‘I had chronic pain – but a PEMF wellbeing mat was a game-changer’

Searches for PEMF mats rocketed by 5000 per cent in January 2025, as word of their pain-relieving capabilities spread. Philly Vass knows all about this – until recently she was in so much pain while awaiting surgery that a short walk felt impossible. Then a doctor recommended a PEMF mat, and, she says, “it was a complete game-changer”.

“I was suffering with all sorts of difficult symptoms ahead of major surgery, including sciatic nerve pain,” says the 48-year-old PR and brand consultant. “I had such bad backache that I struggled with everyday tasks.”

It was only when longevity doctor and former GB triathlete Dr Tamsin Lewis recommended a PEMF mat – an electrical pad you lie on, and it emits certain electromagnetic frequencies for relaxation and recovery – to Vass that she found some relief.

The Higherdose Infrared PEMF Pro-mat and (right) Dr Tamsin Lewis

“I used it religiously – three times a day for 20 minute sessions – over three months before my surgery and continued afterwards to aid recovery,” says Vass. “It was a lifeline for pain relief.”

Dr Lewis specifically recommended the Higherdose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat, £1299, because she’d used it herself to overcome Long Covid symptoms, particularly fatigue and muscle aches.

And relax: a PEMF mat in action

What actually is a PEMF mat?

It looks like a large yoga mat, embedded with copper coils, that you plug in and lie down on for around 20 minutes. When the mat is switched on, the magnetic coils generate a pulsed electromagnetic field (which you cannot see or feel), but which is designed to penetrate through your body to help with recovery and relaxation. The strength, frequency and duration of the pulses are controlled by adjustable settings.

How do PEMF mats work?

PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and PEMF therapy is based on the principle that “all cells in the body have an electrical charge”, explains Dr Lewis. “This is why we measure heart activity with an ECG (electrocardiogram) and brainwaves with an EEG (electroencephalograph). If that natural electromagnetic balance is disrupted by injury, illness, or everyday stress, cellular function can falter. PEMF therapy aims to use electromagnetic pulses to ‘reset’ or enhance this electromagnetic balance, thereby supporting the body’s own healing mechanisms.”

Lewis also notes that, because brainwaves are essentially patterns of electrical activity, PEMF pulses can “promote alpha and theta brainwaves, the mental states that are commonly linked to calmness, creativity, and deeper sleep”.

For any yogis out there, think of it as a little like yoga nidra – the ancient deep relaxation practice. That takes you through these different brain states too, in a 30-minute session to promote deep relaxation. (So it’s fitting how similar PEMF and yoga mats look).

Is there any scientific proof that they work?

There’s some, but it’s still evolving. One of the most robust areas of PEMF research is pain management. A 2020 review by the American Physical Therapy Association declared it an effective treatment for chronic pain. Other studies support PEMF’s role in promoting bone healing, and in improving sleep, but more clinical research does need to be done to better understand it.

What are the different types of PEMF mat?

Whatever PEMF mat you choose, it will typically have:

• a soft outer layer, made from PU leather or polyester for added comfort
• copper coils to emit the electromagnetic fields
• a conductive layer for even distribution of the pulses across the mat’s surface.

It will also have varying settings (normally around four) to allow you to personalise the intensity, duration and frequency of the electromagnetic fields.

• Level one: low frequency for relaxation
• Level two: moderate frequency for recovery
• Level three: higher frequency for energy and focus
• Level four: delta brainwaves for sleep

PEMF mats with added benefits

Some mats combine PEMF therapy with other therapeutic technology to supercharge the benefits.

Higherdose, for example, includes a crystal amethyst layer for ‘energy flow’, and a negative ion-producing charcoal, clay layer for detoxification and grounding (so, yes, it all gets a bit woo woo).

Doubling up PEMF with infrared technology – the same used as in trending infra-red blankets – is common too. Both Higherdose and another leading brand Boncharge’s Infrared PEMF Mat Max, £999, have layers which produce infrared heat, which is clinically proven to penetrate deep into your tissues. It makes them great for pain relief, improved circulation and relaxation.

How do you use a PEMF mat?

Most are like yoga mats, designed to be used while lying on the floor. However, some can be used while sitting on a chair such as Grooni Earthing PEMF Infrared Chair Mat Pro, £319.99, or they can be wrapped around your body. These are useful for pain relief while working, moving around or if you have minimal space.

How much do PEMF mats cost?

They’re not cheap. Small ones for use on chairs and wraps for your body start from around £300, but a good quality floor one will set you back at least £1000. And you also have to use them consistently to see results.

“Like most therapies, PEMF isn’t a quick fix,” saya Dr Lewis. “Incorporating it regularly into your routine yields the best results—whether that’s morning energising sessions or unwinding before bed.”

What is a PEMF mat like to use?

For Vass, her Higherdose PEMF mat was nothing short of transformative.

“I’d start my day on setting three – the second-highest – for about 20 minutes, follow with another session midday, and do one more before bed. Although the mat is firm initially, the infrared warmth helps you sink into it, and it makes no noise at all, which really aids in switching off.”

“I felt an almost instant lessening of my back pain, and it also seemed to calm my nerves – I’d get up feeling both relaxed and revived,” Vass says. “I loved it so much, I still use it today. I use it two or three times a week during meditation or while listening to a podcast.”

Can you use a PEMF mat while sleeping?

Considering how relaxing using a PEMF mat can be, you might be tempted to fall asleep on it, or even use it in bed. In good news, that’s not necessarily unsafe. But you do need to keep a few things in mind.

If you’re going to use your mat during sleep, choose one that’s suitably padded for comfort, and always use it on a low setting to balance out the potential length of time you are using it. You will also want to turn down (or off) any additional heat settings, and ensure your PEMF mat has built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off timers to prevent using it way beyond recommended limits.

Can my pet use a PEMF mat?

Yes, you heard that right – PEMF therapy could even help your furry friends. A review in Research in Veterinary Science concluded that PEMF mats and jackets can help pets struggling with arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation, with the therapy working in much the same way as it does in humans. However, it’s important to use PEMF mats specifically designed for animals, such as PetsPEMF, or consult a veterinarian for advice to ensure the intensity of your mat isn’t too much for them.

The best PEMF mats to try now