What To Think About Before Purchasing An Anti Fatigue Mat

 

Millions of dollars are lost annually as a result of worker suffering. one of the principal offenders? Standing. Spending a large portion of the workweek on your feet can cause foot discomfort, leg pain, and back pain. However, there are situations when standing itself is less at fault than the surface you're standing on. This is where anti-fatigue mats come in – they provide a much better surface underfoot that helps to decrease the occurrence of pain. Before making a purchase, take into account the following:

Has the mat's hardness and softness been optimized?

A mat that is excessively soft is more likely to wear out rapidly and can actually make you feel more exhausted. On the other hand, one that is overly hard is just useful for standing on the hard floor. You must settle on one that lies somewhere between these two.

Does the mat provide a balance between instability and stability?
In these kinds of matting, some instability is actually preferred. Small postural alterations and increased blood flow are encouraged by this, but there shouldn't be too much instability that it causes tiredness or poses a safety risk. Too much stability might lead to uncomfortable pressure points. 

Does the mat resist bottoming out without being too soft?
A soft mat's cushioning substance stops performing its intended purpose when it is fully compressed, at which point it starts to behave like a mat that is excessively hard. The material must balance being neither too soft nor too firm.
 

Does the mat sufficiently respond to worker movements?
As the worker changes their weight, a responsive mat will quickly take its previous shape. However, if its rebound is delayed, the worker may really be walking on padding that has partially compressed, which lessens its anti-fatigue advantages.
 

Does the mat absorb and return energy?
The anti fatigue mat can effectively cushion falls and unexpected movements provided it can absorb shocks without bottoming out. However, if it absorbs too much energy, it could cause you to feel like you're standing on sand (which makes for an uncomfortable work surface).
 

Does the mat resist movement under use?
Any mat that is flexible has the potential to endanger users. When some foams are utilized, they can break down and produce a slick layer of "dust" between the mat and the floor. In some cases, this can be the material's fault. Other times, it's just too light, plain and simple.
 

Is the mat easy to clean?
Some patterns and materials are known to collect dirt and even harbour bacteria, making them challenging to clean and even posing a risk of creating unhealthy conditions. For the healthcare or food service sectors, pick alternatives that are simple to clean.
 

Is the mat durable?
Consider asking yourself how quickly it wears out and how frequently it needs to be replaced. You should look for mats that can maintain their effectiveness for a longer period of time than others can. The ability to last a long time is where the actual worth is.

Finding a good anti-fatigue mat ultimately depends on a wide range of factors, including the materials used in its construction, its general design, its longevity, and the environment in which it will be used. Making the best purchase requires understanding what makes one mat more successful than another; we hope that the factors listed below have made your decision-making process simpler than ever. If you require any additional help, get in touch with us.