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As a wellness-obsessed beauty editor, I pride myself on knowing all about the latest and greatest tech gadgets before they make it big. I have a stellar track record too. I was an early adopter of microcurrent devices, LED masks, state-of-the-art shower and sink filters, vibration plates, and more. Still, I’m not perfect, and sometimes, a new device or technology will hit my radar after it’s already relevant and recognizable. That was the case with PEMF mats.
I learned about them from my friend and fellow beauty editor Shawna Hudson. PEMF stands for “pulsed electromagnetic field.” Proponents say it offers all kinds of benefits, including streamlined stress reduction, better sleep, faster muscle recovery, and more energy. It sounded good—almost too good. How could plugging one of these PEMF mats into a wall and lying on it for a few minutes improve so many lifestyle markers? I’m a natural skeptic, so I knew I wouldn’t be sold on this new wellness modality until I could try it out for myself.
So I did. I chose to trial HigherDose’s Infrared PEMF Pro Mat since it’s a brand I know and trust. (I already use the Red Light Face Mask, $349, and the Infrared Sauna Blanket, $699. The latter is a winter staple for me.) I waited for the box to arrive, lugged it up to my second-floor apartment, and set it up on the floor near my desk. I committed to using it once a day for 60 days. Spoiler alert: I loved it. Now that I’m on the other side of the experiment, I’m shocked by how it helped me release muscle tension, minimize stress and anxiety, decrease daily brain fog, and even improve sleep quality. It’s certainly an investment at a whopping $1295, but honestly, I recommend it if your budget allows. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about how it works and why it might be worth the price tag.
The HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat
HigherDose
Infrared PEMF Pro Mat
The HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat is made with vegan, nontoxic polyurethane leather and operates at low electromagnetic fields, energy waves generated by anything that carries or uses electricity.
Unlike other PEMF mats on the market, HigherDose combines six technologies in one. There’s the PEMF itself, which targets four specific brain-wave states (more on that in a minute); infrared heat to warm and relax the muscles so the PEMF can penetrate deeply; a magnetic layer for improved circulation; a charcoal layer for detoxification; a clay layer for negative-ion emission and heat balance; and a crystal layer. The latter might sound like woo-woo pseudo-wellness, but according to Jessica Alcalde, HigherDose’s VP of product development, it has real science-backed benefits. “The crystal content is unmatched at 25 pounds of amethyst and obsidian, which naturally generate negative ions and amplify the infrared benefits,” she says.
What is PEMF?
(Image credit: Kaitlyn McLintock)
Alcalde says PEMF is a therapy that works by emitting low-frequency electromagnetic waves that mimic the natural frequencies found in nature, including the Earth’s own magnetic field. In fact, its frequencies map directly to specific brain waves.
HigherDose’s Infrared PEMF Pro Mat was created to target four specific brain wave states—delta, theta, alpha, and beta—so “users can tailor their experience to their exact need, whether that’s deep recovery, grounding, creative flow, or sharp focus.”
Here’s the deal. Delta (one to four hertz) supports deep, restorative sleep. Theta (around 7.8 hertz) is the Earth’s own frequency and promotes relaxation, memory, and healing. Alpha (8–12 hertz) is a “sweet spot of calm-but-creative focus associated with serotonin production.” Lastly, beta (12–30 hertz) supports alertness and analytical thinking. “By introducing these frequencies externally, the brain naturally entrains to them, which is why PEMF can feel like meditation without the effort,” Alcalde says.
What are the benefits of PEMF?
Depending on what frequency you tune in to, HigherDose’s Infrared PEMF Pro Mat can benefit the brain and body in myriad ways. Here’s the list:
- Stress reduction
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Muscle recovery
- Easing tension and low-level pain
- Improved focus and creativity
- More energy
“Think of it as a cellular recharger,” Alcalde says. “Our cells carry a natural electrical charge, and when that charge gets depleted from stress, poor sleep, or physical strain, our bodies struggle to recover and function optimally. PEMF essentially ‘exercises’ the cells, helping to restore that charge so they can work at their best.”
Alcalde says that PEMF’s wellness potential comes from its versatility. “It tends to resonate most with people dealing with chronic stress, poor sleep, or inflammation—essentially most modern humans,” she explains. “Athletes and active people love it for accelerating muscle recovery and reducing post-workout soreness. People with chronic pain find it a meaningful drug-free alternative for relief. Those struggling with sleep issues benefit from the lower frequencies that help the brain slow down and cortisol levels drop. And anyone looking to deepen a mindfulness or meditation practice—or access those benefits without a formal practice—finds PEMF to be a genuine game changer. It’s also a great tool for anyone who needs to optimize focus and performance during the workday.”
Editor’s note: People who are pregnant, are diagnosed with hemophilia, or have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device should avoid PEMF. Speak to your doctor before testing new health and wellness modalities.
How to Use the PEMF Mat
There are a few steps to follow for a smooth experience and the best results. First, plug in the mat and choose which level you want to benefit from. Here’s a rundown of each level and the physical and mental benefits it’s associated with:
- Level 1: Deep sleep
- Level 2: Calm & center
- Level 3: Meditation & creativity
- Level 4: Focus & problem-solving
Next, choose whether or not you want to turn up the heat. The controller has a handy toggle where you can adjust the infrared level to your desired temperature. Then, choose whether or not you want to activate the negative-ion technology for cognitive wellness benefits—stress reduction, enhanced focus, etc. If you do, simply select the Negative Ion feature. Last but not least, lie back and relax. You can experiment by using different PEMF levels at different times and intervals to see what suits you best.
How Often to Use PEMF
Alcalde says there’s no such thing as overdoing it with PEMF. “You can use it every single day. The mat runs on 20-minute cycles, which is considered a full treatment and a great baseline for anyone just starting, though many people use it for longer,” she says.
For best results, she recommends thinking of it as a cumulative practice rather than a one-time fix. “A popular approach is pairing a higher-frequency session (Level 3 or 4) in the morning for energy and focus with a lower-frequency session (Level 1 or 2) in the evening to wind down and prepare for sleep,” she says. “The beauty of it is that it requires zero setup or cleanup and stacks seamlessly into things you’re already doing—lying down to watch TV, stretching, meditating, or even just working from your desk.”
My Review
(Image credit: Kaitlyn McLintock)
After using it for 60 days, I’m more than willing to share my anecdotal experience with anyone interested. As a naturally anxious person who stares at a computer screen all day for work, I tend to use Level 2 (calm and center) and Level 4 (focus and problem-solving) most often. I use the former in the evenings or during anxious moments, usually just lying on the mat, letting the heat melt away muscle tension, breathing deeply, and trying to return to the present moment.
I use the latter in the morning to set myself up for the day. Often, I’ll sit on the mat in the morning while journaling, filling out my planner, and creating my to-do list. When I use it consistently, I swear I experience less brain fog and improve my productivity without needing to drink that extra cup of coffee I usually rely on.
I’ve also seen results from using Level 1 for deep sleep. I use it about an hour before going to bed, and I tend to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. The only level that I can’t attest to is Level 3. Maybe it’s because I’ve never had a good meditation practice, but honestly, I feel like I don’t have a good baseline to judge its efficacy.
Still, initial skepticism aside, I’m shocked at how much I love this PEMF mat. While I wouldn’t say that anyone needs it, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a budget for it and wants to elevate their wellness routine in a major way. I’ve already recommended it to multiple friends and family members.
5 More Editor-Approved Wellness Products & Gadgets
Higherdose
Infrared PEMF Go Mat
HigherDose translated the original Infrared PEMF Pro Mat into a compact, travel-friendly size. It even fits on a desk chair if you want to use it while you’re working.
Shark
CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask & Facial Glo Skin Tool
Medicube
Booster Pro in Pink
OURA
Oura Ring 4 in Ceramic Cloud
An Oura Ring is a good investment if you want to track key biometrics.
higherdose
Red Light Showerhead Filter
