Frequently Asked Questions

The BioMat® is an FDA Class II Medical Device that combines Far Infrared heat, Negative Ions, and Amethyst and Tourmaline crystals to deliver profound pain and inflammation relief, immune resilience, nervous system regulation, improved sleep and recovery.

Originally developed by Richway International in 1997, the BioMat® has been used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners and individuals worldwide.  The first of its kind, the Richway BioMat® remains a one-of-a-kind, and the premier, renowned brand in a world of knockoffs.  

Most people don’t purchase a BioMat® because they’re interested in the technology.  They come to us because someone they care about had meaningful results. They end up purchasing because they are tired of tolerating health challenges that keep them from feeling their best, and fully alive.  This can be debilitating pain, stress, and a lack of sleep that builds, cascades and then compounds over time. The BioMat® is designed to support the body’s natural ability to rest and repair, and then ultimately recover and heal.

The BioMat works by combining three technologies: Far Infrared Rays, Negative Ions, and natural crystals.

Inside the BioMat are layers of Amethyst and Tourmaline crystals. When heated, these crystals generate Far Infrared Rays and Negative Ions.

Far Infrared Rays penetrate deeply into the body, creating a soothing warmth that supports circulation, muscle relaxation, and recovery. At the same time, the Tourmaline crystals generate Negative Ions, which are naturally abundant in environments like forests, waterfalls, and beaches.

Together, these technologies help address both the physical and neurological factors that contribute to stress, tension, discomfort, and poor recovery.

Far Infrared Rays are a natural form of light energy that we experience as warmth.

Unlike traditional heating pads that primarily warm the surface of the skin, Far Infrared Rays penetrate deeper into the body. This creates a more comfortable, soothing warmth that many people describe as relaxing their entire body rather than just heating one area.

Far Infrared technology has been studied for decades and is widely used to support circulation, muscle relaxation, recovery, and overall wellness.

Negative Ions are naturally occurring particles found in abundance near waterfalls, forests, mountains, and ocean environments.

Researchers have studied Negative Ions for their potential effects on mood, relaxation, and overall well-being. Many people report feeling calmer, clearer, and more relaxed in environments rich in Negative Ions.

As the BioMat heats, the Tourmaline crystals naturally generate Negative Ions, helping create a calming environment that complements the effects of the Far Infrared Rays.

The BioMat stimulates ion channels by producing negative ions that deliver energy to the cells of the body. The topmost layer of the BioMat is constructed of superconducting channels of pure amethyst, which allow the far infrared rays and negative ions to penetrate the body deeply. View an illustration of BioMat layer technology.

Amethyst's healing properties have been acknowledged and celebrated for centuries by ancient scientists, healers and others. Now, modern science has confirmed the highly conductive properties of this remarkable mineral. Amethyst crystals offer the most consistent and powerful delivery of far infrared light waves, and ionic effects to the human body.

Many infrared mats look similar on the surface, but what's inside matters.

The original BioMat was developed by Richway and contains approximately 21 pounds of natural Amethyst and Tourmaline crystals. These crystals are used to generate Far Infrared Rays and Negative Ions while distributing heat evenly throughout the mat.

The BioMat is also FDA-cleared as a Class II medical device, a distinction many infrared mats do not have.

For more than 25 years, the BioMat has earned a reputation for quality, durability, and performance. Many customers are still using their original BioMat more than a decade after purchase.

Because the BioMat’s Far Infrared rays penetrate deeply into the body and promote our natural state of health and balance, it can be used to treat a wide range of health issues that we summarize as an acronym ~ A.I.P.S.S.  The “A.I.P.S.S.” stands for Auto-Immune, Inflammation, Pain, Sleep and Stress.

Many people think that stress is something that happens in the mind, as a mental state.
 
In reality, stress affects every system in the physical body. 

When the sympathetic [stress] nervous system remains chronically activated, muscles remain tense, sleep suffers, inflammation increases and the body burns through vital minerals such as magnesium which affects hundreds of cellular functions.  

The BioMat® combines Far Infrared Rays with Negative Ions to support not just your physical body but also a balanced nervous system.  When your nervous system is able to make a healthy transition from sympathetic [stress / active] to parasympathetic [rest / digest / heal], you will FEEL it!  Both are necessary to having a fulfilled and productive life.  

Negative Ions are coined “the vitamins of the air” and promote a feeling of calm relaxation.  Waterfalls, forests, mountains and beaches are high and rich in Negative Ions, whereas cities and enclosed indoor environments are very low in them.  When our bodies are replenished with the elements we evolved with, we feel regenerated, grounded and more connected to our physical and emotional body.  

Far Infrared Rays work synergistically with Negative Ions to restore the natural balance in the nervous system, allowing for easier, deeper sleep and a greater flow state even in the midst of stress.  The warmth of the Far Infrared Rays feels like a soft hug that envelopes you as you sink into relaxation and allow muscle tension, pain and mental noise to dissipate.   

Many BioMat® users report a positive improvement in their sleep that they had not realized in years, simply because their nervous system was able to down regulate.  As with many health challenges, as the physiology begins to correct and heal, there is a beneficial cumulative effect over time.  Particularly with stress, when the nervous system comes into greater balance, other challenges improve.

Yes, the BioMat is a perfect addition to yoga practice and meditation, because it supports deep, muscle relaxation, increases blood flow for improved local circulation where applied, and provides a warm, soothing environment to facilitate improved mental peace and serenity.

Every person's experience with the BioMat is different. Many people achieve immediate relief from certain pain and discomfort, right away. For others, it will take a few weeks before the deep-penetrating treatment begins to bring relief.

The better question is: what are you hoping it will help with?

Some people notice deeper relaxation during their very first session. Others report sleeping better, feeling less stiff, recovering faster, or simply feeling more balanced with consistent use.

The BioMat has been trusted by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide for more than 25 years because it addresses some of the most common challenges people face today: stress, poor sleep, pain, tension, recovery, and overall wellness.

Like any wellness practice, the greatest benefits tend to come from consistent use over time.

Yes, it is safe. 

As an FDA-cleared Class II Medical Device, annual 3rd party testing is required for electrical safety, EMF protection, and quality assurance.  

The BioMat® is designed for daily use, whether in a home or a wellness practice, and manufactured to last decades.  Like any wellness tool, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines with use.  

If you have a medical condition, implant or other concerns about whether the BioMat® is right for you, please consult your healthcare provider before use.  A good question to ask, even if they are not familiar with a BioMat®, is “can I use Infrared heat therapy?”.

The BioMat® is safe for many people on a health journey, however, there are conditions where physician guidance is recommended before use.  

Consult your physician before using if you have an organ transplan,, Adrenal suppression, Addison's Disease, Adrenal Insufficiency, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Multiple Sclerosis, bypass surgery, cognitive disability, infant under 6 months of age, or an open wound in contact with the area of use.

A modification of use to a Low or No Heat setting may be appropriate with these conditions (check with your physician):  Fever, Pregnancy, Diabetes, immobility, Radiation / Chemotherapy, impaired heat sensation, or surgical or silicone implants.

If you’re unsure whether the BioMat® is appropriate for you, please consult your healthcare provider and review our safety guidelines.

As with any medical device, every wellness journey should begin with the consent and supervision of a health practitioner.  Under most circumstances, the BioMat® is well suited for whole family use.  It is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age.  Please check our Safety Precautions page for additional information.  Anyone with a medical diagnosis should check with their physician before use..

The BioMat® was designed with EMF safety in mind, before it became a health concern.  Richway’s proprietary 17 layers include 4 layers designed to shield from EFM exposure.  

Three of the physical layers in the BioMat® block EMF’s with copper and carbon fiber.  One of them is a “reverse current layer” which directs the current away from your body.  

Richway conducts annual 3rd party testing for EMF safety and remains committed to holding the BioMat® to the highest safety standards.  

For many discerning consumers, this is an important distinction between the Richway BioMat® and many low cost Infrared products.

Most BioMat® owners benefit from daily and consistent use.  When it becomes a vital part of your health and self care, woven into daily rituals and moments of serenity, that is when long-term benefits take root.  

Some prefer an energizing morning high heat session before taking a shower, others use it intermittently through the day to manage pain, stress, and inflammation, while others find it useful to prime for sleep.  No matter when you use it, you receive the benefits on all the heat settings, and they continue even after your session.  so relax and enjoy!

Like exercise, meditation, and other healthy practices, the benefits build over time with regular use.

Typical BioMat® sessions go from 30 to 60 minutes.

If you are new to the BioMat®, start slow and build up as you learn what feels right and how your body is responding.  High heat does not have to be the “goal”, as you receive all the benefits on all of the heat settings.  The “goal” is consistency and listening to your body’s signals.  Some days (or seasons) you may want more heat, and some you may want less - that’s perfect!

Our customers enjoy the BioMat® in a variety of ways from relaxing, to yoga and meditation, to reading or watching their favorite show, and sleeping.  

Hydration is increasingly important the more heat and the longer amount of time you spend on the BioMat®.  Be sure to drink good quality water, and replenish lost minerals and electrolytes to support your body’s maximum healing process.

The first thing to know about temperature is that you get all the benefits on all of the heat settings.  There is no “right” or “wrong” temperature (unless you over-do it on high heat).  From there, the best temperature will depend on your specific health goals and lifestyle.  

For daily recovery, soreness, relaxation, stress support, pain and sleep, many people prefer a temperature setting in the low to medium range. 

For those with auto-immune conditions, or diagnoses where detoxifying is a core principle, medium to high heat settings will support these goals well. 

If you are just getting started, begin at a lower temperature for 20 - 30 minutes and gradually increase as you pay attention to how your body responds.  

“More” is not always “better”.  The best setting is the one that feels right, allows you to relax and calls you to use the BioMat® consistently.

Yes, you may sleep on your BioMat® at night, or you may use it before bed to prime your body for sleep.  It is not necessary to sleep on the BioMat® in order to receive great sleep benefits.  

If you choose to sleep on the BioMat® all night, be sure to read the user manual, use low heat (95-104F/35-40C) or no heat settings only, and use the timer settings to shut off the heat when desired.  It’s important to hydrate well during the day, and pay close attention to how your body responds.  If you are waking up in the middle of the night, and that’s a new pattern for you, then you need to decrease either the heat or the time or both.  

Alternately, a 60 - 90 minute session before bed can be a wonderful addition to your nighttime ritual that activates your parasympathetic system (rest - digest - heal) and signals your body and mind that it is time to sleep.

Yes, the BioMat® is very easy to use.  It’s as simple as plug it in, turn it on, press the heat button (if desired), and toggle the timer button to your desired timer setting.  Place the cotton pad over your BioMat®, lay down and let your body deeply exhale.

The right BioMat depends on how you plan to use it.

If you're looking for a full-body wellness experience, daily use at home, or a mat you can use while sleeping, relaxing, reading, or recovering, the BioMat Professional is the most popular choice.

If you're looking for something portable, want targeted support for a specific area of the body, travel frequently, or prefer a smaller initial investment, the BioMat Mini is an excellent option.

All BioMats use the same Far Infrared Rays, Negative Ions, and natural crystal technology.  The greatest difference is size, weight, space and how you plan to use it.

Shop BioMat Mini Shop BioMat Professional

The BioMat® Professional is a full-body mat designed for use on a massage table, bed, couch, floor or other firm, flat surface.  Due to the weight, it is best if it has one fixed place in the home or office to stay most of the time. 

The BioMat® Mini is a smaller, lighter and more portable option designed for more flexible or targeted use.  Many clients use the BioMat® Mini sitting in a chair to target the lower back, folded over a painful knee, on the neck and shoulders, abdomen, or as a versatile option while traveling.  (HINT:  You can check any size BioMat® as luggage on a flight for free because they are medical devices). 

All BioMats deliver the same Far Infrared Rays, Negative Ions and natural crystal technology.

Yes.

In fact, this is one of the most popular uses for the BioMat Mini.

Many people place the Mini on an office chair, recliner, couch, or car seat to enjoy Far Infrared Rays and Negative Ions while working, reading, or traveling.

It's an easy way to incorporate BioMat technology into your daily routine without setting aside dedicated wellness time.

Yes.

Many households share a BioMat among family members.

The adjustable temperature settings make it easy for each person to customize their experience based on their own comfort level and wellness goals.

The included cotton cover and waterproof cover also help keep the mat clean and protected between uses.

Every BioMat® has everything you need to get started:

Depending on the size you purchase, the BioMat® will include:

• The BioMat®
• Texas Instruments Controller
• Cotton quilted cover with silver threading for anti-bacterial benefits
• Germanium Waterproof cover (Professional & Mini sizes only)
• Hard shell travel case (The Professional & Mini only.   Bed sizes have a soft canvas storage case)
• User manual & certifications

*Suggested upgrade:  We recommend the Quantum Comfort Cover if you plan to use your BioMat® for sleep, if you are a practitioner that has clients on the BioMat® for 45 minutes or more, or generally prefer the most comfortable, plush BioMat® experience.

We understand that investing in your health is an important decision. 

That’s why every BioMat® includes a 30 Day Love It or Return It Satisfaction Guarantee.  We want you to have the opportunity to experience the BioMat® fully so you feel confident that it’s helping you reach your health goals.  

We encourage you to use your BioMat® consistently for 30 days to give your body plenty of time to feel a difference.  For health goals that are more chronic in nature, changes can feel subtle and happen over time.  It’s important to be patient with your body.  

Should you decide that the BioMat® isn’t right for you, you may return it according to the terms of our return policy. Please note that return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and are not included in the original free shipping offer. 

For complete details, including return eligibility and requirements, please review our Return Policy or contact our team.

Yes, your BioMat® purchase may be eligible to use Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds either in part or in full.  

While the majority of HSA / FSA purchases are easily approved, eligibility may vary based on your individual plan.  

If you have an HSA / FSA debit card and your purchase does not go through, that does not mean it is declined.  Sometimes these purchases need to be manually input.  Please contact our team for assistance.

Yes.

Financing options are available to help make BioMat ownership more accessible.

Many customers choose monthly payment plans that allow them to begin using their BioMat immediately while spreading the investment over time.

Available financing programs, terms, and qualifications may vary, so please contact us for the most current options.

In-stock order delivery time frame:

North American delivery: 7-14 business days. 

International delivery:  10-21 business days

Once your order ships, you’ll receive tracking information via email.  The email subject line is “Your BioMat Tracking Has Been Issued”.  Be sure to follow your order tracking every step of the way as it comes with a signature requirement.  

If at any point in the delivery process, you are having trouble signing for your package, please contact our team for assistance.  You will not be able to make changes to the delivery with the carrier as there are restrictions on the package due to the value of your order.  

Customs processing, holidays, weather and geo-political events will unlikely, may occasionally affect delivery times,

No, the original Richway BioMat® is not sold on Amazon. 

While you may find items marketed as “BioMat”, “amethyst mat” or “infrared therapy mat” on Amazon and other online marketplaces, these are not the original FDA 510(k) Class II Medical Device BioMat® manufactured by Richway International. 

Purchasing from an authorized Richway BioMat® distributor ensures that you have a manufacturers warranty in your name, authentic Richway components, are eligible for the lifetime trade-in program as well as distributorship.

Yes, every genuine Richway BioMat® includes a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.  

What sets the Richway BioMat® apart from the others is that we know you very likely won’t need the 3 year warranty.  The quality and care of manufacturing truly stands the test of time.   What’s more important is how we stand behind the products beyond the 3 year warranty with the Lifetime Replacement, Free Controller Replacement, and Lifetime Trade-in Programs.  This is where you have our assurance that you will never have to pay full price for another BioMat®. 

When purchasing a BioMat®, always buy from an authorized Richway distributor to ensure you have a valid warranty.

The BioMat includes a 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty.

This warranty covers manufacturing defects and workmanship issues under normal use and care.

For complete warranty details, coverage information, and exclusions, please review the warranty documentation included with your BioMat.

Richway offers a Lifetime Replacement program called the CARE program to BioMat® owners who wish to replace their current BioMat® with a brand new one.  This program offers you a brand new BioMat® for only 30% plus S&H (controllers are not included). 

To get started, email Richway’s Warranty department at rma@richwayusa.co and include your original order number and serial number (located on the back of your controller) along with your request.

One of the most valuable benefits of owning a genuine BioMat® is the security of Richway’s Lifetime Trade-In Program. 

This program allows BioMat® owners to apply 30% of their original purchase price towards the purchase of a different Richway product.  You may upgrade or downgrade - the choice is yours!

It’s a benefit that reflects Richway’s long-term commitment to their customers and helps protect your investment for decades.  

To get started, email Richway’s Warranty department at rma@richwayusa.co and include your original order number and serial number (located on the back of your controller) along with your request.

The BioMat® was built to last decades.  

With proper care and normal use, the BioMat® has reliably lasted decades for tens of thousands of customers.  For many customers, the BioMat® is a non-negotiable household staple and a cornerstone of their wellness routine.  

Studies show that using a Germanium Waterproof cover significantly extends the life of your BioMat® by protecting the aesthetic window on the BioMat® from breaking down.  We encourage all customers to use their Germanium Waterproof cover, OR to buy one.  

In the unlikely event that something happens to your BioMat®, you can rest assured that you will never pay full price for another BioMat® with our Lifetime Replacement or Trade-In program.