In the wellness industry, few innovations have made as significant an impact as infrared heat therapy. This therapeutic technique, which has its roots in the time-honored tradition of saunas, offers a host of health benefits. From improving circulation to relieving pain and promoting wound healing, the advantages of this therapy are manifold. Now, the advent of infrared mats has made it possible to enjoy these benefits from the comfort of your own home, revolutionizing how we approach personal wellness.
As we delve into the world of infrared heat, we’ll explore how this therapy works, why it’s beneficial, and how it’s been adapted into the convenient form of infrared mats. These mats have been designed to deliver the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat in a compact, easy-to-use format, making them a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
Ready to discover the best far infrared mats of 2023? Let’s dive in and explore our top picks.
Healthyline Advanced Infrared Heating Pad
The Healthyline Advanced Infrared Heating Pad is a high-end heated mat that provides whole-body heat therapy. It combines far infrared rays, negative ion technology, PEMF therapy, and photon light therapy in one device. The entire surface of the 72″ x 24″ mat contains a layer of crushed natural amethyst, tourmaline, and jade gemstones. This deluxe heating pad also features adjustable temperature settings up to 158°F controlled by a digital controller with auto shutoff and soothing photon red lights.
Pros:
- Provides 5 different wellness therapies in one device
- Medical-grade and heat-resistant materials
- Digital temperature control with auto shutoff
- Soothing heated surface infused with gemstones
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to basic heating pads
- Large size may not fit smaller spaces
HealthyLine Far Infrared Heating Pad – Natural Jade and Tourmaline Stones
The HealthyLine Far Infrared Heating Pad is a large 72″ x 24″ mat that provides soothing heat therapy using natural jade and tourmaline stones. This FDA-registered heating pad emits far infrared rays that penetrate deep into muscles and joints to relieve minor aches and pains temporarily. The negative ions released can also improve breathing. This mat is flexible, portable, and has an adjustable temperature controller.
Pros:
- Provides temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain
- Enhances blood circulation with far infrared heat
- Portable and flexible – easy to use anywhere
- Made with natural jade and tourmaline stones
- Adjustable temperature settings up to 158°F
Cons:
- Expensive compared to regular heating pads
- Heavy – 14 lbs makes it less portable
- Stones may tear through fabric with prolonged use
UTK Amethyst Healing Stone Heat Pad
The UTK Amethyst Healing Stone Heat Pad is an infrared heating pad that provides deep heat therapy. This 24″ x 16″ pad contains amethyst crystals and has adjustable temperature settings from 103-159 degrees Fahrenheit. The pad heats up in 10-15 minutes and will automatically shut off after 4 hours, making it safe to use overnight.
Pros:
- Provides infrared heat that penetrates deeply into tissues to relieve pain and relax muscles
- Contains amethyst crystals which have calming and healing properties
- Adjustable temperature settings and auto shut off feature
- Large size can cover back, hips, and other areas
- Soft microfiber cover is comfortable against skin
Cons:
- Heavier than some pads at 6.5 lbs due to the stones inside
- Only has temperature settings as warm as 103 degrees, no lower settings
HealthyLine Rainbow Chakra Mat
The HealthyLine Rainbow Chakra Mat is a high-end electric heating pad that incorporates gemstones, lights, and PEMF technology to provide heating and other therapeutic benefits. This large 74″ x 28″ mat features seven different gemstones – amethyst, sodalite, blue lace agate, carnelian, red jasper, and green and yellow aventurine – corresponding to each of the seven chakras. It has adjustable heating up to 160°F, 7-color photon lights, and PEMF therapy which emits electromagnetic pulses. Made with medical-grade mesh fabric, it is designed to enhance reiki, yoga, massage, and meditation practices.
Pros:
- Incorporates multiple therapies like heat, gemstones, lights, and PEMF
- Large size good for full body use
- Highly customizable with adjustable heat and settings
- High-quality construction and materials
Cons:
- Very expensive at around $2000
- Takes a long time (45+ minutes) to fully heat up
- Confusing to control all the different settings
- Lacks portability due to large size
HealthyLine Soft Far Infrared Heating Pad
The HealthyLine Soft Far Infrared Heating Pad is a large 60″ x 24″ mat that provides soothing heat therapy using natural gemstones like amethyst, jade, and tourmaline. This high-quality heating pad features a medical-grade mesh fabric and an advanced controller for adjusting heat settings up to 158°F. When the stones are heated, they emit soothing infrared rays that penetrate deep into muscles and joints to relieve pain.
Pros:
- Features 3 different gemstones (amethyst, jade, tourmaline) that provide natural far infrared heat
- Large size (60″ x 24″) covers most of the body
- Adjustable heat settings up to 158°F
- High-tech controller and auto shut-off for safety
- Flexible, soft, and comfortable medical-grade mesh fabric
- FSA/HSA eligible
Cons:
- Expensive at around $600
- Heavy at 23 lbs so not as portable
- Takes time to heat up fully
- Stones may feel lumpy compared to soft heating pads
UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad
The UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad is a large, full back heating pad that provides therapeutic warmth using far infrared heat, negative ions, and gemstone therapy. This electric heating pad measures 21″ x 38″ and contains 132 jade stones and 54 tourmaline stones. It is made of PU leather and carbon fiber to emit penetrating infrared rays that can relax muscles and joints.
Pros:
- Large size covers entire back area or can wrap around other body parts
- Integrates far infrared heat, negative ions, and gemstone therapy for holistic relaxation and pain relief
- Adjustable temperature (103°F-159°F) and auto shut-off timer for customized use
- Memory function saves preferred settings
- High-quality construction and 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive compared to regular heating pads
- Heavy at 7.2 lbs
- Faux leather edging may wear out over time with repeated use
- Not ideal for small areas like neck and shoulders
UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad with Photon
The UTK Infrared Heating Pad is a large, 24″ x 16″ heating pad that uses far infrared heat, tourmaline beads, and red light photon therapy to provide soothing heat for pain relief and relaxation. This heating pad heats up to temperatures between 103-159°F and maintains heat well even after shutting off. The infrared heat penetrates tissue while the tourmaline beads release negative ions and far infrared rays for improved circulation. The pad has 4 photon lamps that emit penetrating 660nm red light to reach deep muscles. It has an auto shut-off feature after 4 hours for safety.
Pros:
- Provides penetrating infrared heat for effective pain relief
- Tourmaline beads improve circulation
- 4 photon lamps reach deep muscles
- Large size covers more area
- Auto shut-off safety feature
Cons:
- Takes time to heat up initially
- Heavy due to tourmaline beads
- Confusing photon button with no indicator light
HealthyLine Chair Infrared Heating Pad
The HealthyLine Chair Infrared Heating Pad is a 40″ x 18″ therapeutic mat designed to provide pain relief and relaxation when placed in an office chair or easy chair. This high-end heating pad features multiple layers infused with amethyst, tourmaline, and jade gemstones that emit far infrared rays to penetrate deep into tissues. The heating pad has adjustable temperature settings and includes several wellness therapies like photon light, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), negative ions, and hot stone therapy.
Pros:
- Provides temporary pain and stiffness relief through far infrared heat
- Includes hot stone therapy to relax muscles and relieve tension
- Features negative ions and PEMF for enhanced therapeutic benefits
- 12 red LED lights for light therapy benefits
- Made with medical grade and heat resistant materials
- 5 year warranty provided by manufacturer
Cons:
- Very firm, not flexible or soft
- Doesn’t contour well to office chairs
- Expensive compared to basic heating pads
- Must be plugged in to use
Buying Guide
Making an informed decision about purchasing a far infrared mat requires a deep understanding of its benefits, features, and how to use it. This buying guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make the best choice.
Understanding Far Infrared Therapy
Far infrared therapy is a type of heat therapy that uses thermal light to heat your body from the inside out. This type of heat is more efficient at penetrating human tissue, cells, and organs compared to conventional heat, prompting deeper detoxification at lower temperatures.
A study published in the Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves found that far infrared therapy can improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and promote wound healing. This makes it a beneficial therapy for a variety of health conditions.
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation, a form of energy that includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and X-rays. Infrared light, however, is unique in its ability to penetrate deep into the body, providing a heat source that can reach muscles, nerves, and even bones.
When you turn on an infrared heating pad, it generates infrared light. This light is absorbed by your skin and then travels up to 2-3 inches into your body, providing a deep, soothing heat. This heat helps to increase circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the areas of your body that need it most. This increased blood flow can help speed healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
The Benefits of Far Infrared Mats
Far infrared therapy, the technology behind these mats, uses a specific wavelength of light that’s invisible to the human eye. This light penetrates deep into the body, heating it from the inside out. This internal heating process stimulates your body’s natural healing mechanisms in several ways.
Improved Circulation: The heat generated by far infrared therapy causes your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation throughout your body. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your cells, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Detoxification: Far infrared heat helps your body sweat, and this isn’t just any sweat. It’s believed that the deep heating from far infrared mats can help your body excrete toxins, including heavy metals, through sweat. This detoxification process can contribute to improved health and wellness.
Pain Relief: The improved circulation and reduced inflammation resulting from far infrared therapy can lead to significant pain relief. This makes far infrared mats popular for people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation: The soothing heat from far infrared mats can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. This feels good and can support overall health by reducing the negative impacts of stress on the body.
Immune System Support: By enhancing circulation, promoting detoxification, relieving pain, and reducing stress, far infrared therapy can support a healthy immune system. This can make you more resistant to illness and improve your overall health and well-being.
What to Look for in a Far Infrared Mat
When shopping for a far infrared mat, there are several key features to consider:
Size: Choose a mat that fits comfortably in your space and is large enough for your body. This ensures that you can fully enjoy the benefits of the mat.
Heat settings: Look for a mat with adjustable heat settings for a customizable experience. This allows you to control the intensity of the heat based on your comfort level and specific needs.
EMF blocking: Some mats offer EMF (electromagnetic field) shielding, which can be a beneficial feature. EMFs are invisible areas of energy associated with the use of electrical power. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to EMFs could have negative health effects, so a mat with EMF blocking capabilities can provide added peace of mind.
Quality and warranty: A high-quality mat with a good warranty can be a worthwhile investment. This ensures that you’re buying a product that’s built to last and that the manufacturer stands behind its product.
How to Use a Far Infrared Mat
Using a far infrared mat is simple. Find a comfortable spot, lay the mat down, and lie on it. The heat from the mat will start to penetrate your body, providing a soothing and therapeutic experience.
Some mats are even portable, making it easy to take your far infrared therapy on the go. This means you can enjoy the benefits of far infrared therapy at home, work, or traveling.
Remember to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your body gets used to the heat. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use to ensure a safe and effective experience.
In conclusion, a far infrared mat can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. By understanding the benefits of far infrared therapy and knowing what to look for in a mat, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.
