HigherDose PEMF Mat Review: I Used It Daily To Improve Sleep For 2 Years

The HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat first popped on my radar after a few well-being influencers shared photos on the glowing mat—and I immediately needed to know about the $1,300 device.

The tool combines two forms of health technology—infrared light and a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)—into a practical tool that claims to deliver deeper sleep, faster recovery, and a better mood. But does it really work?

You may recognize HigherDose from its viral Infrared Sauna Blanket, in which case you know the brand has the infrared thing down pat.

"We built our business on the belief in infrared therapy as the ultimate way to detox, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and support muscle recovery," says Katie Kaps, co-founder and co-CEO at HigherDose.

While the sauna blanket is the brand's most talked-about item, it's not the only offering worth shopping.

By marrying together infrared and PEMF technologies, this mat becomes a true all-in-one relaxation and recovery tool.

Personally, I noticed some pretty staggering results after just a couple weeks with my PEMF mat—results that have continued to build over a year of regular use (more on that below).

PEMF benefits:

The PEMF mat utilizes Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) technology to "recharge" your cells by sending electromagnetic waves through your body. These waves are delivered in small bursts, mimicking the natural healing frequencies of the Earth.

PEMF technology is meant to work with the body’s natural recovery process to restore cellular function and relieve pain1—and it's been studied for its ability to do just that. 

In a four-year study performed by NASA, PEMF was shown to significantly speed up growth and repair of nerve tissue, and was also associated with an improved cellular life cycle. These findings and other research indicate that the technology could be a beneficial treatment for inflammation2, joint and muscle pain, improved tissue regeneration2, sleep issues3, and energy fatigue4. 

Infrared heat benefits:

As an infrared mat, the HigherDose PEMF mat channels the science-backed benefits of infrared technology (think speedier recovery5 and pain relief6) using a layer of low-EMF infrared lights. Far infrared technology also has a significant anti-inflammatory effect7.

While the brand's sauna blanket helps me work up a pretty intense sweat, the optional heat in this PEMF mat is much milder. And, of course, you're not enveloped in it.

What's great is you can use the HigherDose PEMF mat as often as you want. Simply plug it in, give it about 15 minutes to warm up, and select the setting of your choice using the attached controller.

The brand even has a smaller version, which uses the exact same technology and can be easily placed on your chair throughout the day.

The larger mat is about the size of a yoga mat. In fact, many reviewers say they like to do their yoga flows on it for boosted results and grounding.

HigherDose PEMF Mat settings:

The HigherDose PEMF mat has four settings, each representing natural frequencies. And honestly, you really can't go wrong with any of them.

The lower levels are a bit more relaxing, while the higher levels give a more noticeable energy boost. Below, find a brief description of each.

It's incredibly calming, yet energizing:

While at first I was mainly seeking faster muscle recovery during intense marathon training, I can't ignore the immediate sense of calm I felt when I initially laid on my PEMF mat.

Still to this day, level 1 and 2 put me into what some reviewers have described as a "trance-like state," and the mat truly relaxes me no matter how much my mind has been racing.

How the same tool does this and also somehow re-energizes me with just a few different clicks of a button, I have no idea. But I've experienced all of the above.

It helps me sleep better:

Also worth noting: On nights when I skip my HigherDose PEMF mat session, I notice a pretty significant dip in my sleep scores.

My mood is also better:

Maybe it's because I'm sleeping better, or maybe it's the 20 pounds of healing amethyst and tourmaline crystals. Either way, the mat has some pretty impressive mood boosting benefits.

When heated, the crystals are meant to produce negative ions, which are widely used as a natural way to cleanse the air8 and neutralize free radicals. Negative ions have also been studied for their potential to improve psychological health, productivity, and overall well-being8.

My muscles recover way faster:

This mat has proven itself as a useful part of my marathon training regimen. During months of heavy mileage, I spend 20 minutes on my HigherDose PEMF mat each morning and evening—and I feel significantly less sore than during training cycles when I didn't have the mat.

A ton of brands make claims for products that improve your physical and mental health, and spending money on something that's not worth the price tag or the time is simply not my cup of tea. The HigherDose PEMF Mat is one tool that fully surpassed my expectations.