Non-slip Bath Mats for Seniors
Wet surfaces pose a concern for those with impaired balance and coordination. The bathroom is renowned for being one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. This is quite dangerous, especially for senior persons who have trouble moving around, being flexible, and maintaining their balance. Slipping in the bathroom accounts for the majority of fall-related home accidents. Yet, this can be considerably decreased by providing seniors with a suitable anti-slip bathing mat in the bathroom.
There are several different non-slip bath mats on the market. This article examines some of the best and explains what makes them so excellent and ideal for elderly people.
What is a Non-slip Bath Mat
This is a crucial bathroom accessory for seniors and those with mobility challenges since it offers a stable grip surface in the shower and bath, reducing the danger of slips and falls.
Best Non-slip Bath Mats for the Elderly
KMAT Shower Mat
This bath mat is made of sturdy TPE that does not leak chemicals and is free of BPA, latex, and phthalates. Its non-slip surface helps prevent falls and it fits the majority of shower stalls and bathtubs. It has a rough surface and several suction cups that firmly hold the shower floor in place.
The mat has a large number of drainage holes that help prevent water from pooling and growing mould and mildew. It should be taken off, cleaned frequently, and allowed to air-dry to avoid soap scum and other dirt buildups over time.
Pros
- It is made of heavy-duty materials
- It is devoid of BPA, latex, and phthalates
- The non-slip surface helps avoid falls and slides
- It is firmly held in place by the suction cups
- It has drainage holes integrated into it
Cons
- It needs to be rinsed regularly
- It might not be appropriate for tiled or textured surfaces
Features
- Size: 25” x 15.7”
- Material: TPE
Check out this bath mat at https://www.kmart.com/kmat-shower-mat-non-slip-bathtub-mats-bath/p-A090721378.
Gorilla Grip 35” x 16” Bathtub Shower Mat
This is a stable plastic mat that has 324 suction cups. The mat has a distinctive hexagon shape and a top that is textured, soft, and pleasant. Its material composition is latex-free, BPA-free, non-toxic, antibacterial, and mildew resistant.
The mat can be machine washed, making it simple to remove any bacteria or slippery buildup that can accumulate over time. It also includes tiny holes throughout to assist stop water from collecting under the mat. Moreover, a variety of colors are available to complement any bathroom design.
Pros
- It can be machine washed
- It comes in many different colors
- The 324 suction cups are used to hold it in place
Cons
- It is not meant for usage on freshly refinished surfaces
- The plastic smell is unpleasant
Features
- Size: 35” x 16”
- Material: Plastic
Find out more about this mat at https://gorillagrip.com/products/bath-mat-hex.
SlipXSolutions Extra-large Shower Mat
This is a square-shaped shower mat. Its drainage system is extremely well-designed, and there will be no problems with water overflow. It is non-slip, thanks to the more than 100 suction cups on its back side, which also make it rather comfortable to walk on.
It is simple to fold and dry. The pores on it help with drainage and also aid in drying the product. In addition, it is also machine washable and available in a variety of colors.
Pros
- It is durable
- It is simple to clean
- It contains suction cups that aid with stability
Cons
- It cannot be used with textured or refinished flooring
Features
- Size: 27” x 27”
- Material: High-quality durable PEVA
Find out more about this bath mat at https://slipxsolutions.com/product/extra-large-shower-mat-2/.
Vive Health 22” x 22” Shower Mat
This mat is held in place by 200 separate suction cups to reduce the risk of falls and slips. It also has a 6-inch center drain hole to allow water to drain. It’s softly textured for comfort and traction, coated with antibacterial chemicals, and latex-free to keep mould and mildew at bay. It also comes with a 60-day guarantee, making it simple to return the shower mat if it isn’t the ideal one for you.
It is machine washable and should be dried on a hanger when necessary. It ought to be wiped clean after use daily to maintain its condition.
Pros
- The surface is textured for traction
- It is latex-free
- It includes a 6-inch drain hole in the center that prevents water from accumulating
Cons
- It is not available in a variety of colors
- It’s difficult to tell when it needs to be cleaned unless you take it apart
Features
- Size: 22” x 22”
- Material: Rubber
Look up this mat at https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-mat.
Safe Way Traction Textured Vinyl Non-Slip Adhesive Bathmat
The non-slip vinyl tape on this adhesive mat decreases the danger of falls in damp, slippery environments. Because it lacks suction cups, it is placed by peeling and putting it on. It is suitable for both wet and dry spaces such as showers, swimming pools, baths, health clubs, and other areas, and it is simple to cut to size.
The thinness of this mat decreases the possibility of stumbling over it. You may also use it to protect the tub both inside and outside of the tub when showering and drying off.
Pros
- It is simple to trim to fit different-sized areas
- It can be used both inside and outside of the tub
- The mat’s thinness aids in preventing tripping
Cons
- It is available solely in white
- It should not be used on rough surfaces or along grout lines
Features
- Size: 16” x 40”
- Material: Vinyl
Check out this mat at https://safewaytractionstore.com/products/16-x-40-jessup-4100-vinyl-anti-slip-non-skid-tub-adhesive-bath-mat-4100-16×40-rw-ct.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shower Mats for Seniors
Material and Slip Resistance
Most shower mats have some slip resistance, however, the materials used to give this characteristic differ. It is best to opt for a mat made of non-toxic materials that do not contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA, which have been connected to various health problems.
Color and Size
Shower mats are scaled based on their length and breadth, and the majority of them are pre-installed and ready to use in a normal shower stall or bathtub. Measure the bathtub floor or shower stall before you buy a shower mat. Then, pick a mat that is just a little bit smaller so that it can fit easily.
Many shower mats are offered in neutral colors to blend in discretely with the shower or bathtub area. Additionally, there are brightly-colored options available if you would prefer them.
Cleaning and Care
Despite the claims made by some mats that they are antibacterial and mildew-resistant, a mat with suction cups on the back is particularly prone to mildew and mould. Mould and mildew, as well as odors and stains, are all produced over time by moist environments.
It is advisable to rinse the shower mat after every use and hang it out to air dry to protect it from harm. If your shower mat is machine washable, wash it once or twice a week to get rid of soap scum and stains.