This blog post is comparing BioMats vs. imitation heating pads or BioMat “knock-offs.” We are posting this because unique and successful products, such as the BioMat, are often copied. We are aware of several BioMat imitations on the market today. The most important thing to know is “all BioMats are not created equal” and this can seriously impact your health. Buyer Beware!
| BioMats | Imitations |
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Experience: Richway International (the BioMat’s parent company) is the original inventor and creator of the BioMat. They created the BioMat based on thorough research, development and feedback from worldwide health professionals. The product continues to be a leader in far infrared and negative ions therapy and technology. |
Look-alike heating pads, replicating the BioMat, are being produced by textile factories in China. They have no experience creating a healing product, only producing a look-alike. |
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Used by Professionals: Bio-mats are used by thousands of health, wellness and medical professionals worldwide, including doctors, physical and occupational therapists, integrative specialists, holistic healers and energy medicine practitioners, massage therapists, etc. |
Health and wellness professionals know the difference and recognize the importance of not using knock-offs with their clients. |
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Research: Over the years, numerous individual studies have been completed using the BioMat, showing positive effects in a variety of ways. |
There is no scientific evidence that these knock-offs have the same effectiveness as the BioMat. |
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Production/Quality Control: Richway’s medical supply facility is located in South Korea, and adheres to very strict quality control and environmental standards. The facility is vertically integrated, which means it is responsible for all research and development, design, material procurement and manufacturing. All products are inspected with stringent standards in every step of the process. Richway is also committed to exceeding safety standards. |
These importers have not done any research and development on their version of the “BioMat.” They are only mimicking the original BioMat, making the customer think they are getting the same product for less money. Buyer beware … it is not the same! |
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Functional Design: The BioMat maximizes far infrared and negative ions to reach the user utilizing a dense thermal protection layer. The serviceable BioMat life is five years, but there are thousands of BioMats still being used that are 12+ years old. |
Construction is sub-standard. Some imitations are designed with different stones on both sides of the pad. Both the heat and negative ions “travel away” from the user; this can also cause damage to the surface it is on (bed, massage table, etc.). |
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Top Surface Construction: The BioMat’s top layer is constructed using thick natural cotton fibers and high quality polyurethane (see-through window to view the crystals). These breathable fibers allow infrared heat to easily penetrate the body. |
Many tops contain synthetic fabrics which are not healthy for the body. |
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Controller: Both Fahrenheit and Celsius are available on the Richway controller; it also features an auto step-down timer for safety and a shutdown timer for convenience. |
Many of the knock-offs’ temperatures are available in Celsius only. Most do not have a step-down temperature function for safety. |
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Crystals (Amethyst and Tourmaline): After 20 years of research, development and studies, natural/untreated amethyst and black tourmaline are the best gemstones for optimal results. All gemstones are carefully inspected before production commences. No ceramic fillers are used in the BioMat. |
To decrease cost, knock-offs use inferior quality stones and may contain synthetically-produced or chemically-treated stones. These are not only less effective than the BioMat, but could be hazardous to your health. |
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Proprietary: The BioMat features two patented layers: 1. Peach and grape seed – provides additional natural infrared output. 2. TOCA layer (black tourmaline fabric) – emits an abundance of negative ions, emitting approximately two times as many negative ions as other mats. |
Copiers use generic materials from fabric suppliers. |
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Licenses: The BioMat is licensed as a medical device and certified in all countries where sold. |
Licenses should be from the textile factory, not the importer. Most of these knock-offs are not licensed medical devices and are not even allowed to be sold in Canada, Australia and other countries! Pay attention to worthless certificates (which can actually be purchased for show). |
| FDA-Approved:
Richway is FDA-registered and fully compliant; all Richway products are registered with proper authorities in all countries where they operate. |
The imitators are usually not registered properly with the FDA and/or may not be FDA-compliant. (The importers are rarely registered with the FDA.) These fly-by-night importer companies buy from textile factories that do not specialize in manufacturing medical devices. |
Reviewing this comparison chart helps you see why it is critical to purchase the real BioMat! If you would additional information about this important comparison, please feel free to contact us at 952-829-1919).
