I have had several mats because they wear out. I had 3 and the same reason as bluestarmom except another reason was my heart. I could not afford another child as the strain on my heart could make things bad. I have had about 4 cutters with a lot of blades.I think the mats I have seem to make the blade go blunt real quick. I did once have a mat that would heal itself but I gave it to my daughter years ago. since then I must have had 6 mats in 10 years because they do not last the distance.