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Non-slip bath mats: size, suction and surface

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Why a bath mat matters

MedlinePlus lists placing a slip-proof mat in the bathtub or shower, and putting hand rails in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet, among the steps that help prevent falls at home.

A mat is one part of that. If someone in the home is unsteady, add hand rails too, and talk with a health care provider about fall risk.

Size: cover where you stand

Gorilla Grip lists its bath mat at 35 x 16 inches and calls it longer than other mats; its square shower mat is 21 x 21 inches for standing showers. Vive lists a 28 x 16 inch rectangular mat and a 26 x 15 inch oval mat.

Measure the flat part of your tub floor before you order so the mat lies flat without curling up the sides.

Suction and the surface underneath

Suction mats need a smooth surface. Gorilla Grip says to install its mats only on smooth, clean, non-textured, non-tiled surfaces, not on newly refinished tubs, shower pans or grout lines. Vive says its suction base needs a smooth surface and will not work on a textured tub.

Vive lists 116 suction cups on its 28 x 16 inch mat and 167 on its oval mat; Gorilla Grip lists hundreds of suction cups on both of its mats.

Drainage and cleaning

Gorilla Grip lists hundreds of drainage holes so water flows under the mat toward the drain, BPA-free materials and a pebble-textured hexagon top. Vive's oval mat has drainage holes and a lightly textured surface, while its rectangular mat has a ribbed surface. Vive says its mats are latex-free and mold and mildew resistant.

Both brands say their mats are machine washable. Vive says to rinse the mat and remove it from the tub after each use; Gorilla Grip says to air dry by hanging it over the side of the tub.

Getting the suction to hold

Vive's setup steps: thoroughly clean the base of the tub, rinse well and dry it completely, then place the mat and press down gently over the whole mat to engage each suction cup. Gorilla Grip also says the surface must be smooth and clean.

Vive says its 28 x 16 inch mat's textured surface is suitable for sitting or standing in the tub. Vive also says that periodic machine washing removes oil and soap buildup from its oval mat.

Check the mat each time you shower. If an edge lifts or the mat slides, take it out, clean the tub and mat, and set it again.

Guarantee

Vive lists a lifetime guarantee on its 28 x 16 inch and oval bath mats. Gorilla Grip's product pages do not list a warranty term.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Do non-slip bath mats work on textured tubs?

Not suction mats like these. Vive says its suction base needs a smooth surface, and Gorilla Grip says to use its mats only on smooth, non-textured surfaces.

Should I leave the bath mat in the tub?

Vive says to rinse its mat and remove it after each use; Gorilla Grip suggests hanging it over the tub side to air dry.

Can you sit on a non-slip bath mat?

Vive says its 28 x 16 inch mat's textured surface is suitable for sitting or standing in the tub.

What else helps prevent bathroom falls?

MedlinePlus lists hand rails in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet, along with a slip-proof mat in the tub or shower.

Can I put a suction bath mat on tile?

Gorilla Grip says not on tiled surfaces or grout lines; its mats need smooth, non-textured surfaces.

Sources

• Bath Mat (gorillagrip.com), Gorilla Grip
• Shower Mat (gorillagrip.com), Gorilla Grip
• 28 x 16 Bath Mat (vivehealth.com), Vive
• 26 Oval Bath Mat (vivehealth.com), Vive
• Preventing falls (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus

Sources checked 2026-10-18.