The invention relates to a mat material having an appropriate interlaminar strength and improved handleability. The mat material includes an inorganic fiber and plural needle traces formed by a needling process. At least some of the needle traces extending from a first surface have a penetration depth D greater than one half the thickness of the mat material and smaller than the thickness thereof. At least some of the needle traces extending from a second surface reach a depth greater than a value obtained by subtracting the penetration depth D from the thickness of the mat material. Substantially no protrusion of an inorganic fiber bundle exists at a position on the second surface that lies on a line extending from a needle trace extending from the first surface, or at a position on the first surface that is on a line extending from a needle trace extending from the second surface.