Rubber anti-fatigue mats are designed for workplaces where staff stand for long periods and where water, grease, food, debris or spills may be present. They provide a more comfortable surface underfoot while also helping improve grip and drainage in demanding working areas.
Two very similar options available from Mats4U are the Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mats and the Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat. Both are rubber comfort mats, both are suitable for wet and dry areas, and both can be used in industrial, catering and bar environments.
The main difference is the construction and performance level. Cushion Station is made from dense closed-cell nitrile rubber, is grease and oil proof, and is anti-microbial treated. Fatigue-Step is a hardwearing rubber mat with open drainage holes, moulded ramped edges and recycled rubber content, making it a practical and economical option for general wet or messy workstations.
Table of Contents
- Why Compare Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step?
- Quick Comparison: Cushion Station vs Fatigue-Step
- What Is the Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mat?
- What Is the Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat?
- Premium Nitrile Rubber vs Economical Rubber
- Anti-Fatigue Comfort Comparison
- Drainage and Wet-Area Performance
- Grease, Oil and Chemical Resistance
- Hygiene and Anti-Microbial Protection
- Surface Design and Slip Resistance
- Sizes and Options
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Product Comparison: Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Where to Use Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mats
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Compare Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step?
Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step are worth comparing because they are both rubber anti-fatigue mats designed for workplaces where staff need comfort, grip and safer footing. Both can be used in wet and dry environments, and both are suitable for areas such as bars, catering spaces, industrial workplaces and workstations.
They are similar in purpose, but they are not built to the same specification. Cushion Station is the more advanced mat for grease, oil, hygiene and specialist workplace performance. Fatigue-Step is the simpler drainage mat for general wet or messy areas where comfort, slip resistance and value are the main priorities.
Both Support Standing Workers
Both mats provide a cushioned surface that helps reduce the discomfort caused by standing on hard floors for long periods.
Both Can Handle Wet Areas
Both products can be used in wet and dry environments, making them suitable for bars, kitchens, catering areas and other liquid-prone workplaces.
Different Rubber Construction
Cushion Station is made from dense closed-cell nitrile rubber. Fatigue-Step is made from a rubber mix that includes recycled material.
Different Performance Level
Cushion Station is the higher-performance option for grease, oil, anti-microbial protection and specialist workspaces. Fatigue-Step is the practical option for general anti-fatigue drainage use.
Quick Comparison: Cushion Station vs Fatigue-Step
The table below gives a simple overview of how the two anti-fatigue mats compare.
| Feature | Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mats | Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Kitchens, showers, changing rooms, medical facilities, machine shops and heavy industrial areas | Industrial environments, bars, catering areas, swarf areas and children’s play areas |
| Mat Type | Premium nitrile rubber anti-fatigue mat | Economical rubber drainage anti-fatigue mat |
| Material | Closed-cell nitrile rubber cushion | Rubber mix including more than 50% recycled material |
| Thickness | 11mm | 18mm |
| Drainage | Available with or without drainage holes | Open drainage holes |
| Grease and Oil Resistance | Fully grease and oil proof | Limited chemical and oil resistance |
| Anti-Microbial Treatment | Yes | Not listed as anti-microbial |
| ESD Rating | Static dissipative | Not listed as ESD rated |
| Cleaning | Pressure wash, hose down, mop or autoclave | Cold water, vacuum cleaner or pressure pump |
| Main Advantage | Higher hygiene, oil resistance and specialist workplace performance | Economical drainage, recycled rubber content and thicker mat height |
What Is the Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mat?
Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mats are heavy-duty rubber comfort mats designed for wet, greasy and demanding workplaces. They are made from dense closed-cell nitrile rubber, giving them strong resistance to grease and oil while providing anti-fatigue comfort underfoot.
These mats are available with or without drainage holes, allowing businesses to choose the correct version for their environment. The mat is also anti-microbial treated, static dissipative and suitable for areas where hygiene and specialist performance are important.
Closed-Cell Nitrile Rubber
The closed-cell nitrile rubber construction makes the mat durable, comfortable and highly suitable for wet, greasy and oily environments.
With or Without Holes
Cushion Station can be ordered with drainage holes for wet areas or without holes for areas where a solid surface is preferred.
Anti-Microbial Protection
The mat is anti-microbial treated to help prevent degradation caused by micro-organisms and to reduce odour problems in hygiene-sensitive spaces.
Suitable for Specialist Workplaces
Cushion Station is suitable for kitchens, showers, changing rooms, medical facilities, food processing, workstations, heavy industrial areas and machine shops.
What Is the Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat?
Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat is a hardwearing rubber mat designed to provide standing comfort, slip resistance and drainage in wet and dry work areas. It has a raised circular surface and open drainage holes that help capture spills, drinks, food and debris.
The mat also has moulded ramped edges to help reduce trip risks and allow smoother wheeled access. It is made from a rubber mix that includes more than 50% recycled material, making it a practical option for many workplaces.
Open Drainage Holes
The open holes allow liquid and debris to move away from the top surface, making Fatigue-Step useful in bars, catering areas and industrial spaces.
Raised Circular Surface
The raised circular pattern helps provide underfoot grip, supporting safer movement in wet or messy environments.
Moulded Ramped Edges
The ramped edges help reduce prominent mat edges and allow suitable wheeled traffic to move over the mat more smoothly.
Recycled Rubber Content
Fatigue-Step is made from a rubber mix that includes more than 50% recycled material, making it a practical choice for businesses that want durable rubber matting with recycled content.
Premium Nitrile Rubber vs Economical Rubber
The biggest difference between these mats is the rubber construction. Cushion Station uses a higher-performance nitrile rubber construction, while Fatigue-Step uses a hardwearing rubber mix with recycled content.
Cushion Station Premium Rubber
Cushion Station is made from dense closed-cell nitrile rubber. This gives it strong resistance to grease and oil, making it better for commercial kitchens, food processing, medical spaces and heavy industrial workplaces.
Fatigue-Step Economical Rubber
Fatigue-Step is made from a hardwearing rubber mix and is designed as a practical anti-fatigue mat for general wet and dry environments. It is a good choice where drainage and standing comfort are needed without the premium nitrile specification.
Which Is Better for Greasy Areas?
Cushion Station is the stronger option for greasy areas because it is fully grease and oil proof.
Which Is Better for General Wet Areas?
Fatigue-Step is a practical option for general wet areas because it has open drainage holes and a raised slip-resistant surface.
Anti-Fatigue Comfort Comparison
Both mats are designed to provide comfort for standing workers. They help create a softer surface than concrete, tiles or other hard floors.
Cushion Station Comfort
Cushion Station provides anti-fatigue comfort through its dense nitrile rubber cushion. It is designed to improve ergonomics and support staff who stand for long periods.
Fatigue-Step Comfort
Fatigue-Step is designed to provide standing relief for workers. Its 18mm mat height and rubber construction create a cushioned surface for long shifts.
Which Is Thicker?
Fatigue-Step is thicker at 18mm, while Cushion Station is lower profile at 11mm.
Which Is Better for Specialist Comfort?
Cushion Station is the better specialist option because it combines anti-fatigue comfort with nitrile rubber, grease resistance, anti-microbial treatment and ESD properties.
Drainage and Wet-Area Performance
Drainage is important in areas where liquids, spills or debris are common. Both products can support wet-area use, but they do it slightly differently.
Cushion Station Drainage
Cushion Station is available with drainage holes to allow liquid to flow away from the standing surface. It is also available without holes for areas where a solid surface is preferred.
Fatigue-Step Drainage
Fatigue-Step has open drainage holes as part of its standard design. These holes capture liquid, food, drinks and debris, helping keep the top surface clearer.
Which Has More Drainage Choice?
Cushion Station has more drainage choice because it can be selected with or without holes.
Which Is Simpler for Wet Areas?
Fatigue-Step is simple for wet areas because its open drainage holes are built into the main mat design.
Grease, Oil and Chemical Resistance
Grease and oil resistance can be the deciding factor in kitchens, food production and machine areas.
Cushion Station Grease and Oil Resistance
Cushion Station is fully grease and oil proof. This makes it a strong option for commercial kitchens, food processing, catering and industrial areas where oils and greases are common.
Fatigue-Step Oil and Chemical Resistance
Fatigue-Step offers limited resistance to chemicals and oils. This means it is suitable for general use, but not the best choice where grease, oil or chemical exposure is a major daily issue.
Which Is Better for Kitchens?
Cushion Station is the stronger choice for busy commercial kitchens because of its nitrile rubber construction and grease resistance.
Which Is Better for Light Spills?
Fatigue-Step is suitable for lighter liquid exposure where drainage is needed but strong oil and grease resistance is not the main requirement.
Hygiene and Anti-Microbial Protection
Hygiene matters in food, medical, catering and wet workplace environments. A mat that is easy to clean and resistant to odours can make daily maintenance much easier.
Cushion Station Hygiene
Cushion Station is anti-microbial treated and can be pressure washed, hosed down, mopped or autoclaved for sterilisation. This makes it a strong choice for hygiene-sensitive environments.
Fatigue-Step Hygiene
Fatigue-Step can be washed with cold water, vacuumed or cleaned with a pressure pump. The drainage holes help keep liquid and debris from sitting fully on the top surface.
Which Is Better for Medical Facilities?
Cushion Station is the better choice for medical facilities because it has anti-microbial treatment and can be autoclaved for sterilisation.
Which Is Better for Basic Cleaning?
Fatigue-Step is easy to clean with cold water or pressure cleaning, making it practical for everyday wet or messy work areas.
Surface Design and Slip Resistance
Both mats have textured surfaces, but they are designed differently.
Cushion Station Surface
Cushion Station has a slip-resistant surface without high-profile grooves, making it easy to clean with a mop. The low-profile 11mm height and bevelled edges help reduce slip and trip risks.
Fatigue-Step Surface
Fatigue-Step has a raised circular surface with open holes. It is slip tested to DIN 51130 R10 and designed to provide secure footing in wet or messy areas.
Which Is Easier to Mop?
Cushion Station is easier to mop because the surface does not have high-profile grooves.
Which Has a More Open Drainage Surface?
Fatigue-Step has the more open drainage-style surface because holes are part of the main mat design.
Sizes and Options
Size options are important because the mat should cover the worker’s normal standing and movement area.
Cushion Station Sizes
- 62cm x 96cm
- 96cm x 160cm
- 122cm x 183cm
Cushion Station Hole Options
- With drainage holes
- Without drainage holes
Fatigue-Step Options
Fatigue-Step is available in tile formats, including solid tile, grit top tile and drainage tile options, with matching edges available for creating a safer finished layout.
Which Offers Larger Individual Mat Sizes?
Cushion Station offers larger individual mat sizes, including 122cm x 183cm.
Which Offers More Modular Layout Options?
Fatigue-Step offers more modular layout options because it includes tile and edge options that can be used to build a larger area.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning helps keep anti-fatigue mats safe, hygienic and effective. Liquids, food, grease and dirt can reduce grip if they are allowed to build up.
Cleaning Cushion Station
Cushion Station can be pressure washed, hosed down or cleaned with a mop. It can also be autoclaved for sterilisation, making it suitable for environments with higher hygiene requirements.
Cleaning Fatigue-Step
Fatigue-Step can be washed with cold water, vacuumed or cleaned using a pressure pump to remove dirt from the surface and drainage holes.
Cleaning Under Drainage Mats
Where drainage holes are used, the floor underneath should be cleaned regularly because liquid and debris can pass through the mat.
Maintenance Tip
Check mats regularly for blocked holes, worn edges or movement. Replace damaged mats or edges to keep the area safe and comfortable.
Product Comparison: Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step
The following two Mats4U products are very similar rubber anti-fatigue mats, making them ideal for a direct comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose between Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step is to look at the working conditions. If the area is greasy, oily, hygienic or specialist, Cushion Station is the better choice. If the area needs general drainage, standing comfort and an economical rubber solution, Fatigue-Step is a strong option.
Choose Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mats If:
- You need a premium nitrile rubber anti-fatigue mat.
- The area is exposed to grease or oil.
- You need anti-microbial treatment.
- The mat will be used in a kitchen, medical room, shower, changing room or food processing area.
- You want the option of a mat with or without drainage holes.
- You need a mat that can be mopped, hosed, pressure washed or autoclaved.
- You need static dissipative performance.
- You want larger individual mat size options.
Choose Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat If:
- You need an economical rubber anti-fatigue mat.
- You want open drainage holes as standard.
- The area has water, drinks, food, debris or swarf.
- You need moulded ramped edges for smoother access.
- You want a mat made with recycled rubber content.
- The mat will be used in a bar, catering area or industrial environment.
- You need modular tile and edge options.
- Grease and oil resistance is not the main priority.
The Simple Answer
Choose Cushion Station for premium grease-resistant, anti-microbial and specialist workplace performance. Choose Fatigue-Step for an economical drainage mat with strong standing comfort, recycled rubber content and practical wet-area use.
Where to Use Rubber Anti-Fatigue Mats
Rubber anti-fatigue mats can be used in many workplaces where staff stand for long periods and where floors may become wet, greasy or uncomfortable.
Commercial Kitchens
Cushion Station is the better choice for commercial kitchens because it is grease and oil proof and anti-microbial treated. Fatigue-Step can be used where general drainage is needed and grease exposure is limited.
Bars and Pubs
Both mats can be used behind bars. Fatigue-Step is practical for drinks and spills, while Cushion Station offers stronger hygiene and grease resistance.
Food Processing Areas
Cushion Station is a strong option for food processing because it combines anti-fatigue support, drainage choices and anti-microbial protection.
Machine Shops
Cushion Station is suitable for machine shops where oil, grease and specialist workplace requirements may be present. Fatigue-Step can also be suitable in areas where swarf is prevalent.
Medical Rooms
Cushion Station is the better choice for medical rooms because it is anti-microbial treated and can be autoclaved for sterilisation.
Shower and Changing Areas
Cushion Station can be used in showers and changing rooms, especially where hygiene, drainage and slip resistance are important.
Industrial Workstations
Both mats can support standing workers in industrial workstations. Choose Cushion Station for premium performance and Fatigue-Step for general drainage and comfort.
Children’s Play Areas
Fatigue-Step is listed as suitable for children’s play areas, making it useful where a cushioned rubber surface is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step?
A1: Cushion Station is a premium closed-cell nitrile rubber anti-fatigue mat with grease resistance and anti-microbial treatment. Fatigue-Step is a hardwearing rubber drainage mat with open holes, ramped edges and recycled rubber content.
Q2: Which mat is better for greasy areas?
A2: Cushion Station is better for greasy areas because it is fully grease and oil proof.
Q3: Which mat is better for general wet areas?
A3: Fatigue-Step is a good choice for general wet areas because it has open drainage holes that capture liquid, food and debris.
Q4: Are both mats anti-fatigue?
A4: Yes. Both mats are designed to provide comfort and standing relief for workers who spend long periods on their feet.
Q5: Which mat is thicker?
A5: Fatigue-Step is thicker at 18mm. Cushion Station is 11mm thick.
Q6: Which mat is lower profile?
A6: Cushion Station is lower profile at 11mm and has bevelled edges.
Q7: Does Cushion Station have drainage holes?
A7: Cushion Station is available with or without drainage holes.
Q8: Does Fatigue-Step have drainage holes?
A8: Yes. Fatigue-Step has open drainage holes that allow liquids and debris to move away from the top surface.
Q9: Which mat is anti-microbial?
A9: Cushion Station is anti-microbial treated. Fatigue-Step is not listed as anti-microbial.
Q10: Which mat is better for medical rooms?
A10: Cushion Station is better for medical rooms because it is anti-microbial treated and can be autoclaved for sterilisation.
Q11: Which mat is better behind a bar?
A11: Both can be used behind a bar. Fatigue-Step is a practical drainage option, while Cushion Station is better if grease resistance, anti-microbial protection and premium performance are needed.
Q12: Which mat is made with recycled material?
A12: Fatigue-Step is made from a rubber mix including more than 50% recycled material. Cushion Station also includes some post-consumer recycled rubber content.
Q13: Which mat is ESD rated?
A13: Cushion Station is listed as static dissipative. Fatigue-Step is not listed as ESD rated.
Q14: Which mat is easier to mop?
A14: Cushion Station is easier to mop because its surface does not have high-profile grooves.
Q15: Can Fatigue-Step handle wheeled access?
A15: Yes. Fatigue-Step has moulded ramped edges to help allow smoother wheeled access.
Q16: How do I clean Cushion Station?
A16: Cushion Station can be pressure washed, hosed down, mopped or autoclaved for sterilisation.
Q17: How do I clean Fatigue-Step?
A17: Fatigue-Step can be cleaned with cold water, a vacuum cleaner or a pressure pump.
Q18: Which mat should I choose for a commercial kitchen?
A18: Choose Cushion Station for a commercial kitchen where grease, oil, hygiene and daily cleaning are important.
Q19: Which mat should I choose for an economical drainage mat?
A19: Choose Fatigue-Step if you need a practical drainage mat for wet and dry areas at a more economical level.
Q20: Where can I buy Cushion Station and Fatigue-Step mats?
A20: Cushion Station Anti Fatigue Non Slip Mats and Fatigue-Step Anti Fatigue Mat are both available from Mats4U.
