Non-Slip Bath Mats and Safety Treads
For individuals who will be standing in a bathtub or shower, even momentarily during the process of getting in or out, something to ensure safe footing is very important. There are two general types of non-slip products:
- Plastic or rubber mats that are removable
- Strips or mats that are permanently installed with an adhesive.
The better quality, more effective, removable mats usually depend upon hundreds of tiny suction cups on the bottom surface of the mat - or upon a material that has been specially formulated and textured to be slip-resistant. In either case, keeping the mat and tub surface clean and free of soap, oil and grease is essential to maintaining the slip-resistant properties. It should be noted that no removable mat can be totally slip-proof in a wet bath tub, even under the best of conditions. These products certainly enhance safe footing, but care, discretion and common sense must still be exercised.
The safety tread (strips or mats) that is installed with adhesive can also be effective in the prevention of falls in the bath tub. However, these too are not slip-proof.
