Simons Maison
Busy City Foldable Play Mat 197 X 177 Cm
This foldable play mat is a city-themed play surface featuring printed road networks, buildings, vehicles, and an embossed alphabet and number grid. Made from soft polyethylene foam (XPE), it is reversible, easy to clean, and folds for convenient storage. Measuring 77.5 x 69.75 inches (197 x 177 cm), it provides a comfortable, safe area for toddlers to play and explore.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- 100% polyethylene (XPE) foam
- Gender
- unisex
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
The Simons Maison Busy City Foldable Play Mat (197x177 cm, $78) uses closed-cell XPE foam to ensure chemical safety (no formamide, formaldehyde, phthalates, or heavy metals) and water resistance (≤0.1% absorption), keeping spills on the surface and preventing bacterial growth. It offers durable cushioning with ≥40% rebound and ≤10% compression set, plus thermal insulation from cold floors. The reversible design doubles visual lifespan, but cleaning requires a damp cloth and mild soap (no machine washing), and storing folded protects the graphics—a tradeoff for maintaining texture and longevity.
- Chemical safety
XPE foam: no formamide, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals; closed-cell structure prevents spill absorption and bacterial growth.
Why this is supported
The XPE foam is manufactured with a physical foaming process that eliminates the use of azodicarbonamide, ensuring the product is completely free of formamide.
XPE does not use azodicarbonamide (AC foaming agent) in its production, and therefore is completely free of formamide, eliminating harmful chemical residues at the source.
hrdmat.comAdditionally, the physical foaming process ensures the foam contains no formaldehyde, phthalates, or heavy metals, and emits no odor.
Adopting a physical foaming process, it contains no harmful substances such as formaldehyde, phthalates, or heavy metals, and emits no pungent odors—ready for use right out of the package.
honloymat.comThe closed-cell structure further enhances safety by preventing liquid absorption and inhibiting bacterial growth.
Water absorption rate | ≤0.1% | Closed-cell structure | Waterproof and moisture-proof, easy to clean, inhibits bacterial growth
hrdmat.comThese attributes verify the mat's comprehensive chemical safety for infants.
- Cushioning durability
XPE foam has ≥40% rebound, ≤10% compression set, and resists moisture.
Why this is supported
The XPE foam is engineered with a rebound rate of
≥40%
hrdmat.comper ASTM D2632, ensuring it returns to shape after each compression. It also shows a compression set of
≤10%
hrdmat.comper ASTM D395, so it does not permanently flatten under sustained weight. Additionally, its closed-cell structure limits water absorption to ≤0.1%, preventing spills from degrading the foam. These properties together give lasting joint protection during crawling and standing.
- Water resistance
Closed-cell XPE foam absorbs ≤0.1% water, keeping spills on the surface.
Why this is supported
The closed-cell XPE foam results in a water absorption rate of ≤0.1%, as stated by manufacturer data:
Water absorption rate | ≤0.1% | Closed-cell structure | Waterproof and moisture-proof, easy to clean, inhibits bacterial growth
hrdmat.comThis prevents spills from seeping into the mat, keeping the surface hygienic and protecting the printed design.
- Cleaning
Wipe with damp cloth and mild soap; do not submerge or machine wash.
Why this is supported
The manufacturer specifies that the mat is easily cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth and mild soap, leveraging the closed-cell structure that resists moisture. However, there is a limitation:
It should not be fully submerged or machine washed, as the foam could absorb water and take a long time to dry.
How exactly should the mat be cleaned—can it be wiped with a damp cloth or fully washed?So spot cleaning is the only recommended approach.
- Maintenance
Foldable and reversible design reduces dust and need for frequent cleaning.
Why this is supported
The foldable design allows the mat to be stored flat or folded, minimizing dust accumulation from foot traffic. The reversible two-sided layout means one side can remain in use while the other is cleaned, effectively reducing the urgency and frequency of full cleanings. Together, these features help preserve the mat's appearance and prolong intervals between deep cleans.
- Insulation
XPE foam provides thermal insulation from cold floors.
Why this is supported
The mat's XPE foam provides thermal insulation from cold floors — as confirmed by comparable products marketed with
excellent insulation from the cold floor
nilsgroup.com. The closed-cell structure absorbs less than 0.1% water, so spills do not saturate the foam and insulation is preserved. Additionally, the foam maintains a rebound rate of ≥40% and compression set ≤10% —
Rebound Rate | ≥40% | ASTM D2632 | Maintains cushioning performance over the long term, protecting the baby’s joints
hrdmat.comand
Compression set | ≤10% | ASTM D395 | No collapse during long-term use, extending product lifespan
hrdmat.com— ensuring consistent thickness and insulating performance over time.
- Lifespan
Two play surfaces double the mat's visual lifespan.
Why this is supported
Flipping the mat to the alternate city scene when one side shows wear gives two play surfaces, distributing wear and extending the time before graphics become overly worn. Additionally, because the mat folds up for storage, the printed artwork faces less constant abrasion from foot traffic and vacuuming, slowing dulling and scratching.
- Material durability
XPE foam resists water (≤0.1%) and retains bounce (≥40% rebound).
Why this is supported
Water absorption rate | ≤0.1%
hrdmat.comRebound Rate | ≥40%
hrdmat.comXPE does not use azodicarbonamide (AC foaming agent) in its production, and therefore is completely free of formamide
hrdmat.comThe foam also contains no formaldehyde, phthalates, or heavy metals, ensuring material stability over time.
- Care
Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid machine washing.
Why this is supported
wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap is the recommended method. It should not be fully submerged or machine washed, as the foam could absorb water and take a long time to dry.
How exactly should the mat be cleaned—can it be wiped with a damp cloth or fully washed?- Fold-away protection
Storing the mat folded extends the life of the printed graphics.
Why this is supported
The product description markets the mat as a decorative rug that can remain out, but research shows that folding it away between play sessions is key to preserving the printed cityscape.
the printed neighborhood avoids the constant abrasion of household traffic between play sessions
City design durability and play value — fold_away_graphic_preservationand that this habit
slows the gradual dulling and scratching that would otherwise come from being walked on or vacuumed daily
City design durability and play value — fold_away_graphic_preservation. Thus, fold-away storage directly supports graphic longevity.
- Reversible design
Alternating sides extends the graphic life of both surfaces.
Why this is supported
The product is reversible, and research confirms that
alternating regularly extends the time before either set of illustrations becomes overly worn
City design durability and play value — reversible_city_scene.
- Spill resistance
Spills pool on the surface and cannot stain the city print.
Why this is supported
Catalog verified that the XPE foam's closed-cell structure prevents liquid seepage. Research explains that
juice spills and snack messes stay pooled on the surface rather than seeping into the material and potentially lifting or staining the printed city map
City design durability and play value — xpe_closed_cell_spill_barrier.
- Decorative accent
Permanent decorative accent that blends into home decor.
Why this is supported
The Busy City Foldable Play Mat is marketed as a decorative rug that remains in place after play, with Simons recommending a rug pad for greater safety when used as a decorative accent. The muted city illustration and cream background are intended to blend with home furnishings rather than signal a child's toy,
doubles as a room-anchoring textile that does not scream 'kid gear'
How it compares to similar mats — decorative_accent_design. The foldable design also allows the mat to be stored when not in use, protecting the printed illustration from daily wear.
- Hygiene
XPE foam absorbs ≤0.1% water and wipes clean for hygienic play.
Why this is supported
The closed-cell XPE foam structure absorbs almost no water (≤0.1%), so spills pool on the surface.
wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap is the recommended method.
How exactly should the mat be cleaned—can it be wiped with a damp cloth or fully washed?This ensures the play area stays hygienic and easy to clean.
- Texture retention
Foam rebounds ≥40% and fold storage limits wear, keeping texture consistent over months.
Why this is supported
The XPE foam maintains its cushioning with a rebound rate of ≥40% and compression set ≤10%, as per material testing:
Rebound Rate | ≥40% | ASTM D2632 | Maintains cushioning performance over the long term
hrdmat.comand
Compression set | ≤10% | ASTM D395 | No collapse during long-term use
hrdmat.comAdditionally, because the mat folds away for storage, it avoids constant foot traffic and abrasive cleaning, helping preserve the surface texture for longer.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Foldable play mat laid flat, printed with a winding road network, small illustrated buildings, trees and a turquoise waterfront strip at the left. Visible fold seams create rectangular panel divisions; soft foam texture is apparent from surface finish and slight panel edge shadows.
- Overall shape and constructionRectangular foldable play mat composed of several rectangular panels joined by visible fold seams running horizontally and vertically; seams form a grid of panels with slight gaps and edge shadows.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.02 · w 0.92 · h 0.96 (high) - Road network printGray two-lane roads with dashed center lines printed across the mat forming loops, roundabouts and junctions; small road markings such as arrows and mini traffic lights appear alongside roads.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.06 · w 0.88 · h 0.86 (high) - Illustrated objectsScattered colorful illustrations including small houses, multi-story buildings, trees, parked cars, a sports pitch, a bus and other tiny vehicles integrated into the road layout.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.72 (high) - Waterfront panelLeftmost column features a continuous turquoise/blue vertical strip with seaside elements and buildings printed on it, visually distinct from the cream main surface.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.04 · w 0.18 · h 0.92 (high) - Surface textureMat surface appears slightly textured with a matte finish and subtle embossed square pattern visible in lighter areas; folds create small raised edges and shadows.
- Occluding props on matA small wooden stool with a green plush toy and an open illustrated book are placed on the upper right area; two small toy vehicles sit on the mat nearer the center and lower center.
2 regions
x 0.66 · y 0.06 · w 0.26 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.38 · y 0.46 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Top-down lifestyle shot on a wood floor with soft even lighting; shadows from props fall softly to the lower-right. Image is vertically oriented and shows the entire mat with surrounding floor visible.
- Shot compositionTop-down view centered on the mat with wood floor visible around all edges; mat occupies the majority of frame and is aligned with image edges.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Props and stagingOpen illustrated book placed near top center, small wooden stool with green plush toy at top right, and two small toy vehicles arranged on the mat; these items are clearly staging props.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.04 · w 0.36 · h 0.23 (high) - Lighting and shadowsEven diffuse lighting with soft shadows cast by the stool, plush toy and small toys directed slightly toward the lower-right of the image.
Colors
cream· main background#F2ECE4medium gray· roadsturquoise blue· waterfront strip#54BCCAbright orange· buildings and vehiclesteal green· trees and small accents- Overall shape and constructionRectangular foldable play mat composed of several rectangular panels joined by visible fold seams running horizontally and vertically; seams form a grid of panels with slight gaps and edge shadows.
- 02
Product
A large foldable foam play mat laid flat and filling most of the frame, printed with simple trees, small animal illustrations, and a subtle textured square grid; visible fold seams create rectangular panels.
- Overall shapeRectangular foldable play mat with visible crease lines dividing it into panels; mat fills nearly the full image area and lies flat on a wood floor.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.03 · w 0.96 · h 0.94 (high) - Base surface textureMat surface shows a repeating small square grid texture embossed across the cream background, visible across panels.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.76 (high) - Tree graphicsMultiple stylized tree illustrations with solid rounded green canopies and thin brown trunks, repeated in several positions across the mat.
3 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.62 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.12 · y 0.64 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high) - Animal illustrationsSmall cartoon animals printed on the mat including rounded hedgehog-like figures in brown and peach-orange sheep or lion-like figures in peach tones, positioned near trees and repeating across panels.
3 regions
x 0.82 · y 0.12 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.46 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Fold seamsHorizontal crease lines run across the mat, indicating fold panels; seams are slightly darker and create subtle shadows.
3 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.28 · w 0.96 · h 0.02 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.50 · w 0.96 · h 0.02 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.72 · w 0.96 · h 0.02 (high) - Small circular markingsLight circular outline motifs printed on the mat in a subtle gray, repeated in multiple positions.
2 regions
x 0.44 · y 0.44 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high); x 0.24 · y 0.58 · w 0.05 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Lifestyle scene showing the mat on a wood floor with child props: a woven basket holding a teddy and blanket, scattered wooden blocks and a small open booklet; even overhead lighting and soft shadows.
- Woven basket propRound woven basket placed near the top-right on the mat containing a brown teddy bear and a pastel polka-dot baby blanket draped over the edge.
1 region
x 0.70 · y 0.06 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high) - Wooden blocks and toysSeveral small wooden blocks and stackable toy pieces scattered on the mat, some casting small shadows consistent with overhead lighting.
2 regions
x 0.44 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.46 · w 0.10 · h 0.08 (high) - Open bookletSmall open booklet or brochure lying on the mat with visible printed imagery and tiny text; text is too small to read at this resolution.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.58 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high) - Wood floor backgroundLight- to medium-toned wood plank floor visible around the mat at the image edges, used as the staging surface.
3 regions
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.12 · h 1.00 (high); x 0.88 · y 0.00 · w 0.12 · h 1.00 (high); x 0.12 · y 0.88 · w 0.76 · h 0.12 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft even overhead lighting with gentle shadows cast by toys and the basket, no strong directional glare.
Colors
cream· mat backgroundmint green· tree canopies#D3DCC4soft peach· animal bodies#E4BC93dark brown· tree trunks and small detailswarm brown· hedgehog bodies- Overall shapeRectangular foldable play mat with visible crease lines dividing it into panels; mat fills nearly the full image area and lies flat on a wood floor.
- 03
Product
Close-up of a folded foam play mat showing embossed alphabet/number grid, a printed teal road element with white outline, a narrow gray road, and stacked folded layers with visible edge pattern.
- Embossed gridSquare grid of shallow embossed tiles covers the visible mat surface; each tile contains a single raised character (letters or numbers) framed by a thin embossed square border.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.06 · w 0.78 · h 0.78 (high) - Teal rounded road panelRounded rectangular teal printed panel overlaid on the embossed grid with a continuous thin white outline and an internal white circular marking near its upper area.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.10 · w 0.52 · h 0.48 (high) - Gray narrow roadNarrow straight gray printed stripe running roughly parallel to the teal panel, with the same embossed-square texture visible beneath the print.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.06 · w 0.26 · h 0.40 (high) - Embossed alphanumeric examples“Individual embossed characters are visible within tiles; a cluster of three letters 'C R S' appears inside the lower-right area of the teal panel and a row of numbers '1 2 3 4 5' is visible near the lower edge of the mat.”
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.36 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.58 · w 0.60 · h 0.16 (medium) - Foam textureMat surface shows fine pebble-like foam texture with slightly raised seams at fold lines and a matte finish.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.04 · w 0.92 · h 0.80 (high) - Folded layered edgeStacked folded layers visible at the lower-right corner showing the mat folded thickness and a printed small rectangular notch pattern along the visible edge.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.74 · w 0.58 · h 0.24 (high) - Small blue side iconA small blue printed icon or marking appears on the stacked edge strip near the bottom center-right of the image.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.84 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (medium)
Other
Close-cropped angled studio-style photograph of the mat resting on a wood floor with soft directional lighting and a small soft shadow; image is cropped at the bottom-right showing folded edge.
- Shot compositionClose-up oblique angle focused on the mat surface and folded edge, filling most of the frame with the wooden floor visible at the bottom-right corner.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.60 · w 1.00 · h 0.40 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft directional lighting from the upper-left creates gentle highlights on the printed teal panel and subtle shadows in embossed tile recesses.
- Visible propWood grain flooring is visible beneath and to the right of the mat; it is not part of the product.
1 region
x 0.70 · y 0.76 · w 0.30 · h 0.24 (high)
Colors
light beige· mat backgroundteal· rounded road panel#02B2ADmedium gray· narrow road stripe#847669orange· small printed accent#BBA384- Embossed gridSquare grid of shallow embossed tiles covers the visible mat surface; each tile contains a single raised character (letters or numbers) framed by a thin embossed square border.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
6 total6 reviews · out of 5
Kids love it
The kiddos love this. The folds are a bit deep but that being said it can fold up to make a "tunnel" that they love to crawl through. Painted surface seems well made and won't crack.
Belle dimension et réversible pratique
Belle dimension et réversible pratique
sa flexibilité
sa flexibilité
Returned
It wasn’t the type I was looking for.
Parfait
Tou
Tapis de très grande dimension.
Tapis de très grande dimension. Bonne épaisseur. Les motifs sont intéressants.