The 10 Best Bath Mats
Special Honors
Frontgate Resort Skid-Resistant Bath Rug Though it is on the higher end of the price scale, this bath mat might make your bathroom look like one in an upscale hotel. Its surface is made of 100-percent combed cotton, the tall piles of which will whisk water off of your feet while warming your toes after the shower. The latex-treated back should provide a good grip too, while the 21 color options offer plenty of ways to dress up your restroom. frontgate.com
Editor's Notes
November 02, 2020:
We removed the Walensee Plush and Mayshing Shag Rug due to quality concerns and removed the NTTR Pebbles due to availability issues. New to the list, the Gorilla Grip Chenille and Momentum Luxurious are two options for those who want a shag rug outside their bathtub or shower. The Gorilla Grip Chenille is machine washable and can even go in the drier and the company has a line of matching products, including a toilet base and lid, so if you like it, you can easily create a coordinated decor for your bathroom. The Momentum Luxurious can also go in a washing machine, but it is not drier-safe. However it is very soft and comes in three sizes. The Mantto Drain is designed for use inside the shower or tub. One issue with bathmats generally is moisture building up on the bottom, so this model has hundreds of holes to let air in and allow water to drain. This helps it to dry out quickly between uses.
Note that most models that use suction cups are designed to be used on smooth surfaces only. If you have a tiled shower floor or textured tub, be sure to read the descriptions carefully before making a selection.
November 11, 2019:
Though long, hot showers can be a luxury, they can also be dangerous due to the slippery nature of tubs. Stepping out of the warm water can also come with some hassles and risks. We made sure our anti-slip mats address the handful of hazards and inconveniences of bath time.
We removed FeschDesign GripTight and replaced it with the Epica Natural. Though both offer a neutral appearance and textured surface, the rippled top of the latter can feel more comfortable on the feet than the jagged design of the former. The Epica Natural also repels soap residue better so, with that added safety benefit, we felt it deserved a spot more than the FeschDesign GripTight.
We selected several options that allow water to drain easily, as H2O build-up beneath one of these mats can increase the chances of slipping and mold. The lovely design of the NTTR Pebbles has holes between the faux stones for water to pass through, and the Vive Pad has a large cutout in the center that can be placed over the drain.
Comfort and safety when getting out of the bath is important, too, so we added the Genteele Super Cozy and the Walensee Plush, both of which will feel luxurious on your damp toes. They're like bath towels for your feet. We removed the Soothing Styles Teak since, though it is attractive, it provides no cushioning and has no drying fibers.
How To Choose The Right Non-Slip Bath Mat
Parents might want to choose one that is eco-friendly and made from BPA-free plastics.
The first step in choosing a bath mat is measuring the space you have for it. There is no point in considering models that won't fit within the confines of your tub. Never just assume you know the exact dimensions of you tub, either. A mat that is just a couple of inches too large may not lie flat, potentially turning into a trip hazard. Grab a tape measure, check the dimensions, and then write them down so you don't forget them while searching online for the perfect mat. When browsing through the models on our list, take note of the size specifications before hitting that buy button. After all, there is no point in knowing the exact dimensions of your tub if you don't check to ensure the mat you want fits within them.
The design of the mat should take center stage, as well. Will the mat be placed in a child's bathroom? If so, one with bright colors is often a good choice. Parents might want to choose one that is eco-friendly and made from BPA-free plastics. You should also consider the overall color scheme of your bathroom and tub. If your bathroom has a muted color scheme, you have two options. You can purchase a mat that blends in with the rest of your decor, or go for one that stands out as an accent piece. White mats blend in well with most bathroom decor, but the trade-off is that they tend to get soiled more quickly. Beige, grey, or even clear mats tend to stay looking clean longer, with less need for constant scrubbing. If you still prefer a white mat, try to choose one that is machine-washable.
Bathrooms are known for growing large cultures of mildew and bacteria. For this reason, mildew resistance should be a priority, too. Check to make sure that the mat you want is either made with, or has been treated with, mildew- and bacteria-resistant materials. This can help ensure that your bathroom remains clean and safe for all individuals. Mats with holes for drainage tend to be better at resisting the growth of mildew and bacteria than non-perforated options.
Bathroom Safety Tips
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the average home. The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and water can be a recipe for disaster. According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 22 million people over the age of 15 suffered a non-fatal injury in the bathroom in 2008 alone.
Installing a shower grab bar near the tub, shower, and toilet, can also go a long way towards preventing a slip and fall.
There are many things you can do to make your bathroom safer and ensure none of your family members become a statistic. That same report stated that falls were responsible for 81 percent of the injuries. Buying a non-slip bath mat and non-slip bathroom rug can greatly reduce the possibility of a slip. Installing a shower grab bar near the tub, shower, and toilet, can also go a long way towards preventing a slip and fall. A securely installed grab bar can help a person balance as they step in and out of the tub, or sit down onto the toilet.
It is also important to keep your bathroom clean. Bathrooms that aren't cleaned regularly will often form mold or soap scum. Not only can these build-ups be slippery, but bathroom mold can actually be dangerous, especially if it is the infamous black mold. It isn't just black mold that is a problem. All mold releases spores, which can cause a wide range of negative respiratory and other health issues, especially in young kids and the elderly. Using bleach, applying soap scum remover, and allowing your bathroom to completely dry between uses can greatly reduce the possibility of mold or mildew ever becoming an issue.
Health Benefits Of Daily Bathing
Despite the fact that the majority of us shower daily for sanitary reasons, research has shown that this also results in a number of health benefits. Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years to treat a range of health conditions, from paralysis and arthritis to depression and insomnia. Most might not know it, but bathing or showering in warm water is technically a form of hydrotherapy. It improves the circulation and reduces muscle tension.
The more they circulate, the better our body can fight off invading pathogens.
Improved circulation can reduce blood pressure and help the body flush the endocrine system. It also increases oxygen-rich blood flow to the extremities, which can help sore or injured muscles heal more quickly. Relaxed muscles around the rib cage allow the lungs to open up more while breathing, resulting in more oxygen uptake. This may account for why bathing is shown to reduce stress. When the oxygen supply to the brain is increased, it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which can promote an enhanced state of calmness.
Warm water baths also help boost the immune system. Increasing blood flow promotes the circulation of white blood cells throughout the body. These are the cells that help our body fight off disease. The more they circulate, the better our body can fight off invading pathogens. It isn't just hot baths that are helpful for our body. Cold showers and baths can stimulate the lymph and vascular systems, causing them to produce more immune-building white blood cells. They can also help to stimulate the release of testosterone in men, increasing the libido, and the release of nor-adrenaline and beta-endorphins, chemicals known to help fight depression. For the best health results, it is ideal to alternate between hot and cold showers on different days, rather than always showering at the same temperature.