Let’s face it: The health and wellness market is saturated with products that promise to make lower back pain, chronic pain, migraines, and muscle soreness disappear. However, as a certified personal trainer (CPT), longtime rugby player, and dedicated #gymrat, I’ll be the first to tell you that you shouldn’t trust all these life-changing claims.
That said, there are quite a few muscle recovery tools that my Garage Gym Reviews teammates and I stand behind based on personal experiences. While foam rollers and massage guns are staples in many households, acupressure mats fly a bit under-the-radar. However, even if you’re a bit hesitant about the idea of exposing your bare skin to a spiked mat for pain relief and stress relief, I have one piece of advice.
Don’t knock it till you read through this Pranamat review.
Although I had some initial doubts, my colleague Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, silenced my skepticism about this eco-friendly acupressure massage mat. So, if you’re ready to take your recovery game to the next level, grab a spot on the floor and visualize yourself laying on a bed of lotus flowers that will help you feel relaxed, recovered, and refreshed for your next workout.
Rigorously Tested Recovery Tools: From Massage Guns to Acupressure Mats
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers (CPTs), certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and an Olympian weightlifter. As dedicated fitness enthusiasts who routinely test everything from the best dumbbells to the best functional trainers, we recognize that recovery tools are equally important to the muscle-building process. After all, if you’re not doing everything you can to recuperate, you’re not setting yourself up for success in your next training session.
Eager to find new ways to soothe sore muscles, promote blood flow, and enhance recovery, the GGR squad has evaluated various foam rollers, massage guns, compression boots, and other tools using our fitness equipment testing methodology. For acupressure mats, we assign scores on a 1-5 scale based on factors such as:
- Price
- Materials
- Effectiveness
- Size
- Extra Features
For this Pranamat Eco review, I teamed up with fellow GGR writer Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, to give you a complete breakdown of this premium-priced acupressure mat.
The Pranamat ECO Massage Set is a stylish, eco-friendly way to incorporate acupressure recovery into your daily wellness routine. While it may take some getting used to, it delivers serious tension relief without batteries, cords, or noise. However, it’s $285 price tag may make it too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers.
A Quick Look at the Pranamat Classic Massage Set
Founded in 2009, Pranamat’s mission is to bring acupressure massage wellness to every home with products like the Classic Massage Set that Ben tested for this review. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of acupressure — a technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body — this isn’t to be confused with acupuncture, which involves the use of needles.
Clinical studies show that acupressure is effective for relieving a variety of pain issues1, making something like the Pranamat Classic Massage Set a worthwhile investment for active individuals. This high-end massage mat and pillow set comes in a variety of colors and claims to activate key points, boost circulation, and revitalize muscles.
Before You Buy
- Starting at $285, the Classic Massage Set isn’t exactly budget-friendly. However, all Pranamat products are handcrafted in Latvia by experienced artisans, meaning you get high-quality construction.
- Pranamat designed this set with sustainability in mind by using eco-friendly materials like 100% natural linen, 100% untreated cotton, and 100% natural coconut fiber. It also has an OEKO-TEX certification, which guarantees all textile products are free from harmful substances.
- You have a 30-day trial period to test out this Pranamat massage set. If you decide to keep it, this product is covered by a five-year warranty.
- Pranamat also sells several other massage sets: the Full Body Original ($390), the Full Body Pro ($470), the Classic + Moon ($410), and the Moon ($295). There are also two Hemp Editions that cost $315 and $430, respectively.
Is the Pranamat Classic Massage Set Worth It?
If we’re basing this solely on effectiveness, there’s no doubt the Pranamat Classic Massage Set is a smart way to prioritize your recovery. It’s well-constructed, durable, and as you’ll learn later, delivers on its claims.
However, even though Ben was impressed by the build materials and effectiveness, the high price point leaves something to be desired. If you’re operating on a tight budget, this is a luxury item you can probably pass on in favor of something more affordable. If you have the financial flexibility, though, this is a great way to enhance your recovery routine.
Great for:
- Relieving neck and back pain, muscle tension, and chronic pain
- Post-workout recovery by enhancing blood circulation and overall well-being
- Achieving relaxation so you can feel recharged for your next training session
- At-home wellness and self-care routines
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers, as this set costs nearly $300
- Frequent travelers, as this mat has a less flexible build that doesn’t make it easy to roll up
- Those with sensitive skin or low pain tolerance, as the lotus spikes may feel too intense
Pranamat Classic Massage Set Specs
| Price | $285-$305 |
| Dimensions | 28.7” L x 17.7” W (mat); 13.38” L x 17.72” W (pillow) |
| Materials | 100% natural linen, 100% untreated cotton; Mat Filler: 100% natural coconut fiber (contains traces of naturally-occurring latex); Pillow Filler: 100% natural buckwheat hulls |
| Colors | Lavendar, Amethyst, Amber, Sunrise, Azur, Lagoon, Moomin Collection, Obsidian, Olive, Rosegold, Rocksalt, Burgundy |
| What’s Included? | Mat and pillow |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty |
Using the Pranamat Classic Massage Set
GGR Staff Writer Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, evaluated the Pranamat Classic Massage Set using our proprietary fitness equipment testing methodology. Before we dive into how it looks, feels, and performs, a quick disclaimer: This is not a budget-friendly option.
“The bundle costs $285, which is on the high end of acupressure mats. While I appreciate the fact that you receive a mat and pillow in the set, I’ve seen other bundles at far lower price points,” Ben explains, rating the Pranamat a 2 out of 5 for price.
But is the juice worth the squeeze? You can decide for yourself based on Ben’s first-hand feedback.
Materials
The Pranamat Classic Massage Set is made with 100% natural linen and 100% untreated cotton. In addition, the Mat Filler is 100% natural coconut fiber, and the Pranamat pillow filler is 100% natural buckwheat hulls. The company also uses High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) plastic, which is commonly used in food packaging and toys.
“I really appreciate the coconut fiber interior that helps this mat retain its thickness over time without compromising the feel,” Ben explains. “The linen exterior is also comfortable to the touch with a nice sense of durability.”
Earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for materials, this massage mat set should be easy to maintain, according to Ben.
“I’ve yet to get my mats dirty, but from experience, I know this material will hand wash easily,” he explains. “In terms of the lotus spikes, I’ve always been a fan of Pranmat’s unique design that the spikes retain their prickliness well over multiple uses. It’s a top-of-the-line mat, for sure.”
An added bonus: This acupressure massage mat set comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can personalize it to your liking.
Size
Although it fell short of another perfect score, the Pranamat Classic Massage Set still earned a solid 4-out-of-5 rating for size. The mat measures 28.7 inches long and 17.7 inches wide. Meanwhile, the pillow measures 13.38 inches by 17.72 inches.
“The Pranamat Mat is large enough to cover my entire back, but the coconut fiber interior does not roll up for easier storage,” Ben reports. “I rate this at 4 out of 5, too, since you do get a smaller pillow for neck and head treatments without compromising your back’s coverage.
If you’re always on the go, this set is easy to carry and store. However, Ben does have one word of caution.
“I wouldn’t say the mat is “travel friendly” given its less flexible build.”
Effectiveness
Functionality is the most important factor, especially when you’re paying almost $300. Luckily, Pranamat received a near-perfect rating of 4.5 out of 5 for effectiveness.
“I’ve used plenty of acupressure mats over the past few years and Pranamat’s lotus spike layout is by far my favorite,” Ben explains. “The surface area of each spike, in my experience, targets my treatment areas without much pain or irritation — you feel as if it’s a meditation and recovery tool rather than poking you for the sake of poking you.”
If you’re worried about irritating your skin, we recommend wearing a t-shirt for added protection. Your first time might feel a bit prickly, but that should subside with regular use. According to the Pranamat website, you should initially experience a “pleasant warmth in your skin,” and after about 10 minutes, that sensation should evolve into a “profound sense of comfort and tranquility.”
What can you expect once you’ve wrapped up your session?
“Post-treatment, I do feel some energy boost and pain relief, with my favorite modality being leg treatments post-workout,” Ben says.
Extra Features
Unfortunately, you don’t get much beyond the mat and pillow. Ben rated Pranamat a 3 out of 5 in this category, noting that there are no add-ons like a carrying bag or additional accessories.
“You do have multiple bundle options, though, that offer lower-body pillows and carrying totes,” he explains. “But at $390 and $470, respectively, they may be too much of a stretch for some budgets.”
Pranamat Classic Massage Set vs CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set
The CXCTCT XL Acupressure Mat Set is a wallet-friendly way to try acupressure therapy at home. Its XL size and included pillow make it more versatile than typical options. Just keep in mind that the sensation may be too intense for some users, especially beginners.
The acupressure mat market isn’t nearly as robust as the squat rack industry, but you do have a few options to consider. While the Pranamat Classic Massage Set earned high marks for effectiveness and materials, it’s quite expensive.
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you could head over to Amazon to pick up the CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set. This well-priced set (around $80) earned our nomination as the best overall acupressure mat, as it uses eco-friendly materials and includes extras like two mobility balls and a carrying case.
Check out our complete best acupressure mats roundup for more information on the CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set, as well as our other top picks.
| Pranamat Classic Massage Set | CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set | |
| Price | $285-$305 | $80.29 |
| Dimensions | 28.7” L x 17.7” W (mat); 13.38” L x 17.72” W (pillow) | 47” L x 15.6” W |
| Materials | 100% natural linen, 100% untreated cotton; Mat Filler: 100% natural coconut fiber (contains traces of naturally-occurring latex); Pillow Filler: 100% natural buckwheat hulls | 100% cotton, 100% ABS plastic (non-BPA) |
| Colors | Lavendar, Amethyst, Amber, Sunrise, Azur, Lagoon, Moomin Collection, Obsidian, Olive, Rosegold, Rocksalt, Burgundy | Blue, Grey, Gold, Purple |
| What’s Included? | Mat and pillow | Extra-long mat, pillow, 2 mobility balls, carrying case |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty | Information not available |
Customer Experience
While we appreciate that Pranamat offers a 30-day return policy and a five-year warranty, Ben rated the customer service 3.5 out of 5.
“Pranamat is based in Latvia, and while they have US-based service centers, it can be difficult to reach them outside of the ‘Contact Us’ form linked at the bottom of the site,” he noted.
One aspect we do like about the customer experience is that you can personalize your massage set. Pranamat lets you reflect your style and identity by choosing from different color options while also giving you the option to embroider a message on both the mat and pillow. Keep in mind that this will cost about $50 extra.
Ordering the Pranamat Classic Massage Set
You can order the Pranamat Classic Massage Set directly on the company website. The ordering process is straightforward and easy to complete, especially if you’re not personalizing your set.
Pranamat offers some incentives to spend more, as you can receive different “free gifts” by hitting certain thresholds. For example, if your order is worth $470 or more, you will receive a $70 gift. During the checkout process, you can also add accessories to your cart, such as the Pranamat Big Bag for storage.
Customer Reviews
The Pranamat Classic Massage Set has earned an average rating of 4.92 stars based on 4,074 reviews on the company website. Customers enjoy that it helps them relax and decompress mentally and physically. They also speak highly of the quality and durability.
Final Verdict of Our Pranamat Review
The Pranamat Classic Massage Set is a high-quality muscle recovery tool that can help relieve pain, promote relaxation, and put your mind and body at ease after a grueling workout. We like that it’s built with eco-friendly materials and is available in a variety of colors. Most importantly, it’s not just a gimmicky tool; it actually delivers on its claims.
Still, it might be tough to justify spending $285+ on a mat and pillow set if you’re on a tight budget or just a casual gym goer. So, consider just how much you train and just how important your recovery is before you go all-in on this premium acupressure mat set.
Full Rating
Pranamat Classic Massage Set
The Pranamat ECO Massage Set is a stylish, eco-friendly way to incorporate acupressure recovery into your daily wellness routine. While it may take some getting used to, it delivers serious tension relief without batteries, cords, or noise. However, it’s $285 price tag may make it too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 285
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.85
Pranamat Review: FAQs
How long should you lay on a Pranamat?
Start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase to 20-40 minutes per session, depending on your comfort and recovery goals.
Do acupressure mats help?
Acupressure mats can help relieve muscle soreness and tension, improve blood circulation, and support relaxation and recovery when used consistently.
How does Pranamat work?
Pranamat uses lotus-shaped spikes to stimulate acupressure points on your body. This can help promote blood flow and encourage muscle relaxation.
What are the benefits of using a Pranamat?
Regular use of a Pranamat can help reduce back and neck pain, ease muscle tension, improve sleep quality, enhance your post-workout recovery, and support overall relaxation.
References
- Chen, Y. W., & Wang, H. H. (2014). The effectiveness of acupressure on relieving pain: a systematic review. Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, 15(2), 539–550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2012.12.005
