Choosing the right Anti-Fatigue mat materials for a unique workspace

Standing all day may make you feel like a superhero… Until your legs & and back file a formal complaint. That’s where anti fatigue mats step in—literally. These behind-the-scenes champions are made from different materials, each bringing its own special powers. Whether you’re in a bakery, a lab, or on a factory floor, choosing the right material makes all the difference. Let’s dig into the squishy, supportive world of mat materials.

What are anti fatigue mats made of?

Foam

One of the most popular anti-fatigue mat materials is foam. A anti fatigue foam mat is known for its excellent cushioning properties, which help to alleviate pressure from prolonged standing. The foam used in these mats offers a soft, supportive surface that encourages movement, improving blood circulation and reducing discomfort.

This makes foam mats an excellent choice for workspaces such as retail counters, dry industrial workstations, packing benches and production lines where standing is a daily necessity.

Foam mats are often lightweight, easy to handle, and offer great comfort. So, they work wonders for circulation by encouraging subtle movements as you stand. But—and it’s a big but—not all foam mats do well in wet or oily environments. If your workspace comes into contact with oil and liquid contaminants, it’s best to consider rubber matting with oil-resistant nitrile content.

There are 2 types of foam anti-fatigue mats. PU Foam and PVC Foam. Let’s look at the difference.

PU Foam

PU foam stands for Polyurethane foam, and it’s one of the most widely used cushioning materials across industries—from mattresses and furniture to car seats and, yes, anti fatigue foam mats. PU foam is a versatile polymer created by mixing polyols and isocyanates.

The result is a lightweight, flexible, and soft foam that can be moulded into various shapes, densities, and firmness levels. It offers a great balance between comfort and support. PU also offers better wear resistance, so the product is ideal where the user often turns on the mat during their working process.

Key Properties of PU Foam

PVC Foam

PVC foam (Polyvinyl Chloride foam) is a lightweight, versatile material made by adding a foaming agent to standard PVC during manufacturing. The result? A soft, closed-cell structure that’s cushioned, durable, making it an excellent choice for anti-fatigue matting in dry environments.

Looking for something slip-resistant, water-resistant, easy to mop, and easy to maintain? Closed-cell PVC mats are built for busy commercial zones where safety and cleanliness go hand-in-hand.

Key Properties of PVC Foam

PVC foam is essentially plastic with a puffed-up personality. It’s made by expanding PVC resin with a blowing agent, creating a structure filled with tiny closed air pockets. These cells don’t connect (hence “closed-cell”), so the material stays light but resists moisture, dust, and contaminants.

Rubber

Choosing the Best Rubber Anti Fatigue Matting

For high-traffic areas, rubber anti-fatigue mats are often the ideal solution. Known for their exceptional durability, rubber mats withstand heavy wear and tear, making them perfect for demanding environments like industrial workspaces, warehouses, and manufacturing floors. These mats offer firm yet cushioned support, helping to alleviate discomfort and reduce foot fatigue. Most importantly, they can significantly ease leg pain from standing on concrete all day, providing much-needed relief for workers required to be on their feet for extended periods.

Additionally, rubber is commonly used for slip-resistant mats, which makes them ideal for wet or greasy areas, ensuring safety while working. The drawbacks of these mats are that they tend to be on the heavy side and they provide less cushion than a foam mat, but they are durable mats for harsh environments.

Several rubber types are commonly used for anti-fatigue mats, each offering unique properties that make them suitable for different environments and applications. Here’s a breakdown of the most common rubber materials used and where they excel:

Natural Rubber (Blended)

• Derived from latex (a natural source), it’s one of the most traditional types of rubber.
• Natural rubber is ideal for dry environments like general manufacturing or dry workstations.
• Most natural rubber mats are blended with some recycled material and other raw materials. A small amount of natural rubber is used to bond together recycled rubber and other materials.

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

• A synthetic rubber designed for resistance to oils and chemicals.
• Ideal for machine shops, automotive shops, commercial kitchens, and areas with frequent fluid spills.

This cushioned floor mat can be used in foodservice, labs, or industrial spaces with chemical exposure. NBR is resistant to oils, fats, and chemicals. They are also often flame-resistant. That all is great, but what about comfort? It does provide relief, but is slightly more firm than gel or foam for example.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

• A synthetic rubber known for its weather and UV resistance.
• It’s best for outdoor or semi-exposed areas, rooftop workspaces

SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)

• A synthetic rubber blend with good mechanical properties.
• The general purpose of this anti-fatigue matting material would be for dry industrial or warehouse environments

Whether you’re working in a dry warehouse, a fluid-prone kitchen, or a sun-exposed outdoor area, selecting the right rubber compound is key to safety, comfort, and durability. From the eco-conscious blends of natural rubber, to the oil-resistant resilience of NBR, and the weatherproof strength of EPDM, each material serves a specific purpose. By understanding the unique strengths of each type, you can confidently choose the best rubber anti-fatigue-mats“ solution for your environment — one that not only reduces fatigue but also enhances overall workplace performance.

Recycled Rubber

• Often made from ground-up tires or post-industrial rubber.
• Typical application would be industrial, warehouse, or gym settings

Conductive/Dissipative Rubber (for ESD)

• Engineered with carbon or conductive additives to prevent static buildup.
• This is ideal for electronics manufacturing, labs or cleanrooms.

Anti-fatigue mats can be used for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection, but not all anti fatigue rubber mats provide ESD protection-only specially engineered ESD-safe rubber mats do. Consult our team of experts if you are unsure if your mat is an ESD anti-fatigue mat.

What Are ESD Rubber Mats?

Ever been zapped by a door handle? Now imagine that zap hitting a circuit board. ESD-safe mats prevent that nightmare. These mats are made with conductive or dissipative materials that route static electricity safely away from your workspace.

When Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mats Are ESD-Safe

Only certain mats make the cut:

• Look for carbon-infused rubber or conductive layers.
• Use grounding cords to safely discharge static.
• Check for certifications like IEC 61340.

Important Notes:

• Don’t assume any rubber mat is ESD-safe—double-check!
• Watch for keywords like “ESD-safe” and resistance ratings like 10⁶–10⁹ ohms.
• ESD Accessories like heel straps and wristbands may be required for full protection.

Comparison Table

Gel

A gel mat is often encased in rubber or vinyl and is mainly used in locations where comfort is of the utmost importance. This makes a gel mat ideal for the healthcare industry. The mat can be used in regular to high-use environments.

Gel mats are ideal for a medical setting, but hygiene is also very important to keep in mind in these settings. In environments where hygiene is critical, such as healthcare facilities or food preparation areas, anti-fatigue floor mats made from materials that are resistant to bacteria, mildew, and other contaminants are essential.

Mats designed specifically for these settings are often constructed with materials that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that the workspace remains sanitary.

Our Hygimat Hygienic Anti-fatigue Mat is made from materials with anti-microbial properties resistant to bacteria and mould, making them ideal for use in sterile or food processing/pharmaceutical environments. This product contains a revolutionary ‘gel foam’ material that combines the best in durability and comfort.

Vinyl

A vinyl safety mat is often used as a surface layer. The vinyl is an easy-to-clean solution and is resistant to many chemicals and moisture.

The COBAmat® Standard is the original premium multi-purpose safety mat widely used across the industry today. With interwoven vinyl strips, rather than welded, this mat provides better flexibility and has a lower risk of breaking. This mat is suitable for use in wet and dry environments or where swarf and debris cause problems and can provide underfoot comfort.

Regenerated Material

Sustainability is a growing concern, and some of our anti-fatigue mats are designed with regenerated materials. For example, mats made from recycled rubber or PVC are not only durable but also contribute to reducing waste in landfills. These mats offer the same level of comfort and support while being environmentally conscious.

Our Orthomat® ReGen 100 is made from 100% ReGen material, providing both comfort and sustainability. The regenerated design does not compromise the durability or performance of the mat, making it perfect for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint while still prioritizing employee comfort.

Is there a specific softness/firmness when considering anti-fatigue mats? In summary, the anti fatigue mat material plays a crucial role in determining its comfort, durability, and suitability for different work environments.

Whether you need foam for superior cushioning, rubber for slip resistance, a greener solution for sustainability, hygienic mats for cleanliness, or heavy-duty materials for durability, there is an ideal solution for every need. Choosing the right fatigue mat for your workspace requires expert guidance.

Our experts can help you select the Right Mat, First Time™, based on your environment and specific needs, ensuring the right material for optimal comfort and durability that will last.

In summary, now that you understand what anti-fatigue mats are made of, you might still be wondering, what is anti fatigue mat and how it truly benefits your workspace—simply put, it’s a smart investment in comfort, safety, and long-term wellbeing