Many people like to lie in a bathtub with warm water for a long time and just relax. If this device provides hydromassage and aromatherapy, then the relaxation will be simply amazing. However, due to the fact that hot tubs are quite expensive, many simply cannot afford them and are content with what they have. In addition, Jacuzzis are usually large in size, so they simply cannot be placed in a small bathroom in an apartment. But modern plumbing manufacturers have made it possible for apartment residents to equip the bathroom with such a convenient element as a hydromassage bath mat, the presence of which will allow you to turn an ordinary bathroom into a full-fledged jacuzzi.
Appearance
When looking at this item, no associations with wealth and luxury arise. Made of soft polymer, the product really resembles a rug with holes on one side and suction cups on the other.
However, in essence, this is not a mat, but something more like a small air mattress.
Size - approximately 1.2 x 0.4 m (from different manufacturers - plus or minus a few centimeters).
Just enough for the mat to fit easily into a regular bathtub.
In addition to the mat itself, there is something else in the box:
- compressor in a plastic case with a 220 V power supply;
- waterproof remote control (not available on all models);
- inflatable pillow;
- air supply hose.
A power cord is also included.
Like regular bathtubs, hydromassage bathtubs are made from different materials - acrylic, steel or cast iron. Cast iron bathtub with hydromassage - we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of such products in detail.
We will consider the features and cost of finishing mirrored ceilings in the bathroom here. Material options for mirrored ceilings.
The design of hydromassage baths and selection criteria are described in this material.
Design features
Hydromassage mats are distinguished by size, color, and shape. The length usually does not exceed a meter. The massager itself consists of the following elements:
- Air mattress made of hypoallergenic rubber;
- Compressor with a powerful motor;
- Network power supply;
- Control panel;
- A timer that allows massage sessions to be carried out for a comfortable duration;
- Connecting flexible hoses.
During the massage, the intensity is selected - from light to strong. When there are several sessions, the device needs some time to rest.
Device and functions
The principle of operation is extremely simple: a compressor pumps air through a hose into a mat placed at the bottom of the bathtub, which is distributed through the holes and comes out to the user in the form of bubbles.
The product is firmly fixed at the bottom using suction cups, so it remains motionless during any maneuvers by the user.
By controlling the compressor manually or using the remote control, you can change the intensity of the air supply. Thus, hydromassage can be performed in different modes.
Woman taking a bath
As you can see, in the basic configuration the hydromassage mat is absolutely safe, since its electrical part - the compressor - is located outside the water and does not come into contact with it in any way (the length of the air supply hose is 2 m).
In addition to the massage mode, the user sets the duration of the procedure. For most models, the timer range is 10 - 30 minutes, for some it can reach 60 minutes.
Pros and cons of a hydromassage mat
Many people believe that the significant drawback of this device is that it is too noisy. It is contraindicated for others due to health reasons.
But against the backdrop of its number of advantages and usefulness, these modest disadvantages can be neglected in the process of making a decision about its acquisition. Some people even like the sound of their hot tub!
The significant advantages of this wonderful device are:
- Universal, fits the dimensions of any bathtub;
- Ernonomic. The mattress is easy to bend, pack, and does not break;
- Creates a real home jacuzzi that improves health and improves mood;
- A soft water massage normalizes blood circulation, smoothes out wrinkles, makes the skin smooth and velvety;
- Aromatherapy will calm the nervous system, relieve depression, and improve sleep;
- Hydromassage will relieve daytime stress and give the body the necessary boost of vigor;
- The intensity of impacts can be controlled from any distance;
- The built-in water heating system will maintain comfortable warmth of the water in the bath;
- Enriching water with ozone will cleanse the skin better than any antiseptic;
- When there are no contraindications in terms of health, it is suitable for people of all age categories.
However, you should use the mat with caution in the following cases:
- Exacerbation of colds;
- Inflammation of the skin;
- Pregnancy;
- Diseases of the liver, pancreas, heart;
- Neuropsychiatric disorders.
In the fight against cellulite, such a mat will be indispensable. It helps professional athletes relieve nervous tension and relax muscles.
Advantages
The advantages of a carpet massager are obvious:
- Not everyone knows that you should not use detergents in a jacuzzi, as they clog the thin channels of the nozzles. Thus, its owner should also have a regular bath, unless, of course, he decided to say goodbye to soap forever. But the owner of a hydromassage mat does not need to clutter the bathroom with plumbing fixtures - one ordinary bath is enough.
- For a purely symbolic fee in comparison with a Jacuzzi bath, absolutely any user can now afford a hydromassage, regardless of how spacious the bathroom he has.
- The mat, unlike Jacuzzi equipment, does not need to be installed for a long time - it should simply be laid on the bottom of the bathtub. Accordingly, you can remove it just as easily and quickly, after which nothing will interfere with using the bathroom in the usual way.
- When rolled up, the mat takes up little space, so you can easily take it with you on trips. However, it should be noted that manufacturers do not recommend using such products in hotels, swimming pools and other public places.
Many models, in addition to the main function, can also perform additional ones, which is worth talking about in detail.
Advantages of a rug with hydromassage
It is believed that a hydromassage mat is an ideal replacement for bathtubs with a hydromassage function, but the mat has significant differences.
It has the following advantageous features:
- The variety of sizes allows you to use this accessory in a bathroom of any size;
- There is no need to repair the rug;
- The presence of suction cups allows you to attach the device in the most comfortable place;
- Using the remote control, it is convenient to control the mat and turn on the desired mode. There is no possibility of the remote control getting wet;
- The presence of a heating option will help maintain the required water temperature;
- The device can be taken on trips, as it is quite compact and takes up minimal space.
However, do not forget that a Jacuzzi bath mat with hydromassage is considered an individual item, so it is not recommended to use it in public places.
The rug has a special feature - the ability to float, which is why it should be well secured. The mat can have different parameters and is suitable for people of different age groups, but if it is used by children, then bathing should be carried out in the presence of adults.
Additional functions
So, what else can a hydromassage mat please its owner? Today models are available with the following options:
- Heating water. We advise the potential buyer to pay special attention to this function, even if he uses an insulated or cast iron bathtub that takes a long time to cool down. The fact is that while the carpet massager is operating, water through which a large amount of air at room temperature is passed cools down much faster than usual. Electric heating eliminates the need to constantly add hot water.
- Aromatherapy. The fact that smells play a huge role in our perception of the world has been proven by scientists for a long time. The right aroma can not only lift your mood, calm you and promote good digestion, but even improve mental performance. This powerful means of “positivization” will become available to the fullest extent if you purchase a mat with cartridges for essential oils. For people prone to allergies, some of them may have a negative effect. Such users should first apply 1 to 2 drops of oil to the crook of the elbow and observe for irritation.
- Ozonation. As the name implies, a massager with this function can produce ozone. In large quantities this gas is toxic, but in moderate quantities it is completely harmless and is used to purify water.
The socket into which the heated mat is supposed to be connected must be connected through a residual current device (RCD) configured for a leakage current of 10 mA.
Benefits and harms
First of all, a hydromassage mat is an effective means of achieving deep relaxation.
As you know, internal tensions caused by the rapid pace of life and constant stress are the scourge of modern civilization, especially for residents of megacities.
Getting rid of them is not so easy: even in a state of sleep a person remains tense.
But during hydromassage, the body relaxes by itself, finally receiving the long-awaited rest. At the same time, the psyche also rests, depression and chronic fatigue go away. To enhance the effect, you can master relaxing auto-training.
For reference. 30 – 40 minutes of complete relaxation with an “empty” head (not thinking about anything) replaces 2 – 3 hours of sleep.
Combined with quality relaxation, hydromassage helps improve blood circulation and metabolism. In addition, this procedure gives a pleasant sensation and if the user experiences pain anywhere, it will become less noticeable.
The benefits of hydromassage are also noted for the following diseases:
- disruptions in bowel function;
- the appearance of edema due to difficulty in lymph circulation and venous stagnation;
- the appearance of edema after injury;
- sagging skin;
- joint diseases;
- various nervous disorders;
- insomnia.
Installing a bath mat
However, it should be understood that in some diseases, hydromassage can be harmful. Persons suffering from complex ailments should consult a doctor regarding the use of the mat.
The procedure should definitely be postponed if:
- there is currently an exacerbation of any disease;
- there are signs of infection developing;
- there are inflamed areas on the skin;
- the user suffers from tuberculosis;
- there are signs of urolithiasis;
- there are hemorrhages or thrombosis;
- the user has been diagnosed with a tumor (this applies to both malignant and benign);
- Constantly high blood pressure (3rd degree hypertension);
The ban also applies to people who have had a myocardial infarction or are suffering from 2nd or 3rd degree ischemia.
Tips for choosing?
To choose a quality product, follow these simple recommendations:
- the rubber must be elastic, but at the same time durable, have smooth edges;
- both the compressor and the remote control must be in working order, be sure to check the presence of all buttons;
- check the functions on the product itself with those stated in the instructions, check their operation;
- When purchasing, ask for a quality certificate and a warranty card;
- purchase the device only at specialized points of sale - original mats are sold there.
User manual
The massage mat is extremely simple to use:
- You need to pour a small amount of water into the bath.
- Next, you should connect the air supply hose to the mat.
- Now the product needs to be placed on the bottom and pressed lightly to squeeze out all the air from the suction cups. This will cause the mat to stick to the bottom.
- All that remains is to fill the bath with water at a comfortable temperature and set the duration and massage mode on the control panel. The duration of the first procedure should be 15 minutes, with each subsequent procedure the duration is increased to half an hour.
To avoid overheating of the compressor, the device must be turned off for at least 10 minutes after each session.
Features of a massage bath mat
The main advantage of a massage mat is that it can be simply laid on the bottom of a bathtub or shower stall.
During washing, a person steps on the massage surface, which has a great effect on the feet, relieves fatigue, and at the same time a very pleasant sensation is experienced.
Some compare the massage effect of the mat to walking on sea sand or pebbles. The massage effect will improve blood circulation, which has a positive effect on the entire body.
You can find models of various color characteristics with different patterns.
Massage bath mat is very convenient to use
Features of massage mats:
- Made from wear-resistant rubber.
- They have an anti-slip effect.
- The massage effect is achieved thanks to special bulges.
The massage mat is very useful.
Namely, in the following situations:
- Preventive measures regarding flat feet.
- Special places on the feet are massaged, which has a beneficial effect on the internal organs.
- Improving the condition of the muscles of the legs and feet.
The rug will not spoil the interior of the bathroom, since the range of stores is very diverse and you can choose the necessary model of any shape and color. They also produce rugs that change color and pattern under the influence of temperature. It is very convenient to use such mats for bathing small children.
When the water temperature rises above 37 ᵒC, the mat will change color, which means the water becomes uncomfortable for the child.
To prevent the mat from sliding along the bottom of the bathtub, it must be installed correctly. The bottom of the bathtub is well dried and cleaned of small particles, then it firmly attaches itself to the surface with suction cups and only after making sure that the grip is strong can you take a shower.
Where to buy?
The cheapest way to order a hydromassage bath mat is on the manufacturer’s website, for example. Its distribution points in Moscow are located near the Maryina Roshcha and Dobryninskaya metro stations (the exact addresses are indicated on the website).
Also, similar products are presented in many online stores, for example, Promedic.
Those who want to touch the product before purchasing and see its quality with their own eyes can look, for example, at any store of the Telemag network - here massage mats are presented in the widest range.
Want to know more about hot tubs? Read the next article. Bathtubs with hydromassage - sizes, prices, types of products.
Types of lamps for slatted ceilings and the procedure for installing electrical wiring - read about this in the next article.
Reviews
Based on numerous consumer reviews, we can conclude that no one regrets the purchase. However, some buyers recommend not purchasing budget Chinese models.
The compressor stops functioning quickly enough, while the device itself is made from low-quality polymer materials that emit substances harmful to health. This fact is evidenced by a specific smell.
Price
The most affordable are rugs made in China.
For example, the product “Montiss WBS6230M” (manufactured by order of a Dutch company) with heating and ozonation functions will cost 3.5 thousand rubles.
German “Medisana” rugs, produced in two versions, will cost 6,000 rubles. (MBH model with 3 aromatherapy cartridges, 450 W) and 8,000 rubles. (BBS model with 4 aromatherapy cartridges and water heating, 570 W).
There are also much more expensive rugs. The cost of the product from Novasan (Germany) is 75 thousand rubles.
Its capabilities are as follows:
- ozonation and aromatherapy functions;
- 12 massage modes and 10 built-in programs;
- water heating in two modes (+34C and +39C);
- there are nozzles for local massage;
And they come with a thermometer and a foot bath.
Offers from manufacturers
A certain number of models are in demand and are worth paying attention to:
The German manufacturer Medisana, which produces two types of mats - “MBH” (length 1200 mm), “BBS” (length 360 mm), operate with minimal noise, have a remote control.
"MONTISS WBS6230M" from the Chinese manufacturer MONTISS. Includes ozonation functions and aromatherapy.
A hydromassage system from the Novasan brand with all the additional functions that create the effect of taking a full-fledged jacuzzi.
