Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Yes.  Standard colors include black, grey and light brown, but we also offer a variety of additional colors, surface treatments, and patterns by request.

Yes. SmartCells Floor Mats sections can be glued to adjacent mat sections to create a monolithic structure. However, caution must be given to the weight of the resulting multi-section mat because it can be challenging to move.

SmartCells flooring may take a little longer to come up to temperature because of its mass, but once up to temperature it will be just fine. The floor temperature should not exceed 87.5 degrees F.

New rubber has a slight odor that usually dissipates within a few days or weeks. If there is circulating air it is usually unnoticeable. Alternatively, the odor can be blocked if a covering or coating is placed on the mat.

General considerations:

Hard Surfaces (Vinyl):

Overall criteria: 

  1. 2 mm thick minimum
  2. Heterogenous Construction
  3. Dimensional Stability Layer
  4. Heat Weldable
  5. Flexible, not brittle
  6. Affixed with Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)

Soft Surfaces (Carpet Tiles  / Carpet):

Overall criteria: 

  1. Must have flexible vinyl-backing
  2. May be tile or rolled form
  3. Affixed with full-spread Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), acrylic-based

For a more detailed list of compatible brands / styles please contact SATECH, Inc.

SmartCells products have different fire ratings depending on the application. SmartCells® with a carpet or vinyl covering comply with NFPA and UBC Class 1 fire ratings while SmartCells with a poly coating achieve a Class 2 fire rating.

Yes. You should not use the following on SmartCells products:

  • Hydrocarbon solvents such as paint thinner
  • Oil-based cleaning solutions such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Pinesol
  • Paste wax
  • Vinyl Cleaners such as Armorall

The idea of a sealed bottom has been discussed and tried in many industrial marketplaces, and while it holds some logic on paper, the real world application is not practical and may not be possible for some mats. We recommend not sealing the bottom for two specific reasons. First, it adds significantly to the price. Second, if the membrane appropriate for sealing is breached, (even by a single pin hole) the ability to then disinfect the bottom surface is almost entirely restricted, since it has been sealed off.

No. The SmartCells® material is non-porous and is incapable of absorbing liquid, unlike typical foam or sponge-based products that are made of cellular structures.

Standard SmartCells® Flooring solutions are cleaned in the same way as SmartCells® Matting. However if the solution incorporates a finished floor surface on top of the SmartCells cushion; such as sheet vinyl or carpet tiles, the cleaning guidelines for these surface finishes should be followed according to the manufacturer’s instructions while following typical precautions for a more ‘compliant’ surface. When the SATECH Poly Coating product option is used, cleaning guidelines are provided.

The mats are intended to be so user friendly that they can stay in place. However, if the mat does need to be moved, roll the entire mat then “tip” it from one end to a standing position. It can then be easily transported on a wheeled device.

No. SmartCells® products are made from synthetic rubber not natural rubber which means by design they do not contain Latex.

The force required to roll objects on SmartCells is dependent on the size of the wheels and the weight of the object. According to research conducted by Frasier Health Authority, BC, Canada, in February, 2009:

“The maximum acceptable limit for pushing the equipment as determined using the Snook tables was 24 kg for initial forces and 15 kg for sustained forces. All forces measured to push the Arjo Sara Lift, Arjo Tempo lift and the wheelchair over both surfaces fell within ergonomics guidelines and is considered a low risk of injury (Snook, 1991).

Pushing the equipment on the responsive flooring required a higher push force than pushing on the regular flooring in all conditions with all equipment. However, the responsive flooring push forces still fall within ergonomics guidelines and would be considered an acceptable implementation by the Workplace Health Ergonomics team.”

SmartCells® has an elevated coefficient of friction. Friction test results can be supplied, upon request. In addition, SmartCells custom mats, runners and flooring are available with optional additional anti – slip surface treatments, as well.

When covered by approved carpet tiles the cushioning can increase. However, when covered by approved vinyl, the cushioning may be slightly reduced, but remains highly effective in reducing fall-related injuries, and as an anti-fatigue surface.

SmartCells Flooring consists of 3’×3’ tiles. The tiles are cut to fit the area and then edge glued to provide a monolithic surface that looks like a regular floor surface. Edging/ramping can be  added where needed. Detailed installation instructions available by request.

General Guidelines

You can sweep, damp mop, or vacuum your SmartCells mat  just like any floor. Clean up any spills right away. Fruit juice, vinegar, alcoholic drinks, or other similar drinks/foods may discolor some non-black colors of mats if they are allowed to sit on the mat surface. You can use a light cleaning dilution of Simple Green or comparable cleaner if necessary.  Further, Envirox H2Orange2Concentrate 117 is an acceptable degreaser and sanitizer.

Disinfectant Cleaning

For disinfectant cleaning use an appropriate dilution of TASKI NDC, a concentrated pH neutral detergent/disinfectant cleaner, or OXIVER to provide provide one-step, no-rinse cleaning. These cleaners are EPA registered hospital grade disinfectants that provide protection against bacteria/virus/fungus/mildew. Additionally, it is also okay to use a dilute bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) solution or an alcohol-based solution. Autoclaving is permissible, provided it is limited to 1 hour or less and no more than 250 degrees F.  An autoclavable formulation is available.

Tips to Moving Mats for Cleaning

Since SmartCells bedside mats are designed to be stable and stay in place for caregiver activities like standing, walking, wheeling, or transferring they are, by definition, heavier than typical unstable, foam-based mats. Considering this, they generally do not need to be moved. For regular cleaning, we recommend that one end of the mat should be “rolled” toward the middle of the mat, providing access to the floor and the underside of 1⁄2 of the mat. Then, rolled back into place after cleaning and drying. Repeat from the other end. 

SmartCells are generationally different than other matting.

  • Made of a unique rubber structure, not foam or gel
  • Becomes softer as compressed, not harder like foam / sponge
  • Will not bottom out like foam
  • Highly responsive, like miniature springs that return energy, and provide the perfect balance of stability and instability
  • Also available as flooring
  • 8 year warranty

Caring for your SmartCells Insoles is extremely easy. First, remove the insoles from your shoes. Gently pat them with a clean moist towel, then pat them with a dry towel to remove surface moisture.

Set them aside to dry in a spot with good ventilation where they can stay flat; allow to dry completely. If areas of soil remain after cleaning, use a soft toothbrush and warm water to lightly brush the surface. Pat with a clean moist towel and let dry. Taking care of your insoles will lengthen their life, and cleaning them occasionally will keep them looking like new.

Yes, but you may need to adjust your shoe size to accommodate both. SmartCells are intended to provide the very best fatigue relief. Use the combination that works best for you.

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