To begin with, an anti-fatigue mat is not the same as an anti-slip mat. Before hitting the stores or that buy button, make sure to pick one that suits your needs. As already stated, sitting for many hours on end can cause severe health issues, but working on a daily basis and for many hours while standing can also bring about health-related issues. As the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates first stated: everything in moderation, nothing in excess. This is why you should not overdo anything, whether it be sitting in front of a PC, working, standing, exercising, or even relaxing!
To cover individual needs and reduce the fatigue caused by a working surface, anti-fatigue mats can be made out of various materials. Since the main subject of today's review is the electric desk, an anti-fatigue mat looks to be the ideal accessory. As such, a user will benefit both from the desk and the mat. However, standing without walking every now and then causes blood to pool in the legs and feet, which can eventually lead to various problems.
Criteria for Purchasing an Anti-Fatigue Mat: User Experience
The thickness of the mat is not on its own a selecting criterion. For instance, a soft and thick anti-fatigue mat isn't necessarily comfortable even though users might expect it to be. The floor also plays another major role, which makes the materials out of which such a mat is made significant. Since a mat's edges will protrude off the floor, one should take that into account as well. No one wants to have a perilous mat that could cause slipping or stumbling, especially at work.
Dirt will eventually also cover the once clean surface. As such, an easy way to clean the mat should be a factor.
Packaging
The mat comes in a cylindrical hard carton package. Bits of information on both the company and the mat have been put on the outside. Unfortunately, because the package came all the way from Asia, it was opened at customs with a cutter. As a result, the mat had some cuts! Thankfully, they were on the rear, so no major harm was done. But still, those customs officers should be more careful!
Closer Look
The anti-fatigue mat by Apexgaming is 2 cm (0.78") high, 86 cm (33.85") wide, and 50 cm (19.68") long, which is more than enough for even large users. It is very light at 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) and can easily be stowed away since it's foldable.
The mat's edges are contoured to make sure the mat isn't an obstacle that is in the way. Its upper surface is skid-resistant because of horizontal and vertical stripes which keep both feet on the mat in place.
It comes in three different colors: red, beige, and brown. Additionally, the Elite ZT is fire resistant, which makes the mat a viable option for a broad range of working environments. The mat is also made out of non-toxic materials, which means it is environmentally friendly and a good choice for environmentalists. Cleaning it is a breeze as well—just use a wet mop to wipe off any dirt.
Who Should Buy It
The Apexgaming mat's features make it ideal for numerous end users. An anti-fatigue mat out of non-toxic materials can be used in places with pets since taking out a bite and swallowing it won't be harmful. Baristas and bartenders won't run into issue since liquid, including alcohol, can easily be wiped off. Assembly line workers, security staff, engineers, catering staff, and laboratory technicians are only some who would benefit since tallow, grease, mud, and any kind of dirt can easily be wiped off.
What's more, engineers will not be afraid of ruining the mat because of flammable objects that might drop on to it since it is fire resistant. However, we don't know how much heat it can cope with, or for how long. To be frank, we also didn't want to destroy it in order to find out.
User Experience
Our first introduction to an anti-fatigue mat was at Computex 2018. We made it to the company's booth late during the day. After miles of walking, I was to try out one of Apexgaming's electric desks, and the Apexgaming staff suggested I also give the mat a go. The minute I stepped on it, I was blown away by the relief I felt to both my feet and back. I even tried it without shoes to see if it felt the same. What came as a surprise was that it was even more comfortable barefoot. Without hesitating, I asked them where I could get two; one for me and another for my mother! We both work at least eight hours per day in front of a PC and have to take care of our homes as well. We have many chores; doing the dishes and ironing are the most boring and tiresome chores of all. Both my feet and back ache after a while, and this mat was definitely about to solve one of my problems. We have since also asked many of our friends to try it out, just to validate our opinion, and they were all astonished by the relief and comfort it offered them.