There are many considerations to bear in mind when learning how to choose an anti-fatigue mat. In this article, I guide you through 16 important factors that you need to consider when choosing an anti-fatigue mat to ensure that you can battle fatigue and discomfort while picking the best mat available for your needs, environment and budget.
Let’s get straight into it!
How to choose an anti-fatigue mat
When choosing an anti-fatigue mat, the below factors will be influential and choosing an anti-fatigue mat that is suited to your requirements and area.
1. Shape
2. Size
3. Material
4. Resilience
5. Thickness
6. Ergonomics
7. Environment
8. Purpose
9. Quality
10. Weight
11. Weight capacity
12. Hygiene requirements
13. Traffic
14. Cost
15. Warranty
16. Moveability
Shape
Fatigue-reducing mats are typically sold in a square or rectangular shape.
Mats also have angles and can be tapered to reduce the risk of tripping over them. If there are people or traffic in the area, the edges should be beveled to allow them to easily walk or roll objects over the mat.
This will also help reduce the risk of people tripping over it. Source
Size
The average sized anti-fatigue mat is approximately 20 x 32 inches, but some mats are available as large as 36 x 60 inches. 20 x 32 inches also tends to be the smallest size that they can be bought in.
The smaller sized mat particular applies to anti-fatigue standing desk mats which are designed to fit a single user as they stand.
If your designated area for an anti-fatigue mat is a place where you tend to move around, such as at a workshop or in a kitchen to access various pieces of equipment, the mat should either provide cover for these areas if you stand at them frequently. Alternatively, you might consider getting multiple mats or moving the mat as needed.
If you have larger feet or adopt a wide stance, or you simply prefer to have more space on the mat, then you should opt for a slightly larger mat.
For instance, people with a size 10 ½ shoe with a normal stance can easily be centered on a mat that is 34 x 20 inches.
Obviously, you will also need to bear in mind the space around your desk or work space and any objects you have in the way which could overlap with the location where the anti-fatigue mat should be placed.
Tip: If the range of sizes for the fatigue-reducing mat do not suit your needs or desires, you can also purchase custom cut mats tailored to your needs.
|
Product |
Size (inches) |
Material |
Weight |
|
Flexispot MT1 |
39 x 20 x 0.75 |
PU and PVC |
4.1 lbs |
|
Flexispot DM1 |
32.3 x 20.5 x 0.98 |
PU |
7.26 lbs |
|
Vari standing mat |
34 x 20 x 0.59 |
Rubber |
3.51 lbs |
|
Safco movable anti-fatigue mat |
20 x 30 x 1 |
PU |
4 lbs |
Material
Anti-fatigue mats are primarily available in 3 types of materials: gel, foam and rubber.
The most effective type of anti-fatigue mat from and ergonomic perspective is a gel anti-fatigue mat.
There are also hard rubber anti-fatigue mats which, as the name suggests, is an extremely sturdy mat. With this durability comes a sacrifice on the anti-fatigue and ergonomic properties. These are typically used in industrial settings which are capable of withstanding significant wear and tear while being easy to clean.
Some of these mats can be designed to tolerate hazards in the environment as well, such as chemicals, flames and oil.
Foam rubber activity mats are one of the most affordable mats available. They provide a better level of anti-fatigue properties and a relatively robust in terms of the environmental factors that they may be exposed to. This is why you’ll often find them in industrial settings, such as workshops, where heavy-duty mats are required.
Resilience
Anti-fatigue mats come in a range of soft and hard levels of cushioning. Anti-fatigue mats which have a harder cushioning will generally be more durable and capable of withstanding wear and tear and less likely to compress.
However, since hard mats are less capable of offering support and cushioning to the body, it means that they may not be suitable for long periods of use. This can alternately result in reduced increased fatigue and discomfort compared to a soft mat.
On the other hand, an overly soft anti-fatigue mat will offer more cushioning; however, it may become compressed over time and could also result in the user being able to feel the ground below them.
Therefore, the mat needs to be appropriate level of resilience to withstand pressure while you are moving. A key indicator of this is when you step off the mat, it should return to its original shape.
Furthermore, when standing up for a period of time, the standing mat should be able to offer you increased comfort and reduce the fatigue that you feel in your lower and upper body.
Thickness
The question of how thick should an anti-fatigue mat be crops up frequently. Anti-fatigue mats should be between 3/8 inches – 1 inch in thickness. This will ensure that the necessary level of support is offered to you while you stand on the fatigue-reducing mat.
If you are positioning the fatigue mat on a particularly hard surface, you may need to err towards a slightly thicker mat. If a mat is too thin, it puts you at risk of not having adequate support or cushioning while you stand.
Furthermore, it may mean that you are able to feel the floor beneath you, this is a key indicator of a fatigue mat that is too thin.
But if an anti-fatigue mat is too thick, it can represent a trip hazard.
Plus, despite them being thick, this may be simply an overly soft cushioning which can compress down to nothing.
In summary, thicker and softer mats are not always the best solution.
Ergonomics
Some fatigue mats may feature grooves and massage points which are designed to encourage micro-movements of the foot.
They may also have raised edges which allow for movement and stretching as you stand. They are some eccentric accessories that can be added to your standing desk mat.
For example, the Vari ActiveMat Rocker offers a bar that you can rest your foot on and rock it back and forth to encourage movement.
Environment
Where the mat is going to be positioned will dictate the properties that the mat needs to have. After all, it needs to be able to withstand the conditions of the environment that is in.
An office environment or home office tends to have less exposure to wear and tear compared to an industrial setting.
The below factors should be assessed to determine if the fatigue-reducing mat needs to have these properties:
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-static
- Chemical resistant
- Conductive
- Excess heat
- Fire-retardant
- Heat-resistant
- Insulating
- Non-fading
- Non-slip
- Oil-resistant
- Perforated for drainage
- Protect flooring
- Tapered
- Washable
- Wheelchair-friendly
Durability
When purchasing a fatigue-reducing mat, it may have more functions than just offering comfort and support to the user. This is particularly true in the case of people working in kitchens or industrial settings where other requirements come into play.
For example, the mat may need to be resistant to heat or provide antistatic properties, as is evident from the environment section previously.
On top of all those requirements, the durability of the mat is an important consideration. Office environments are likely to experience less deterioration, so a heavy-duty mat is generally not required.
A medium or heavy-duty anti-fatigue mats is probably required in workshops or assembly lines which have multiple users and hazards on an ongoing basis.
Fortunately, there are mats available which offer increased durability and have heavy-duty properties to ensure that they can withstand excess wear and tear.
Considering how much you will use the mat along with the elements which can be exposed to the mat will determine how durable the mat needs to be.
Should you buy a heavy-duty mat?
|
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 |
Tip: In office environments, sharp objects such as knives, scissors or heels are common elements which could damage the mat and should be considered when purchasing an anti-fatigue mat.
Quality
The quality of an anti-fatigue mat tends to be related to the type of material and cost of the anti-fatigue mat itself. Properties to look out for include high density foam, thickness between 3/8 inches – 1 inch, a good warranty, mid-range price and good product reviews.
The type of material on the anti-fatigue mat also indicates the quality of the mat. Foam, gel and rubber mats are the most popular types available in the market. Merely choosing a fatigue-reducing mat that is thick or has excess cushioning doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the mat is of high quality.
In fact, you may find yourself standing on a compressed mat after a short period of time.
Weight
If you’re wondering how much does an anti-fatigue mat weigh, then you’re not alone. The average anti-fatigue mat for an office weighs between 3.5 – 8.82 kg. The average weight for a standing desk mat is 5.94kg.
Factors that influence the weight of an anti-fatigue mat include the:
- size of the mat
- if it is perforated
- thickness
- materials used
- density
- quantity of cushioning and materials
Below are some examples of popular fatigue-reducing mats, their dimensions and how much they weigh to put it into perspective.
|
Product |
Size (inches) |
Material |
Weight |
|
Flexispot MT1 |
39 x 20 x 0.75 |
PU and PVC |
4.1 lbs |
|
Flexispot DM1 |
32.3 x 20.5 x 0.98 |
PU |
7.26 lbs |
|
Vari standing mat |
34 x 20 x 0.59 |
Rubber |
3.51 lbs |
|
Vari standing mat |
36 x 24 x 0.625 | High density foam |
5.95 lbs |
|
Vari ActiveMat |
35.5 x 23.75 x .75 | High density foam |
8.82 lbs |
|
Topo Comfort Mat |
29 x 26.25 x 2.7 |
PU |
8 lbs |
|
Safco movable anti-fatigue mat |
20 x 30 x 1 |
PU |
4 lbs |
Weight capacity
Anti-fatigue mats are designed to withstand a certain weight threshold. The best practice is to choose a mat that has at least 10% more weight capacity than you anticipate that you need. This can act as a buffer to ensure that any unforeseen weights applied to the mat are covered. The mat is not put under as much pressure and it has a greater likelihood of a lasting longer.
Choosing a mat with a weight capacity that is too low can result in the mat becoming compressed and not offering adequate fatigue-reducing properties.
If you are the only one that will be using the anti-fatigue mat, it could be as simple as calculating your weight and comparing it to weight limit of the mat.
However, if multiple people will be using the mat or standing on the mat simultaneously, calculate the worst-case scenario to ensure you’re covered.
|
Product |
Size (inches) |
Weight Capacity |
Weight |
|
Flexispot MT1 |
39 x 20 x 0.75 |
300 lbs |
4.1 lbs |
|
Flexispot DM1 |
32.3 x 20.5 x 0.98 |
300 lbs |
7.26 lbs |
|
Vari standing mat |
34 x 20 x 0.59 |
3.51 lbs | |
|
Topo Comfort Mat |
29 x 26.25 x 2.7 |
240 lbs |
8 lbs |
|
Safco movable anti-fatigue mat |
20 x 30 x 1 |
4 lbs |
Tip: Consideration should also be given to the weight of equipment or materials that will be held by the user as they stand on the mat.
Hygiene requirements
Most people associate hygiene requirements with a mat for a kitchen or clean room environment. But to and functionality earth prolonged, keeping the anti-fatigue mat clean is a consideration regardless of the environment.
- Ensure that the mat works to the best of its ability
- Optimizes comfort of you as you stand on the mat
- Encourages a longer lifespan for the mat
In a home or office environment, crumbs, dirt, dust and spillages are liable to occur. The more preparations that dimension is common the more difficult it can be to clean them at.
Some mats are machine washable which will reduce the effort required to clean the mat by hand. It can also provide a deeper clean than handwashing.
Sometimes, a simple sweep of a brush or vacuum will do wonders. You can find more tips here: How to maintain anti-fatigue mats – 12 easy tips
If you are working in a clean room or kitchen environment, there are mats designed to extend the along with the cleaning requirements every mat would need to undergo to comply with the clean room standard.
Traffic
In an office environment, it’s less likely that there will be any objects that need to be wheeled over the mat. That said, it’s advisable to avoid wheeling your office chair or stool on top of the standing desk mat as it can compress it and distort the shape.
As well as that, unless your anti-fatigue mat will be positioned in an area that people have to walk on top of to get past, less traffic will be advantageous in prolonging the lifespan and shape of the mat.
Plus, you’ll be likely to get away with a light-duty in most offices. or medium-duty mat.
If, however you are using in the mat in an area where it will be subject to more abuse, such as a workshop, garage, or outdoor area, a mat which can withstand more force will be better suited.
Heavy-duty anti-fatigue mats
have properties which allow them to be driven on with trolleys, cars or chairs, etc., and still be capable of maintaining their shape.
Obviously, these types of mat will offer less cushioning and support compared to a mat that doesn’t withstand such force.
As a general rule of thumb, the more force it a mat can withstand, the less cushioning it will provide.
Cost
So, how much does an anti-fatigue mat cost?
The average cost of an anti-fatigue mat can range from $4 – $185. This is for the average sized anti-fatigue mat which is approximately 20 x 32 inch. It is generally accepted that the more you pay for an anti-fatigue mat, the greater quality and durability. However, this does not mean that you need to buy the most expensive mat available on the market. Checking for positive customer reviews, purchasing from reputable brands and selecting a mat with a decent warranty will allow you choose a mat that is proportional in quality and cost.
Warranty
At a minimum, there should be at least a 1-year warranty provided for an anti-fatigue mat. A good warranty for a fatigue-reducing mat should be between 3 to 5 years. Some standing desk mats even come with a lifetime guarantee! When choosing cheaper mats, it’s likely that this guarantee period will be lower; this is attributable to factors such as poorer quality materials and design. In a way, it indicates how much trust the manufacturer has for the item. They’re unlikely to cover the object for longer if they anticipate it will degrade by then.
I was curious to see what length warranty some of the leading manufacturers in this industry offer, so I did some research. I found out that Flexispot and Vari offer a 1-year warranty on their anti-fatigue mats. Ergodriven offer better again with a 7-year warranty.
But wait, if you think 7 years is a good warranty, in the next section, I’ll link to my favorite fatigue-reducing mat which has a lifetime warranty!
Moveability
Being able to move the mat is important, especially if you are working at a sit stand desk. But you will need to move them away each time that you want to sit on your office chair or stool. Since it’s not recommended to wheel the chair or stool on top of the mat, being able to move it easily will ensure that you don’t end up discarding the mat or get sick of moving it and never use it.
Fortunately, most mats are lightweight and relatively small which makes them portable.
One of my favorite fatigue-reducing mats is the Safco Movable Anti-Fatigue Mat. It can be moved by simply placing your foot on a designated spot on the mat and pushing it to the required area. This saves on the hassle of having to bend down and move it out of your way. It also has beveled edges which makes it easier to clean.
Conclusion
In summary, anti-fatigue mats come in a range of shapes, sizes, costs and designs. By using the above guidelines, you should be able to identify the factors that are important to you and your environment. Plus, if you come across anti-fatigue mats which have a lifetime warranty, care and cost of the mat can become less important. A lifetime warranty it’s phenomenal value when you think about it.
Remember, most companies offer a return policy of 30 days, so even if you discover that the mat isn’t suited, you can usually return it for another one!
Anti-fatigue mats are often used in conjunction with standing desk chairs. If you’re curious as to what experts recommend regarding how to use an anti-fatigue mat along with some other frequently asked questions, then you’re not alone. Find out right now by reading: How do anti-fatigue mats work? With FAQs
I hope that this website will help you on all topics related to your home office and your work area. That said, if you have any queries or comments on the above or anything in general, please drop them in the box below. I would be delighted to hear from you!
Sources
https://www.vari.com/accessories/standing-mats/
https://www.flexispot.com/