We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Products & Reviews The 7 Best Shower and Bath Mats To Avoid Slipping Those who are at risk of falling can shower safely with these top mats. By Danielle Zoellner Updated on March 20, 2024 Medically reviewed by Forest Miller, OTR/L Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Kristin Kempa Bath mats make the surface of a tub or shower less slippery for whoever is stepping into it, which is why they are especially important for anyone who is at a higher risk of falling in the shower or tub. When looking for internal shower mats, Marzena Gieniusz, MD, who specializes in geriatric medicine at Northwell Health in New York, recommends looking for options that feature microfiber or rubberized material and drainage holes. Holes are important for preventing mold growth and assisting in removing water from the mat’s surface. When looking for external bath mats or rugs, she recommends looking for options with non-slip grip bottoms to reduce falling as you step out of the shower or bath. The most important factor when shopping for a non-slip bath mat is that it will stay in place throughout the bathing process to make for a safe shower or bath. To help you find the right mat for your shower, we used expert guidance to narrow down our list of the best mats based on textured surface, drainage, and non-slip grip. These are our top picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: MontVoo Non-Slip Bathtub Mat at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Budget: Yimobra Original Bathtub Mat at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Bamboo: Bamfan Bamboo Non-slip Bath Mat at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best for Seniors: Gorilla Grip Original Bath Mat at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Bubble Textured: OTHWAY Non-Slip Rubber Bath Mat at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best External Bath Mat: Buganda Non-Slip Bathroom Mat at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Tub Shower: AmazerBath Bath Tub Mat at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall MontVoo Non-Slip Bathtub Mat Amazon View On Amazon $18 Pros Comfortable on the feet BPA-free Rubber treads prevent slipping Cons Can be difficult to clean Why We Recommend It Aside from preventing falls in the bath or shower, a key design feature of a bath mat for seniors is that it feels good against the feet. The MontVoo Non-Slip Bathtub Mat has both of these qualities. The woven design feels comfortable against the feet and provides a non-slippery surface for seniors to stand on when bathing. Additionally, the bath mat has sturdy rubber treads on the bottom to secure the product to the surface of the tub. The mat’s woven design allows water to drain easily from the surface so that it does not pool around the mat and cause mold. The mat comes in three sizes, from 17 x 30 inches to 20 x 32 inches, so it should fit most tubs. Keep in Mind Hair might get caught in this mat due to its woven design. If you have quite a lot of dark hair, you may want to opt for another mat on this list. Key Specs:Materials: Woven loofah material | Dimensions: 17 x 30 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds Best Budget Yimobra Original Bathtub Mat Amazon View On Amazon $10 Pros Inexpensive Phthalate-free Machine washable Cons Only attaches to smooth surfaces Why We Recommend It Shower mats can get expensive based on the materials used and other features. Despite its affordable price, the Yimobra Original Bathtub Mat does not sacrifice quality. This inexpensive mat is perfect for a long bathtub and secures safely to the surface without slipping. The mat also has drainage holes to prevent mold growth. The mat is machine washable and easy to clean. Keep in Mind The one caveat is that the mat cannot stick to rough surfaces, so make sure your tub has a smooth surface before purchasing. Key Specs:Materials: PVC | Dimensions: 40 x 16 inches | Weight: 1.81 pounds Best Bamboo Bamfan Bamboo Non-slip Bath Mat Amazon View On Amazon $34 View On Sears.com $63 Pros Eco-friendly Drains water efficiently Multiple colors available Cons Can feel hard on the feet Bamboo might splinter with extended use Why We Recommend It Bamboo is a great material for a non-slip bath mat. Not only is bamboo eco-friendly, but it is also sturdy. This bath mat has a slat design, allowing the water to drain between each piece of bamboo to prevent mold growth. The bamboo is also waterproof, so you never have to worry about the material holding onto the water. Unlike some of the other options on our list, this mat has rubber feet fixed on the bottom of the mat to prevent it from slipping. The feet are safe to use on any surface and will not leave behind scratches. Keep in Mind Bamboo may splinter over time. For this reason, it's important to replace this mat once you notice signs of wear and tear. Key Specs:Materials: Bamboo | Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.2 inches | Weight: 3.31 pounds Best for Seniors Gorilla Grip Original Bath Mat Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart View On Gorillagrip.com Pros Powerful suction cup design Textured surface Includes drainage holes Cons Mat smells strongly when first unboxed Why We Recommend It The Gorilla Grip Original Bath Mat has made a name for itself as a top bath mat due to its non-slip surface and secure suction cup bottom. The bottom of the mat features hundreds of suction cups that easily secure themselves to any surface without fear of the product moving or slipping when someone steps on it. The mat's surface is designed with hexagon-shaped bumps that provide a textured surface for the feet that is still comfortable to stand on. This textured surface is important for preventing slippage, making the Gorilla Grip mat a great choice for seniors and anyone at a higher risk of falls. The design also incorporates drainage holes to prevent mold growth. Keep in Mind It may have a strong chemical smell when you first unbox it. However, this smell will go away quickly, and you can always throw it in the wash if the smell is bothersome. Key Specs:Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 35 x 16 inches | Weight: 1.76 pounds Best Bubble Textured OTHWAY Non-Slip Rubber Bath Mat Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $18 Pros Machine washable Comfortable on the feet Cons Can bunch up at times Has no drainage Why We Recommend It Bath mats designed with a bubbled or cobbled texture across the surface are great for seniors. The textured surface gives them something to feel besides a smooth surface when standing in the bathtub, which can prevent slips and falls. The OTHWAY Non-Slip Bath Mat is made with a rubberized material that includes cobblestoned bumps across the surface. There are also large suction cups at the bottom of the mat to prevent it from slipping out of place. Last but not least, the mat is machine washable, making it easy to clean. Keep in Mind This mat doesn't provide drainage holes, which may lead to mold growth. However, it is machine washable, so just make sure to throw it in the wash regularly. Key Specs:Materials: Natural rubber | Dimensions: 16 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds Best External Bath Mat Buganda Non-Slip Bathroom Mat Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $8 Pros Comfortable on the feet Comes in multiple colors Cons Mat is thinner than other options Can be difficult to clean Why We Recommend It Sometimes comfort is priority number one when it comes to a bath mat. The Buganda Non-Slip Bathroom Mat is created with memory foam, which will form to your foot each time you step on it and make you feel like you are walking on a cloud. But that’s not the only great thing about this mat. It is constructed with a natural latex backing that will prevent it from slipping around on the bathroom floor. The mat also has strong water absorption and soaks up water to prevent it from pooling around your feet. The mat also comes in a variety of colors. Keep in Mind Even though this mat is made with plush foam, it's thinner than it looks. While this may not be an issue for some, if you're looking for a thick and fluffy mat, this won't be your best choice. Key Specs:Materials: Memory foam | Dimensions: 24 x 17 inches | Weight: 0.66 pounds Best for Tub Shower AmazerBath Bath Tub Mat Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Amazerbath.com Pros Fits most tubs Comes in multiple colors Sticks to most surfaces Cons Mat smells strongly when first unboxed Can be uncomfortable on the feet Why We Reccomend It Finding a mat that will fit the entire length of your tub can be difficult, but the AmazerBath Bath Tub Mat is 40 inches long and should fit the length of most tubs. This is optimal for anyone who is showering in a tub shower and doesn’t want to worry about slipping on any portion of the surface. Since the mat is so large, it also features 200 suction cups at the bottom of the mat to help secure it to any surface and prevent slippage. There are also 176 drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the product. These holes help dry out the mat and keep mold growth away. The mat also comes in a variety of colors to suit your bathroom needs. Keep in Mind This mat may smell of chemicals as you unbox it, but the scent should dissipate quickly with use. Key Specs:Materials: PVC | Dimensions: 40 x 16 inches | Weight: 1.87 pounds What to Look For in a Non-Slip Shower Mat Non-Slip Grip First and foremost, when shopping for a bath mat, the product needs to be able to stick to the surface of the tub or the shower so that it remains in place. Most bath mats have special surfaces like rubber or suction cups to hold them in place. Richard Dupee, MD, FACP, AGSF, chief of geriatrics service at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, explains that you want to look for the strongest suction possible when looking for an internal shower mat. For external bath mats, suction won't be necessary, but you should still opt for a product with rubber on the bottom to keep it from sliding around. Textured Mat Surface Shower mats with a smooth surface increase the chances of falls, which is why it is important to purchase one with a textured surface. Dr. Dupee recommends a surface that is similar to that of a loofah or a cobblestone design, as it can reduce the risk of falling due to neuropathy. The downside to textured surfaces is that they often feel hard against the feet. However, different products are made with soft rubber, so you should be able to find one that is both textured and comfortable to stand on. Drainage Holes Drainage holes are necessary for a bath mat to prevent water and soap residue from pooling around the product, which can promote mold growth. Drainage holes also make it easy to quickly rinse the mat before entering the tub or shower. Dr. Dupee strongly recommends that seniors rinse their mat before stepping over the ledge of a shower or bath mat to wash away soap residue, which can create a slippery surface. Our Experts We used research and expert guidance throughout every step of creating this roundup. The experts we consulted included: Marzena Gieniusz, MD, a physician specializing in geriatric medicine at Northwell Health in New York and assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Richard Dupee, MD, FACP, AGSF, chief of geriatrics service at Tufts Medical Center in Boston Frequently Asked Questions What bath mat materials are easiest to clean? Generally speaking, shower mats are pretty easy to clean, regardless of their materials. Dr. Gieniusz recommended cleaning your mat regularly by rinsing it and then letting it dry completely to avoid soap scum build-up. What type of non-slip shower mat is best for seniors? When choosing a shower mat for seniors, it’s important to ensure the mat covers most of the shower or tub surface. The bath mat must also include suction cups that make it stick to the surface to prevent the mat from slipping around the tub. How do you prevent a non-slip shower mat from growing mold? Depending on the design of the mat, water and soap scum can pool around it and create the perfect breeding ground for mold. To avoid mold growth, opt for a mat with drainage holes. Some shower mats can be washed in the washing machine, so be sure to check manufacturer instructions before purchasing if you prefer a mat that can be machine-washed. Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. By Danielle Zoellner Danielle is a freelance writer based in NYC with a background in health writing.She’s written for publications like The Independent, DailyMail.com, and Vox.Danielle has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit