6 Best Infrared Mats to Alleviate Aches and Pains

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Whether you suffer from chronic discomfort or went a little too hard during your last workout, aches and sore muscles can be...well, a pain. While getting a deep-tissue massage or applying a muscle relief cream can certainly help, an infrared mat can be the next thing to alleviate those stressed, tense muscles. "They provide deep tissue heat, which improves circulation and decreases muscle pain, but also reduces tension as a result of relaxing the mind," explains Kevin Huffman, doctor of osteopathic medicine and founder of AmBari Nutrition.

But while using an infrared mat is seemingly straightforward—simply lie down or apply it to the affected areas and let it do the rest for you—finding the right option for your specific needs can require a bit of research. So, where to begin? For starters, Huffman recommends whittling down infrared mats by their heating mechanisms. "Jade or tourmaline stones are good conductors of the infrared heat and they will make the heat transfer very efficient," he says.

According to Lilly Jackson, fitness coach and rehabilitator at wellness app Lasta, it's also important to consider a size and shape that will fit nicely with your aches, pains, and sore muscles. "[You should also check] the heating technology and temperature settings for effectiveness," she says. Once you've considered the nuts and bolts, Jackson recommends looking into special features like a timer or an automatic shut-off function.

However, to make your search a little easier, check out our picks for best infrared mats. From pro-approved options to customer crowd-pleasers, these mats are here to help.

Infrared PEMF Go Mat

There's a reason why Higher Dose's Infrared PEMF Go Mat is considered the upper echelon of infrared mats. While the infrared technology used here is designed to improve your recovery time and reduce chronic pain, a layer of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (or PEMF) offer low frequencies that creates a relaxing environment. With four PEMF levels to choose from—"restore," "ground," "relax," and "focus"—setting your intention for the session can be as easy as pressing a button.

A bed of crystals like amethyst and obsidian not only amplifies both the infrared and PEMF's effects but they're also known to boost your mood and neutralize your body's free radicals. In fact, many customers have noted that this mat has improved their sleep cycles in the process. Higher Dose's Infrared PEMF Go Mat is built to help, but it's also a pretty stylish buy. The mat is coated in a vegan leather exterior, which makes it chic and easy to clean.

Customer Review:

"I use the PEMF Go every day and it totally cures my intermittent back pain. And I have a fair amount of back pain for it to cure. It is totally worth every penny I spent on it. If you also have back pain, you will not regret buying this mat. It will give you a new lease on life."—Sylvia H.

Bestqool Red Light Therapy Belt

Have one part of your body that always acts up? Simply strap on Bestqool's Red Light Therapy Belt. Available in three sizes, this belt has a velcro closure so you can target a specific area—be it your abdomen, calf, or bicep. Meanwhile, a remote control will let you toggle through the belt's five intensity levels and set a timer so you can customize your session to match your needs. Infrared mats might be great for alleviating tension, but Bestqool's claims its belt can also increase your workout performance and promote youthful skin.

Customer Review:

"I've tried several red light belts and this is the perfect size for treating larger areas or happen to have a more 'fluffier' body type. The velcro straps are also a great addition for adjusting and keeping things in place. Definitely more powerful than other ones I've used and the warm heat generated in the first mode is very soothing."—Char M.

Far Infrared Light Electric Heating Pad

Avid travelers who want to feel great on the fly will find a lot to love about HL HealthyLine's Infrared Heating Pad. Not only is this mat incredibly flexible, so you can roll it up in your suitcase, but it also comes with a carrying case. Meanwhile, an accompanying remote control lets you set the timer and adjust the temperature: Though this mat can reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the brand encourages you to set it to 98 degrees.

"A combination of natural gemstones like amethyst, jade, and tourmaline, providing a range of therapeutic benefits associated with each stone," Jackson says. (Meanwhile, negative ions emitted relieve stress and promote uninhibited relaxation.) Don't worry if you get a little too comfortable and drift off to sleep: This mat comes with an automatic shut-off to keep you from burning up.

Customer Review:

"This amazing heat pad system changed my life. Not only did my pain improve remarkably but so did my mobility. The first time I used it I hurt so bad I had to have assistance just to get in the chair. An hour later, I made the transfer on my own. My husband and I both use it several times a day with impressive results!"—Kay H.

Infrared Heating Pad

If you're looking for an infrared mat that can create a personalized, spa-like experience, reach for UTK's Infrared Heating Pad. The magic lies in the customized controller that allows you to adjust your timer anywhere from zero to 240 minutes—not to mention you can set the mat itself as hot as 159 degrees Fahrenheit. And, thanks to UTK's "Memory" function, you can create a preset temperature once you find one that you love. "They use tourmaline stones, which are believed to emit negative ions and far infrared heat, enhancing the therapeutic effects of the mat," Jackson says.

Customer Review:

"I've been using it for almost a week (20 mins daily) and am beginning to notice improvements in muscle ache relief. It takes a few minutes to heat up but once at temperature it holds perfectly. I keep it between 110-120 although it goes up to 160 degrees. It feels like it's made out of good quality material." —Jason

Adjustable Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad

It doesn't matter if you're hunched over your computer during the nine-to-five grind or doing lots of shoulder presses, one thing's for sure: Any tension in your upper body can be a total pain in the neck (or shoulders). Enter UTK's Adjustable Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad, which allows you to adjust both time and temperature. This pick is specifically designed to provide infrared treatment to the shoulders, shoulder blades, and the entire back of your neck. To create an "ahh" factor for your upper body, UTK used a unique carbon fiber to emit infrared rays further and natural jade and tourmaline stones to emit negative ions.

Customer Review:

"I would like to say that this is the best heat pad or I should say pads I have ever owned. First I purchased the neck and shoulder that crosses in front thinking it was this one, the cape like model, was a little disappointed at first. However, it worked wonderfully and I was able to lay it down on the bed and heat my lower back and up the sides of my back. It is amazing."—Abe

LED 660nm Infrared Red Light Therapy Mat

While there are plenty of infrared mats that are small enough to target very specific areas, think about the back, neck, or legs. Those with chronic or full-body pain might be looking for something...well, bigger. In that case, reach for LovTravel's Infrared Red Light Therapy Mat. Clocking in at nearly 71 inches long, this mat is large enough to accommodate people up to five feet and nine inches tall. (Translation: You can alleviate sore muscles from head to toe.)

Choose from one of three wavelength settings and five brightness levels, set your timer, and prepare to kick back and relax.

Customer Review:

"This infrared and red light pad is easy to use and is versatile. I use it every evening and I do not have pain as I am sleeping. If I miss using it, I have pain while trying to sleep. If I over work my back, I can sit down for twenty minutes with the pad and can get back up and do more work. I recommend it."—Slow Walker

What to Look For in an Infrared Mat

With so many infrared mats to choose from, starting your search can be overwhelming. Huffman says it's a good idea to look for ones with jade and tourmaline because they emit negative ions, which are known to neutralize free radicals and leave you feeling recharged. From there, it's also a good idea to look into ones that cater to your specific needs, from the areas you want to target to the ability to adjust the temperature.

"The construction should be high quality: Made of very strong material while keeping electromagnetic fields to a minimum to make it as safe as possible," Dr. Huffman adds. For extra peace of mind, he also recommends checking to see if your mat is FDA-approved.

How Long Should You Use an Infrared Mat?

While an infrared mat can provide a cozy warmth you could enjoy for hours on end, you want to be mindful about how long each session is. After all, prolonged use of an infrared mat can result in a skin rash or burn. Most infrared mats can be safely used for up to 30 minutes, you'll always want to check your mat's directions and follow accordingly.

To help minimize the risk of skin irritations, you'll also want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing. (Remember: These pads get hot fast, so you'll want to ditch the bulky sweatpants and cardigan.)

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Kevin Huffman is a doctor of osteopathic medicine and founder of AmBari Nutrition.

• Lilly Jackson is a fitness coach and rehabilitator at wellness app Lasta.

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