Best Anti Fatigue Mats

Royal’s Anti-Fatigue Mat in action

You wouldn’t think so at first, but standing for a long time on a hard surface can actually be exerting. An anti-fatigue mat is a padded, soft mat that relieves pressure from your feet, legs, and even back. An anti-fatigue mat is, therefore, an attractive option for people who have to stand on their feet for hours on end. For example:

1. People who work in a kitchen, either at home or in a restaurant, will find that an anti-fatigue mat will provide great relief. When preparing meals, you have to be on your feet to access everything in the kitchen. Standing and moving around on a soft, padded surface removes a lot of stress from your feet, ankles, and knees.

2. Receptionists or sales representatives: If you work behind the counter in a department store, for example, you’ll quickly realize how much of a strain it is to be on your feet all the time. Padding the floor with a soft mat will actually do wonders for your feet.

3. People working at a standing desk: Even if you sit much of the day, doctors advise that you should break up the monotony and stand for part of the time--preferably for a few minutes every hour. During those times that you work at a standing desk, you’ll find that an anti-fatigue mat is a wise addition.

You’ll see that there are different materials used in anti-fatigue mats. The material will determine how durable the mat will be, as well as how easy it will be to clean.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting an anti-fatigue mat. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of anti-fatigue mat,

• See useful tips about that particular type of anti-fatigue mat,

• Read reviews of different anti-fatigue mats, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of an anti-fatigue mat, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Memory Foam: The Gorilla Grip mat is made from memory foam. This has the advantage of being able to withstand great amounts of weight without deforming.

• Polyurethane: The iPrimio anti-fatigue mat is made from polyurethane and a high-density core. This way, it retains its shape for a long time.

• Rubber: There are anti-fatigue mats made from rubber. The Shinobu anti-fatigue mat is made from a mixture of rubber, polyester, and PVC. This ensures good durability, as well as being stain-resistant and easy to clean.

• When to buy longer mats: If you expect to leave the mat in place for a long period of time, it is recommended to buy a larger mat.

• Honeycomb variety best where there is a lot of water: The Shinobu anti-fatigue mat has a honeycomb shape. This is best for working in a kitchen or espresso stand--places where you might occasionally spill water. The water will drain out through the holes in the mat.

• Carpet on top of anti-fatigue mat: If you’re using an anti-fatigue mat in an office setting, it’s recommended to use an anti-fatigue mat with a carpet surface. This will combine the utility of an anti-fatigue mat with an elegant carpeted look.

• Easy to clean: The Shinobu Anti-Fatigue floor mat has large holes that trap dirt. It consists of large, hexagonal holes that allow water and any slippery liquids to drain through, while it still retains good traction on top of the mat. If the mat becomes dirty over time, it is easy to hose it down in order to clean it. The TechOrbits anti-fatigue mat is also moisture-repellent material, which doesn’t stain and can be vacuumed or wiped clean.

• Can you use high-heels?: Some anti-fatigue mats don’t allow you to wear pointy high heels. For example, the Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat is not suitable for pointy-heeled shoes. On the other hand, the Casa Pura mat is made from polyurethane gel foam and can withstand high heels and sharp objects.

• Non-slip bottom: Most anti-fatigue mats will have a non-slip bottom to keep the mat in place. An equally important feature is having edges that don’t curl up--that can also cause you to trip.

• Beveled edge: It’s best to get a mat with a beveled edge, such as in the Casa Pura mat. That reduces the chance of tripping over it, when going from a bare floor to the padded surface of the mat.

Beveled edge to TechOrbits anti-fatigue mat

• Dimensions: Companies will offer anti-fatigue mats in a number of dimensions. Gorilla Grip makes mats in the dimensions 32” x 20”, 39” x 20”, and 70” x 24”. Also, you’ll notice that some mats are only ¾” thick, while some are 1” thick.

iPrimio--are manufacturers of mats, rug and furniture grippers, feeding mats for pets, and more.

Tech Orbits--located in Mission Viejo, California. They are makers of accessories for the home and office. They make standing desks, anti-fatigue mats, laptop stands, monitor stands, chargers and batteries, and more.

Sky Solutions--are retailers of a number of kitchen and home improvement products. Their Sky Mats can reduce pressure on your feet, knees, and back by 32%.