HoMedics,Black Stretch and Heat Mat - Inspired by Yoga, The Stretch and Heat has a Choice of 6 programmes: Unwind, Recover, Stretch, Twist, Energise and Flow

I have suffered from lower back pain since Injuring myself playing cricket over thirty years ago. Chiropractors and Osteopaths have all helped me during this time with varying degrees of success. I purchased this mat on the recommendation of my brother a month ago and I am already noticing a huge improvement in the flexibility in my lower back. Other reviewers have covered the various settings in detail. I mainly use the ‘stretch’ and ‘unwind’ programmes on level two. All I can say is that it works for me. I use it twice a day in addition to my daily stretching exercises and with the approval of my Osteopath. I can thoroughly recommend this product. Thank you and well done Ho-medics.

I was not expecting this mat to do what it does. I (wrongly) thought it was just heat and vibration like other similar Homedics products. In fact, it's more like some strange animatronic is controlling you as you lie on the floor. The mat inflates, stretches and moves you around in a way that is slightly disconcerting at first and everything is accompanied by the hiss of motors whirring around you which makes you feel like you're in a theme park attraction!However, once you get used to the feel of the programmes (there are several to choose from along with intensity and heat options), it's definitely a pleasant way to be pummeled and stretched without exerting much (if any) effort. I suffer from constant pain in my lower back and it was nice to get a bit of stretching without it tipping over into pain.Does it work though? Well, I can't say I have noticed any major improvements in my back issues yet although I will continue to try it for a while longer yet to see if it improves. Overall, especially at the very high cost, I can't say this is an essential purchase, more a nice-to-have if you can afford it.

Perfect for me to relax

The media could not be loaded.  This product is not marketed as a medical aid but it became very clear to me after reading reviews of previous models that people do find these Homedics mats beneficial for relieving a variety of aches and pains. It seemed to me that the addition of a heat facility just has to open up a whole new realm of possibilities...Luckily, I do not suffer from any underlying health conditions, and neither does my wife, but we do live a fairly sedentary life and it’s fair to say that we don’t exercise as much as we should. We are a bit stiff and have occasional aches and pains.When we first tried this we found the action of the inflatable cushions remarkably effective and we were surprised by the stimulating intensity of the very clever massage action. My wife found it more comfortable to stick to the low intensity for the first few uses and absolutely loved the heat. When I looked in she had moved the mat from the floor to the bed (as suggested in the instructions) and was trying the flow programme on low intensity and with the heat on. She was pretty much in seventh heaven and later said that she was pleasantly surprised and felt that the effects were immediately beneficial. We both found this stretch mat strangely addictive and had to be careful not to overdo it!We both thought that the fabrics used make the mat very stylish and practical and the controls are very easy to read and operate.We have never used a product like this before and we are really glad that we have had the opportunity as we are sure that this is now going to come into our daily use. We may never fold it up to put it away but appreciate that it has been designed to fit neatly in a cupboard.At its price this would be a considered purchase but worth it for the quality and functionality and particularly the heat.I don’t need to massage the star rating it deserves a warming 5 stars

I have been doing yoga for over 30 years and taught yoga for over 20 years. I believe this mat to be an absolute game changer.As soon as it arrived I went through every program (not advisable if you're not used to stretching). I quickly formed a routine of flow, stretch, twist and energise for mornings and flow and unwind for night time.Some people who have also enjoyed using the mat found it to be a little pricey. I bought mine from the Homedics site for just under £130. This is only the price of three or four massgaes and I think it is worth every penny. To get the best out of it you do have to find the right position on the mat, I'm 5' 3" and found having the bolster about a third of the way up my thigh from my knee to be perfect. I highly recommend using the heat function to allow your muscles to relax into the twists and stretches. All in all a brilliant piece of equipment.

When I first unpacked it, I did wonder what I was letting myself in for. At first appearances it's a large flat mat with a cushion at one end. I plugged it in, picked a setting and laid back.Well, the mat is made up of different pockets that inflate and deflate at different times and with different levels of intensity. It's a peculiar feeling, being pushed and poked around, and it's surprising how strong the sensation is at first, though you can adjust the settings using the attached remote. You can also choose whether to have it heated or not too, which is nice.the first time I tried it, I went through a couple of different programmes on the remote, and half an hour or so later I sat up feeling pummelled but oddly refreshed. Very soothing, and good for the muscles, especially after a day sat looking at the computer for work.