5 Best Acupressure Mats of 2026 to Ease Stress, Pain, and Tension

We’re living in a golden age of wellness: Whether you’re stressed out or just looking for R&R, there’s an option out there for every problem, be it magnesium bath soak or oxygen boost. Now, it’s time for acupressure mats to shine. For the unfamiliar, acupressure mats are mats studded with small, dull spikes or knobs; they’re one of those wellness products that at first glance might be best left to serious athletes or hardcore biohackers.

But their benefits offer much more mass appeal. By applying pressure to certain areas of the body—which, as with acupuncture, correspond to specific conditions—these mats may be able to ease stress, relieve chronic pain, and even improve sleep, though the evidence is still limited (though growing). And even if you don’t have a specific pain point, so to speak, it might just feel good to lie down for a bit, spikes or no spikes. With that in mind, consider these acupressure mats to get your practice started.

In this article

• Do acupressure mats actually work?
• How do acupressure mats work?
• The benefits of acupressure mats
• What to look for in an acupressure mat
• How to use an acupressure mat
• Meet the experts

Best Overall: Pranamat Acupressure Large Mat and Pillow Set

• Why We Love It: It’s an investment, but this Pranamat is made of entirely natural materials (the mat is even stuffed with a coconut fiber-based fill). This particular mat is sized for the back, though you can adjust it based on where you need relief, and comes with a pillow to address neck and shoulder pain. “It also stands out because of the clinical research results they share on back pain relief, which adds credibility to its claims,” says Rachelle Reed, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist. (Per the brand, 93% participants in an independent clinical study reported that their back pain was gone or almost gone after using Pranamat for 20 minutes a day for 30 days.)
• Material: Linen, cotton, and coconut fiber blend
• Thickness: Medium
• Additional Features: Pillow

Best Budget: Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

• Why We Love It: If you’d like to dip a metaphorical toe into acupressure, consider starting with this more approachable option from Gaiam (a brand best known for its yoga mats). “It’s a low risk way to see if you enjoy the experience or notice any benefit from it,” says Dr. Reed, who likes that it comes with a pillow. Its hundreds of pressure points help stimulate circulation, relieving tension and loosening muscles.
• Material: Not disclosed
• Thickness: Thin
• Additional Features: Pillow

Best for Relaxation: WTHN Acupressure Mat Kit

• Why We Love It: Decked out with 200 stimulators (each studded with small spikes), the WTHN acupressure mat sets out to reduce pain, enhance recovery, and help you sleep better. (What might also help you rest easy: The pillow is packed with memory foam.) You can use the mat while seated in a chair, lying on the floor, or standing up in order to relax the feet. WTHN cofounder Shari Auth, DACM, for her part, recommends "acu-naps," noting that they can help you decompress from head to toe—though beginners might want to work their way up to that.
• Material: Linen, coconut fiber, memory foam
• Thickness: Thick
• Additional Features: Carrying case, pillow

Best for Sensitive Skin: White Lotus Beauty Premium Acupressure Mat & Pillow Set

• Why We Love It: This mat was designed by professional acupuncturists to relieve muscles, reduce tension, and dial down stress. But what really separates the mat—which stimulates more than 10,000 separate pressure points—from other options are its hypoallergenic cotton fabric and food-grade plastic spikes, which make it gentler for those with skin sensitivities. Even the dye that gives the mat its color is non-toxic.
• Material: Hypoallergenic cotton
• Thickness: Thick
• Additional Features: Carrying case, pillow

Best for Beginners: Skin Gym Acupressure Mat & Pillow

• Why We Love It: Skin Gym’s acupressure mat has slightly shorter acupressure points than other models, making it ideal for beginners who might be intimidated by the more robust options out there. The curved pillow that accompanies the mat is ideal for resting the neck; together they can help ease sore muscles post-workout or just help you wind down after the day.
• Material: Not disclosed
• Thickness: Medium
• Additional Features: Pillow