Evaluating the HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat: A Week of Testing

The HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat, priced at $1,400, is marketed as a wellness device that combines pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and infrared heat to enhance mood, improve sleep, and accelerate muscle recovery. The mat, which weighs 43 pounds and is adorned with amethyst and obsidian crystals, claims to provide benefits equivalent to an hour of yoga or meditation after just 20 minutes of use. This review chronicles a week-long personal testing of the mat compared to a standard yoga mat.

The Guardian

PEMF therapy has been utilized since the 1970s and received FDA approval for medical use in 1979. It is employed by some physical therapists and athletes for recovery, delivering electromagnetic vibrations to cells to promote healing and pain reduction. The mat also incorporates far infrared heat technology, which is known to alleviate fatigue and depression. However, while the brand asserts that the embedded crystals amplify benefits, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is lacking.

The Guardian

The testing involved alternating nightly sessions on the HigherDose mat and a standard Manduka yoga mat. The reviewer utilized the mat’s “sleep” setting (3Hz) and the highest infrared heat setting, measuring heart rate variability and stress levels using a Garmin watch. Initial experiences included feelings of calm and drowsiness, but subsequent nights led to disrupted sleep patterns and vivid dreams.

The Guardian

Despite the initial calming effects, the reviewer reported no significant improvement in sleep quality or muscle recovery after a week of use. The experience was likened to using a heating pad, and while there was a slight increase in heart rate variability, the overall results were inconclusive. Experts like Dr. Robert Dennis, who has developed PEMF devices, suggested that the benefits of PEMF therapy may require longer usage to manifest fully.

The Guardian

Jessica Alcalde, the vice-president of product at HigherDose, noted that PEMF technology may support muscle recovery cumulatively. However, Gary Housley, chair of physiology at the University of New South Wales, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of at-home PEMF mats, stating that the electromagnetic fields produced are significantly weaker than those from medical devices. Dr. Magda Havas highlighted that while PEMF could reduce pain, the immediate effects may not be perceptible.

The Guardian

The review concludes that while the HigherDose mat offers a range of wellness claims, its high price point may not justify the benefits, especially for individuals who can achieve relaxation through simpler and more affordable methods, such as meditation or traditional heating pads. The reviewer ultimately preferred the simplicity of reading in bed or using a standard yoga mat for relaxation and stress relief.

The Guardian