The walk-in tub has always been thought of as only an option for those with mobility issues or for those who have concerns about their health. This may no longer be the case. Walk-in tubs have progressed and evolved to include many new features. One of those new features is the ability to lie down.
Can You Lie Down in a Walk-in Tub? There is now a specific option available that allows a user of a walk-in tub to lie down. This walk-in tub has a U-shaped door that swings out and lets the user lie down and have a therapeutic and relaxing experience that regular walk-in tubs were rarely able to offer.
The ability to lie down in a walk-in tub is a new feature that can only be found in certain models of the walk-in tub. These tubs have specific features that make it more of a relaxing time for anyone who still wants the safety of walking in instead of climbing over. Also, having a walk-in tub, in general, may not be the right fit for everyone, so information to help you make this decision is key.
The Lay Down Walk-In Tub
The lay down tub was designed for those who want to be able to relax in a laying position but are not able to lift their legs to get into the tub the traditional way. The door of the walk-in tub will swing out in a U-shape. The entrance through the U-shape is no more than a few inches from the floor, so the step into it is minimal. From here, the tub itself is similar to a normal tub.
Normally, there is no seat as there is in regular walk-in tubs. The lack of seat allows the user to lay down fully in the walk-in tub as they would a normal tub. However, depending on which walk-in tub brand you decide to go with, there may be seat options available. You would be able to choose from a variety of different seats in order to have one that fits your needs the most.
Once the user is in the walk-in tub, they just need to lie down and wait for the water to rise. With the door fully shut, it has a durable seal that will prevent the water from leaking out. Most, if not all, of the brands of walk-in tubs, will have some type of warranty on their doors.
Features of a Lay Down Walk-in Tub
Just like any type of tub, there are standard features that come with the walk-in tub and other features that you are able to customize to your needs.
- Specially Made Door: The door to the walk-in tub is not only leak-proof, as stated previously, but it is made of light material. This light material allows for easy handling that will not put up a fight for the user when coming in and out of the tub. Another feature that you can choose from is the size of the door. The door to your walk-in tub is offered is a few different sizes so you can pick out the size that suits your wants and needs the most.
- Faucet Option: Just like any item you purchase that has hardware, your walk-in tub can have the faucets customized. There are different styles and color options to choose from when selecting your tub. The finishes of the faucets are up to you have they can match the style you already have going on in your bathroom. You can even choose to have a shower-head included.
- Quick Drain Capabilities: When using a walk-in tub, you will not be able to open the door to exit until the water has completely drained out. This is why these new lay down tubs come equipped with a scientifically designed drain. The drain is set up to drain the water at a quicker rate, so you do not have to sit in the tub for an extended period of time waiting for the water to drain.
- Anti Slip Floor: Even though you will be laying down in your walk-in tub, you want to feel safe as your step into the tub. So this tub comes equipped with a non-slip material on the floor. Slipping is still a concern for some as they make their way over the couple inch threshold into their tub. The walk-in tub was then designed with this safety concern in mind.
- Tub Material: Generally, there are two different materials that your walk-in tub can come in. The first is fiberglass, and the second is acrylic. A fiberglass tub is going to be slightly less expensive and also less durable than the acrylic option. The acrylic option will last longer than the fiberglass. With this being said, the fiberglass option will be an easier and inexpensive fix if anything were to happen to your walk-in tub.
- Therapeutic Massage Features: These features refer to the spa-like options that are available for your walk-in tub. For the most part, you will be able to choose how many jets you want your tub to have. The more jets you opt for, the more your tub will be like a spa. There are even some walk-in tubs that can be equipped with relaxing light settings. This is the category that you have the most flexibility in. You are in control of how many therapeutic features that come with your walk-in tub. You have the ability to turn your tub into something that could be found at a spa.
About Walk-In Tubs
There are many reasons as to why people purchase a walk-in tub. There are benefits for almost everyone out there, but it may come down to necessity.
Who Benefits from a Walk-In Tub
Many seniors would find a walk-in tub perfect for them. Seniors are more concerned with safety and comfort as they bathe. Both of these things can be achieved with a walk-in tub. They do not have to worry about putting themselves in harm’s way by attempting to step over the side of a tub.
Those with limited mobility also benefit from a walk-in tub. Limited mobility could be from an accident, injury, disability, or something else. Again, safety is potentially their number one concern when they are bathing, and a walk-in tub offers them this safety.
Health Benefits of a Walk-in Tub
Not only do walk-in tubs help to promote safety, but they can also aid in other health concerns. The first is arthritis. The specific design of a walk-in tub was created as a means to target and help ease the aches and pains caused by arthritis. There is no need to strain to get in and out of these tubs, so the stressors of arthritis should not a concern.
Another health benefit of a walk-in tub is its ability to help with poor circulation. It can be easy to feel when your body is not achieving the circulation it needs to provide you with a healthy lifestyle. If your legs or hands fall asleep quickly, then this is a sign of poor circulation. A natural way to help combat this is by taking a relaxing bath.
A walk-in tub will help with this because there is no strain getting into the tub, and the seat enables a comfortable place to relax. The same can be said for the walk-in tub that lets you lie down. While lying down, you are allowing your body to stretch out, and greater circulation can come from it.