An infrared mat uses infrared light to heat and heal the body. The infrared light energy deeply penetrates the skin and gently heats the body right to the core. They are very easy to use and are a cost-effective way of introducing infrared heat therapy into your home.
WHAT IS AN INFRARED MAT?
An infrared heating mat is a device used to gently heat and heal the body. Infrared light energy is generated to deeply penetrate the skin and heat deep to the core.
They look just like a yoga mat and are very easy to use. All you need to do is roll it out on some floor space and lie down on top of the mat.
INFRARED HEAT & PEMF THERAPY
Some infrared mats combine infrared heat therapy with other treatments. These include PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), amethyst quartz, tourmaline crystals, and jade stones.
Infrared mats are a convenient and cost-effective way of introducing infrared therapy into your home. They come with a range of health benefits and are used to treat many conditions.
HOW AN INFRARED HEATING MAT WORKS
How does an infrared mat work? They use infrared light energy to gently and safely heat the body right to the core. They are used to soothe tired muscles and relieve aches. Let’s take a look at how they work.
INFRARED LIGHT ENERGY
Infrared mats use a form of light energy called ‘infrared’ to gently heat the body to the core. Although infrared light is invisible to the human eye we can feel it when it strikes our skin.
Infrared light is completely safe and should not be confused with harmful UV light. It is used in hospitals to keep newborn babies warm.
DEEP PENETRATION TO CORE
Infrared heat deeply penetrates the body and warms you right to the core. The light energy travels 2.6 inches through our tissue.
It is an excellent way to get warmth deep into your body – even into your bones. The heat from a regular electric heating mat only penetrates 0.5 inches beneath the skin.
HEAT THE BODY DIRECTLY
Infrared mats heat your body directly. They do not heat the air in between. This means the heat travels directly from the heating element inside the mat to your body.
They are an incredibly efficient form of heat therapy. No energy is wasted heating the surrounding air. The light energy passes from the mat, through the air, and into your body.
TIME & TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Infrared mats come with a control panel that allows you to set the time and heat level for your mat session. They are very easy to use.
You can set a time limit anywhere between 30 minutes to 6 hours. This is great if you fall asleep. You Can set the temperature anywhere between just above body temperature to 70° Fahrenheit, (36-70°C).
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HOW TO USE AN INFRARED MAT
Using an infrared mat is easy. While each model will differ slightly, the basic steps are the same. Refer to your user manual for further information.
1. GET READY
First up, unroll your infrared mat on a suitable flat floor space. Then, connect the controller lead to the terminal in the mat.
Next, connect the other end of the controller to your power supply. You must connect the leads in this order.
2. SET TIME & TEMPERATURE
Now you’re ready to set the time and temperature. The time dictates the duration of your heat therapy session. And, the temperature will control the level of heat you experience.
Each model comes with a different controller. Follow your user manual to select your preferred time and temperature setting.
Choose a setting that works well for you. We recommend starting low and gradually working your way up. Never expose yourself to a heat level you feel uncomfortable with.
3. ENJOY YOUR SESSION
All you need to do now is lie back on your infrared mat and enjoy the session. You can choose to wear some light-weight comfortable clothes or go naked.
If you are going to go naked, we recommend you place a towel or sheet between your body and the mat. This will soak up sweat and protect the mat from moisture.
4. FINISH UP
Once you’re done you should be feeling much better – relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s time to unplug and pack away the heating mat.
First up, unplug the power lead from your electrical socket. Then disconnect the controller lead from the mat.
If the mat is damp you should allow it to air dry for 30 minutes. Then, when you’re ready roll it up and pack it away for next time.
- For more information on how to use check out our full and in-depth guide – How To Use an Infrared Mat.
HOW ARE INFRARED MATS MADE?
How are infrared mats made? They use multiple-layer technology and carefully selected materials to create a highly effective heat therapy device.
MATERIALS
Infrared heating mats are made using carefully selected materials that maximize efficacy and efficiency. Each mat contains approximately 12 different layers that work together to create an infrared mat.
The materials used include silicone, teflon, aluminum, durable cotton, waterproof polyurethane, and a carbon fiber infrared heating element. They also often contain crushed gemstones to boost the healing effect.
LAYERS
When looking at how does an infrared mat work – we need to talk about their layered construction. Infrared mats have multiple layers. While each mat is unique, here’s an idea of what you can expect.
• PROTECTIVE MESH COVERING
The very top layer will be designed to protect the mat from abrasion and provide a comfortable surface to lie on. Below this lies a waterproof, second protective layer.
• WATERPROOF LAYER
This layer protects the mat from sweat and moisture and keeps it dry on the inside.
• CRUSHED GEMSTONES
Many infrared mats contain a combination of crushed amethyst, tourmaline, charcoal, natural clay, and jade.
• DURABLE COTTON
Provides a soft comfortable thermal insulation layer and protects the internal infrared heating element.
• INFRARED HEATING ELEMENT
This layer generates the infrared heat using a carbon fiber infrared heating element.
• FIBERGLASS
This layer provides excellent thermal insulation beneath the infrared heating element.
• SILICONE & TEFLON
A silicone or teflon layer is used to shield against EMF and minimize exposure and protect your body.
• ALUMINUM
The aluminum layer reflects heat away from the underside of the mat and back upwards towards your body.
• PROTECTIVE GROUND LAYER
The exterior bottom layer will protect the mat from abrasions and protect the floor from heat damage.
INFRARED HEATING ELEMENT
Each far infrared mat contains an infrared heating element. This layer sits near the center of the mat and is protected by thermal insulation and outer layers.
The infrared heating element is spread out across the entire mat and provides FIR infrared heat from head to toe. This infrared heat deeply penetrates your tissue and gently heats the body from the inside.
STONES
Many infrared mats contain layers of rock, natural clay, and gemstones. These materials are believed to have beneficial health effects in alternative medicine. The most popular types are –
• AMETHYST
Amethyst is a violet-colored quartz mineral. People believe it reduces anxiety and promotes a feeling of calm.
• TOURMALINE
Tourmaline is a black crystal mineral. It is believed to emit negative ions that can boost health.
• JADE
Jade is a light green colored gemstone that is believed to promote clarity and focus in alternative medicine.
• CHARCOAL
Charcoal is a black organic compound that is believed by many to play a role in detoxifying the body.
• NATURAL CLAY
The natural clay layer regulates heat performance and eliminates temperature spikes.
PEMF ELEMENT
Many infrared mats are also built to deliver PEMF therapy. PEMF stands for ‘‘Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field”.
It is a type of electromagnetic therapy that is used to stimulate the natural healing process. PEMF works by emitting brief bursts of electro-magnetic energy to trigger healing at a cellular level.
BUILD QUALITY
The build quality of an infrared mat is usually reflected in its price. Usually, but not always. As they say – ‘you get what you pay for’.
The high-end mats that have been well designed and well built come with higher price tags. Similarly, the budget options usually deliver a lower-quality product.
Check out some product reviews and take a look at where the infrared mat was manufactured. This will help you determine the build quality of your mat.
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DO INFRARED MATS REALLY WORK?
Yes, infrared mats really do work. They use infrared light to gently heat the body to the core. And, they are much more effective and safer compared to a regular electric heating pad.
Infrared heating mats are used to heat the body, relieve pain, and to relax tired, stiff muscles. They are great for relieving aching muscles, sore joints, and easing period pain.
Infrared mats are also a great way to relax the body and calm the mind. Many people use them to relieve stress and to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN INFRARED MAT?
CONVENIENCE
Infrared mats are incredibly convenient. They are small and compact. You just roll it out when you want to use it. And when you’re finished just roll it back up and pack it away. There is no assembly and they are ready to use in minutes.
GREAT PRICE
An infrared heating mat costs just a fraction of the price of a standard infrared sauna. They are an excellent option if you want all the benefits of infrared heat therapy at home but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an infrared sauna.
INFRARED HEAT THERAPY
When explaining ‘how does an infrared mat work’ we talked about Far Infrared (FIR). Far infrared mats achieve much better heat penetration compared to smaller infrared pads. For more, see Infrared Mat vs Infrared Heating Pad.
The heat from a regular heating pad penetrates just 0.5 inches below the surface of the skin. Infrared heat penetrates 2.3 inches deep.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Infrared heating mats come with a wide range of health benefits. They are used to treat muscle and joint pain. And they are particularly popular for back pain and period pain.
Infrared heat therapy is also used to treat many conditions including – arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, lyme disease, alzheimer’s, and parkinson’s.
24 HOUR ACCESS
With an infrared mat, you have round-the-clock access to infrared heat therapy seven days a week. You can even roll it up and take it on the road if you’re going to be away from home.
For more information on the Advantages and Disadvantages of an Infrared Mat – click here.
How do far infrared heating mats work?
Far infrared heating mats use infrared light energy to safely and gently heat the body. The mat contains an infrared heating element inside the fabric. The infrared light energy deeply penetrates your skin and heats the body to the core.
How often should you use an infrared heating mat?
Most people use infrared heating mats 3 to 4 times per week. There is no set rule for how often you should use one. The best advice is to go with whatever feels comfortable for you. And, if you’re a beginner, start low and gradually work your way up.
Does infrared heat help relieve pain?
Yes, infrared heat is regularly used to help relieve pain. Infrared heating mats are a great choice for relieving many types of chronic pain. They are regularly used to treat muscle aches, joint pain, period pain, and to relax tense and stiff muscles.
How Long Can You Use an Infrared Mat For?
You can use an infrared mat for as long as you feel comfortable. The duration of a session will vary from one person to the next. Beginners tend to start with 15-minute spells while experienced users often opt for 30-60 minute sessions.
What’s Better, an Infrared Mat or a Sauna?
It depends on what you’re looking for. An infrared mat comes with all the benefits of a sauna session but without the intense sweat. A sauna will provide a more intense heat session and trigger a profound cleansing sweat. Mats are also more compact, more convenient, and very much cheaper.
What’s The Difference Between an Infrared Mat and an Infrared Pad?
Infrared mats are bigger and cover the entire body from head to toe. An infrared pad is a much smaller device. They are designed to treat a small area of the body, for example, the knee. Pads are wrapped around a specific area and provide targeted heat therapy.
What’s Better – an Infrared Mat or an Infrared Pad?
It depends on what you are looking for. An infrared mat treats the whole body from head to toe at once. An infrared pad treats a small specific area – for example an aching joint. Mats are big and pads are small.
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About the Author
MAGNUS KARLSSON (BSc, MSc)
• Senior Editor at Home Sauna Heaven
As a native Swede, Magnus developed a deep fascination with the art of sauna bathing from an early age. Born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Småland Sweden, he grew up in a family where sauna was deeply embedded in the community and daily routine. He graduated from Linnaeus University with a Master of Science in Health Science with a special focus on the “Comparative Analysis of Traditional Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas”.
Moving to the United States in his late twenties, Magnus worked as a health and fitness advisor in a well-known spa and wellness retreat in Malibu California. Over the next 12 years he became the spa’s leading sauna consultant and mentored colleagues on the benefits and applications of sauna therapy.
In 2019 he relocated to Florida to open his own wellness retreat in the Tampa Bay area. Here he continues to inspire others with the restorative power of sauna therapy. In 2020, he became senior editor of Home Sauna Heaven where he shares his deep understanding of infrared sauna and offers expert advice on its applications, benefits, and periodic product reviews.
