To reduce the risk of slipping on a wet bathroom floor, you'll need a bathmat that absorbs water from wet feet or splashes during the shower. As tile or vinyl floors can be cold and unpleasant to stand on, a bath mat also increases a person comfort level.

For outside the tub, use a mat with a nonslip latex backing to prevent the mat from slipping when stepped on. Cotton mats without backing should not be used as they can easily slide when walked on, causing a fall.

Bath mats left on the floor can also be a tripping hazard if they're in the walkway, so it's best to hang them on the side of the bathtub after each use.