Wet area roll matting is designed to improve grip, drainage and comfort in places where water, dirt or debris can make floors slippery. It is especially useful in swimming pools, changing rooms, showers, commercial kitchens, industrial workstations, walkways and other areas where ordinary floor surfaces can become unsafe.
Two very similar options available from Mats4U are the Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats and the Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats. Both are flexible PVC roll mats, both have open-grid drainage, and both can be cut to fit different areas.
The main difference is the type of comfort and environment each mat is designed for. Heronair has hollow PVC tubes that provide a softer anti-fatigue feel for workers who stand for long periods. Heronrib is a hygienic wet area mat treated with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives, making it better for barefoot areas such as pools, showers, spas and changing rooms.
Table of Contents
- Why Compare Heronair and Heronrib?
- Quick Comparison: Heronair vs Heronrib
- What Are Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats?
- What Are Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats?
- Anti-Fatigue Comfort vs Barefoot Comfort
- Drainage and Wet Area Performance
- Hollow Tube Surface vs Two-Level Ribbed Surface
- Hygiene and Anti-Bacterial Protection
- Workplace Use vs Leisure and Barefoot Use
- PVC Material and Thickness Comparison
- Widths, Roll Lengths and Bespoke Cutting
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Product Comparison: Heronair and Heronrib
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Where to Use Wet Area Roll Mats
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Compare Heronair and Heronrib?
Heronair and Heronrib are worth comparing because they look and function in a very similar way. Both are flexible PVC roll mats with an open structure that allows water, dirt and debris to drain through the mat surface. Both can be cut to size, rolled up for cleaning and used in wet indoor or outdoor environments.
They are not the same product, though. Heronair is designed more around standing comfort and workplace anti-fatigue support. Heronrib is designed more around barefoot safety, hygiene and wet leisure environments.
Both Are Open-Grid Wet Area Mats
Both mats have an open surface that lets water drain away from the top layer. This helps reduce standing water on the main walking or standing surface.
Both Are Flexible PVC Roll Mats
Both products are supplied in roll format and can be cut to fit specific areas. This makes them useful for walkways, wet rooms, changing rooms, kitchens and longer working zones.
Both Are Suitable for Wet Areas
Both mats are designed for locations where water is present. They can help improve grip and comfort in areas that may otherwise become slippery.
Different Main Purpose
Heronair is better where workers stand for long periods and need cushioning. Heronrib is better where hygiene, barefoot comfort and wet area safety are the main priorities.
Quick Comparison: Heronair vs Heronrib
The table below gives a simple overview of how the two wet area roll mats compare.
| Feature | Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats | Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Industrial workstations, commercial kitchens, entranceways, walkways, marine areas, gyms and pool areas | Swimming pools, spas, changing rooms, locker rooms, communal showers and barefoot wet areas |
| Mat Type | Anti-fatigue wet area roll mat | Hygienic wet area non-slip roll mat |
| Material | Non-porous 100% virgin PVC | Flexible PVC with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives |
| Surface | Hollow PVC tube grid surface | Two-level open grid ribbed surface |
| Thickness | Approximately 10mm | Approximately 10–12mm |
| Drainage | Open grid allows water, dirt and debris to drain away | Two-level open grid allows water to drain quickly |
| Comfort Focus | Anti-fatigue support for prolonged standing | Soft, cushioned and warm under bare feet |
| Hygiene Focus | Non-porous PVC to inhibit bacteria growth | Sanitized® anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment |
| Width Options | 50cm, 75cm and 100cm | 50cm, 100cm and 122cm |
| Main Advantage | Better for standing workers who need drainage and cushioning | Better for hygienic barefoot wet areas |
What Are Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats?
Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats are hardwearing PVC roll mats designed to improve safety and comfort in workplaces where staff stand for long periods. The hollow PVC tube construction creates cushioning underfoot, while the open grid allows liquids, dirt and debris to drain away from the standing surface.
This makes Heronair a strong choice for industrial workstations, commercial kitchens, greasy entranceways, wet walkways, boat decks, docks, gyms and pool areas. It is designed to provide both drainage and anti-fatigue comfort.
Hollow PVC Tube Design
The hollow tube structure gives the mat a cushioned feel. This makes it more comfortable for workers who spend long periods standing in one area.
Open Drainage Grid
The open grid allows water, oils, dirt and debris to fall through the surface. This helps keep the main standing area clearer and safer.
Suitable for Workplaces
Heronair is especially useful in work environments where staff need comfort as well as slip resistance, such as kitchens, workstations and industrial walkways.
Cut-to-Size Flexibility
The mat can be cut into custom sizes and shapes, allowing it to fit around counters, equipment, machinery and other fixed objects.
What Are Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats?
Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats are flexible PVC wet area mats designed for safe and hygienic barefoot use. The mat has a two-level open grid surface that allows water to drain quickly while providing excellent traction underfoot.
Heronrib is treated with Sanitized® anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives, making it suitable for swimming pools, spas, locker rooms, changing areas, showers and other wet environments used by many people.
Two-Level Open Grid Surface
The raised ribbed design keeps users above water while allowing liquid to drain through the mat. This helps reduce the risk of slipping in wet areas.
Barefoot-Friendly Comfort
The soft and flexible PVC surface is warm and comfortable under bare feet. This makes it ideal for leisure and changing room environments.
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Treatment
Heronrib includes hygiene additives designed to prevent the growth of mould and mildew in damp areas.
Suitable for Wet Leisure Areas
The mat is particularly suited to swimming pools, spas, showers, gyms, fitness centres, marinas and changing rooms.
Anti-Fatigue Comfort vs Barefoot Comfort
Both mats are comfortable underfoot, but they are designed for different types of users.
Heronair Anti-Fatigue Comfort
Heronair is designed for workers who stand for extended periods. The hollow PVC tubes provide cushioning, helping reduce discomfort in industrial, commercial and foodservice environments.
Heronrib Barefoot Comfort
Heronrib is designed to feel comfortable and safe under bare feet. This makes it more suitable for wet leisure areas where users may not be wearing shoes.
Which Is Better for Standing Workers?
Heronair is the better choice for standing workers because anti-fatigue comfort is one of its main design features.
Which Is Better for Barefoot Areas?
Heronrib is the better choice for barefoot areas because it is designed specifically for pools, showers, spas and changing rooms.
Drainage and Wet Area Performance
Drainage is a key benefit of both Heronair and Heronrib. Both products allow water to move away from the top surface instead of pooling around feet.
Heronair Drainage
Heronair has an open-grid structure that allows water, dirt and debris to fall through the mat. This is useful in wet or greasy workplaces where spills may occur during the day.
Heronrib Drainage
Heronrib has a two-level open grid that allows water to drain quickly. This helps keep the surface safer in areas where people may be walking barefoot.
Which Is Better for Workplace Spills?
Heronair is better for workplace spills because it combines drainage with anti-fatigue cushioning for staff standing at workstations.
Which Is Better for Poolside Drainage?
Heronrib is better for poolside and shower drainage because it is designed specifically for wet leisure and hygiene-sensitive areas.
Hollow Tube Surface vs Two-Level Ribbed Surface
The surface design affects comfort, drainage, grip and the most suitable environment.
Heronair Hollow Tube Surface
Heronair uses hollow PVC tubes arranged in a grid. The structure gives the mat its cushioned anti-fatigue feel while still allowing liquid and debris to drain through.
Heronrib Two-Level Ribbed Surface
Heronrib uses a raised two-level ribbed structure. It provides grip in wet conditions and keeps bare feet above water draining below the surface.
Which Surface Gives More Cushioning?
Heronair is the better cushioning option because the hollow tube construction is designed for anti-fatigue comfort.
Which Surface Is Better for Wet Bare Feet?
Heronrib is better for wet bare feet because the surface is designed specifically for barefoot traction and comfort.
Hygiene and Anti-Bacterial Protection
Hygiene is important in any wet area because damp conditions can encourage bacteria, mould, mildew and odours.
Heronair Hygiene
Heronair is made from non-porous 100% virgin PVC. This helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and makes the mat practical for wet and greasy work areas.
Heronrib Hygiene
Heronrib is treated with Sanitized® anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives. This makes it especially useful in public wet areas where hygiene is a priority.
Which Is Better for Public Wet Areas?
Heronrib is the better option for public wet areas because its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment is central to its design.
Which Is Better for Kitchens and Workstations?
Heronair is the better choice where the main need is staff comfort, drainage and workplace safety.
Workplace Use vs Leisure and Barefoot Use
The easiest way to separate these products is to think about who will be using the mat.
Heronair for Workers
Heronair is designed for employees standing for long periods. It is suitable for industrial workstations, kitchens, entrances, walkways and similar working areas.
Heronrib for Wet Area Users
Heronrib is designed for people walking through wet areas, often barefoot. It is ideal for leisure centres, swimming pools, showers, spas and changing rooms.
Which Is Better for Commercial Kitchens?
Heronair is generally the better choice for commercial kitchens because it provides drainage and anti-fatigue support for standing workers.
Which Is Better for Changing Rooms?
Heronrib is the better choice for changing rooms because it combines drainage, barefoot comfort and anti-bacterial protection.
PVC Material and Thickness Comparison
Both products are made from PVC, but their construction and listed thickness are slightly different.
Heronair Material
Heronair is made from PVC and has an approximate thickness of 10mm. Its hollow tube construction provides cushioning while keeping the mat lightweight and easy to handle.
Heronrib Material
Heronrib is made from flexible PVC with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives. It has an approximate thickness of 10–12mm.
Which Is Thicker?
Heronrib is slightly thicker at approximately 10–12mm, while Heronair is approximately 10mm thick.
Which Is More Specialist?
Heronair is more specialist for anti-fatigue workplace comfort. Heronrib is more specialist for hygienic barefoot wet areas.
Widths, Roll Lengths and Bespoke Cutting
Both mats are supplied as roll matting and can be cut to suit the installation area.
Heronair Width Options
- 50cm
- 75cm
- 100cm
Heronair Roll Options
Heronair is supplied by the linear metre or in complete roll lengths of 10 metres. It can be cut into custom sizes or shapes.
Heronrib Width Options
- 50cm
- 100cm
- 122cm
Heronrib Roll Options
Heronrib is supplied by the linear metre, with a minimum order quantity for cut lengths, or in complete 10 metre roll lengths. It can also be cut to fit different wet area layouts.
Which Offers a Narrower Mid-Width?
Heronair offers a useful 75cm width, which can suit narrow walkways and workstations.
Which Offers the Widest Option?
Heronrib offers the widest listed option at 122cm, making it useful for larger wet area walkways and changing room layouts.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both mats are designed to be easy to clean. Regular cleaning is important because dirt, algae, oils and debris can reduce surface grip.
Cleaning Heronair
Sweep or vacuum the mat regularly to remove debris. Rinse with water or a mild detergent solution to remove dirt and oils. For deeper cleaning, hose down the mat and scrub with a brush if necessary.
Cleaning Heronrib
Sweep, shake or vacuum the mat to remove loose dirt and sand. Rinse with water or mild non-abrasive detergent. For a deeper clean, use a hose or pressure washer and scrub gently where needed.
Drying the Mats
Both mats should be allowed to air dry completely before being placed back into use. This helps maintain hygiene and surface performance.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals on both mats. Strong cleaners may shorten the life of the PVC or affect the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives in Heronrib.
Product Comparison: Heronair and Heronrib
The following two Mats4U products are very similar flexible wet area roll mats, making them ideal for a direct comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose between Heronair and Heronrib is to look at the type of area and the main user. If employees are standing for long periods in a wet or greasy workplace, Heronair is the better option. If people are walking barefoot through a wet public or leisure area, Heronrib is the stronger choice.
Choose Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats If:
- You need anti-fatigue comfort for standing workers.
- The mat will be used in an industrial workstation or commercial kitchen.
- You need drainage for water, oils, dirt and debris.
- You want a hollow PVC tube surface for cushioning.
- The area is wet, greasy or used for prolonged standing.
- You need 50cm, 75cm or 100cm width options.
- You need a mat that can be cut into custom shapes.
- You want a practical mat for workstations, walkways, marine areas or gyms.
Choose Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats If:
- You need matting for barefoot wet areas.
- The area is a swimming pool, spa, shower, changing room or locker room.
- You need anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives.
- You want a two-level open grid for quick drainage.
- You need a soft and warm surface under bare feet.
- You need 50cm, 100cm or 122cm width options.
- You need matting that can be rolled up for cleaning or storage.
- You want a hygienic mat for public wet areas.
The Simple Answer
Choose Heronair for wet workplaces where standing comfort and anti-fatigue support are the main priorities. Choose Heronrib for hygienic barefoot wet areas such as pools, showers, spas and changing rooms.
Where to Use Wet Area Roll Mats
Wet area roll mats can be used wherever floors become wet, slippery or uncomfortable underfoot. The correct choice depends on whether the area is used mainly by workers, visitors, barefoot users or the public.
Commercial Kitchens
Heronair is the better option for commercial kitchens because it provides drainage and anti-fatigue comfort for staff standing for long periods.
Swimming Pools
Heronrib is the better option around swimming pools because it is designed for barefoot comfort, hygiene and wet area slip resistance.
Changing Rooms
Heronrib is ideal for changing rooms because it is soft underfoot, drains quickly and includes anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment.
Industrial Workstations
Heronair is better for industrial workstations because the hollow tube design provides cushioning for standing workers.
Showers and Wet Rooms
Heronrib is the stronger option for showers and wet rooms because it is designed for communal wet areas and barefoot safety.
Marine Areas
Both mats can be used in suitable marine areas. Heronair is useful where work comfort and drainage matter, while Heronrib is practical where wet barefoot traction is required.
Gyms and Fitness Centres
Both mats can work in gyms. Heronair is suitable for wet or standing work areas, while Heronrib is better for areas near showers, saunas and steam rooms.
Wet Walkways
Both mats can be used for wet walkways. Choose Heronair where anti-fatigue comfort is needed, and choose Heronrib where hygiene and barefoot traffic are more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Heronair and Heronrib?
A1: Heronair is an anti-fatigue wet area roll mat with hollow PVC tubes for standing comfort. Heronrib is a hygienic wet area non-slip mat designed for barefoot areas such as pools, showers and changing rooms.
Q2: Are both mats made from PVC?
A2: Yes. Both mats are made from flexible PVC, but Heronrib includes anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives.
Q3: Which mat is better for standing workers?
A3: Heronair is better for standing workers because it is designed as an anti-fatigue mat.
Q4: Which mat is better for barefoot areas?
A4: Heronrib is better for barefoot areas because it is soft, cushioned and designed for wet leisure environments.
Q5: Which mat is better for swimming pools?
A5: Heronrib is usually the better choice for swimming pools because it is hygienic, barefoot-friendly and slip-resistant in wet areas.
Q6: Which mat is better for commercial kitchens?
A6: Heronair is usually the better choice for commercial kitchens because it provides drainage and anti-fatigue comfort for standing staff.
Q7: Do both mats allow water to drain through?
A7: Yes. Both mats have open-grid surfaces that allow water to drain away from the top surface.
Q8: Which mat is thicker?
A8: Heronrib is listed at approximately 10–12mm thick, while Heronair is approximately 10mm thick.
Q9: Which mat has anti-bacterial treatment?
A9: Heronrib has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives. Heronair is made from non-porous PVC to inhibit bacteria growth.
Q10: Can Heronair be cut to size?
A10: Yes. Heronair can be cut into custom sizes and shapes.
Q11: Can Heronrib be cut to size?
A11: Yes. Heronrib can be cut to fit different wet area layouts.
Q12: What widths are available for Heronair?
A12: Heronair is available in 50cm, 75cm and 100cm widths.
Q13: What widths are available for Heronrib?
A13: Heronrib is available in 50cm, 100cm and 122cm widths.
Q14: Which mat is better for spas and showers?
A14: Heronrib is better for spas and showers because it is designed for hygienic barefoot wet areas.
Q15: Which mat is better for industrial walkways?
A15: Heronair is better for industrial walkways where workers need grip, drainage and standing comfort.
Q16: Can both mats be used outdoors?
A16: Yes. Both mats are suitable for indoor and outdoor wet area use, provided they are placed correctly and maintained regularly.
Q17: How do I clean Heronair?
A17: Sweep or vacuum regularly, rinse with water or mild detergent, hose down for deeper cleaning and allow it to air dry completely.
Q18: How do I clean Heronrib?
A18: Sweep, shake or vacuum loose debris, rinse with water or mild detergent, use a hose or pressure washer for deeper cleaning and allow it to air dry before reuse.
Q19: Which mat is more hygienic for public wet areas?
A19: Heronrib is the more hygienic option for public wet areas because it is treated with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives.
Q20: Where can I buy Heronair and Heronrib wet area mats?
A20: Heronair Anti Fatigue Roll Mats and Heronrib Wet Area Non Slip Mats are both available from Mats4U.
