I am more critical of the reviews. The mats do not slide on my carpeted floor. Not too soft. You want them too stiff because they would crack. I've worked in the plastics industry. My beef is that when I logged into this review I noticed that the price went down ten percent so I overpaid almost seven dollars from two weeks ago. The mats flattened out nicely. I unrolled them placed them upside down overnight with some boards on top. The next morning I flipped them over and they were perfect.
For high pile carpets this mat should be made a lot stronger. Very weak plastic that create sink holes and chair wheels get stuck and hard to maneuver around.
It is very soft on my very low pile carpet. Glad the "grippers" are there but not sure how I like the softness of the mat. Only mat they had. I would have preferred a harder mat but am forced to use one with a lip because I can't lift the desk.
What can I say about a carpet protector - it is protecting very well. No funny plastic smell. My chair rolls over it easily. I am happy with my purchase.