ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set for Back/Neck Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation

I’ve had the ProsourceFit acupressure mat and pillow set for years now, and it’s still going strong—no rips, no wear, no broken spikes. It’s one of those things that seems gimmicky at first, but if you actually build the habit of using it, it becomes an essential part of your recovery toolkit.At first, it’s intense. Like, “why am I doing this to myself?” intense. But once you get past that initial discomfort and start relaxing into it, you realize how powerful it is for muscle tension, especially in the upper back and neck. I’ve found it’s especially helpful after heavy training days or long periods of sitting—like a full-body reset button.The trick is consistency. When I use it regularly—usually post-workout or right before bed—it makes a big difference in my mobility and overall sense of recovery. It’s a great way to get into a parasympathetic state and just chill out, even if it doesn’t look relaxing.Also, it travels well, it’s easy to clean, and it doesn’t take up much space. For something that costs less than a massage, it’s paid for itself a hundred times over. Highly recommend for anyone serious about recovery or building out a mobility routine that actually sticks.The pillow, however, is uselesss.Pro tip: want a jolt of energy as you wake up? Stand barefoot on it for 10 seconds.

Multiple choices for massage options, 30 minute nonstop or less if you stop. Heat from heat to toe if you are short enough. 5’2” and I fit the full length. Use on floor, bed or in a chair. I have only used on floor and slept during those 30 minutes. I find it extremely helpful, relaxing especially for sciatic nerve pain, strained muscles, fibromyalgia and the heat is great. I have lent it out to several others and they have bought their own. Very easy to use, no smells, good quality product, easy to clean , for taller people a longer version might be good.

The plastic bits are sharp and can be painful, no joke!! I immediately noticed the pain when I accidentally touched them just taking the thing out of the package, which was a scary start for sure! But, seeing all the positive reviews, I figured I was just being a bit of a baby, and so I set it up and went shirtless for my very first try... ouch! It was not pleasant the first time, and my initial reaction was, "I gotta return these!" However, my girlfriend decided to also try right after me, but she did so with a shirt on and thought the mat felt kinda nice. So, after giving my back some time to recover from the sharp shock, I decided to give it another go but with a shirt on this time, and let me tell you it was a world of difference and actually pleasurable that second time! I thought maybe this CAN work?! I've since used this mat many times, still wearing a shirt as I haven't dared to try again without yet, but have found it extremely relaxing, so much so that I actually fell asleep on it for about 20 minutes one time! The one thing I would suggest, and which I did, is to order two of the half mats rather than a large if you're considering the large for full body coverage; the reason being that for slightly more in cost, you get a second pillow, and two half mats that you can position however you want. I personally position the two half mats in a T pattern to really get good coverage on the full length of my back but then also across my shoulders; and instead of using either pillow for my head (I use a softer neck pillow for support instead), I position one pillow in the small of my back, which feels amazing, and the other I let my feet/ankles roll around or rest on. In the end, I can say all the positive reviews were right, this does do a good job for relaxation, so long as you can get over the initial shock of awkward pain!

Update March 2020: My love of Spikeo (affectionate name for this inanimate object) is known through all my friends, and over time many have tried it. At least 4 of my friends who have tried mine ending up buying one. Even people who think it looks terrifying have found it remarkably soothing. One thing: About a year into my relationship with Spikeo I bought another one to live at my parent’s house for when I have longer visits over the holidays. The new one was SO sharp — turns out that with daily use, the spikes get slightly dull over time. Eventually I felt like my original wasn’t packing the same punch, so bought a new one for myself about 18 months after the original purchase. My new one is gray, which is actually quite pretty and a little less garish. I would advise everyone to get new spikes every couple years or so if you want that signature OUCH with your pain relief.Original review:I have fibromyalgia and have spent hundreds of dollars on various pain remedies throughout the years. Most things haven't really helped, including physical therapy -- the only thing that would provide relief was Tylenol and scalding hot showers. This mat appears to be invented by a sadist and it definitely HURTS, but with regular use my pain has become much, much better. It also helps relieve pain when it happens, but I've found it to be more useful in reducing pain generally rather than addressing a particular pain spot.My best evidence of its effectiveness is that I get extremely thirsty after massages and the same thing happens when I lie on the mat for 20-40 minutes. I don't know what the thirst means (a quick Google says something about the lymphatic system?) but I take it as a sign that this mat actually does something for my knotted-up muscles.I love the mat so much that I made the following meme. I hope it helps in your decision on whether to purchase this.