METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAT RETENTION IN A SEAT ASSEMBLY

A method and an apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a seat pad including at least one trench, a plurality of discrete fasteners positioned within the at least one trench, and a mat placed on the seat pad. The mat comprises a main portion that includes an electrical element and at least one extension panel extending outwardly from an outer edge of the main portion and being devoid of the electrical element. The at least one extension panel includes fastener openings with each fastener opening being aligned with one fastener of the plurality of discrete fasteners when the at least one extension panel is tucked into the at least one trench. A seat cover has an inner surface that faces the mat and includes an attachment feature that is aligned with the fastener openings. The attachment feature extends through the fastener openings and engages the plurality of discrete fasteners to secure the mat between the seat pad and the seat cover.