We get it. Adding a sauna to your home or backyard is a serious undertaking, and it can get expensive. That’s why things like the BioMat are so appealing - but as you’ll find out in this infrared sauna vs BioMat comparison, they’re not the same thing. Not even close.

The BioMat is a heated pad you lie on that uses infrared warmth, crystals, and negative-ion tech for a gentle relaxation experience anywhere. It feels good, it’s affordable, and it can definitely help you unwind. But it pales in comparison to the infrared sauna.

Saunas wrap your entire body in heat for more far-reaching physical and mental benefits. You enjoy deeper relaxation, higher core temperature, fuller sweat, better muscle relief, and a more complete recovery experience. 

The differences are dramatic when you stick the BioMat vs infrared sauna side by side. It’s like an apples-to-oranges comparison. Infrared saunas are just way better. 

Cost doesn’t have to shut the door on your self-care ritual, either. Here at Nordica Sauna you’ll gain access to infrared saunas for sale from the best brands online at the lowest prices, guaranteed. We also have hassle-free financing and let you use HSA/FSA funds.

Discover the best infrared sauna for home use today. Get in touch with our team for one-on-one support and bring the benefits of sauna therapy to your backyard, garage, basement, or spare bedroom!

Infrared Sauna vs BioMat (Fast Facts)

Factor	Infrared Sauna	BioMat
Overall Effect	Full-body, high-intensity heat session	Gentle, localized warming pad
Body Coverage	Surrounds the entire body in infrared heat	Heats only areas in direct contact
Sweat & Detox	Promotes deep, whole-body sweating	Rarely produces a true sweat
Muscle & Joint Relief	Loosens muscles and joints from head to toe	Mainly soothes back and hips
Cardio Impact	Raises heart rate similar to light exercise	Little to no cardiovascular response
Experience	Immersive, spa-like dedicated session	Feels like lying on a warm mattress
Use Cases	Recovery, stress relief, long-term wellness	Portable relaxation and comfort
Cost	$2,000+	$750-$1,800+

How Infrared Saunas Work

Sauna therapy has been around for centuries, but infrared saunas in particular are relatively new - and they’re really exciting. These use light-based heat to directly warm your body instead of heating the air around you. 

The panels inside the cabin give off infrared wavelengths that reach your skin and underlying tissue. This raises your core body temperature to produce an intense sweat but at much lower temperatures than a traditional sauna. That’s part of the appeal. These are gentle yet effective. 

Potential benefits of infrared sauna use include:

• Better circulation: Raising core temperature encourages stronger blood flow to the skin and working muscles.
• Muscle relaxation: Warmth helps soften up tight tissue so it’s easier to stretch and recover from daily strain. Athletes love these types of saunas.
• Joint comfort: Looser muscles and steady heat can help stiff joints move more comfortably. Aches and pains melt away with consistent use. 
• Stress reduction: A quiet, warm space lets the nervous system settle and shift out of tension mode. This is your sanctuary for mental wellness. 
• Enhanced sleep quality: People find evening sessions help them wind down and fall asleep more easily.
• Support for active lifestyles: Regular sessions can complement workouts by easing soreness after training.

They’re not cheap, but are infrared saunas worth it? Absolutely. This is a no-brainer investment in your health and happiness, as long as you can find somewhere on your property to install it. 

But obviously, someone living in an apartment can’t justify buying their own sauna. That’s where the other half of the infrared sauna vs BioMat conversation becomes a little more compelling…

How the BioMat Works

The BioMat combines infrared warmth, negative-ion output, and a layer of crushed amethyst and tourmaline crystals into one solution. You plug it in, choose a temperature on the controller, and lie down on it the same way you would on a massage table or mattress.

The heat comes from inside the mat, so any part of your body that’s touching the mat will get a steady, gentle warming effect. It’s a simple setup, and that’s definitely the main draw. But what can it actually DO? BioMat’s benefits include:

• Gentle, steady infrared warmth for localized comfort
• A relaxing surface that can help the body settle after a long day
• Targeted support for areas that tend to hold tension
• A portable option for people who want infrared heat without building a sauna

Think of it like a really sophisticated heating pad. That’s great…but at $780 for the BioMat Mini (a 20” x 33” mat) and nearly $1,700 for the BioMat professional (full length math), you’d probably expect a little more in terms of results.

The heat works only on the side of the body touching the mat, so you’re not getting a full-body experience. The session doesn’t raise core temperature the way a sauna does, so you won’t see much sweating or the deeper physiological response people associate with infrared therapy.

We won’t even touch on the claims about crystals and negative ions, either. That type of stuff is out of our wheelhouse, and we don’t see any sort of scientific evidence backing it up. 

It sounds great for wellness on the go, but trying to compare the BioMat vs infrared sauna is like comparing a foot soak to getting into a full hot tub. We’ll take a closer look at the infrared sauna vs BioMat side-by-side below, and you’ll see what we mean.

Infrared Sauna vs BioMat: Key Differences to Know

There is a little overlap in looking at the infrared sauna vs BioMat next to one another. Both use infrared heat to warm the body. But that’s where the similarities end and the differences become crystal clear. Here’s why an infrared sauna is better in just about every aspect. 

Temperature and Sweat Response

Saunas warm your body from 360-degrees, head to toe. Your core body temperature climbs steadily the longer you spend in the cabin. This leads to a solid sweat response, which has implications for detoxification, cardiovascular health, and more.

On the other hand, BioMats only warm the surface you’re lying on. You might feel relaxed, but you’re never going to see the kind of full-body sweat or heat buildup that defines a strong infrared session.

Infrared sauna sessions are stable and predictable from start to finish. You settle in, the cabin stays warm, and your body stays in that therapeutic zone the entire time.

In contrast, intensity with a BioMat all depends on how much of your body is touching the surface and how long you stay still. The result feels lighter.

Total-Body Coverage vs Isolated Contact Points

The other important distinction between an infrared sauna vs BioMat is coverage. One envelops the entire body with infrared heat - your back, legs, arms, chest, and shoulders all warm evenly. That’s the sauna. 

Meanwhile, the BioMat only works on areas actively touching the mat. This means you have to constantly adjust your position, flip around, roll over, and get your body into awkward positions for the full-body effect. It’s time-consuming and inconvenient.

Circulation and Cardiovascular Effects

One of the main benefits of IR sauna use is raising your heart rate and stimulating a metabolic response. It’s kind of like a light workout. That’s why people incorporate these into weight loss regimens. But it’s also great for just feeling refreshed.

You just won’t get this type of effect from a BioMat no matter how long you lie on it. They simply do not create enough heat exposure to noticeably change heart rate or circulation.

Mobility and Recovery Applications

A sauna session helps loosen large muscle groups at once, which can be powerful whether you’re recovering from or preparing for a workout. That’s not to mention the detoxification benefits of sauna therapy in general.

On the other hand, the BioMat only soothes tension in the back or hips. Technically you can lie flat on the mat to warm your thighs and chest muscles as well, but that’s not very comfortable. The difference in results is noticeable if you’re chasing full-body recovery. 

Cost Considerations 

Now, the BioMat does have its advantages over the infrared sauna - a lower cost being the most prominent. The full-body BioMat starts at just under $1,700, while our cheapest infrared sauna is just over $2,000.

But it’s not a matter of cost alone. Value for the money is what matters most in our opinion. That’s where the difference between an infrared sauna vs BioMat is too jarring to ignore.

A sauna requires more of an investment, that’s true. But it’s marginally more expensive, while the benefits are dramatically more established. In other words, you get what you pay for!

Space, Portability, and Setup

In some cases, an infrared sauna might not be an option. It’s just not feasible for those living in small apartments. That’s the appeal of the BioMat. It’s easy to store and carry if you’re short on space or move frequently.

Infrared saunas need a dedicated spot in your home. But we think it’s worth building a wellness oasis in the comfort of your home, be it in the basement, the garage, a spare bedroom, or even outside! You can find the perfect size sauna for your home below:

• 1 person infrared sauna
• 2 person infrared sauna
• 3 person infrared sauna
• 4 person infrared sauna
• 5 person infrared sauna
• 6 person infrared sauna
• 8 person infrared sauna

Bringing Our BioMat vs Infrared Sauna Comparison to a Close

That does it for our infrared sauna vs BioMat comparison! While both generate infrared warmth, the differences are dramatic in terms of experience and results. A sauna gives you full-body heat, a stronger physiological response, and deeper recovery long after the session ends.

Our blog has similar comparisons of the sauna blanket vs sauna, sauna vs cold plunge, or red light therapy vs infrared sauna if you want to weigh other healing modalities. But as we bring our BioMat vs infrared sauna comparison to a close, we want to invite you once more to bring the benefits of sauna therapy to your home today. We make it easy here at Nordica Sauna.

We stock all the best sauna companies like Almost Heaven, Sauna Life, Dundalk, Finnmark, and more. Our relationships with these brands allow us to offer the lowest prices online, guaranteed. This, coupled with our financing options, lets you avoid the financial stress of buying a sauna.

More importantly, our customer service team can work with you to choose the perfect fit for YOUR unique needs. We’ll talk about your space, budget, and goals and provide tailored recommendations. Take the next step today!