Shower Rug Recall Issued After Reports Fractures, Injuries Due To Suction Cup Failures

Following dozens of reports where people have fallen in the shower, suffering bone fractures, cuts and bruises, a recall has been issued for about 1.5 million shower rugs that may suddenly slide out of place. 

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an AquaRug shower mat recall on Thursday, indicating that the suction cups on the underside of the rug may not keep the mat in place, posing a serious fall and injury risk.

To date, the manufacturer has received at least 60 reports of consumers falling in the shower or bathtub while using the AquaMat, which features four small suction cups. Those reports include at least 30 injuries, including broken bones, fractures, cuts and bruises. However, the reported incidents likely only represent a small portion of the actual number of problems with the shower rug.

The shower mat suction cups are intended to keep the rug in place, and prevent users from slipping on the slick surface of a bathtub or shower stall. However, the four suction cups may fail, losing suction and causing the rug to slide out from under the consumers.

AquaRug is sold in clear and beige, and in two sizes, 29.5 inches by 17.25 inches, for use in the bathtub and 21.75 inches by 19.75 inches for use in a shower stall. It has four plastic suction cups, one affixed to the underside of each corner of the rug.

More than 1.4 million AquaRugs have been sold in the U.S., and another 70,000 sold in Canada. It is sold with “AquaRug” and “As Seen on TV” printed on the front of the cardboard packaging.

The recalled rugs were distributed between July 2012 and September 2015, selling for $18 to $28 at Bed Bath & Beyond, Dollar General, and other retail stores nationwide; as well as online at Amazon.com and BuyAquaRug.com. The mats were also sold by Tristar through direct response television commercials and QVC.

The CPSC recommends consumers immediately stop using the recalled shower mat and contact Tristar Products at 888-770-7125 and tristarproductsinc.com for instructions on how to dispose of the mat and get a free replacement product.