by Jenn |
Last Updated: April 10, 2020 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Stress is becoming one of the most serious health concerns today. It used to be that all we ever had to worry about was work stress (and on a regular day, that’s already a lot), but these days, a lot of our anxiety is stemming either from enforced quarantine, lockdowns, or disrupted life and finances.
This mental and emotional anxiety can manifest itself in your muscles and back, causing aches and pains that you can’t explain. If you add the absence of our normal physical routines like walks outside or gym activities, your body will quickly start to feel the toll.
A long-term, convenient alternative to expensive spas that you can enjoy at home is a massage mat. A lot of the massage mats in the market (and on this list) are vibration massage mats. However, there are also models that use air bag technology for a more sophisticated massage experience.
A user’s height will always be an issue with these products, but, so long as you are under 6 feet, it shouldn’t pose much of a problem. If you’re over this height, you can still use a massage mat but expect your feet to protrude from the edge of the mat.
And lastly, one of the most awesome things about these electric mats is their portability. They’re surprisingly easy to store or even to transport. Just roll them up and go.
Now on to our reviews of the best massage mats you can buy.
The Best Body Massage Mats You Can Find
Most Comfortable Massage Mat: 10-Motor Relaxzen with Heat
This Relaxzen electric massage mat is a great choice for anyone looking for an electric massage mat. It has extra layers of foam padding that cushion the vibrating nodes very well.
The heat isn’t super strong but it’s not enough to make you feel relaxed. It’s perfect if you have a job that has you on your feet all day or if you have chronic lower back pain.
Keep in mind that this mat is for vibration massage only, and not for the Shiatsu massage that some therapists recommend.
Pros
- Covers upper and lower back, hips, and legs
- Has heat for your lower back
- Has thick foam padding
- The exterior is smooth and there’s an option for the fun leopard print
- Has a variety of setting adjustments for the timer, vibration patterns, and temperature
Cons
- The noise it produces is too bothersome for others
- Other buyers report that their mat stopped working after 5 months
- Note: Provides vibration massage only, not Shiatsu massage; extra cushioning may lessen intensity
- 10 powerful massage motors target upper back, lower back, hips, and legs; zoned lumbar heat
- Ergo hand remote personalizes massage to 4 zones with 5 modes, 3 intensity levels, and 3 auto-timer settings
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 15:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Most Affordable: Belmint Vibrating Massage Mat
Belmint is one of the best brands for electric massage mats and for good reason. The quality of the products is better than most brands in the market and more durable, too.
The features are also topnotch. You get 10 vibrating motors and three intensity levels. You can target specific areas of your body with the 4 independently controlled zones which is perfect if you have localized pain such as your legs, shoulders, or back. The heat function is as always, a welcome addition.
Jen and I have been using our massage mattress on the couch because this gets the vibration motors hitting more parts of your body than if you put it down on a solid surface, like the floor. If you are on the slim end of the spectrum and have no cushioning, you can put a blanket on top of your massager. I have love handles and love a strong massage so the highest intensity works perfectly for me.
I’ve been reading some of the testimonials for the Belmint in preparation to writing this article and some of the more interesting anecdotal stories is using this for kids, especially those who have a hard time settling down for the night or those who have sensory issues. We have no kids in the vicinity to test this on, but our cat does love this mat and my massage cushion.
Pros
- Quality product from Belmint
- Has five pre-programmed modes, four independently controllable zones, and three intensity levels
- Has lumbar heating for pain or simple relaxation
- Helps people sleep faster
- Great for leg cramps
- The noise it makes when it’s on isn’t as loud as I thought it would be; more like a quiet humming sound
- Very good reviews overall from satisfied customers
- Bang for the buck
Cons
- None as of writing
- Note: This is not a shiatsu deep kneading massager. It's a vibration massage mat only - The Belmint 10 motor vibrating mat provides...
- Flexible & Foldable: This full body massager folds easily for transport and storage. Flexible so you can use it everywhere, chair, bed,...
- Soothing Warmth: You can use both mild heat and vibration to increase and improve blood circulation. Features overheat protection to ensure...
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 15:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best For Shiatsu Neck Massage: Belmint Massage Mat
If you are suffering from chronic neck pain, stiff neck, cervical spondylosis, or even stiff shoulders, and are willing to pay a high price tag to get some relief, then I highly recommend this particular Belmint model. It has the same excellent features as the previous Belmint model, however, it has 2 distinct features that are specific to only this model. (1)
They are:
- Heat therapy in the neck area instead of the lumbar area
- Shiatsu massage in the neck area
The last is made possible by two deep kneading massage motors in the attached pillow.
Note of warning: The neck massager is strong so if the deep kneading bothers you, you will have to put a blanket over it to cushion the motors.
Pros
- Shiatsu neck massage for tense upper spine relief
- Heat therapy for the neck area
- 15-minute auto shut off
- All the pros mentioned in the earlier Belmint model apply
Cons
- Only the neck massager has kneading; the rest is still vibration massage
- It is twice the price of the previous Belmint model
- FULL BODY MASSAGE MAT - The Belmint vibrating mat uses 10 powerful vibration motors that give you a therapeutic, soothing, and relaxing...
- SHIATSU PILLOW MASSAGER - Featuring 4 deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes; the neck massager nodes work together to target troublesome spots...
- SOOTHING HEAT - Optional heat function improves blood flow in your legs, upper, lower back, neck, and shoulder—features 15 minutes safety...
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 15:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Back Heater—Comfier Massage Chair Pad
Comfier is another brand that delivers a great product. What people love the most about this mat is how it alleviates pain and really helps relax you after a long day. There are also raves about the plush microfiber material and the overall construction of the mat.
Now, while you can find the above properties in most (if not all) of the mats on this list, what makes the Comfier special are the dual heating pads that cover the entire back area and the lower back/hip areas. It’s no accident that users are raving about the therapeutic effect of this mat. Most massage mats only have single-area heating — often in the lumbar area — so the Comfier is particularly relaxing and soothing especially during the cold winter season.
What with folks placing their massage mats on their beds and falling asleep to the mild vibration and heating, it’s assuring that it has an automatic shut-off timer, a standard for electric massage mats.
Pros
- Dual heating pads covering the back and lower back/hip areas
- Has 5 massage modes and 3 intensity levels
- Perfect for relieving muscle tension and muscle pain
- Helps with avascular necrosis (2)
- Targeted massage for shoulders, back, or legs
- Made of Optics ultra soft plush so the material feels great on your skin
Cons
- Less intense massage vibrations (though this would not be a con for those who prefer gentle vibrations)
- Note: This is a vibration massager only, not a deep kneading Shiatsu massager. DO NOT buy this product if you are looking for a shiatsu...
- Improve Sleep - Comfier full body massage mat is designed with 10 massage motors to provide vibration massage that combines with heat , can...
- Heat function -The massage mattress pad is built in 2 heating pads to your full body. It delivers soothing heat to further relax soreness...
Last update on 2024-10-05 at 16:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Stretching: Belmint Back Stretching Electric Mat
No products found.If you’re getting the impression that all body massage mats only offer vibration massage, Belmint’s stretching mat proves this wrong. Instead of vibrating ball motors, this stretcher makes use of air chambers that can lift, stretch, and twist targeted areas of your body.
Designed with the help of a certified yogi, the Belmint stretcher has 4 pre-programmed stretching functions you can choose from:
- Stretch – for Yoga stretching exercises; calm and controlled
- Twist – decompresses pain areas in your back and shoulders; lifts your shoulders and hips in a sequence designed to relieve pressure
- Energize – for flexibility and endurance; as the name suggests, this program is energizing and perfect for a warm-up
- Flow – a series of stretches for your spine; great for a pre-bedtime ritual
There are no instructions or guides where to situate one’s body but when you turn it on, it’s actually intuitive to just scoot over and make minor adjustments to your placement so that the air bags hit your shoulders, hips, and legs just right.
Pros
- Decompresses the spine
- Helps relieve lower back and sciatica pain
- Stretches, massages, and heats at the same time with four distinct programs
- Great for a pre or post-yoga workout; the stretch and flow programs are also ideal for before bedtime
- Great investment; it’s more expensive than vibration massage mats but it’s worth 1-2 sessions with a chiropractor
- Excellent reviews from users
- Designed by yoga professionals
- Great customer support from the company; timely and truly resolve customer issues
Cons
- Won’t fully replace a chiropractor session but it’s ideal for those managing chronic pain and similar
No products found.
Best for Yoga—Naipo Stretching Mat with Heat
No products found.Along with Belmint, Naipo is one of our trusted brands when it comes to portable massagers. With many of the same features as the Belmint mat, the Naipo mat incorporates eight air bladders for the most comfortable stretching experience.
The gentle heating elements work in combination with the air bladders to further ease the tension out of your neck or back muscles to give you an extra comfortable stretch.
Like all of the best massage mats, the Naipo back stretcher folds up into a compact package for easy transportation so that you can enjoy your stretching massage anywhere.
Pros
- Engineered by yogis to increase flexibility, strength, and spine health
- Eight air bladders to create maximum full-body stretch
- Relieves muscle tension all along the spinal cord, including the neck, shoulders, back, waist, and hip area
Cons
- Most costly mat featured in this article
No products found.
Why Use an Electric Massage Mat?
Massage parlors all over the country are taking advantage of relieving stress-related muscle tension by providing a valuable, but costly service to their customers. There’s nothing better than a good, deep massage to get the stress out of your back. (3)
Still, many of us don’t have the time or the money to visit a masseuse regularly. For the budget-strapped, a great alternative is using one of the best massage mats. For a comparatively reasonable price, we can lay down on a heated, motorized mat in the comforts of our own home, and let the best massage mats knead away the knots in our back muscles.
How Do Electric Massage Mats Work?
Electric massage mats are usually softly padded and are constructed with motors and heating elements. By lying down on these mats, or sitting on these mats on a chair or sofa, it can warm and massage your back muscles with vibrations, kneading motions, and heat.
The best massage mats are easy to fold up and transport so that you can enjoy your massage away from home if you like.
Motors in these devices tend to come in three different massage methods.
- The simplest form of massage is with vibration motors. These rumbling motors deliver a very basic kind of massage to your back.
- An improved massage can be felt through shiatsu massage mats. These mats have rolling and kneading knobs inside that will dig deeper into your tense muscles.
- The final kind of massage mat is the yoga stretching mat. By using inflatable air bladders, this type of best body massage mat really manipulates your body into different positions, giving you a great stretch and massage.
How to Choose the Best Body Massage Mat
When looking for the best massage mats to relax your back and body, there are a few specific qualities that you should compare.
Massage Style
The best massage mats have three different styles available.
For most users, a vibration massage is sufficient to ease tension and relax muscles. Combined with heating elements, these mats can improve circulation in the body and get rid of stress.
If your back muscles are particularly tense, then consider a shiatsu massage mat. These massage motors dig deeper and really work hard to remove the knots in your deep tissue.
However, if you want to spend the money on a premium massage experience, a yoga stretching mat is the best way to go. The best massage mats will move your body into twists, turns, and stretches that will work out all of your aches and pains, as well as giving you a little more flexibility to prevent future problems.
Programmability
Whichever kind of mat that you get, you need to check its program options. After all, the best massage mats are useless without their programmed massages.
The programs should be able to target specific areas on your back and body for the best performance. It’s also helpful if the heating element can be activated independently of the massage motors if you just need a warm spot to lie down.
Padding
Heavier individuals should choose thick padding in order to keep the motors from creating an unpleasant sensation when their weight bears down on the mat.
On the other hand, lighter individuals can benefit from thinner padding in order to feel the vibrations and heat more.
If you are overall sensitive to protrusions though, opt for thicker cushioning.
Conclusion
If you’re on a strict budget or simply don’t know if a massage mat is for you, we recommend the Relaxzen 10-Motor Massage Plush Mat with Heat as the best electric massage mat. It’s has a very affordable price tag and has all the core features of a vibration massage mat.
There are ten motors to target all areas of your body, from your sore legs to your tight shoulders. The zoned lumbar heating feature will help to alleviate persistent lower back pain. This heating element, combined with the five programmed modes, works together to relax worn-out muscles. Plus, you can choose from three intensity levels and auto-timer settings.
On the other hand, if you want to get a luxe massage mat, I highly recommend the Belmint stretcher. It’s pricier than the vibration massage mats but definitely worth your money. The air bag technology will give you a leveled-up massage experience. It will help to stretch your stiff muscles, decompress your spine, target your pressure points, and even help alleviate pain. Belmint makes durable products and the customer support is top-notch so it’s a worthy investment.
References
- Cervical Spondylosis, mayoclinic.org
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN or Osteonecrosis), webmd.com
- Lundberg, U., Dohns, I. E., Melin, B., Sandsjö, L., Palmerud, G., Kadefors, R., … & Parr, D. (1999). Psychophysiological stress responses, muscle tension, and neck and shoulder pain among supermarket cashiers. Journal of occupational health psychology, 4(3), 245.
Author: Jenn Miller
Don’t be fooled by her innocent baby face. Jenn’s a demanding shopper who WILL push each and every beauty product to its limit.