Rug pads, slips, and trips
What the CDC says about rugs and falls.
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Why it matters
The CDC's Older Adult Falls Data page (updated September 4, 2026) says: "Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older." It also says: "Over 14 million, or 1 in 4 older adults report falling every year." The CDC cites that figure to a 2023 CDC report on falls among adults aged 65 and older in the United States in 2020 and 2021. These figures are about adults 65 and older, not all readers. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), in its guide to falls in older adults, says: "A simple accident like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change your life."
What the CDC checklist says about rugs
The CDC's Check for Safety checklist, written for older adults, asks: "Do you have throw rugs on the floor?" Its answer: "Remove the rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip."
Rug pads and grippers
A rug pad sits under a rug. A gripper holds a rug edge or corner to the floor. The CDC names double-sided tape and non-slip backing; it does not name or rate pads or grippers, and neither do we. Follow the maker's instructions for any pad, gripper, or tape, and for the floor under it.
Underlays for valued rugs
In its care guidance for valued rugs, CCI says: "A good underlay or underpadding provides protection and prolongs the life of a carpet or rug by cushioning the unevenness of the floor and the weight of furniture." It says never to fold or overlap an underlay, to avoid underlays with self-adhesives or made of foam rubber, vinyl, jute, or recycled felt, and to check the underlay and rug periodically. CCI's advice is about protecting a valued rug; the CDC's checklist for older adults is about preventing falls. Follow the rug maker's and pad maker's instructions.
Hardwood and other floors
We have no neutral source on how pad materials affect floor finishes. Ask the floor maker or installer, and follow the pad maker's instructions.
Clear paths
The CDC checklist for older adults also says: "Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor." And: "Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them."
FAQ
General information only. Keep walking paths clear. The CDC's home fall prevention checklist for older adults says to remove throw rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip. Follow the maker's label and instructions for any rug, rug pad, tape, or cleaning product. If someone falls and is hurt, get medical help. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: rug placement
Paths, furniture, sunlight.
