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What Is a Bubble Bath Mat?

By Megan Shoop
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,820
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A bubble bath mat is a plastic mat that lies on the floor of a tub and produces bubbles by way of an air hose attached to a motor. Small pinpricks in the mat release air into the water, producing steady streams of bubbles. The bubble bath mat motor usually sits outside of the tub and is generally adjustable. Users often purchase these mats to turn their ordinary bathtubs into hot tub-style massage pools. The pressure from the bubbles is supposed to help soothe aching muscles and help relieve joint pain. While these mats may seem very useful, some users have run into trouble with certain aspects of their construction.

To use a bubble bath mat, consumers should generally press the mat down into the bottom of the tub. Most mats are equipped with suction cups on the bottom that hold it in place. The entire mat may be placed on the floor of the tub, or half of it may be placed against one of the narrow sides of the tub. This usually allows the consumer to enjoy a bubble massage on his or her back. Consumers wishing to do this should line up the top edge of the mat with the water line of the tub. Pinpricks positioned above the water will not produce bubbles, however, they’ll just blow air onto the skin.

Once the bubble bath mat is secured in the tub, the consumer usually presses a hose into the plastic cuff positioned at one end of the mat. The hose should lock securely into place, connecting the mat to the motor. These motors may be powered either by batteries or an electrical cord. They’re also usually egg-shaped and about the size of a bowling ball. Instructions generally warn consumers not to place the motor in the water — it should be placed on the floor outside of the tub for safety.

When the bubble bath mat and motor are correctly positioned, the consumer may fill the tub with warm water. It is not advisable to use soap or bath salts with these mats because the residue from bathing products can clog the bubble holes. Some consumers may also find the noise of the motor annoying or discover that the entire assembly is difficult to maneuver and store. Those who want to use their bubble bath mat on a regular basis should generally store it next to the tub, if possible. It should also be gently rinsed and dried after each use.

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Discussion Comments
By anon286877 — On Aug 22, 2012

Where can I get a replacement remote control for my bubble bath mat and is there a universal one available?

By burcidi — On Jul 12, 2012

@Mykol-- It is a great alternative to buying a home spa or a jacuzzi. And for the price, it works quite well in my opinion.

Yes, the motor is loud and that's usually why people don't want to try a bubble bath mat. But the new bubble bath mats come with a remote and a long hose so that you can keep the motor far away. I basically keep it outside of the bathroom and then turn it on with the remote.

And it's not very realistic to want a quiet motor. The bubble bath mat is powerful and makes lots of bubbles. It can't do that with a weak motor that doesn't make much noise!

By SarahSon — On Jul 12, 2012

I don't think the motor on the bubble bath mat is too loud, but I was hoping the strength of the water coming out of the nozzle would be better. It does produce bubbles, but I would call them more relaxing than invigorating. For some people this would probably be just what they are looking for.

When I use my mat I always make sure I rinse it off and hang it up to completely dry before using again. If I don't do this, the mat feels slimy and can leave a ring in the tub where it is placed.

Overall I enjoy using the bubble bath mat when I have had a very long day and need a good soak in the tub. I don't use it as often as I thought I would, but it is nice to have available when I want a soothing bubble bath.

By John57 — On Jul 11, 2012

I was not as impressed with the bubble bath mat I bought. I don't know how many different brands there are on the market, but I thought the motor was much too loud. For me, it took away from the relaxing, warm bubble bath I was looking forward to.

I also found that the plastic really had a strong smell to it. I thought it would go away after being used a few times, but it was still pretty strong. It makes me wonder what kind of chemicals are used to make them.

They are made with a pretty durable plastic material, so I don't know if I really want to be using them all the time or not. I think the idea is great, and it would be cheaper than having a whirlpool installed, but it just didn't work as well as I was hoping it would.

By golf07 — On Jul 10, 2012

@Mykol - I really enjoy my bubble bat mat. When I bought one, I was wondering the same thing, but thought it would be worth trying out. The motor is not as loud as I was expecting it to be. Once you are in the tub surrounded by the bubbles, it is easy to relax and not even notice the motor is running.

I have thought about buying more than one of these mats. I would use one for the bottom of the tub and one along the side where I rest my back. The suction holds the mat in place OK, and I haven't had any problems getting in or out of the tub when the mat is down.

I have been pleased enough with this that I would buy another one. I also bought one for my sister who loves using hers just as much as I do.

By Mykol — On Jul 10, 2012

I have never used a bubble bath mat like this but wonder how loud the motor is when it is running? When I have used whirlpool tubs in the past they all seem to be quite loud when they are turned on, so I wonder if a bubble bath mat would be this loud.

This sounds like a great alternative to purchasing an expensive spa. I have a lot of stiff joints from arthritis and love to soak in a tub full of hot water. If I could add some bubbles to this, without the sound of a loud motor, it might be even more therapeutic than taking a plain bubble bath.

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