What Are the Key Benefits of Infrared Mats?
If your loved one struggles with stiffness, soreness, or poor circulation, an infrared mat may offer some gentle relief at home. These mats use far infrared heat, a warmth that sinks deeper than a regular heating pad, to help relax tight muscles and ease everyday discomfort.
Most infrared mats use natural stones like amethyst, jade, or tourmaline to distribute heat evenly, so your loved one feels steady warmth rather than hot spots that come and go.
If you're researching other at-home recovery options, our red light therapy beds may also be worth a look.
Infrared Mats vs. PEMF Mats: What's the Difference?
Infrared mats work through gentle, deep warmth. The heat helps relax muscles and support circulation, which many caregivers find soothing for a loved one with stiffness or chronic discomfort.
PEMF mats work differently. They use low-level pulsed electromagnetic fields (without heat) and are often chosen for cellular-level recovery support rather than for warmth or muscle relaxation.
Many of our mats combine both technologies in a single device. If PEMF is your main interest, our PEMF Devices collection is a better starting point.
Trusted Infrared Mat Brands We Carry
BioMat (by Richway)
One of the original amethyst infrared mats and a long-trusted name in at-home far-infrared therapy. We carry the BioMat Professional 7000MX and the smaller BioMat Mini 7000MX. Both use an amethyst layer to spread heat evenly and offer simple temperature controls that are easy to read and adjust.
HealthyLine
Known for infrared PEMF mats that combine far infrared heat with PEMF in one device. The lineup includes the TAO, TAJ, Platinum, and Rainbow Chakra Series, the PEMF InfraMat Pro, and the 360 wrap sets that fit around the body for more even warmth.
A Closer Look at Three Popular Infrared Mats
1. Best for Full-Body Daily Use: BioMat Professional 7000MX
The BioMat Professional 7000MX is a full-body mat designed for daily use at home. Heat spreads evenly across the surface, so your loved one feels steady, soothing warmth across the back, hips, and legs rather than concentrated hot spots. Temperature settings range from 94 to 158°F, giving you room to start low and adjust as needed for comfort.
2. Best for Targeted Relief or Travel: BioMat Mini 7000MX
The BioMat Mini 7000MX is a smaller, lighter mat that uses jade and tourmaline to deliver far infrared heat to specific areas like the lower back, shoulders, or hips. It's a good option if your loved one prefers shorter sessions or wants to use it while seated in a favorite chair.
3. Best for Both Heat and PEMF: HealthyLine TAO Series PEMF 360 Wrap Set
The HealthyLine TAO Series 360 Wrap Set combines far infrared heat with PEMF in a wrap-style design that fits around the body. This may be a good fit if you're interested in both types of therapy and don't want to buy two separate devices.
How to Use an Infrared Mat at Home
- Lay the mat on a flat, heat-safe surface like a bed, sturdy sofa, or the floor, then connect the controller.
- Start with a low temperature and let your loved one settle in comfortably before turning up the heat.
- Lying flat is ideal, but a reclined position can also work if that's easier on them.
- Limit sessions to 30 to 45 minutes unless your device or healthcare provider advises otherwise.
- Offer water before and after, and check the skin afterward for any unusual redness.
- Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and check with your loved one's doctor first if they have a pacemaker, implanted device, circulatory issues, or any condition that could be affected by heat.
- If getting on and off the mat is hard for your loved one, a patient transfer chair, patient lift, or lifting cushion can make it easier on their joints and your back.
Why Shop Infrared Mats at Skyward Medical?
- Authorized Retailer. Genuine BioMat and HealthyLine products sourced directly from authorized suppliers, so you know what you're getting.
- Price Match Guarantee. We'll match any authorized provider's lower price, which takes some of the comparison-shopping pressure off your plate.
- White Glove Delivery Available. We can arrange professional in-home setup for full-body mats.
- Extended Warranty. Optional CPS protection plans are available in addition to the manufacturer's standard warranty, providing longer coverage for a daily-use device.
- Financing Available. Shop Pay installments and business financing options.
- Expert Support. If you're not sure which mat is right for your situation, call us at (855) 244-4712 (Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM CST) or email support@skywardmedical.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Infrared Mats Really Work?
Yes, for many people. Far infrared heat reaches deeper into muscle and joint tissue than a regular heating pad, and many caregivers tell us their loved ones feel less stiff and more comfortable after regular use.
What Materials Are Used in Infrared Mats?
Most well-made infrared mats use natural stones that hold heat and release it evenly. Amethyst (the main stone in BioMat), jade, and tourmaline are the most common. Some HealthyLine mats combine more than one stone in a single mat.
How Long Can You Lay on an Infrared Therapy Mat?
Most manufacturers recommend 30 to 45-minute sessions at a moderate temperature. Longer or hotter sessions should only happen with manufacturer or doctor approval.
Are Infrared Mats FSA or HSA Eligible?
Infrared mats aren't automatically FSA- or HSA-eligible. They may be covered with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your loved one's doctor, but coverage depends on your plan administrator. Check with your benefits provider before making a purchase, or call our team if you have questions.
Who Should Not Use an Infrared Heating Pad?
An infrared mat may not be safe for people with open wounds, skin infections, serious circulation problems, an implanted medical device like a pacemaker, or for someone who is pregnant. Anyone with a heat-sensitive condition should check with a doctor before using one. When in doubt, ask your loved one's healthcare provider first.
Is an infrared mat better than an infrared sauna?
It depends on the situation. A sauna offers similar deep warmth but requires standing or sitting upright in a heated enclosure for the full session. For a loved one with limited mobility, balance concerns, or low tolerance for heat, lying on an infrared mat is usually safer and easier to manage at home.