Best Non-Slip Bath Mats for Seniors

Bathrooms can be dangerous for seniors. With tiled, slippery surfaces and wet areas, it’s a room that’s ripe for falls!

Thankfully, there are many tools that can make a bathroom safer for elderly seniors. From toilet safety rails to grab bars, there are numerous installations that can be done to lessen the dangers associated with the bathroom.

One quick and easy way to make a shower or bath tub safer for a senior is through the use of non-slip bath mats!

Bath mats increase safety and comfort, with textured surfaces that provide traction for bare feet, reducing falls by providing a stable, slip-free surface. While it may not seem like a huge difference, non-slip bath mats provide much more stability than standard, smooth bath tub floors which get even slicker when wet.

In the article, we’re going to review some of the best non-slip bath mats for seniors as well as highlight how to select the right type of non-slip mat that will work best in your home.

How To Install Bath Mats in a Tub

Installing a bath mat in a tub is a rather easy and quick project.

• Step 1: Clean the bottom of the bath tub, making sure you remove any residue or soap scum.
• Step 2: Rinse the tub with warm water
• Step 3: Drain the water but leave the surface of the bathtub wet, as suction cups adhere better to a wet surface.
• Step 4: Place the mat in the tub and firmly press down on the suction cups across the length of the mat
• Step 5: Test the mat and ensure that it’s stable and locked into place

What to Look For When Choosing a Senior-Friendly Bath Mat

Let’s discuss some of the essential things to consider when shopping for a bath mat for a senior’s tub.

Small suction cups to lock in position

Seniors will want to choose bath mats that remain steady and secure on the bottom of the bathtub. Most bathmats achieve this through suction cups, which are placed along the bottom of the mat and suction securely to the tub floor.

The vast majority of seniors will likely be seeking out a bath mat that uses the suction cup design, with many small suctions cups covering the bottom of the mat to adhere it to the tub firmly.

Textured surface on the top of the mat

 A textured surface on the top of a bath mat offers greater stability and traction for the bather’s feet. On top of that, if you have a shower chair, the textured surface can provide a better grip for a shower chair’s feet.

Good drainage

You don’t want water and moisture to collect on the mat, as this can cause mildew and potentially become slippery after use. Opt for a bath mat that has small drainage holes, allowing any leftover water to seep out.

Antibacterial properties

To avoid the risk of bacteria growing on your mat, look for mats that are treated with antibacterial properties like Microban. An antibacterial coating will make it harder for mildew or mold to grow on the mat.

Mildew can make a bath mat much more slick and slippery, so antibacterial-treated bath mats aren’t just more hygienic, they’re also safer!

Machine washable

Seniors will greatly appreciate a bath mat that’s easy to clean. Ideally choose a bath mat that’s machine washable to make it ultra easy to clean. If a senior needs to wipe down a bath mat manually, they may be less likely to clean it as often as is necessary.

Correct sizing and dimensions for the bathtub

Bath mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any number of different bath tubs. Be sure to measure the bath and make sure you’re choosing an appropriately-sized mat.

Other Things to Consider For Senior-Friendly Bath Mats

Let’s delve into a few final considerations to keep in mind when choosing between bath mats for an elderly individual’s tub.

Tub mats can only be installed in smooth surfaces

All the non-slip bath mats covered here only work with showers and baths that have an existing smooth surface. This is because suction cups adhere better to a smooth surface than they would to tile or textured surfaces. If your tub has existing texture or grout lines, these mats may not be effective.

You can cut bath mats to achieve perfect sizing

If you’re only option for a bath mat is one that’s a bit too big, you can easily cut the mat with a pair of scissors so that it perfectly matches your tub’s size specifications. It’s important to have a well-fitting mat, as a mat that is too big or has overhang has the potential to make someone trip.

Ideally, hang the bath mat after use

Most non-slip bath mats recommend that you hang the mat in a dry area after every use. Most people will hang the mat over the side of the bath tub to dry between uses.

Leaving a wet bath mat folded up or untouched for long periods of time can lead to mildew or mold growing on it.

You may need to replace your bath mat over time

The final thing to remember is that as time goes on, you may need to swap your bath mat for one with more grip as some suction cups will have their adhesive abilities lessen over time and use.

Best Non-Slip Bath Mats For Seniors in the Bath and Shower

1. Tike Smart Large Non-Slip Bathtub & Shower Mat

The Tike Smart Non-Slip Bath Mat is a BPA and phthalate-free vinyl mat that boasts 167 powerful suction cups, ensuring it won’t move around when a senior gets out of the shower.

Measuring in at 31″x16″ for a standard size, it should fit shower stalls up to 31″ (but always measure to make sure).

The mat’s textured surface offers a fantastic grip, and there are drainage holes so water flows through the mat easily. You can even machine wash it too!

Fans of this mat love the textured grip that provides a comfy sensation similar to a foot massage! We also love that this mat comes in tons of fun colors, offering a shade that’s more exciting than just drab beige.

2. SlipX Solutions Extra Long Bath Mat

SlipX Solutions Extra Long Bath Mat features a textured surface for comfortable, stable traction. This mat measures 16” wide X 39” long, boasting 30% more coverage than standard bath mats. It’s made of durable vinyl with over 200 suction cups to attach it to smooth surfaces, along with drain holes to allow for fast drying and to prevent the mat from staying wet.

3. Safe Way Traction 16″ X 40″ White Adhesive Vinyl

The Safe Way Traction Mat is another great option for adding stability in the shower. The 16″ x 40″ white adhesive vinyl mat has a layer of fine texturing for improved traction. It’s a good alternative for those who don’t like suction cups, as this mat uses a simple peel & stick installation method that allows the mat to be applied to the tub without using suction cups!

With it’s ultra thin, low profile, it can be less of a tripping hazard than some other mats that can stick out if not installed appropriately. Just keep in mind that this kind of mat needs to be installed on a dry surface, rather than a wet one.

4. SlipX Solutions Extra Large Square Shower Mat

SlipX Solutions Extra Large Square Shower Mat is an easy-to-install, non slip bath mat designed for square-shaped shower stalls.

Measuring in at 27″ x 27″, the mat’s 100 suction cups secure the mat to any flat, non-textured surface in your shower. The mat has a large drainage hole which can be found in the center of the mat, along with plenty of smaller holes for added drainage.

5. OTHWAY Non-Slip Rubber Bathtub Mat

The OTHWAY mat offer a design that’s a bit more unique and different from other options. Made of heavy-duty rubber, this mat has a cobblestone design that provides textured traction and comfort with a visually appealing aesthetic.

Not only does this mat have a layer of strong suction cups at the bottom, but the added weight and thickness of this mat provides more security for helping it stay put.

Measuring in at 31.5″ x 15.75″, it has a large, long design that should cover most of a standard-sized bath tub.

6. Gorilla Grip Patented Bath Tub and Shower Mat

The Gorilla Grip patented bathtub and shower mat is a great mat for keeping you and your loved ones from slipping in the tub!

This mat measures in at 35″ x 16″ and features 324 small-sized suction cups, allowing it to stick firmly to any smooth tub bottom. It’s also unique in that it has hundreds of drainage holes throughout the mat to keep water and moisture away, stopping build-up on the floor and keeping the mat clean and dry.

This mat from Gorilla Grip also has a patented design with hexagon shapes that some feel provides an even better traction surface than standard circles.

Plus, this mat is machine washable!

7. Secopad Non-Slip Bathtub Stickers

Secopad Non-Slip Bathtub Stickers are just the option for tubs or showers that defy normal, traditional dimensions. If you have an oddly-shaped shower that no mat seems to work with, this is just the solution!

Instead of a mat, this setup uses stickers that can be placed anywhere that’s convenient, throughout the shower floor. Each set includes a pack of 24 stickers.

The installation time is incredibly simple – just peel off the backing on each sticker and apply it with pressure to any clean, smooth surface. These stickers don’t require any special tools or skills to put in place!

The stickers attach to the tub flooring with a special glue. No worries, though – these sticks can easily be removed without leaving behind any residue. And when it is time to remove the stickers, a handy scraper is included to make the process super easy.

The upper side of the stickers includes over 1250 tiny protrusions per piece, offering great traction to prevent slipping. It’s recommended that you install the stickers so that they cover at least 2/3 of the tub floor surface in order to properly prevent slips.

8. KMAT Shower Mat Non Slip Bathtub Mat

This shower mat is another great non-slip bath mat with an unusual rigged vertical panel design, measuring in at 25″ x 15.7″.

The KMAT Mat has a textured surface to prevent slippage, along with hundreds of small drain holes across its surface that allow for optimum drainage. Additionally, this product comes in blue or grey, so it’s easy to coordinate with your bathroom décor.

---

A lot of seniors have trouble with balance and slipping in the tub, which can lead to some serious injuries. It’s a good idea for anyone who has difficulty walking or is unsteady on their feet to use a bath mat that provides non-slip protection.

With so many options out there, it may be hard to choose one product over another. These bath mats offer different features depending on your needs: whether you want something lightweight or heavy duty; if you need portability or not– it all depends on your situation!

What is your favorite type of non-slip bath mat to use in the shower? Let us know in the comments!

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API