more expensive one that will work. Don't order this one.
Effective but very thin for carpet; probably better suited for hard flooring. I am worried about the durability but have it on carpet that is probably too plush for the design. Got it for a GREAT price though so I'm hoping it lasts for a couple years!