Hygimat Solid vs Hygimat with Holes: Which Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Mat Should You Choose?

Hygimat Solid vs Hygimat with Holes: Which Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Mat Should You Choose?

Hygienic anti-fatigue mats are designed for workplaces where staff spend long periods standing and where cleanliness, comfort and slip resistance are especially important. They can help create a more comfortable standing surface while supporting easier cleaning in healthcare, food production, laboratories and other hygiene-sensitive environments.

Two extremely similar options available from Mats4U are the Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting and the Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes. Both are made from rubberised gel foam, both have anti-microbial treatment, and both are suitable for indoor or outdoor wet and dry environments.

The main difference is drainage. The standard Hygimat has a solid textured surface, making it ideal for workstations where comfort, hygiene and easy cleaning are needed without open holes. Hygimat with Holes includes small drainage holes that allow water and other liquids to move through the mat, making it better for areas regularly exposed to spills or standing liquid.

Table of Contents

Why Compare Hygimat Solid and Hygimat with Holes?

Hygimat Solid and Hygimat with Holes are worth comparing because they share almost all of the same core features. Both are hygienic anti-fatigue mats made from rubberised gel foam, both have textured slip-resistant surfaces, and both include anti-microbial properties.

They are also both 17mm thick, available in the same three sizes and suitable for loose-lay installation. The choice therefore comes down mainly to whether the workplace needs a solid standing surface or open drainage holes.

Nearly Identical Construction

Both mats use closed-cell rubberised gel foam. The material provides a cushioned standing surface while preventing liquids from soaking into the mat itself.

Different Surface Designs

The standard Hygimat has a complete solid surface. Hygimat with Holes has small openings across the surface that allow liquid to channel through to the floor below.

Both Are Designed for Hygiene-Sensitive Areas

Both products include anti-microbial treatment and can be cleaned using methods suitable for healthcare, clean-room, laboratory and food-related environments.

Quick Comparison: Hygimat Solid vs Hygimat with Holes

The table below gives a simple overview of how the two mats compare.

Feature Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes
Best For Dry or lightly wet hygienic workstations needing a solid surface Wet workstations where liquid needs to drain through the mat
Surface Solid textured surface Textured surface with small drainage holes
Material Closed-cell rubberised gel foam Closed-cell rubberised gel foam
Mat Height 17mm ±1mm 17mm ±1mm
Anti-Microbial Yes Yes
Drainage No drainage holes Small holes allow liquids to drain through
Oil and Water Resistance Yes Yes
Available Sizes 60cm x 90cm, 90cm x 150cm and 90cm x 180cm 60cm x 90cm, 90cm x 150cm and 90cm x 180cm
Main Advantage Smooth, hygienic solid standing surface Better drainage in regularly wet areas

What Is Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting?

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting is a solid-surface workplace mat designed to improve comfort for staff who stand for long periods. Its rubberised gel-foam construction provides a cushioned surface that is softer underfoot than concrete, tiles and other hard flooring.

The mat is treated with anti-microbial agents that help inhibit bacterial growth. Its closed-cell construction means that water and other liquids cannot soak into the mat material, making it easier to clean and suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments.

Solid Textured Surface

The complete solid surface gives workers a stable standing area without open drainage holes. This is helpful where small tools, components, food items or other objects must not fall through the mat.

Anti-Fatigue Gel Foam

The rubberised gel foam helps create a more comfortable surface for people working at counters, benches, laboratory stations and production workstations.

Anti-Microbial Treatment

The mat contains anti-microbial properties, making it suitable for environments where controlling bacterial growth and maintaining cleanliness are important.

Suitable for Wet and Dry Areas

Although it has a solid surface, Hygimat is resistant to water and oil and can be used in indoor or outdoor wet and dry environments. However, liquid will remain on or around the surface rather than draining through it.

What Is Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes?

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes uses the same rubberised gel-foam construction as the solid version, but includes small drainage holes across the standing surface.

The holes allow liquids to channel through the mat instead of remaining on top. This makes the drainage version better suited to areas where water, cleaning fluids or other liquids are regularly present.

Small Drainage Holes

The drainage holes allow liquid to move away from the top surface. This helps keep the main standing area clearer in wet work environments.

Textured Slip-Resistant Surface

The textured finish works together with the drainage holes to support secure footing, particularly where the workplace is regularly exposed to liquids.

Same Hygienic Gel-Foam Material

Like the solid version, the drainage mat is made from closed-cell rubberised gel foam and includes anti-microbial treatment.

Designed for Liquid-Prone Areas

Hygimat with Holes is the stronger choice for workstations where water or liquid frequently reaches the floor and needs somewhere to drain.

Solid Surface vs Drainage Holes

The surface design is the main difference between these two mats. Choosing correctly depends on how much liquid is present and whether small objects may be dropped during work.

Benefits of a Solid Surface

A solid mat provides complete support across the standing area. It is easier to retrieve small items from and prevents tools, components or food products from passing through to the floor underneath.

Benefits of Drainage Holes

Drainage holes allow water and other liquids to move through the mat. This prevents larger amounts of liquid from sitting directly on the standing surface.

Which Is Better for Dry Areas?

The solid Hygimat is better for predominantly dry areas because drainage holes are not necessary and the full surface is easier to wipe clean.

Which Is Better for Wet Areas?

Hygimat with Holes is better for regularly wet work areas because liquid can drain through the mat instead of collecting on top.

Comfort and Anti-Fatigue Performance

Both versions are designed to provide similar anti-fatigue comfort. They use the same type of rubberised gel-foam material and have the same overall mat height.

Hygimat Solid Comfort

The solid version provides full support across the standing surface. This makes it suitable for staff working at counters, clean-room stations, laboratory benches and indoor production areas.

Hygimat with Holes Comfort

The drainage version also provides cushioned anti-fatigue support. The holes are distributed across the mat while the surrounding gel-foam structure continues to support the worker.

Which Is More Comfortable?

Comfort should be very similar because both mats are made from rubberised gel foam and measure 17mm ±1mm in height. The choice should therefore be based more on drainage requirements than cushioning.

Why Anti-Fatigue Support Matters

A cushioned standing surface can make long shifts on hard floors more manageable. It also encourages small natural movements of the feet and legs rather than holding the body completely still.

Hygiene and Anti-Microbial Performance

Both mats are designed for environments where hygiene is important. Their anti-microbial treatment helps inhibit bacterial growth, while the closed-cell construction prevents liquid from soaking into the material.

Hygimat Solid Hygiene

The solid surface is easy to wipe and disinfect because there are no drainage holes. This makes it useful where a continuous surface is preferred for routine cleaning.

Hygimat with Holes Hygiene

The drainage version prevents liquid from remaining on the top surface, but the floor underneath must also be cleaned regularly because water and debris can pass through the holes.

Which Is Easier to Disinfect?

The solid version may be slightly quicker to wipe down because it has a complete surface. Both mats, however, can be cleaned with mild detergent and suitable disinfecting or sterilising methods.

Which Is Better for Hygiene-Sensitive Wet Areas?

Hygimat with Holes is better where hygiene-sensitive work regularly produces water or liquid that needs to drain away. The area underneath must be included in the cleaning routine.

Slip Resistance in Wet and Dry Areas

Both mats have textured surfaces designed to improve grip underfoot. They have also been slip tested to DIN 51130.

Hygimat Solid Slip Resistance

The textured solid surface provides grip in dry and lightly wet environments. Any spills should still be removed promptly so liquid does not remain on the standing surface.

Hygimat with Holes Slip Resistance

The drainage version combines texture with small holes that allow liquids to pass through. This makes it better where the floor is frequently exposed to water or other liquids.

Which Is Better in Wet Conditions?

Hygimat with Holes is generally the better choice for consistently wet areas because the drainage system helps move liquid away from the top surface.

Why Cleaning Is Still Important

Drainage holes do not remove the need for regular cleaning. Oils, grease, detergent residue and debris can still reduce grip if they are allowed to build up.

Material and Construction Comparison

The two mats are almost identical in their basic material and construction. Both use closed-cell rubberised gel foam with anti-microbial treatment and a textured surface finish.

Hygimat Solid Construction

The solid mat has a continuous gel-foam surface without openings. It is water resistant, oil resistant and designed for loose-lay installation.

Hygimat with Holes Construction

The drainage version uses the same gel-foam base but includes small holes through the surface to channel liquids away.

Closed-Cell Material

Closed-cell construction means that liquid cannot easily penetrate into the mat material itself. This supports easier cleaning and helps preserve the mat’s performance.

Fire and Slip Testing

Both mats are fire tested to BS EN 13501-1 and slip tested to DIN 51130, making them suitable for professional workplace environments.

Sizes and Installation

Both versions are available in the same three sizes, making it easy to choose between the surfaces without changing the overall workstation layout.

Available Mat Sizes

  • 60cm x 90cm
  • 90cm x 150cm
  • 90cm x 180cm

Loose-Lay Installation

Both mats are designed for loose-lay installation. They can be placed directly at a workstation without permanent adhesives or complicated fitting.

Choosing the Correct Size

The mat should cover the worker’s normal standing and movement area. A mat that is too small may cause the worker to repeatedly step on and off the edges during normal tasks.

Which Has Better Size Flexibility?

Both products offer the same size choices, so neither has an advantage in this area.

Cleaning and Maintenance Comparison

Regular cleaning is essential in hygiene-sensitive workplaces. Cleaning methods should remove dirt, oils, detergent residue and bacteria without damaging the mat surface.

Cleaning Hygimat Solid

The solid Hygimat can be cleaned using mild detergent. Suitable disinfectant, alcohol or sterilisation methods can also be used when required. The mat should be rinsed thoroughly and left to dry in open air away from excessive sunlight.

Cleaning Hygimat with Holes

Hygimat with Holes can be cleaned using mild detergent and can also be steam sterilised. Mild disinfectant, alcohol or other suitable sterilising methods may be used. Any detergent should be rinsed away completely to maintain slip resistance.

Cleaning Under the Drainage Mat

The floor underneath Hygimat with Holes must be cleaned regularly because liquids and small debris can pass through the surface.

Which Is Easier to Clean?

The solid version is easier for quick surface cleaning because there are no holes. The drainage version is better for managing liquids but requires cleaning both the mat and the floor underneath.

The following two Mats4U products belong to the same hygienic anti-fatigue matting range, making them ideal for a direct comparison.

Solid Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting for clean and dry workstations

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting is a solid-surface workplace mat made from rubberised gel foam. It combines anti-fatigue comfort with anti-microbial treatment, oil and water resistance and a textured slip-resistant finish.

The continuous solid surface makes it ideal for clean rooms, healthcare facilities, laboratories, food production areas and other workstations where a hygienic mat is needed but drainage holes are not required.

View Product

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with drainage holes for wet workstations

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes

Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes provides the same gel-foam comfort and anti-microbial properties as the solid version, but includes small drainage holes across the textured surface.

The holes allow liquids to channel through, making this version better for wet workstations, food production areas, healthcare environments and industrial facilities where regular liquid exposure is expected.

View Product

Which One Should You Choose?

The easiest way to choose between Hygimat Solid and Hygimat with Holes is to consider how much liquid is regularly present at the workstation. If the area is mainly dry or only experiences occasional small spills, the solid version is usually the better option. If water or liquid regularly reaches the floor, choose the drainage version.

Choose Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting If:

  • The workstation is mainly dry.
  • You want a complete solid standing surface.
  • Small tools, components or products may be dropped.
  • You need quick and simple surface cleaning.
  • You want hygienic anti-fatigue support without drainage holes.
  • The area only experiences occasional light spills.

Choose Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes If:

  • The workplace is regularly exposed to water or liquid.
  • You need liquid to drain through the mat.
  • The mat will be used in a wet food production or catering area.
  • You need anti-fatigue support in a wet workstation.
  • You want a textured surface combined with drainage holes.
  • You can regularly clean the floor underneath the mat.

The Simple Answer

Choose the solid Hygimat for dry or lightly wet hygienic workstations. Choose Hygimat with Holes for regularly wet areas where liquid drainage is necessary.

Where to Use Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Mats

Both Hygimat versions can be used in indoor or outdoor wet and dry environments. The correct surface should be chosen according to the amount of liquid present.

Healthcare Facilities

Both mats can be used in hospitals, clinics and healthcare workstations. The solid version is practical for dry treatment or preparation areas, while the drainage version is better where liquids are regularly present.

Clean Rooms

The anti-microbial treatment and closed-cell material make both mats suitable for clean-room environments. The solid surface may be preferred where small components must not fall through openings.

Laboratories

Laboratory staff often stand at benches for extended periods. Hygimat Solid provides a continuous surface, while Hygimat with Holes is useful near wash stations or liquid-handling areas.

Food Manufacturing

Food manufacturing areas can use either mat depending on the process. The drainage version is generally better where water, cleaning liquids or food-related fluids regularly reach the floor.

Catering and Hospitality

Hygimat mats can provide comfort at preparation counters and other standing workstations. The version with holes is better where frequent spills or washing create wet conditions.

Warehouses and Industrial Facilities

Both versions can support workers at fixed warehouse or industrial workstations. Hygimat Solid is ideal for dry packing areas, while Hygimat with Holes is better where liquids need to drain away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hygimat Mats

Q1: What is the difference between Hygimat Solid and Hygimat with Holes?

A1: Hygimat Solid has a complete textured surface, while Hygimat with Holes has small drainage holes that allow liquids to channel through the mat.

Q2: Are both Hygimat mats anti-fatigue?

A2: Yes. Both are made from rubberised gel foam designed to provide a more comfortable standing surface.

Q3: Are both mats anti-microbial?

A3: Yes. Both versions include anti-microbial treatment to help inhibit bacterial growth.

Q4: Which mat is better for dry areas?

A4: The solid Hygimat is better for mainly dry workstations because it provides a complete standing surface without drainage holes.

Q5: Which mat is better for wet areas?

A5: Hygimat with Holes is better for regularly wet areas because the holes allow liquids to drain through the mat.

Q6: Are both mats the same thickness?

A6: Yes. Both mats have a height of approximately 17mm ±1mm.

Q7: Are both mats available in the same sizes?

A7: Yes. Both are available in 60cm x 90cm, 90cm x 150cm and 90cm x 180cm sizes.

Q8: Can both mats be used outdoors?

A8: Yes. Both products are suitable for indoor or outdoor wet and dry environments, provided they are used and maintained correctly.

Q9: Are the mats resistant to oil and water?

A9: Yes. Both Hygimat versions are resistant to oil and water.

Q10: How should Hygimat mats be cleaned?

A10: They can be cleaned using mild detergent and suitable disinfecting or sterilising methods. All cleaning residue should be rinsed away and the mats should be allowed to dry fully.

Q11: Do I need to clean underneath Hygimat with Holes?

A11: Yes. Liquids and small debris can pass through the holes, so the floor underneath should be cleaned regularly.

Q12: Where can I buy Hygimat Solid and Hygimat with Holes?

A12: Both Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting and Hygimat Hygienic Anti-Fatigue Matting with Holes are available from Mats4U as hygienic workplace matting options.

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