Whirlpool bath mats
If you have been thinking about a hydromassage bath for a long time, but the thought of replacing plumbing, prices for equipment and all the delights of repairs scare you, you should first try a less radical option, namely, bath rugs with a jacuzzi effect.
Yes, these kids will not completely replace a whirlpool bath, but they will help you to understand whether you really need it. Let's figure out what kind of devices they are, what nuances should be taken into account when using them and which rug to choose in order to avoid disappointment.
Features and device
Most rugs have a similar structure, although they differ in details - color, form factor, additional options, size.
The standard arrangement of a whirlpool bath mat is as follows:
- the mat itself is a cloth made of wear-resistant rubber, with special fixing suction cups and irregularities on the working surface;
- head pillow (optional);
- air supply hose, usually about 2 meters long;
- compressor;
- battery operated control panel;
- various additional devices - a compartment for essential oils, a device for heating water or ozone therapy.
The average size of the rug is 1.2 mx 40 cm.
Most of the rugs are quiet, the sounds they make are more calming than annoying.
Devices have a different number of modes, usually from 3:
- light intensity;
- medium intensity;
- strong intensity.
You can also customize the duration of the session. Remember that most rugs need a 10 minute break between sessions. In addition, advanced models have a ton of additional settings that will help you get the massage you want.
Hydromassage mats have a number of pros and cons that you should know about in advance. Pros:
- in the absence of contraindications for use, the use of rugs with a hydromassage effect has a positive effect on health;
- the device does not take up much space;
- the mat can be selected for a bath of almost any size;
- much lower, in comparison with a jacuzzi, price;
- a wide range of models will allow you to choose a bathroom rug of any design;
- the ability to quickly rest and relax.
Minuses:
- contraindications are possible;
- Some may find the sound of the compressor unpleasant.
If we are talking about health benefits, then it is worth adding specifics. First of all, the mat can help the nervous system. You will quickly relax and calm down, more easily cope with the stress accumulated during the day. For people who regularly experience nervous tension, the device is just a godsend.
- The mat can be used as an aid for the prevention of flat feet.
- For sports lovers, hydromassage will help relieve muscle fatigue.
- The skin also has a beneficial effect, its tone increases, and gentle exfoliation occurs.
To experience all these advantages, the rug must be installed correctly. The bathtub must be cleaned and dried, and then, having secured the mat, check the reliability of the suction cups.
What are they?
Additional options provided in a number of models will help increase the use of the rug.
Heated
Bath water tends to cool down. And when using a mat, it happens even faster due to the movement of the water. In order not to constantly add hot water, pay attention to models with a water heating function. Such models themselves will maintain a comfortable temperature.
With flavor
If you are a fan of aromatherapy and want an even more spa-like effect from a rug, take a look at those equipped with special containers for aroma oil. Most importantly, be careful when choosing the essential oils themselves. Check if you are allergic to specific substances.
Different oils give their effect. The most common options are:
- help to calm down: lavender, neroli, rose, chamomile, oregano, cypress;
- invigorate: ginger, rosemary, nutmeg, orange, lemongrass, lemon balm;
- give additional moisture to the skin and take care of it: chamomile, avocado, patchouli, vetiver, cloves, spruce, jasmine;
- ease breathing with prolonged rhinitis: eucalyptus, tea tree, fir, cardamom;
- have antiseptic properties: calamus, acacia, basil, bergamot, hyssop.
With ozone generation function
Hydromassage jets with ozone therapy function will provide additional disinfection. They are believed to be:
- provide a bactericidal effect;
- protect the bathroom from mold and mildew;
- enhance the relaxing effect;
- tone up the skin.
Top Models
It's time to take a look at some of the most popular rug designs.
Sanitas SLS30
- country of origin - Germany;
- size - 117x36 cm;
- the number of modes - 3;
- additional options - absent;
- price - from 3.5 to 5 thousand rubles.
The most basic budget rug model without additional bells and whistles. Perfect for figuring out if you need a hydromassage mat at all. The advantages include the low price and good reputation of the manufacturer. Among the minuses is the minimum functionality.
Medisana MBH
- country of origin - Germany;
- size - 120x36 cm;
- the number of modes - 3;
- additional options - aromatherapy, timer;
- price - from 6.5 to 10 thousand rubles.
Quite a budget rug from a trusted German brand. A popular model with basic functionality and the ability to use aromatic oils. Ease of use and versatility of size are especially noted. The only drawback that users note is that the suction cups must be handled as carefully as possible, otherwise they may come off, in addition, this option does not have a water heating system.
Medisana bbs
- country of origin - Germany;
- size - 120x36 cm;
- number of modes - 4;
- additional options - water heating, the ability to work with essential oils, auto-off function;
- price - from 10 to 13 thousand rubles.
In addition to all the features of Medisana MBH, this model also keeps the bath water cool. The BBS works quietly, which is a significant plus for many. In addition, they note the pleasant material of the rug, the reliability of the fastening and the long service life. The only disadvantage is that the price is slightly higher than that of the previous samples.
Montiss WBS6230M
- country of origin - China;
- size - 105x37 cm;
- the number of modes - 3;
- additional options - water heating and ozone therapy;
- price - from 2.5 to 4 thousand rubles.
This is an economical option for a massage mat. There are no such guarantees as the German samples, but there is water heating and ozone production. Of the minuses: unreliability of fasteners and high noise levels.
Novasan Dr. Frenkel 702 IR 7
- country of origin - Germany;
- size - 120x36 cm;
- number of modes - 12;
- additional options: water heating, ozonation, a pillow under the head, an inhaler, a foot massage bath included;
- price - from 70 to 85 thousand rubles.
A whole massage complex, with a thermometer, a water temperature control system, ozonation and an additional massage bath for the feet, auto shut-off. You can adjust not only the intensity of the massage, but also its rhythm.
True, the price of the device makes you wonder whether it is easier to install a bathtub with a hydromassage function.
Selection Tips
The main thing to decide on is what you need a rug for and how you plan to use it. If you just want to try a whirlpool bath or are going to use the device irregularly, then you can choose a simple, basic device, with 3 modes of operation and no additional features. But if the rug will be in use all the time, then saving on it is not the best option.
We have decided on all the desired functions and model - it's time to choose the rug itself. Pay attention to the following points:
- elasticity and softness of rubber;
- the quality of trimming the edges of the rug;
- the presence of a warranty card and instructions in the kit;
- compliance of the actual model and functions with those stated in the documents;
- no damage to all elements of the device;
- ask you to check the operation of the remote control and, most importantly, the compressor;
- buy a rug only in trusted stores.
Nuances of use
Having chosen a rug, you need to figure out how to use it.
- The bathtub must be cleaned and dried.
- Having secured the mat, it is required to check the reliability of the adhesion of the suction cups to the bath surface.
- Next, you need to collect water in the bath. There are 2 nuances here: firstly, the water should be a little hotter than the one you are used to, and, secondly, you should not fill the bath to the brim so that the water does not splash over the sides.
- Using the remote control, you need to set up the massage mode. How exactly to do this will be indicated in the instructions, all rugs have their own subtleties of setting.
Now that you know everything you need to know about whirlpool mats, you can make an informed choice and decide if you need this device and, if so, which one. Choose your massage device wisely, and enjoyable, relaxing baths are guaranteed.