Standing while working or gaming are rather similar activities. So, what then are the differences between an anti-fatigue mat v VR mat? Do you need both and which is better? This article critiques each based on 10 key factors to determine which is triumphant. Stay tuned to find out the answer to this… And what mistakes to avoid!
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Anti-Fatigue Mat V VR Mat
The key difference between a standing mat and virtual reality mat is that VR mats include bump guides to indicate your location and the direction that you are facing. This prevents you from bumping into objects and people while you are gaming. VR mats generally include anti-fatigue properties but generally offer less cushioning. VR mats are also larger to allow for movement while gaming and they are generally in a round shape. Standing mats are usually smaller and square in shape.
| Feature | Anti-fatigue mat | Virtual reality mat |
| Level of support | High | Medium |
| Cost | $4 – $185+ | $39.99 – $69.99 |
| Safety features | Multiple | Some |
| Thickness | 0.375 – 1.25 inches + | 0.23 – 0.625 inches |
| Durability | High, suitable for work environments | Low, suitable for indoor gaming |
| Weight capacity | 300 pounds | None |
| Weight | 2.74 – 13.2 pounds | 1.91 – 7.50 pounds |
| Material | Multiple | Multiple |
| Size | Small, medium, large | Small, medium, large |
| Style | Limited functional design | Variety of colors, logos, shapes |
Now you have a brief understanding of the key difference between standing mats and virtual reality mats. But there are some key differences that are essential to know before you buy! You might think up the idea of using a virtual reality mat if you don’t own a standing mat. But is that really the best solution? Let’s find out by comparing these 10 factors in depth. Read on to find out more!
Anti-fatigue mats help reduce foot and lower limb disorders in people who stand in one location for long periods. Source
What is a virtual reality mat?
A virtual reality mat is designed to help guide you on your position and the direction you are facing while playing VR games. VR mats include centering buttons which allow you to feel where you are positioned on the mat. This ultimately helps keep you on the mat as opposed to wandering off and potentially injuring yourself or hitting objects nearby. VR mats also tend to include anti-fatigue properties to enable you to stand with greater comfort and less tiredness.
Examples of virtual reality mats include:
- ProxiMat
- XPack VR mat
- VR Ninjas
Anti-Fatigue Mat V VR Mat
1. Level of support
Anti-fatigue mats are designed to offer a high level of cushioning and shock absorption to enable you to stand for longer periods with less tiredness and discomfort.
In contrast, virtual reality mats are usually thinner than standing mats that ability to reduce fatigue.
Most virtual reality mats include an anti-fatigue foam, but don’t take it for granted that it’s included. Confirm this first and also check the thickness of the mat. This will indicate how much cushioning you will get.
Generally, VR mats won’t have as thick of cushioning as standing mats as this could cause you to lose balance while you move.
2. Cost
Anti-fatigue mats range in prices anywhere from $4 – $185+. In contrast, a virtual reality mat can start anywhere from $39.99 and reach prices around $69.99+.
The majority of the time, it will be cheaper to opt for a standing mat instead of a comfort mat. Unless you’re opting for a cheaper entry level anti-fatigue mat.
However, opting for a cheap standing mat could cost you in the long run. If poor quality materials are used, the mat may sink quickly and fail to offer you much support.
Keep this in mind when deciding where your priorities lie.
If you need a bit of help with this, check out this article I wrote: Are Anti Fatigue Mats Worth It? 11 Unexpected Pros & Cons!
3. Safety features
Anti-fatigue mats are designed for a range of work environments including:
- Homes
- Offices
- Kitchens
- Workshops
- Electrical workplaces
- Labs
- Cleanrooms
- Outdoors
To accommodate such environments, you can choose the safety features of the anti-fatigue mats based on the environmental conditions it will need to withstand.
Safety features that industrial anti-fatigue mats have include:
- Non-slip
- Chemical resistant
- Drainage built in
- Fire resistant
- Oil resistant
- Anti-static
A virtual reality mat in itself could be classified as a safety device as it is designed to prevent you whacking into people or objects around you.
Generally, you won’t require many safety elements since your VR mat will only be used for VR and perhaps some exercise.
The primary safety elements to look for in a VR mat include:
- Anti-slip on both the top and bottom surface
- Bump guides for determining your position and direction
- Wide enough for you to move around comfortably
- Beveled edges to prevent you tripping over it
But be warned that a virtual reality mat should at a minimum not pose a trip hazard or slide while you stand on it.
Tip: Look for a mat with beveled edges to minimize the risk of tripping over it.
4. Thickness
Anti-fatigue mats come in an array of thickness levels, starting from 0.375 inches and reach thickness levels as high as 1.25 inches +.
The extra padding offers you a greater level of cushioning. However, choosing too thick of a mat could make using the standing mat a bit of a balancing act.
virtual reality mats have a range of thickness levels, but on a far smaller scale than fatigue-reducing mats.
The average thickness of a virtual reality mat ranges from 0.23 – 0.625 inches.
Plus, the material that virtual reality mats are made of makes them liable to sinking under your weight, whereas anti-fatigue mats are designed to be durable to this pressure.
5. Durability
Anti-fatigue mats are categorized based on different levels of durability. It tends to be based on the amount of time that the standing mat will be used for. Choosing a mat to suit your needs can be done by analyzing the below table.
| Type of anti-fatigue mat | Duration of use | Environment suited to |
| Light duty | < 4 hours a day | Office, reception |
| Medium duty | 4 – 6 hours a day | Kitchen, office |
| Heavy duty | > 6 hours a day | Kitchen, workshop, assembly line, outdoors |
The fatigue-reducing mat should bounce back to its original shape quickly as you shift your weight off it.
This is an important factor to look for when choosing a quality anti-fatigue mat.
Anti-fatigue mats can also be purchased with properties including resistant to:
- chemicals
- hot objects
- spills
- stains
- punctures
In general, anti-fatigue mats have a lifespan of around 2 years.
However, if you opt for the Safco Movable Anti-Fatigue Mat, you can get a lifetime warranty.
There is no guidance provided on the durability of a VR mat.
Furthermore, virtual reality mats are less durable than standing mats. They generally are not suited to be used in environments where there is water, chemicals, hot objects or oil.
Plus, using it outdoors may cause damage to it if it gets torn.
6. Weight capacity
When buying an anti-fatigue mat, you’ll notice that there is a weight limit provided. This indicates how much pressure the fatigue-reducing mat can tolerate without sinking or becoming damaged.
Anti-fatigue mats have weight capacities as high as about 300 pounds.
Surprisingly, I have never seen a weight limit for a virtual reality mat.
7. Weight
Both standing mats and virtual reality mats are relatively light.
Anti-fatigue mats have weights starting around 2.74 and can reach weights up to 13.23 + per m2.
Obviously if you’re investing in a large strip of industrial anti-fatigue matting, this will weigh more than a standard sized mat.
Virtual reality mats are usually lighter than fatigue-reducing mats and generally weigh between 1.91 – 7.50 pounds.
Whichever option you choose, they are generally going to be lightweight.
8. Material
Both standing mats and virtual reality mats have an array of materials to choose from.
Anti-fatigue mats and VR mats are both made from similar materials, including polyurethane foam, gel, vinyl or rubber. These materials have durable with cushioning properties.
There are some VR mats made from other materials including velvet.
Tip: For a top-quality cushioning experience, high density memory foam is one of the best choices.
9. Size
Standing mats are available in compact sizes suitable for standing one person on. Small sizes start around 17 x 24 inches. Larger standing mats tend to measure in around 24 x 70 inches.
They can range all the way up to rolls which are suited to workshops or more industrial environments.
Round virtual reality mats are also available in small sizes starting at 23 inches wide and range up to 47 inches.
They also tend to come in a greater variety of sizes and shapes including round, horseshoe, and square. In contrast, anti-fatigue mats tend to be only square or rectangular.
10. Style
Anti-fatigue mats tend to be designed with functionality and safety in mind. They are generally sold in a dark color and have limited design characteristics, particularly with industrial anti-fatigue mats.
Virtual reality mats tend to have a bit more focus on style. They are usually in a black color but feature logos and stylish grooves to use as a bump guide.
The ProxiMat Leaderboard VR mat allows you to even customize the print with your own logo!
Related: 7 Anti-fatigue Mat FAQs – Surprising & Helpful Answers!
Can I use an anti-fatigue mat instead of a ProxiMat?
Anti-fatigue mats can be used for virtual reality if you require cushioning to reduce lower limb fatigue while you game. However, standing mats won’t provide much indication of the direction that you are facing while you game.
This is because they don’t include home centering buttons or stripes.
If you are playing while barefoot or in your socks, you are likely to notice when you step off the standing mat. However, you won’t know what direction you are facing.
In order to avoid this, an expert tip is to turn a fan on so you can feel the breeze and thus determine your orientation.
The standing mat will also need to be large enough for you to game on without frequently veering off it.
Furthermore, the mat should not be too thick (no greater than 1 inch) as this could cause you to lose your balance while moving.
It could also cause you to trip over the mat.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a lot of similarities between anti-fatigue mats and VR mats. Generally, standing mats triumph over virtual reality mats.
But if you need a mat for both gaming and standing, a great option is to go for a virtual reality mat with anti-fatigue foam and guides to indicate your location on the mat.
The most significant difference between anti-fatigue mats and the likes of your ProxiMats is that the VR mats have directional guidance to indicate your location.
If that isn’t a deciding factor for you, then a large enough standing mat might work out just as good!
After all, if you’re going to be barefoot, you’re going to know once you leave the standing mat. You just won’t know the direction you’re facing!
If you’re still not sure or would like further dive into the many benefits of anti-fatigue mats, I have written some articles worth a look.
Here are some other useful articles I wrote that you should go check out:
- Balance board vs anti-fatigue mat – cheat sheet included
- How do anti-fatigue mats work? With FAQs
- How to choose an anti-fatigue mat – 16 essential factors
- Anti-Fatigue Mat V Yoga Mat – 10 Helpful Comparisons!
- How to maintain anti-fatigue mats – 12 easy tips
- 7 Anti-fatigue Mat FAQs – Surprising & Helpful Answers!
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