5 Best Infrared Mats - Reviewing 5 Criteria for Each - 2024 (2024)

On this page you’ll find an in depth Comparison Table of the 5 Most Popular Infrared Mats, our 5 Evaluation Criteria for Infrared Mats reviewed including Mat Safety, Crystal Coverage, Negative Ions , Return & Warranty Policies, plus Infrared Mats vs PEMF Mats, FAQs and more of your questions answered.

Quick links,

Table of Contents

• How do Infrared Mats Work, and do they Really Work?
• My Infrared Mat Evaluation Review Criteria
  • Infrared Mat Safety
  • Infrared Mat Crystal Coverage
  • Does the Infrared Mat emit Negative Ions?
  • Return Policies
  • Warranty Policies
• Other Considerations Before Purchase
• Infrared Mats vs PEMF Mats
• FAQs

How We Evaluate & Review Infrared Mats

Our 5 criteria to help you choose the best infrared mat for you.

What is an Infrared Mat & Who is an Infrared Mat for?

An infrared mat is an infrared therapy device which creates its’ infrared heat by warming crystals, and you receive the therapy by laying on the mat.

Typically infrared mats will be around the size of a yoga mat, but there are many size options available including ones to fit chairs, belts, and even blanket variations.

If you have aches or pains, a circulatory system, or are just looking to feel rejuvenated, then infrared mats are for you.

An infrared mat isn’t a cure to anything in particular, but I can say from experience with a severe disc herniation (back pain & sciatica problem) that having a hot infrared mat to relax on in the evenings before bed was irreplaceable.

How do Infrared Mats Work, and do they Really Work?

Most infrared mats work by heating up crystals which then emit the infrared heat.

There are some cheaper variations that may use a different material like ceramic, but these tend to be less common.

The infrared heat, like in an infrared sauna, will heat you from the inside out, increasing circulation, warming you up, and dissipating minor aches and pains.

Infrared mats aren’t a cure for any kind of disease or ailment, using one every night didn’t cure my disc herniation, but I sure felt a lot better in the meantime while I used it.

Infrared mats really work, they work for aches and pains, feeling good, feeling rejuvenated, getting a sweat on, having a better sleep, and feeling cozy, but they don’t work as a “cure” for any kind of condition.

Infrared Mat Benefits & Who can Benefit ?

The most noticeable benefit of an infrared mat, like with an infrared sauna, is an improvement in circulation.

Also noticeable is the feeling of warmth and relaxation I, and others get while using an infrared mat, similar to the feeling we get from basking in the sun. This is because the sun’s light is also infrared and heats us up from the inside, like an infrared mat does.

Anyone and everyone could benefit from a little time on an infrared mat, just like we could all benefit from a little bit more time spent in the sun.

Infrared heat is a relatively well researched topic, and from the research it’s easy to build a longer list of infrared therapy benefits:

A couple in the above list are noted specifically as benefits from infrared saunas, an infrared sauna can be replicated with an infrared mat using a reflective sauna blanket (just make sure you’ve got a towel because this is a sweaty thing to do!).

More in depth on this topic and the benefits of infrared on our benefits of infrared mats page.

My Infrared Mat Evaluation Review Criteria

As shown above, the following are the 5 main criteria I use to evaluate infrared mats which I developed over the years of trying out different infrared mats for myself and building this website.

The 5 criteria are as follows and now let’s go into the details of each.

1. Infrared Mat Safety
2. Infrared Crystal Coverage
3. Negative Ions
4. Return Policies
5. Warranty Policies

After we review these 5 criteria be sure to read the next section about Other Considerations Before Purchase of an infrared mat.

Infrared Mat Safety

EMF Shielding and Controller Comparisons

Let’s put this into a comparison table for easier viewing.

We’re looking at whether the infrared mat has EMF shielding (electromagnetic field shielding) of unwanted electronic byproduct EMFs, and whether the controller operates only on a timer to ensure the heat shuts off if left turned on accidentally overnight or otherwise.

EMF Shielding & Controller Comparisons

Healthy Wave Infrared PEMF Mat

EMF Shielding

Yes, made with EMF shielding material.

Controller Timer

Yes, timer will shut off mat at end of session.

EMF Shielding

Yes, made with EMF shielding material.

Controller Timer

Yes, timer will shut off mat at end of session.

Biomat

EMF Shielding

Yes, made with fiberglass EMF shielding layer.

Controller Timer

Yes, timer will shut off mat at end of session.

HigherDose Infrared Mat

EMF Shielding

Yes, operates within recommended EMF limits.

Controller Timer

Yes, timer will shut mat off, however no timer on Go-Mat.

Vitamat

EMF Shielding

Yes, EMF eliminating wires used.

Controller Timer

No, no timer to shut off mat.

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Infrared crystal selection can be a preferential topic, but coverage is not, does the infrared mat provide even, and complete surface coverage of crystal and therefore infrared heat?

In crystal selection amethyst is commonly accepted as the best choice for infrared, however you will find those who argue jade is better. Tourmaline is generally known to generate more negative ions than the others.

Choose your own preference, or consider an infrared mat which combines all three.

To see the crystals of the different infrared mats compared more in depth check out our Amethyst Mats page.

Crystal Coverage Comparisons

Healthy Wave Infrared PEMF Mat

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Provides complete infrared coverage, excepting the red light therapy lights. Tourmaline and Jade stones are also included in the Pro mat, and amethyst encircles them to ensure coverage.

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Provides complete infrared coverage, primarily amethyst with some alternating rows of tourmaline and jade in addition.

Biomat

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Provides complete infrared coverage, with only amethyst. Includes a TOCA (Tourmaline Catch Power) layer within the fabric of construction.

HigherDose Infrared Mat

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Provides complete infrared coverage, with alternating rows of tourmaline and amethyst.

Vitamat

Infrared Crystal Coverage

Provides mostly complete infrared coverage, using spaced jade stones and the space inbetween filled with germanium, charcoal & yellow mud which also provide some heat but not negative ions.

Does the Infrared Mat emit Negative Ions?

Infrared heat can be created in more than one way but only certain crystals produce negative ions, does the mat produce negative ions?

All of the mats in review here do produce negative ions, but to different degrees depending on the crystals included, here is a summary of the estimated negative ion production & crystals included in each infrared mat on the list.

Negative Ion Comparisons

Healthy Wave Infrared PEMF Mat

Includes 3 Negative Ion Generating Crystals:

• Amethyst:1500negative ions per square inch
• Jade:700negative ions per square inch
• Tourmaline:1500+negative ions per square inch

Negative Ion Producing Crystals

Includes 3 Negative Ion Generating Crystals:

• Amethyst:1500negative ions per square inch
• Jade:700negative ions per square inch
• Tourmaline:1500+negative ions per square inch

Negative Ion Producing Crystals

Biomat

Includes 2 Negative Ion Generating Crystals:

• Amethyst:1500negative ions per square inch
• Tourmaline:1500+negative ions per square inch

Negative Ion Producing Crystals

HigherDose Infrared Mat

Includes 2 Negative Ion Generating Crystals:

• Amethyst:1500negative ions per square inch
• Tourmaline:1500+negative ions per square inch

Negative Ion Producing Crystals

Vitamat

Includes 1 Negative Ion Generating Crystals:

• Jade:700negative ions per square inch

Negative Ion Producing Crystals

Other Considerations Before Purchase

If you’re looking at buying your very first infrared mat, there are a couple things that I recommend considering beforehand.

One is that a flat, firm surface area is the best for setting up an infrared mat. You can also use a chair or couch, but in these cases it may be better to consider a softer, flexible mat (for example the Healthy Wave Soft & Flexible Infrared mat).

Usually it isn’t too much trouble to find the floor space, and there are many sizing options available.

I use my infrared mat right next to the couch, and it’s the right size that I can actually simply slide it under the couch when I’m not using it or when company is over. Although, whenever company comes, they always tend to be the ones getting the mat out to use themselves!

Another thing to consider is the weight of the infrared mat. Since most of the mats are using crystals to generate the infrared heat, it’s basically a mat filled with rocks (crystals). Most mats will come with a carrying case, but if you plan to be moving the mat around a lot, it is something to keep in mind when purchasing.

A last consideration to make when buying an infrared mat is whether or not you should consider one which has PEMF as well, let’s look at that next.

Infrared Mats vs PEMF Mats

If you’re looking at buying an infrared mat, should you be thinking about one that includes PEMF or not?

Here are a couple points to consider for yourself to help figure this question out.

• PEMF mats are less flexible (typically) than infrared mats
  • This is because of the PEMF coils inside, they need a flat surface
• For what reasons are you buying an infrared mat?
  • PEMF is demonstrated to help with a number of the same things infrared mats help with, low back pain, improving circulation etc., combining both may then be beneficial
• Would you be considering PEMF in the future?
  • Rather than buy a pricey infrared mat, and a pricey PEMF mat, some mats include both therapies for not so large a premium over an infrared only mat
• You need only the space for one mat, not room for two

Personally at home I use the Healthy Wave Pro 4 Therapy Infrared PEMF Mat 74″ x28″.

For me it’s the right balance of excellent infrared heat and very easy to use PEMF with 30 different frequency settings. Perfect for a higher frequency PEMF during morning stretches, I use 16Hz, and low frequency, I use 4Hz, while stretching before bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you use an Infrared Mat?

You should use your infrared mat as often as you like and as you can, there is no reason to only use it once a day or once a week. Usually I use mine every evening before bed, or anytime I have any aches or pain. Again it is important to keep hydrated while using any infrared mat.

How long can you stay on an Infrared Mat?

There is technically no limit to how long you can stay on an infrared mat, but it will depend on the temperature set point and it is important to keep hydration in mind. The infrared mat will raise your body temperature and sweating is normal, so keeping hydrated is important during any infrared mat session. Normally anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour is recommended. It is also wise to make sure your mat controller has an automated timer shut off in case you accidentally fall asleep on the mat, or accidentally leave it turned off, that it will eventually turn itself off.

What does an Infrared Mat do?

An infrared mat heats a material which will emit infrared heat, this is typically amethyst crystal, or in some cheaper infrared mats can be other materials like carbon. The infrared heat which is emitted can act to therapeutically increase blood flow, circulation, and help with minor pain relief.

What should you wear while using an Infrared Mat?

While using an infrared mat you should not wear any clothes that you would not want to sweat in. Shorts and a t-shirt, or loose fitting sweatpants and shirt. The same type of thing you may wear for a work out. If you’re really going to have a hot infrared mat session and try to sweat make sure to use your mat cover as well to keep it easy to clean by just wiping the protective cover.

What are the Benefits of an Infrared Mat?

The benefits of an infrared mat include relief from aches and pains, improved circulation, relaxation, improved sleep, detoxification through sweating, improved energy levels and more. Infrared mat benefits are the same as you would receive from for example an infrared sauna, to varying degrees of how long you are on the infrared mat, how hot you set it, how much you sweat and other factors.

If you made it this far down the page, then thank you for reading!

It took a lot of time and thought to put this page together so I really do hope its helped you, if it did, please share it with friends or family who would be interested.

Next stop to learn more head over to the review of our top rated infrared mat the Healthy Wave Mat!

Healthy Wave Mat Review