A far infrared amethyst mat is a heated mat you use on a bed or the floor, with a control panel and a layer of crushed amethyst crystals. The BioMat is one well-known example of this kind of mat.
This guide covers what the research on far infrared heat shows, the safety rules for any heating pad, how long to use one, and six mats to compare.
General information, not medical advice; if you have ongoing pain, reduced skin sensation, poor circulation or another health condition, talk to your doctor before using a heated mat.
Far infrared mat basics
- A far infrared amethyst mat is an electric heating pad. An FDA 510(k) summary for an infrared heating pad with a gemstone cover gives its uses as temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, muscle relaxation and a temporary increase of local circulation where applied.[2]
- A 2022 review of 13 studies found lower pain scores with infrared treatment in people with musculoskeletal disorders, but no help with muscle recovery after athletic injuries.[1]
- The review covered infrared radiation. It did not look at amethyst, negative ions or serotonin.[1]
- Heating pads can cause severe burns if they get too hot or stay on one body area too long, and Cedars-Sinai says to avoid sleeping with one on.[3]
- The mats here reach 158 degrees F (70 degrees C) or more and have timers of up to 12 hours.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ereada Compact Pro | Heating mat | Natural amethyst crystals | 59 x 24 in |
| 2 | MediCrystal Pro | Heating mat | Amethyst and agate stones | 72 x 32 in |
| 3 | MediCrystal Mini | Heating mat | Amethyst and agate stones | 32 x 20 in |
| 4 | UTK | Heating mat | Amethyst and white crystals | 60 x 24 in |
| 5 | Phymat Amethyst Obsidian | Heating mat | Amethyst and obsidian | 59 x 24 in |
| 6 | PHYMAT Multicolor | Heating mat | Rainbow crystals | 67 x 27 x 1.4 in |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
What a Far Infrared Amethyst Mat Can Do
A far infrared amethyst mat turns electricity into heat, and the heat comes through a layer of crystals. The FDA 510(k) summary for one infrared heating pad with a gemstone cover gives its intended uses: topical heating for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, relief of joint pain associated with arthritis, muscle spasms, minor strains and sprains, muscular relaxation, and a temporary increase of local circulation.[2]
The research is on infrared radiation. A systematic review that looked at 13 studies, three on osteoarthritis, four on fibromyalgia and six on other conditions, found a decrease in pain levels in people with musculoskeletal disorders treated with infrared radiation, and lower Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores in people with fibromyalgia. It did not find that infrared helped muscle recovery after athletic injuries.[1] The review authors call for larger studies, and they point to limited sample sizes and the lack of long-term monitoring in the studies they reviewed.[1]
Nothing in that review covers amethyst, negative ions or serotonin release, so there is no support here for claims of better immunity, serotonin release or an effect on depression from a mat.
- Heat – The mat warms muscles and joints, as any heating pad does.[3]
- Pain – Infrared treatment lowered pain scores in musculoskeletal conditions in a review of 13 small studies.[1]
- Crystals – The amethyst, agate and obsidian layers are part of how the mat is built. The studies above do not test them.
Are Far Infrared Mats Safe?
Cedars-Sinai says heating pads can cause severe burns if they get too hot or stay on one body area too long. It suggests a pad with heat settings you can raise from a low level, an automatic shutoff or a preset timer, and a cover or fabric between the pad and your skin.[3]
The systematic review notes that earlier research linked infrared radiation to thermal burns, skin irritation, eye damage, dehydration, hypotension and defective arterial blood flow, and that infrared has been ruled out for people with impaired skin heat sensation, superficial circulation defects, dermatitis or eczema, cancer, skin damage from radiation, fever or active infections.[1] The studies in the review did not record those adverse effects.[1]
- Heat Level – The mats here are adjustable up to 158 degrees F (30 to 70 degrees C), and the UTK reaches 159 degrees F. Start low.
- Auto Shut-Off – Five of the six mats describe overheat protection or an auto shut-off. Check that your mat has one.
- Barrier – Keep a cover or towel between the mat and your skin.[3]
- Who Should Ask First – Anyone with reduced skin sensation, circulation problems, dermatitis or eczema, fever or an infection should talk to a doctor first.[1]
How Long Should You Use a Heated Mat?
Cedars-Sinai says there are no precise rules, and that a heating pad should stay on for about 10 to 30 minutes to be effective. Too short a time may not warm the muscle or joint, and too long raises the risk of burns and inflammation.[3]
On sleeping, Cedars-Sinai says that using a heating pad when you go to sleep is generally not advised, because heat can cause severe and disfiguring burns.[3] Several mats here have 8 and 12 hour timers and are sold for use through the night, which goes past that advice, so plan on short sessions and turn the mat off before you sleep.
- Quick Session – Fifteen minutes on a busy day is within the 10 to 30 minute range.[3]
- Everyday Use – Short daily sessions fit inside that range. Ask a doctor first if you have a health condition.
- Nap – A nap on a hot mat is not advised, because you cannot watch the heat while you sleep.[3]
- Overnight – Cedars-Sinai says generally not.[3] If you sleep in a very cold room and feel you need one, it says to put a cloth or towel between the pad and your skin.[3]
Our guide to pillows for neck and back pain covers the sleeping side of back pain.
How We Chose These Mats
These picks come from desk research. We compared product details such as materials, size, care and certifications. We did not test the mats ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Size – From a 32 x 20 inch Mini to a 72 x 32 inch Pro.
- Temperature – The adjustable range, and the top temperature.
- Safety Features – Overheat protection, auto shut-off and timers.
- Stones – Amethyst, agate, obsidian or mixed crystals.
- Weight – Crystal mats are heavy, and the Ereada weighs 33 lb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Far Infrared Amethyst Mats
- What is a far infrared amethyst mat?
It is an electric heating pad with a layer of crystals, sold for heat therapy. An FDA 510(k) summary for an infrared pad with a gemstone cover names temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness among its uses.[2] - Do amethyst mats relieve pain?
A review of 13 studies found lower pain scores with infrared treatment in people with musculoskeletal disorders, but it did not study amethyst.[1] - Do these mats boost immunity or release serotonin?
The infrared review does not cover immunity, serotonin or negative ions.[1] We found no support for those claims. - Is it safe to sleep on a heated mat?
Cedars-Sinai says it is generally not advised to use a heating pad when you go to sleep, because heat can cause severe burns.[3] - How long should I use a mat?
Cedars-Sinai says about 10 to 30 minutes, with no precise rules.[3] - Who should talk to a doctor first?
Anyone with impaired skin heat sensation, circulation defects, dermatitis or eczema, cancer, fever or an active infection, since infrared has been ruled out for those groups.[1]
Our Picks: Far Infrared Amethyst Mats
Here are six mats to compare by size, temperature range and safety features. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Ereada® Compact Pro Infrared Amethyst Mat, 59 x 24 in
The Ereada Compact Pro is a 59 x 24 inch far infrared mat with a layer of natural amethyst crystals under a brown suede surface. It weighs 33 lb.
- It has seven heat levels from 86 to 158 degrees F (30 to 70 degrees C) and a controller with 4, 8 and 12 hour timers.
- The crystals sit in a 48 x 22 inch area of the mat, and it comes with a protector pad and a thin cover.
2
MediCrystal® Pro Far Infrared Amethyst Mat, 72 x 32 in
The MediCrystal Far Infrared Pro is a 72 x 32 inch mat with amethyst and agate stones, a purple suede surface and a 20-layer build.
- The controller holds a set temperature from 86 to 158 degrees F (30 to 70 degrees C), and the mat has overheat protection and an auto shut-off.
- It also has a red light at 660 nm.
3
MediCrystal ® Mini Far Infrared Amethyst Mat, 32 x 20 in
The MediCrystal Photon is the Mini size of the same mat: 32 x 20 inches, with amethyst and agate stones and red light at 660 nm.
- It has the same 86 to 158 degrees F (30 to 70 degrees C) controller, overheat protection and auto shut-off as the Pro.
- At this size it covers a back or a lap, not a whole body.
4
UTK® Far Infrared Heating Pad, 60 x 24 in
The UTK Far is a 60 x 24 inch far infrared heating pad with amethyst and white crystals and carbon fiber heating, with a temperature of up to 159 degrees F.
- It has overheat protection, one-touch use and an 11.6 foot power cord.
- It is sold as a weighted mat, so it is heavier than a plain pad.
5
Phymat® Amethyst Obsidian Far Infrared Heating Mat, 59 x 24 in
The Phymat Amethyst Obsidian is a 59 x 24 inch far infrared mat with amethyst and obsidian stones.
- The temperature is adjustable from 86 to 158 degrees F (30 to 70 degrees C), with a timer of 4, 8 or 12 hours.
- It has sensors that shut it off automatically, and flame-retardant materials.
6
PHYMAT® Multicolor Far Infrared Rainbow Mat, 67 x 27 in
The Phymat Multicolor is a 67 x 27 x 1.4 inch far infrared mat with rainbow crystals on a mesh surface and a smart timer.
- It has overheat protection and an auto shut-off.
- It is the largest mat here, which suits a full body.
Index Table: Far Infrared Amethyst Mat
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ereada Compact Pro - Infrared Amethyst Mat, 59 x 24 in |  |
| Ereada |
| 2 | MediCrystal Pro - Far Infrared Amethyst Mat, 72 x 32 in |  |
| MediCrystal |
| 3 | MediCrystal Mini - Far Infrared Amethyst Mat, 32 x 20 in |  |
| MediCrystal |
| 4 | UTK - Far Infrared Heating Pad, 60 x 24 in |  |
| UTK |
| 5 | Phymat Amethyst Obsidian - Far Infrared Heating Mat, 59 x 24 in |  |
| Phymat |
| 6 | PHYMAT Multicolor - Far Infrared Rainbow Mat, 67 x 27 in |  |
| PHYMAT |
Sources
- Applied Sciences (via PubMed Central). Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 510(k) Summary: Therasage Heating Pad, an electric-powered heating pad with infrared heat. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Cedars-Sinai. How to Use a Heating Pad to Heal and Ease Pain From Muscle Injuries. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around the 2022 infrared systematic review, an FDA heating pad 510(k) summary and Cedars-Sinai heating pad guidance, removed the unsupported negative ion, painkiller substitute, immunity, serotonin, ‘safe for everyone’ and NIH claims and the dead FTC textile link, rewrote all six product notes with sizes, temperature ranges and safety features, and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Richway Mini Mat with MediCrystal Far Infrared Mat; UTK Jade Stone Mat with UTK Far Mat; American Choice Hot Stone Mat with Phymat Amethyst Obsidian
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added UTK Jade Stone Mat
- Jul 2021: Published
