Bath Safety Mats, Shower Mats, Non-Slip Mats

The Most Dangerous Room in the House

The bathroom contains many potential hazards because of the presence of water that makes the surfaces slippery. Those who have mobility limitations have an increased chance of falling when getting in and out of the bathtub or shower if proper precautions are not incorporated. Using non-slip mats can help reduce the risk of falling by using them inside or outside a shower or tub. They can also be used outdoors for pools, hot tubs and saunas to help prevent falls from those attendant slippery surfaces. Serious falls can be life-changing; therefore, to maintain independence and wellness, it is important to take steps to ensure safety and to reduce the risk of falling.

What is a Bath Mat?

A bath mat is a mat used in the bathroom, and there are two basic types: the type that is placed just outside the bathtub or shower, and the type that is placed inside the bathtub or shower. The outside mat absorbs water from the body after a bath or shower and helps prevent slipping as well as water damage to the floor, while the inside mat is used to prevent slipping inside of the tub or shower.

The bath mat that is made to be used outside the tub often has a rubber backing to help secure it to the floor, and its surface is usually looped or cut pile that can be thick and plush. Most are rectangular or oblong, but the shapes and colors vary widely. A terry towel bath mat may not have a rubber backing and is more like a thick towel that absorbs the water from the feet. It also helps keep excess water off the floor. To avoid mildew, a bath mat should be hung up after each use so that air can circulate underneath, whether it is rubber-backed or not.

The rubber type of bath mat that remains in the tub or shower should be regularly cleaned on the top and bottom to help prevent dirt, mildew and soap build-up. These types of mats are typically excellent in helping to prevent falls in the tub or shower. Falls in the shower or tub can be especially dangerous because it is easy for the head to hit a hard surface, such as the floor, the tub, or the metal shower tap while falling. Older adults and children are specifically susceptible to falling in the bathroom. A cloth bath mat helps prevent falls in the bathroom since it helps absorb water from the feet as well as keeping water from spreading onto the bathroom floor. Both types of bath mats are invaluable for safety reasons.

How do I Choose the Best Bathtub Mat?

While considerations about the style and color of the bathtub mat are important for aesthetic reasons, it is much more important to consider safety first. A bathtub mat should not slide around in the tub. If it is being used by small children, make sure there are no pieces that are likely to detach and get swallowed. A mat that provides some degree of softness or cushioning is also helpful. To avoid falls and slips, find a mat that has suction cups or some type of anti-sliding feature on the bottom that will enable it to stay stationary once it is placed in the bathtub. It is a good idea to choose one that has some type of grip on its top surface, since slick plastic can still become very slippery if it’s wet, even if it is stationary.

If a small child will be using the bathtub where the mat is placed, consider its decorations and design. Avoid any option that has parts that are likely to loosen and detach, or that can be removed. Assess the quality of the bathtub mat, and do not choose one that will begin falling apart quickly, and have pieces that can be torn off. When choosing a mat, consider how the rest of the room is decorated. Try to find a mat that matches the color scheme. This also applies to the style of the mat compared to the theme of the bathroom. It should appear as if it was part of the overall plan.

What are the qualities of Teak Wood Bath Mats?

Teak wood is one of the most durable and strongest hardwoods in the world. The wood has a high oil content which protects it from insect infestation and gives it a natural resistance to rot. Teak is also known for its ability to withstand almost any type of weather. The oil in teak not only protects it, but also gives it an earthy aroma and a dark golden color. Since teak can usually endure temperature extremes without the use of preservatives, it tends to be a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

Boat builders often use teak wood for many different parts of the boat since the oil in the wood serves to repel water. It is a popular choice for the upper deck which is often repeatedly exposed to salt water at sea. It is also used in deck railings and ladders. Teak wood is additionally utilized in outdoor furniture and deck construction. It can typically be left outside year-round, and has been known to last outdoors for 30 years or more. If left unfinished, the wood will change color from a golden hue to a silver-grey tone over time. The wood should be treated with a sealant to retain the original golden color.

Teak wood is not only for outdoor use, it can be used for many indoor projects, from furniture to flooring. This type of wood can also be found in any area of a house, including saunas and bathrooms. It can be used for shower mats and sauna seats since the wood is highly water resistant. Because of its thick fibers, making it an easily sculpted wood, teak is also used for intricately carved furniture.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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