As you age in the home, you will likely find that the bathroom can be a surprisingly dangerous place. In fact, the CDC estimates that roughly 80% of injuries in the bathroom are the result of slips and falls.
One easy way to help prevent falls is to purchase a non-slip bath mat. These mats are typically placed in a bathtub or shower to give the user more traction and keep them safe while bathing.
There are a variety of different kinds of bath and shower mats with a variety of different uses. There are suction-based non-slip bath mats and mats that stick without suction (usually to avoid damage to refinished tubs).
There are mats made for the shower and mats made for large tubs. There are also mats that are designed for comfort and mats that you can get without breaking the bank.
Overall, there are a wide variety of bathroom mats – made both for inside the tub/shower and outside of it.
We’ve conducted in-depth research on over 45 products to find the best bath mats for your unique situation.
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Best Non-Slip Bath Mat
In the non-slip bath mat business, Gorilla Grip is the undisputed leader. They have a reputation of creating the most reliable and strongest mats out there. And they didn’t get that reputation for no reason.
For their flagship Gorilla Grip Shower and Bath Mat product, the company offers an impressive 22 different colors to choose from. And at 35” in length and 16” in width, the mat will fit most any bathtub.
Obviously, this mat isn’t what you’re looking for if you need a square shower mat (see the SlipX Solutions Accu-Fit Shower Mat) or a mat to use in a refinished tub (see The Original Refinished Bath Mat). But for all other purposes, the Gorilla Grip Bath Mat pretty much gets the job done.
This product was made for stability, with an amazing 324 suctions cups to allow for world-class stability (most products only have around 100 to 200). In fact, although it is not recommended, some users find that – with the large amount of suction cups – the Gorilla Grip Mat can stick to a wet tub floor as well.
And the textured, rough surface keeps you in place even when covered in water and soap.
If you have sensitive feet, this is finally the mat for you. Most bath mats disguise their large suction cups by placing raised mounds on the surface of their product.
While some users find these bumps to be soothing on their aching feet, others just find them uncomfortable. Gorilla Grip has taken that into account and has designed its bath mat so that it has strong suction cups without the need for a large raised mound on the top side.
The main problems you’ll run into with the Gorilla Grip Bath Mat are the kinds of problems you’ll have with most other bath mats.
First, you may find that your mat has a strong plastic odor when you remove it from the packaging. Some users do not have this problem, but a small amount say it can be overwhelming at first. Either way, the vast majority of buyers find that the smell dissipates in a few days.
In addition, like most other mats, you can’t just leave it stuck to the tub or shower floor and expect it to remain clean. If the mat is not regularly cleaned and hung to dry, mold and mildew will form on the bottom.
Luckily, the Gorilla Grip Bath Mat is machine washable, so a quick toss in the washing machine can solve most hygiene problems you may have.
Also, it is apparently possible for some of the lighter colored mats to become discolored by some types of hair dye or well water, etc. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on purchasing a lighter colored mat.
Best Large Non-Slip Bath Mat
If you’re struggling to find a bath mat that will fit the entire length of your tub, you can stop your search now. The Enkosi Large Non-Slip Bath Mat is the longest bath mat on the market – at an impressive 40 inches in length.
There are 28 different colors to choose from and, for under $20, this mat is a pretty good deal.
It has around 200 suction cups on the bottom, drain holes throughout the mat for easy drainage, and a textured surface to prevent slipping.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Enkosi Non-Slip Bath Mat is that it is one of the few bath mats that consistently has no odor when originally removed from the package. Most bath mats have at least a mild plastic smell that usually dissipates in a few days. But the Enkosi’s users consistently claim that they have no such issue with their bath mat.
In addition, the Enkosi Mat is machine washable, to allow for relatively easy cleaning. Potential buyers should know that effective cleaning and drying is the best way to prevent an accident. If soap and scum build up around the suction cups (which may happen more easily because of the design of the suction cups), the potential for a fall increases.
The Enkosi Bath Mat’s design, like many others, places the suction cups into raised mounds in the mat. This keeps the suction cups from protruding from the bottom of the mat, but it requires the users to stand on these mounds.
Some users find that the mounds give a massage-like feeling to the bottom of their feet. Others just find them uncomfortable. If you’re considering purchasing this mat, you should find out if you would enjoy having the raised mounds on your mat.
Overall, if you need a mat that can stretch the length of your tub and give you peace of mind, the Enkosi Bath Mat is the best choice.
Best Square Shower Mat
Most mats that you find online are designed for use in a bath tub. But sometimes you need a mat exclusively for showers (i.e., the kind of showers stalls where the drain is in the middle).
In that case, you’re typically looking for a square mat that allows for easy draining through a central drain.
The SlipX Solutions Accu-Fit 27-Inch Square Shower Mat meets all those requirements, and it is the largest square shower mat we have found.
At 27” x 27” the SlipX covers most shower stall floors. It comes with over 100 suction cups and is notably consistent, with most users finding that it doesn’t move once they apply it to the shower floor.
The SlipX is designed to conform to your shower floor. It has small drainage holes throughout the mat, but, most importantly, it has a large cut-out hole in the middle to be placed over the shower drain.
This product also includes four equally-spaced large holes located about a third of the way across the mat. They allow for easy drainage and apparently can be used to quickly remove the mat from the shower floor.
I know a lot of people have tile shower floors, and it can be difficult to find a mat for them. The SlipX vendor does not recommend sticking the product to tile floors, but some users have found that the product sticks sufficiently.
If you do decide to purchase this product for a tile shower floor, please understand that you’re doing so at your own risk. There is a chance that the product cannot stick to a tile shower floor.
On the downside, this product has been known to have a pretty strong plastic odor upon unpackaging. The smell, however, typically goes away in a few days.
Also, the SlipX Solutions Bath Mat is on the heavier side at 2.59 lbs., but when we’re talking about a couple of pounds, I doubt any extra weight will make much of a difference.
Overall, when you need a square shower mat, a regular bath mat just won’t do. The SlipX Solutions Accu-Fit Shower Mat provides you with complete coverage of your shower and a design made to handle shower drainage.
Best Bath Mat for Refinished Tubs
Imagine you’ve got a beautiful refinished bathtub, but the floor is ridiculously slick. You want yourself, your family, even visitors to be able to use this masterpiece without fear of falling.
But you’re worried that a bath mat with harsh suction cups will leave marks on your refinished tub. With the Original Refinished Bathtub Mat, you can put your worries to bed.
This mat is designed specifically for use in refinished tubs – it’s even in the name. And, as hard as it is to believe, this mat is made to stick to the tub floor without the use of suction cups.
The vendor calls it their “reverse suction” technology, and, according to the vast majority of users, it works just as well (if not sometimes better) than regular suction cups.
The manufacturer does this by making the mat so that it stays completely stuck to the tub floor if you’re standing on it vertically (be careful though, some users have noted that leaning on it can cause it to slide).
The mat is a pretty standard size, at 30” long and 18” wide. It has a sort of a hexagonal cut on one end and a cut out for your drain on the other in case it hits the limits of your tub size.
The Original Refinished Bathtub Mat is designed for maximum comfort as well. While the raised mounds throughout the mat may not look very comfortable to some users, they are actually quite relaxing. They are textured to prevent slipping and are raised just enough to give a pleasant massage to the bottom of your feet. There are no suction cups underneath, so you don’t have to worry about feeling them through the rubber.
Also, if you’re worried about getting a rash or worried about your children or pets having reactions to chemicals in plastic, this is the mat for you. It is made of 100% all-natural rubber, so you know exactly what you’re being exposed to when you purchase it.
On the downside, at just under $50, the mat is much more expensive than most other bath mats. You can try to find other mats made for refinished or textured tubs, but I doubt you will find one as reliable and aesthetically pleasing as this.
Another potential problem with this product is that it has no drainage holes. While this may not be a serious issue, it could lead to a build-up of water and soap on top of the mat during use, potentially making it slicker. It seems like this is a consequence of the suction-less design of the mat and just something that you’ll have to take into account when purchasing.
Because of this lack of drainage or airflow, it is also possible for the mat to attract more mold and mildew on the underside if not cleaned regularly.
Overall, if you do have a refinished or textured bathtub, you probably don’t want to risk damaging it with suction cups from a shower mat. If you’re looking for a way to stay safe and preserve your refinished tub, the Original Refinished Bathtub Mat is the best choice.
Most Comfortable Non-Slip Bath Mat
Sometimes you’re just looking for comfort more than anything else. And when looking for a bath mat, that can be difficult to find.
Many mats aren’t designed with comfort in mind, just safety. The sweet spot, though, is when a mat is both safe and comfortable. If that’s what you’re after, you’ve found it with the SlipX Solutions Pillow Top Safety Bath Mat.
This mat is designed for comfort. It has over 700 air-filled pockets that mimic the feeling of pillow on your feet. The pockets are receptive to your fee, providing cushion in the bathtub instead of a flat mat.
On top of that, the surface is textured to prevent falling. And while the air pockets will conform to your feet, the mat stays in place. It has over 200 suction cups, and the vast majority of users found that once you stick it down it isn’t coming up.
Another perk of this mat is that it is made with high-quality natural rubber. So, if you’re worried about any kind of rash or reaction to chemicals in plastic, you can feel safe purchasing this mat. Another upside to this, is that there have been little to no reports of a strong chemical smell upon unpackaging of the product.
On the downside, this is a pretty small mat. It is only 27” x 15.5” – meaning it may not cover your entire bathtub. You shouldn’t sacrifice safety for comfort, so if this size will not be adequate, the SlipX may not be for you.
In addition, another potential flaw is that the SlipX cannot drain water. This is probably impossible given its air pocket design, but it could nonetheless lead to a buildup of water and soap on the mat when you’re using it.
Also, because of the lack of drainage there is the potential for mold and mildew on the underside. While this will likely happen with any mat (draining or not) if you do not clean and dry it regularly, the mats that do not drain or air out well may be more susceptible.
Finally, the issue that may cause the biggest problems is related to the air pockets themselves. Some users report that over time the pockets allow water to seep in, making the mat heavier and a little less comfortable.
Obviously, you want to avoid any seepage of water, considering it could also lead to extra mildew/mold. But the good news is that no one really felt that the mat was any less comfortable. Even if some of the air pockets became flatter, most users found that the mat was still comfortable.
Overall, the SlipX tops every other comfort-focused bath mat on the market. Its 700 small pillow-like air pockets provide the most comfort per surface area and eliminate any discomfort that would come with larger mounds.
Most other air pocket bath mats have fewer and larger air pockets, but when compared to the SlipX, they don’t match up in the comfort department.
Best Waterproof Bath Rug
If you’re looking for something a little different than the rest of the bath mats, you may want to consider a non-slip bath rug.
The Leotruny PVC Non-Slip Loofah Bath Mat is probably the best one you’ll find. It is 40” long, so it will cover your entire tub floor. Or, if you want, you could use it outside of your tub as a waterproof bathroom rug.
One upside to purchasing a bath rug like this is the comfort aspect. Almost every purchaser of this rug found that it was comfortable. And it makes sense, doesn’t it. As a rug, it’s almost a guarantee that the Leotruny will be more comfortable than some hard rubber bath mat.
At 0.4” thick, there’s plenty of support for your feet as well. And it’s very difficult to slip on a rug. The loofah-like surface will keep you in place even if it is wet. Some users even note that it can be used to scrub the bottom of your feet.
The downside to a waterproof rug like this is that there are no suction cups. There’s only a sticky rubber web on the bottom that’s meant to prevent slipping.
While the lack of suction cups may make other mats less comfortable, it can’t be denied that they are great at keeping the mat in place.
For a rug, the Leotruny does a great job of consistently staying in place, especially when the tub is wet. Most users note that they never have a problem. But, make no mistake, it is very unlikely that this rug will be as reliable as a mat with suction cups.
In addition, while this rug is very drainable throughout, it does have a tendency to collect hair and soap. It also stays wet longer than other, rubber mats.
You may have to clean the Leotruny more thoroughly than a regular mat. And it’s almost guaranteed to hold more water, so it will likely take longer to dry if you plan on hanging it up (which you will have to do because the vendor doesn’t claim that it is machine washable).
On the upside, however, you don’t have to worry about any kind of strong plastic chemicals, and most users say there isn’t a strong smell upon opening.
In addition, you won’t have to deal with the hassle that comes with cleaning suction cups, which can be magnets for mold and mildew.
A waterproof bath rug isn’t for everyone. But if you prefer the comfort and look of a bath rug in your shower or tub, the Leotruny is likely to meet all of your needs.
Best Value
The Yimobra Original Bath Tub Mat is probably the cheapest mat you will find. But that doesn’t’ mean it’s not a quality product.
Much like the Enkosi bath mat mentioned earlier, this product is extra long at 40” in length. So, if you need to cover your entire bathtub and are looking for a cheaper option, this is it.
In addition, the mat has the standard 200 suction cups that consistently do a good job of holding it in place. It has drainage holes throughout and a textured surface to prevent slipping.
Also, there are an impressive 19 colors to choose from. And the Yimobra is machine washable, which goes a long way in preventing the kind of mold and mildew that is common with mats like these.
While the Yimobra might not be made with the highest quality material, the manufacturer does state that it is eco-friendly. And the users that have noticed a strong odor (and that’s not too many of them) say that it disappears pretty quickly after opening.
And while a lot of users don’t experience any serious problems with stability and consistency, there have been some reports of slippage. Some users have found that the top of the mat can be slick upon opening, and others have found that it loses its stickiness over time.
This is contrasted, though, by reviews of multiple purchasers who said the mat worked consistently every day for two years or more.
Like a lot of other mats, the Yimobra does have raised mounds on the surface that cover the suction cups. But unlike a lot of other mats, there aren’t many complaints about discomfort.
Most customers find the raised mounds to be comfortable, even those with sensitive feet. This is likely because the mounds on the Yimobra are smaller than those on the typical bath mat.
Other Considerations
Whether you Have a Bathtub or Shower
The first, and most important, thing to take into account before you purchase a non-slip bath mat is to consider your own bathroom.
Do you have a bathtub with a shower head in it? Do you have a stall-like shower? Do you have a refinished tub? Do you have a walk-in tub?
The kind and size of mat you need will be dependent on whether you have a bathtub, standalone shower, or both.
For instance, the 40” long Enkosi bath mat may not be the best fit for a square shower with a drain in the center. It is not made for that and, even with its many drain holes, may even make it difficult for the water to drain (as it would be placed directly over the drain). In addition, you would probably have trouble even fitting the Enkosi in a square shower.
It goes the other way too, though. A square shower mat won’t provide the coverage needed for elongated bathtubs. And it would probably be too wide as well.
The Size of Your Bathtub/Shower
Another thing to keep in mind, which we touched on above, is the size of your shower/bathtub.
Obviously, you need to find a bath mat that is suitable for your bathroom.
It may be advantageous to measure your bathtub/shower. You can never be too sure of the size before you purchase, especially if you’re dealing with something like 35” compared to 40”.
What Kind of Floor Does Your Bathtub/Shower Have
Finally, you need to consider the kind of tub/shower floor you have.
Is it smooth? Is it tile? Is it textured? Is it refinished? Is it something else? These are the things you have to keep in mind when purchasing a non-slip bath mat.
If you have a refinished bath tub, you may want to avoid purchasing mats with suction cups, as they can cause damage to your bathtub floor. There are specific mats, like the Original Refinished Bath Mat, that are made to provide safety without harming refinished tubs.
And if you have a tile shower, it may be difficult to find a mat that sticks well to the floor. Most vendors outright tell their customers (for liability reasons) that their products are not meant to be used on tile floors.
Obviously, some products can stick to tile floors, but you are always running a risk that they won’t if you purchase products that explicitly say they will not work as well on tile floors.
Conclusion
Finding the right bath mat for your unique needs and situation can, at times, be difficult. That’s why we compiled a list of bath mats that each address a different use case.
Whether you’re looking for a cheaper option, comfort, more coverage, or a different design, you can probably find it in our list. If not, let us know, and we’ll research some more mats to answer your questions.
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