The 6 Best Infrared Heating Pads for Back Pain (Tried & Tested)

best infrared heating pads

A far infrared heating pad delivers deep penetrating infrared rays – via carbon fiber and jade/amethyst stones – with little to no EMF radiation – for long-lasting and natural back pain relief.

Since they are superior to regular heating pads, and usually contain semi-precious stones (that also emit negative ions) – they are more expensive – and require more research before you find the best one.

We’ve done all the research for you, and in this post, you’ll find the best far infrared heating pads for back pain relief – reviewed and compared, and how to choose the best one for you.

In a hurry?

See our top 4 choices below (followed by our full infrared heating pad reviews).

Far Infrared Heating PadBottom LineHealing TherapiesSize/WeightPrice
UTK Infrared Heating Pads
infrared heating pads
🥇Best Value
Far infrared heat
Crystal therapy (Jade/Tourmaline stones)
Negative Ions
Many sizes

$139 for the small size on Amazon!
MediCrystal Amethyst Infrared Heat Pad
Best Amethyst MatFar infrared heat
Crystal therapy (Amethyst)
Negative Ions
Eco-friendly
Mini size - 32″ x 20″
10 lbs.
$328 with code MEITALJAMES at Medicrystal
iReliev Infrared Heating Pad
Best Budget
Far Infrared Heat
Crystal Therapy
(Jade stones)
Negative Ions
24" x 16"
4.5 lbs.
$99 at iReliev
Ereada Infrared Mats
Best with PEMF MagnetismFar Infrared Heat
PEMF Therapy
Crystal Therapy
(Amethyst stones)
Compact Pro Model -
32″ X 20″
27 lbs.
$445 at Ereada

Are Infrared Heating Pads Better Than Regular Heat Pads?

Infrared light therapy is the wave of the future in the natural health and wellness world.

Unfortunately, some people are still not aware of the superior benefits of infrared deep penetrating heat, compared to regular electric heating pads (see the full comparison here).

Electric heating pads use electric heating coils, which not only emit high levels of electromagnetic radiation but they also only heat the top layers of your skin (or burn it, as has happened to so many people).

In comparison, most far infrared heating pads use natural stones (jade/tourmaline/amethyst), to deliver deep penetrating heat (infrared rays) that can penetrate all the way to your bones and create a uniform warming effect – without any side effects.

How Do Infrared Heating Pads Work? 

When the jade (or Tourmaline/Amethyst) is heated, it emits infrared heat that penetrates deep into your body and relieves pain, improves blood circulation, reduces tension and stress, and in time – improves muscle flexibility.

For example, Jade is known as a healing stone and has been known to boost depleted spirits.

It provides a steady stream of positive energy that helps you slowly recover from past problems.

infrared heating pad deep penetration

To get the right temperature, you can crank it all the way up to the highest heat level possible.

Within 5 minutes the pad is hot and you can adjust it downward with no problems.

What Are Negative Ions?

Negative ions are molecules with an extra electron that your body can absorb.

They’re found in abundance at waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and in the air after a rainstorm.

Numerous studies indicate that once they reach our bloodstream, they produce biochemical reactions that calm and relieve stress, relieve depression, and boost our daytime energy, and our immune system.

The Top 6 Infrared Heating Pads (for Back Pain)

As with every other back pain product, not all infrared heating pads are created equal.

Below you’ll find the 6 highest-rated infrared heating pads (btw, one of the best back pain gifts), and the healing therapies they offer.

1. UTK Infrared Heating Pads – Best Value

best value infrared heating pad 2023

  • Type – Jade/Tourmaline heating pad
  • Size 23.5” x 16”
  • Temperatures – 103°F-159°F by 1°F Increments

Pros – Leading brand, high quality (we’ve been using it for 6 years), low EMF, FDA-approved

Cons – Can’t be used with metal implants, a bit heavy

$139 on Amazon

The UTK Infrared Healing Pad features far-infrared heat (delivered via natural Jade/Tourmaline stones) and negative ions – that increase vitality and relieve stress.

The UTK jade & tourmaline heating pads heat up in less than 5 minutes, are offered in 3 sizes, have a simple digital controller (to set exact temperature and time), are flexible and can be wrapped around different body areas, and come with a strap (to use on a chair).

best far infrared heating pad for back pain

My UTK Infrared Heating Pad

They offer at least 5,000 hours of continuous work, the cord is extra long, and they are very easy to use.

The UTK brand is established, experienced, and offers good customer service. We know this from personal experience in the last 6 years.

Plus, this heating pad can withstand kids abusing it and jumping on it, and it still continues to work the way it did on the first day!

Available on Amazon ($139)

UTK Infrared Heating Pads Pros & Cons

According to hundreds of consumer reviews and our personal experience, the UTK infrared heating pad is well-made, long-lasting, easy to use, and safe.

Customer service is excellent. My personal experience with my Jade & Tourmaline model is amazing – I’ve been using it for more than 6 years now with no problems.

The only con is the weight of the pad, which is quite heavy due to the gemstones inside. This is why I don’t move it around much, and I have a permanent place for it in the living room.

2. iReliev Infrared Heating Pad – Best Budget

iReliev far infrared heating pad trial

My iReliev Infrared Heating Pad 

  • Type – Jade heating pad
  • Size – 24″ x 16″
  • Temperatures – 55-160°F

Pros – Lower-than-average cost, negative ions, with Velcro strap, fast shipping

Cons – Sometimes struggles to keep the temperature

$99 at iReliev

The new and improved iReliev infrared heating pad delivers far infrared therapy through a combination of Jade and Tourmaline stones (which emit 2.5~13.5 microns of infrared rays) and heats up to 160 F (with a 5-hour automatic shut-off).

This is the only FIR heating pad on this list that has Velcro stitching and strap – which allows you to also use it while sitting on any chair (if you work at home – use it on your ergonomic office chair!).

ireliev infrared heating pad trial and review

Comes with a lightweight carrying bag

However, it comes only in one size (24″ x 16″), compared with the UTK heating pads that come in several sizes.

The controller allows you to set the temperature and the exact time you want to enjoy the deep penetrating and pain-relieving infrared therapy.

It also comes with a handy carry bag so you can easily fold it up and take it with you anywhere you go.

The Jade and Tourmaline stones release 1500+ negative ions per square inch and act as “antioxidants” for the air around you, contributing to your well-being.

And the best news?

The price is fair (less than average), the shipping is free, and arrives within 2-5 days! Customer service is excellent, we know through our personal experience.

Available at iReliev ($99) 

Where Do I Place a Heating Pad for Sciatica?
To relieve and heal sciatica, it’s best to place the heating pad on the rear pelvis, where the spinal nerve roots L4 to S31 – that extends from the lumbar spinal cord – originate.

3. MediCrystal Far Infrared Mat – Best Amethyst Mat

medicrystal amethyst infrared heat pad

  • Type – Amethyst heating pad
  • Size – 24″ x 16″
  • Temperatures – 55-160°F

Pros – High-end, 6.5 pounds crushed Amethyst, professional-grade, waterproof cover and carrying bag

Cons – Heavy, expensive

$328 with code MEITALJAMES at MediCrystal

The MediCrystal company not only excels with its high-end infrared heating pads and PEMF heating pads but also with its excellent warranty and customer service.

Through our research, their best value infrared Amethyst mattress pad is the Mini model (sized 32″ x 20″), made from 18 layers and filled with 6.5 pounds of untreated crushed Amethyst crystals comes with a smart controller, a waterproof cover, and a carry bag.

The Amethyst crystals naturally release Negative Ions and Far Infrared Deep Impact Heat –  in the most absorbable wavelength range 4-16µm with Energy Peaks at 6 and 12 microns to go 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep into the tissues.

medicrystal mat review

Designed to be used on any surface

When you buy on the official site, you can use our 5% coupon code (MEITALJAMES) and you get a long 2-year warranty, and free shipping (for returns as well!).

If you run into any trouble with the mat or the controller – customer service jumps to help you within a few days.

The only cons are the weight (10 pounds total, which is heavier than other pads, due to a large number of crystals), and the price.

But we believe this mat is worth every cent.

And if all this is not enough:

This mat is also made with eco-friendly materials –  an eco-suede exterior, and plant-based and recycled materials.

Available at MediCrystal ($328 with coupon code MEITALJAMES)

4. Ereada Infrared Mats – Best with PEMF

ereada infrared mat review

  • Type – amethyst heating pad with PEMF Therapy
  • Size – 59″ x 24″
  • Temperatures – 7 heat settings (86 ~ 158°F)

Pros – Professional grade, extra large, PEMF magnetism, LED light therapy

Cons – Heavy and bulky, expensive

$839 for the Pro model at Ereada / $445 for the smaller model

The Ereada high-end infrared heating mats (made in Korea) combine 5 healing therapies in one high-end mat:

  • Far-infrared heat (up to 158°F)
  • PEMF therapy –  pulsating magnetic intensity to recharge your cells
  • Photon light therapy – 14 LEDs (660 nm) for skin rejuvenation
  • Negative ions
  • Crystal therapy (Grade A+ Amethyst)

The popular, heavy-duty Compact-Pro model (32″ X 20″/27 lbs) has 4 pounds more Amethyst than most mats, and 17 layers, containing more than 21 pounds of amethyst.

It runs far-infrared heat from 86 F to 158 F (7 intensity levels) with a wavelength of 4 to 16 microns (very deep penetration) and has sensors to control the heat all over the mat.

ereada pemf infrared heating pad review

Equipped with 300 gauss Permanent Magnetic field intensity, the Ereada Compact Pro has a Rapid Very Low-Frequency Pulsation Magnetic Intensity in the range of .100 – .400 gauss.

It also runs at a Magnetic Pulsation Frequency of 8- 60 per session.

This helps protect you from EMF damage and helps promote blood flow through the natural magnetic waves of the PEMF.

While the Ereada mats are more expensive than average, they are the best high-end, professional far infrared & PEMF mats on the market.

The only con with this excellent amethyst mat is the weight, it’s very heavy and hard to move around.

Available at Ereada ($839 for the Pro Model or $445 for the smaller model)

Get Your Free PDF
The Complete Guide to Low Back Pain Relief – at Home!

5. Dr. Clark’s Infrared Heating Pad – with Neck Contour

  • Type – Jade heating pad
  • Size – 21” x 37”
  • Temperatures –  104~ 158°F

Pros – Comes with a neck contour for neck pain relief

Cons – The middle section may place pressure on the spine

$349 at the Healthy Back Institute

Dr. Clark’s deep heating pad comes with 173 natural Jade stones and a unique neck contour to use on the neck muscles, nerves, and bones.

The special spinal channel keeps pressure off your spine and reduces pain during your home treatment, and the auto shut-off makes it safe to fall asleep on (up to 4 hours of continuous use!).

The extra-long cord (14-foot) helps this one reach almost any outlet in your home and is compatible with both 110V and 250V.

When you purchase from the Healthy Back Institute, you get a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use controllers with heat settings
  • Auto shut off (up to 4 hours)
  • Flexible – can be wrapped around joints as well
  • Optional car inverter makes it easy to use in your car
  • 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Shuts off automatically after 30 minutes

Available at the Healthy Back Institute ($349)

6. Thermotex Far Infrared Heating Pad – Best Carbon Fiber

thermotex infrared heating pad

  • Type – carbon fiber heating pad (no gemstones)
  • Size – 15″ x 7″ x 5.5″
  • Temperatures –  108~ 116°F

Pros – Lightweight and portable, flexible, adjustable temperature

Cons – No negative ions, possible EMF radiation, expensive

$279 on Amazon

The Thermotex pad is another high-quality infrared pad and is less expensive than the smallest UTK FIR heat pad, but more expensive than the medium UTK one.

Thermotex vs. Jade Heating Pads

  • The Thermotex pad (the Gold model) cannot be folded. The internal elements are rigid and should never be bent. This means you can’t use it in your car or wrap it around other aching parts of your body. It’s almost impossible for the whole surface of the element to completely touch a “curvy” human body part.
  • The Thermotex Platinum pad is larger and has 3 sections that allow it to bend around your body. Problem solved (but for extra dollars).
  • The Thermotex pad doesn’t feature negative ions. Whether this is important or not is up to you.
  • No Jade stones. Thermotex delivers infrared rays through carbon fibers, which is just as effective, but carbon fibers emit some levels of EMF radiation.

thermotex platinum on amazon

The Thermotex is made up of multiple 3 x 8-inch pieces sewn together (as in the Platinum, Elbow, and Shoulder models), although there can also be larger size elements as in the Gold, Professional, and Large Shoulder models.

Both the electrical cord and the heat selection switch are heavy-duty and sturdy.

The manual heat control Switch shows “Off,” “Low,” “High,” and “Off”.

It Comes in 2 sizes for back pain – Gold and Platinum. The Gold model is smaller and can’t be bent, and platinum is a bit larger and more flexible.

What’s the Best Infrared Heating Pad for the Knees?

best infrared knee heating pad

If you need an FIR heat pad for your aching knees, you may want to consider a specially designed pad for the curvy shape of your knee.

When you combine the benefits of deep penetrating infrared rays with the wrap-around heating pad, you get the maximum results from knee thermal therapy.

The best infrared knee heating pad would be able to reach high temperatures, be rechargeable (so you can move around with it), and be made with durable and long-lasting carbon fiber.

Through our research, the Arris Infrared knee heating brace is the top 2024 choice for knee pain.

 What’s the Best Infrared Heating Pad for the Neck and shoulders?

best infrared heating pad for neck and shoulders

If your pain is mostly in your shoulders (and probably your neck too) – choosing a specifically designed neck and shoulder infrared heating pad would be a wiser choice.

Through our research, we’ve found the UTK neck and shoulder FIR heating pad to be the best choice in 2024.

Available on Amazon ($145)

How Long Can You Use an Infrared Heating Pad?

It is safe to use the FIR heat pad as often as you want to, for as long as you feel comfortable with the heat.

Generally, the longer the use, the lower the temperature.

You can use it in your normal daily schedule, in the car, in the office, while watching a movie, and before you go to sleep (to avoid back pain at night).

Most people feel the amazing pain-relieving effect of infrared pad therapy – almost immediately, usually in up to 30 minutes (but you can use it for hours).

Others may need a few days to feel the results. It depends on the severity of your back pain and how often you use it.

Pro Tip
Do you want to combine heat therapy with vibrating massage for pain relief? See our post with the 5 best full body electric massage mats – of 2024.

How Does an Infrared Heating Pad Help with Back Pain?

An infrared heating pad is a safe, natural, and non-invasive tool to relieve back pain without medication and speed up recovery from any back injury.

Infrared rays, delivered by crystals, penetrate much deeper (up to 2.5 inches) into your body tissues where it promote blood circulation, which delivers healing and pain-relieving nutrients.

Infrared therapy is scientifically proven to relieve back pain and any other pain – without any side effects (see studies below).

Can You Sleep On an Infrared Heating Pad?

Yes, you can sleep on an infrared heating pad if you use it at a low temperature, set the timer to go off after 2 hours and drink a large glass of water in the morning.

Sleeping on an FIR heating pad will promote restful and continuous sleep, reduce stress, and prevent waking up with a stiff back and aching muscles.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team

Studies

Jiang SY, Ma A, Ramachandran S. Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(10):2966. Published 2018 Sep 28.

Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006;11(3):193-196.

Meital James
 

Meital James, Founder and CEO of 4 healthy living blogs, has a background in Naturopathic medicine, research, journalism, and nutrition. Her blogs are the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and experience and all the posts are verified by scientific findings.

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