EXPERIENCE
Richway & Fuji Bio created the BioMat® in 1996. Through research, development, and feedback from health professionals, we designed an FDA 510K Class II Medical Device and wellness tool used by hundreds of thousands worldwide. The BioMat® continues to be the leader in Far Infrared and Negative Ion therapy. Some textile factories have been producing heating pads designed to look like the BioMat®. Importers buy these pads in bulk and stick their own “brand names” on them. Some importers mislead customers into believing their heating pads are made in the USA. In reality, their products are imported from China.
USED BY PROFESSIONALS
Thousands of health and wellness professionals are using the BioMat® in their practices. The BioMat® is used by medical doctors, physical therapists, Integrative medical doctors, holistic practitioners, yoga teachers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and naturopaths around the world.
No health and wellness professionals use imitation pads in their practice. Customers have informed us that the build of these pads is not consistent, and they do not hold up over time.
RESEARCH
Independent studies have been done using the BioMat® over the years. The BioMat® has also been featured in books and other publications.
Manufacturers of imitation pads reference studies found online; however, none of these studies were done using their actual product.
There is no proof that their heating pads have the same effectiveness as the BioMat®.
PRODUCTION
The BioMat® is produced in our Korean medical supply facility under strict quality control and environmental standards. We do it all, from research and development, design, and manufacturing. Every step of the way, our products are inspected, 3rd Party Tested and exceed safety standards. It is only because of the extensive testing and certifications the BioMat has that it meets the qualifications as an FDA 510 Class II Medical Device. No other Infrared mat has this designation.
The importers of cheap heating pads are not involved in the research and development or the design of the final product. Textile factories copy our BioMat® and persuade the customer into thinking they are getting something similar, however they emit harmful EMF radiation, mislabel their products in order to avoid having to pass standard safety requirements, and the products do not last.
TOP SURFACE
Since contact with skin is inevitable, the BioMat®'s top layer is constructed using thick natural cotton fibers, not vinyl. The outer surface is durable and can withstand wear and tear. No glues are used on our Amethyst. The natural, breathable fibers allow Far Infrared heat to easily penetrate the body.
Imitation pads are made using various materials. Many tops contain synthetic fabrics, some wrinkle because of their low tolerance to heat. Others contain mesh, which can snag and rip over time. Another style of pad uses stone discs glued onto the surface. Users have told us the discs fall off as the glue is affected by heat and leach fumes.
CONTROLLER
The BioMat® comes with a sleek and modern controller. It is simple and easy to understand. Temperatures are displayed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. The controller features an auto step-down timer for safety and a shutdown timer for convenience. Heating pad companies use confusing, dated-looking controllers. Many of them only display temperatures in Celsius. Many do not have clearly labeled buttons and settings, leaving the user confused about the pad's temperature setting. Most do not have a step-down temperature function for safety.
FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
The BioMat® has a dense thermal protection layer to maximize the Far Infrared and Negative Ions that reach the user and protect the surface.
Many knockoffs are flimsy. Some even have a hazardous two-sided design (different stones on both sides of the pad). This design causes wasted heat and Negative Ions to travel downward onto the surface the pad is on, away from the body. This can also be a safety issue and cause damage to the surface it is on (bed, couch, chair, floor, etc).
CRYSTALS
We only use natural Amethyst and black Tourmaline in the BioMat®. After over 25 years of research, development, and studies, we have concluded these are provide the best therapeutic results, and delivery of Infrared Rays and Negative Ions to the body. Early versions of the Biomat® used to contain Jade. Over time, the Biomat® has evolved and the research confirms that Amethyst and Tourmaline crystals deliver the highest quality emissions of Infrared and Negation Ions, and therefore, the best results. Early versions of the BioMat® contained other gemstones and materials. Over time, the BioMat® evolved through research and now includes the finest materials for the best results.
Imitators use a wide variety of inferior stones to reduce costs. They claim the efficacy of having a variety of stones, but materials like ceramic tourmaline are cheaper than natural black Tourmaline, and other stones are less effective and cheaper than Amethyst.
AMETHYST AND TOURMALINE
We use natural, untreated Amethyst and black Tourmaline. We don't use ceramic fillers, and all our Tourmaline is carefully inspected before being used.
Imitation heating pads may contain synthetically produced or chemically treated stones. This treatment enhances the color but not the effectiveness. To reduce costs, textile factories use inexpensive “bio-ceramic tourmaline” balls with diminished Negative Ion output. Some importers of pads “certify” their stones, hoping users will believe this improves their mats' efficacy.
PROPRIETARY
The BioMat® contains two patented layers. The Peach and Grape Seed Layer provides additional natural Infrared output. The TOCA Layer is a black Tourmaline fabric layer, emitting an abundance of Negative Ions. The BioMat® emits almost 2X as many Negative Ions as other mats at 3236 ions per cubic centimeter.
Imitation heating pads use generic materials available from fabric suppliers.
LICENSES
The BioMat® is electrically certified in all the countries we sell to. It can be shipped to Canada and is licensed as a medical device.
Many companies flaunt their multitude of certificates. Many of these are worthless certificates that can be purchased by imitators for show. If the licenses are valid, they are for the textile factory and not the importer. Most are not licensed medical devices permitted for sale in countries like Canada and Australia.
We are US FDA registered and fully compliant with all required safety and electrical testing as a Class II Medical Device. The BioMat® has a 510(k). Richway & Fuji Bio employs consultants and maintains a full-time staff to ensure compliance with FDA law. All our products are registered with the proper authorities in the countries we operate.
The fly-by-night companies flaunt FDA registration when all that means is that they have registered their address with the FDA. As importers, they import their mats as "mattresses" as they do not qualify as a Medical Device. How they continue to sell their products remains a mystery.
Buyer beware: Check if the importer is registered with the FDA. Any legitimate FDA Medical Devices will be found on the FDA's searchable database.
These companies purchase from overseas textile factories that do not specialize in medical devices. The manufacturer might be registered, but they may not be compliant, and the importer is usually unregistered.
