I previously included the Bed Of Nails acupressure mat in a blog post on 12 products for chronic pain relief and management. I was curious about the concept, and many readers seemed likewise interested. The brand reached out and very kindly offered me the chance to check out their signature line products so that I can bring you a review. This way, you can see for yourself whether it’s something you’d want to try, whether you’re looking for mental health and stress relief benefits, or pain and wellbeing support.
This is a brand that ships internationally, and you can get 15% off with the discount code in this post.
Spoiler Alert : This novel experience has been surprisingly good so it’s definitely a keeper for me and one I’d recommend – the brand have “nailed” it!
★ ★ ★
Induce self-healing and blissful relaxation from the process of your body on the nails and from the release of oxytocin. At the same time, the physical stimulation and endorphin production can give your circulation and energy a boost, take your pain down a notch, and help relieve those achey muscles. Interested? Let’s take a look at this super spiky piece of kit.
Use this link to browse Bed Of Nails & enter the code BON15CAZ for 15% off!
★ ★ ★
About The Brand
Bed Of Nails – BON – was born in 2009, kicking off the tide of a global acupressure mat movement. With years to evolve from consumer feedback and changing trends, the company have been able to develop their products to exacting detail to enhance the experience, putting their mats to the top of the market.
The use of a bed with nails dates back over 1,000 years, when gurus would practice healing and meditation with this form of acupressure. Bringing this legendary concept firmly into the 21st Century is Bed Of Nails®, where users will be treated to top quality materials, ergonomic designs, and safe plastic “nails”.
The Bed Of Nails Range
Bed Of Nails hosts a distinctive and unique line of products. The most popular are within their signature line :
- The BON Mat (with removable foam insert)
- The BON Pillow
- The BON Mat & Pillow Set
[ All signature line products are available in black, pink, green or natural (eco version) ]
The BON catalogue has been expanded to include a few more acupressure and relaxation products, including :
- BON Srap (to tie, wrap or drape around different body parts, such as the head, leg or lower back).
- BON Travel Mat (without the foam padding so it’s cheaper & easier for rolling)
- Aromatherapy Candles
- Aromatherapy Sprays
- Bed Of Nails Gift Cards
What Is Acupressure?
Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupressure as a technique to release blocked up “chi” throughout the body. The theory is that unblocking this chi energy can relieve tension, reduce pain and improve wellbeing.
Working on different pressure points, acupressure serves to manipulate the body’s meridians, the pathways for energy flow. This in turn can restore the balance of energy throughout the body.
If chi and energy flows aren’t your thing, there are more scientific views of acupressure, too. For instance, acupressure is also thought to boost wellness through the release of oxytocin and endorphins. These can help with relaxation, stress and overall wellbeing, but they’re also considered to be the body’s natural form of pain relief and the experience might therefore help with managing different types of chronic pain.
In addition, the combination of massage and acupuncture can encourage self-healing within the body, while stimulating the nervous system and promoting healthy blood circulation.
The calming nature of acupressure therapy can have a knock-on effect. Relaxing the mind can relax the body, with the improved blood flow, plus oxytocin and endorphins working in tandem, can balance and support you mentally and physically.
Evidence of the benefits of acupressure, or how it works more precisely, is not particularly robust. However, some studies of interest suggest it can reduce pain, and indeed there does appear to be numerous acupressure users who’ve claimed the likes of back or neck pain to be markedly improved with regular use of an acupressure mat. The the experience will be different for everyone, which is the same no matter what treatment, therapy product or medication you try.
Potential Benefits Of Acupressure Mats
Acupressure mats aim to replicate the technique of acupressure massage, stimulating the pressure points across the body.
The modern day acupressure mat, sometimes referred to as a needle stimulation pad, is a partly based on the Bed Of Nails theory from around 400-200BCE, first referred to in an ancient Indian Sanskrit poem. This theory was based upon the application of actual nails hammered into wood, upon which people would lie. Thankfully, the modern day version of this is significantly safer and far more comfortable!
The potential benefits and improvements come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, Bed Of Nails and other sources suggest people can potentially experience acupressure mat benefits around :
- Digestive health
- Less stress and tension
- Boost to mood with oxytocin and endorphin production
- Improved sleep
- Lower cortisol
- Alleviate headaches
- Improve skin complexion
- Relieve muscle tension and aches
- Boost to circulation & activate the parasympathetic nervous system
- Reduced pain, including neck and back pain
- Reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability
About The Bed Of Nails Acupressure Mat
The classic Bed of Nails acupressure mat is equipped with a staggering 8,820 “nails”. I’ve not personally counted these so I’ll take the company’s word for it. These nails are made from recyclable, surgical grade HIPS plastic that are attached to the mat’s fabric through the process of melting, avoiding the use of nasty chemicals with glue and making it that bit more environmentally friendly.
The fabric used for the mat, strap and pillow is made from organic cotton. The mat features a removable cover that can be hand washed for comfort and hygiene purposes. This also enables you to remove the foam insert should you wish, such as to make it more convenient for travelling or if you want a more intense acupressure experience.
The brand has designed and developed this revolutionary mat to be as comfortable and effective as possible, ensuring the placement of these thousands of nails is capable of stimulating more pressure points on the body with less weight. This allows for a safe and invigorating experience rather than a painful one.
Website, Ordering & Customer Service
The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with plenty of information on the products themselves and the principles of acupressure.
Ordering is straight-forward and I like that the customer is kept regularly updated after this point. For example, you get a clear order confirmation email, an email to advise on despatch and delivery, then another email on how to get started on your new Bed Of Nails product(s). It’s smooth and supportive each step of the way, which I think is fantastic.
Bed Of Nails ships pretty much worldwide, which is great news. The likes of the US, UK and European countries are listed on the website, but unfortunately Australia isn’t. All international orders are shipped from the UK.
My dealings with the brand have been very positive and encouraging. Staff are engaged and responsive, so I’ve had quick replies to emails and queries. I get the sense that they’re genuinely jazzed about the products and about how their customers are getting on with the experience. My experience has been one of good all-round support from start to finish and beyond, and even when it’s finished you can keep up to date with the brand, such as through their social media channels, and be part of the BON Tribe. I like that sense of ongoing inclusivity.
In the unlikely event that you find the Bed Of Nails is not for you, you have 30 days in which to return the product in like-new condition, just save the shipping packaging just in case you’re unsure. Further information can be found on the BON website.
What You Get
I received the signature BON mat and pillow in black, which came packed in a sturdy box. They’re hygienically packaged so you just pop them out of the protective covering and get to using them straight away.
This set includes a bag with a handy carry strap, making it convenient to store at home or to take with you on the go. There are also booklets for further information on acupressure and the product you’ve ordered, so you can make the most of your experience. Tips are also emailed after you place and receive your order, but you can always opt out of communications if you wish. I personally have found these emails really useful. The website is also packed with information, suggestions and reviews.
The signature BON mat measures approx 28.5″ length x 16.5″ width x 1″ depth (74 x 41 x 2 cm).
The mat contains 8,820 precision acupressure nails (210 x “42-nails” or acupressure plates) made from 100% non toxic & recyclable HIPS plastic. These are melted on to the fabric, which is 100% organic cotton.
What Makes Bed Of Nails Special?
There are various takes on the Bed Of Nails mat now available on the market. Some of these are cheaper in price, but for good reason because those I’ve looked at online also appear much cheaper in quality. I’ve tried to compare the BON to competitor products from brands I’ve never heard of before, brands with obscure names and even unbranded assortments that come from who knows where.
In many instances, you don’t know what the product is actually made from, where it’s produced or how it’s produced. There’s a lack of environmental considerations, and no mention of whether these sub-par mats have been safety checked or quality assured.
The Bed Of Nails mat is superior in terms of the number of nails and their size. This should allow for a more invigorating experience that’s also more comfortable thanks to the enhanced dispersion of weight across the mat.
The BON mat and pillow look great, with no faults or off-kilter nail placements, so on first blush you can tell you’re getting the genuine product and not some cheap knock-off.
I also feel much more confident in the information BON provides about its products. There’s reassurance that the materials are top quality and the products are both effective and safe.
How To Use The Bed Of Nails Acupressure Mat & Pillow
The BON website provides tips for how to get the best experience from their products. Further information and suggestions can be found on the leaflets with the product and in the post-order emails from the brand.
Everyone is different, with their own needs and personal preferences. The great thing about this mat and pillow is that there are different ways to use them and you can find what works best for you.
- You might want to ease yourself into it. For instance, you can begin with putting the mat or pillow against the back of a chair or sofa to slowly and gently lean against. This will be less weight and pressure on the nails compared to lying directly on it, but you can apply a little more pressure as you see fit. Or you could pop it on a softer surface first, like a bed, to lie on.
- You may wish to try wearing a layer of clothing first to see what it’s like to use these acupressure products, then use them against bare skin if or when you feel comfortable doing so.
- For general use, you can use these on hard or soft surfaces. The more noticeable pressure will be from lying directly on them while they’re on a hard surface, ie. a hard floor.
- As for how long to use the mat, that’s also something you could build on gradually as you get acclimatised to the feeling of the acupressure. Even spending a few minutes each day, or ten minutes a few times a week, could bring benefits.
- The brand advised me that it’s best to give yourself a few weeks for the experience and benefits to build up, so try to use it consistently and stick with it. This allows you to get used to the sensations, figure out what you prefer in terms of where and when and for how long to use it, and for any benefits to really kick in.
Health Advisories : As with most things when it comes to health and wellbeing, always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or if you’re not sure whether this is right for you. Good quality acupressure mats like the Bed Of Nails are thought to be very safe, but it’s always good to be mindful of potential issues, no matter how rare. Speak to your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure, or if you have diabetes. Likewise, speak to your doctor before using an acupressure mat if you’re pregnant, as many mat manufacturer’s advise against their use during pregnancy. It’s also advised that acupressure mats are to be kept away from babies and small children.
The BON Mat & Pillow In Use : My Thoughts
The design here is simple and effective, and I like that the brand have considered the needs of the user in making these products as comfortable and convenient as possible.
The mat and pillow both seem like great quality; there’s nothing out of place and the nail circles are evenly spaced. I’ve not found any faults or issues in production, only a few loose threads on the mat itself which weren’t related to the stitching. The only thing I’d like to see is a longer strip of velcro, particularly on the mat cover, to hide the foam filling a bit more. There’s no real need for this, I suppose I just like things covered so they stay clean.
That said, it’s great to have velcro at both ends of the mat to make taking the cover off and putting it back on easier. There’s no zip to get stuck, to scratch the floor or to mark your sofa because it’s all soft and smooth.
The brand is instantly recognisable by the logo at the top of the mat and at the side of the pillow. You’ll notice that the carry bag and back of the mat feature an expression, which is a sweet touch of detail for the user: “give your stress wings and let it fly away”.
I like the way the nails have been attached because it’s a seamless experience, with no circles showing any sign of being uneven or pulling away from the fabric, and of course no glue gunk anywhere. I’d like to hope that they’d last many years with regular use without any problems, which I wouldn’t be so sure about if the nails were stuck on or loosely stitched. It’s also good to know the safe HIPS plastic is non-toxic. All in all, the end product is healthier for the user and better for the environment.
As someone who has never used anything like this before, it was all very new to me. I thought I’d rip the band aid off stand right on the mat on the hard kitchen floor for my first use to get a quick photo for the review, probably because I’m an impatient idiot. I wouldn’t recommend doing that, which is why I’ve included a section here on general advice and tips for use so you can break yourself in and get accustomed to it. I have, however, tried this on my upper back with a thin top on and actually couldn’t feel it as much at the times where I felt like I needed something far deeper. Take the top off and yes, you certainly get the stimulation required for painful muscles!
It’s a curious one when you have something like fibromyalgia and widespread chronic pain to find something like the Bed Of Nails innately appealing. Sometimes, when I’m so exhausted and my body is on fire, my muscles knotted up, stress up the wazoo and pain taking my breath away, I’ve loved the idea of getting on the mat to have the nails dig in. I do have areas on my body, like many with fibromyalgia do, that are painful at a gentle touch. Fortunately, the worst areas with fibro and nerve damage don’t actually come into contact with the mat when lying down, at least not in a particularly bothersome way. Even with pain all over, the experience of these nails across a large surface area of your body distracts your brain from any particular section, and you can start to adjust to that feeling quite quickly.
I’ve not been able to use these as much as I would have liked because of life and illness getting in the way. There’s been so much on and so little time where I’m functional enough to get things done that, ironically, I don’t have the time to take time out. This is where a product like BON is quite helpful for me because it forces me to push the to-do list aside and take a little time out. I want to be able to distract myself from the rest of what’s going on or the things I’m stressing about. I want to have that quality time with my spiky Bed Of Nails friends and just be in the moment, just relax and allow the tension to dissipate.
You can, of course, use this while doing other things as part of your normal routine, such as putting it on the sofa while watching TV. It’s just my preference for having something that forces me to take a few minutes out, at least at the moment. I’ve been using this with the foam padding insert, but you can choose to take it out if you wish. I particularly like using this on the floor or on my bed where I can lie on it fully. If you have any areas where you don’t want the pressure, you can adjust your position or just pop a protective barrier between you and the mat, like a jumper sleeve.
This comes with a handy bag to pop it in and a shoulder strap, making it easy to transport your BON if you’re away from home. I find it good just for storing it at home so it doesn’t take up much space and it’s kept safe (away from a curious cat who would love to cover the black fabric in white fur).
Initially I thought these were rather pricey. It’s when you look into the materials and the development that you see what you’re paying for and realise that it’s probably very fairly priced. As far as splashing the cash goes, supporting your wellbeing is a worthwhile investment and I’d like to think most consumers would get good use from these for years to come.
The Bed Of Nails acupressure products are a novel experience for those who’ve not had the opportunity to try acupressure, acupuncture or lie themselves out on a mat full of nails before. It’s a weird one. But it’s so weird that it’s very good, and I’ve surprised myself with just how appealing it is to use the mat when my whole body is in agony.
Bed Of Nails Review : In A Nutshell
Create a mental and physical space for yourself away from the hubbub of modern living by spending time indulging in acupressure. Give yourself a break from stress and worry as you relax and feel the tension ease. Bringing both short and long term potential benefits, the Bed Of Nails range can fit conveniently into any wellbeing or daily routine, whether you’re using it at home or away.
Depending on what issues you deal with and what you hope to gain from using it, an acupressure mat is a convenient tool for your self-care, pain management or healthy lifestyle toolbox.
I’ve been very pleased with the BON mat and pillow, from the ergonomic design to the quality manufacture. The brand is engaged and cares about their customers, which always makes a difference. The method of convenient acupressure is a great way to relax and invigorate when living with chronic pain, illness and insane stress levels, and I like knowing it might just rejuvenate my lacklustre circulation, too!
I’d absolutely recommend the brand from my positive experience and I’ve been thrilled with the products I’ve reviewed. If you’re looking for stress relief, mental wellbeing, pain relief or general wellness support, then the BON is a novel one worth checking out.
Mon The BON!
Find Bed Of Nails
Bed Of Nails On Facebook || BON On Insta || BON On Twitter
Browse the Bed Of Nails Website with this link & use the code BON15CAZ for 15% off!
Have you ever tried an acupressure product? Is the BON something you’re curious about?
Caz ♥
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[ This product has been gifted in return for an honest review, which I have provided here ]
40 comments
Mmm, we think you are brave and hope you get lots of gain!
I suppose I’m not new to pain so I wasn’t too worried, but jumping straight on with my feet was a mistake! The soles of my feet are more sensitive than my upper back, lesson learned. These have been surprisingly awesome, I’m really pleased with both.
Hope you guys have a great weekend ahead! ????
What a cool idea!
It’s such an unusual one, isn’t it? I don’t know how, all those years ago, they came up with the concept of actual nails into wood for lying on but I like that we’ve got a modern version that’s actually safe and comfortable. x
Cool! Great review!
Very cool indeedy. Thanks, John! ????
Never had it done, but I hear it works. You do the best reviews. So detailed.
Have a fabulous day, Caz. Big hug. ♥
I was certainly curious to see how it works and what it’s like, and I’m glad I’ve been able to try it. I’ll be using this for the foreseeable future, really pleased!
Thank you so much for the kind words about my reviews. It’s always a pleasure when you can genuinely recommend something. Having to do negative reviews isn’t fun, but I’ll always be honest in my opinions.
Have a great weekend, Sandee! ???? xx
I have one of these (different make) and I absolutely love it. My son uses his every evening before bed he also thinks its brilliant.xx
That’s fab, Bar! It’s great to hear what someone else thinks of these, so I’m glad you and your son experience benefits from an acupressure mat. I had no idea what to expect, but they’re surprisingly awesome, aren’t they? x
That looks so cool! I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but your review is very convincing! 😀
I had no idea what to expect but there was a part of me that thought “oh shit, I could really hate this” ???? Thankfully my body didn’t, it’s been fab! It’s definitely one of those things that you have to try to see how you get on with it and what benefits you might find, but it’s certainly more comfortable than you’d expect. x
The best running theory I have read about nail beds and acupuncture has to do with sensory overload. Kind of like when a person gets a limb cut off, surprisingly they usually feel little pain – initially; just too much happening for their brain to pay attention to the nerve endings that should be firing: Pain!
On a much smaller and healthier scale, nail beds may provide the same kind of sensory overload, and may be a great help to people with chronic pain. I sincerely hope you get significant benefit from using BON products and look forward to some follow-up reports!
❤️&????, c.a.
That’s a good point on sensory overload. I think I touched on something similar in the review, where nails over a larger surface area distract your brain from any particular small area. It’s a good idea and I’ve found it both oddly relaxing, and quite rejuvenating afterwards, too. I’ve personally been very pleasantly surprised and really pleased with the mat & pillow, and I can certainly see the potential benefits from regular use of them now.
Thanks for reading & the thoughtful comment – I hope you two have a great weekend! ????
Sounds like this one is a keeper, Caz, I’m so pleased you are finding it so beneficial.
Not as yet in Oz. Ah well, all things change. Maybe in time. In the meantime the image of you taking ‘time out’ with the product is a sweet one!
xoxoxo
Thank you for the comment lovely. I really, really need to actually find the time but alas, I’m rubbish at taking my own advice. I could “allow” myself to use it before because it was needed for this review, but life gets in the way and things are so hectic with never-ending things to do when I’m not well enough to do them… At some point I’ll cut out the excuses and nail the whole “time out” concept without feeling guilty. One day!
The BON is really is surprisingly good, I can see why it gets rave reviews. It’s a shame they don’t deliver to Oz (yet), I did mention that to them actually so you never know… I hope you’re keeping safe and well over there, Carolyn ???? xx
I’ve never tried anything like this before. I’ll look into it. Thanks for sharing your review of it. ????
Thanks, Rachel ???? It was totally new to me too but I love trying new things and I’m really glad I was able to give it a go. It’s certainly something I’ll continue using for the foreseeable future. I’d definitely recommend taking a look on their website, see if anything takes your fancy. At least there’s a period to try it and return it if it doesn’t suit. xx
Another great review Caz! Thanks for taking the time to give us such a comprehensive review. It sounds like BON has really thought everything through and provides a quality product. I hope it helps you as you use it more and more.
BON has done brilliantly in developing this, and I love the novelty of it. It’s so simple but bizarre and fantastic to actually use so I love it already! Thanks, Terri, I’m really glad you like the review ???? xx
Great review of a product which I hope might bring you some relief. It’s one of those products that I look at and think could I actually use that? And that’s why a review from someone with chronic pain is helpful. You explain the importance of going gently at first (and not standing on it straight away!! lol), so maybe it I could use it. I have had acupuncture, acupressure, and I use a TENS machine – all things which tend to cause pain in an effort to help pain. So who knows, maybe I’ll try BON one day too.
It also sounds like an excellent company which is always good to know, especially so when they’re selling a health product.
Fantastic review.
I agree, I like to see reviews from others to see whether it’s something I could actually use or whether it’s worth trying. It’s really bizarre because with pain, and with sensitivity to touch in some places, you’d think this would be unappealing and unusable. And yet with pain and with aching, knotted muscles, I loved the idea of lying on this and I’ve found it surprisingly fantastic. I can see it being great for those without chronic pain conditions for general wellbeing and stress relief, but it’s trickier when you’ve got a pain condition or find you’re more susceptible to pressure. I’ve personally found it okay but you never really know how you’ll get on with something unless you try it. I’m glad to see BON offer a period in which people can try it and return if it’s not suitable.
I’m really glad you like the review – thanks, Liz! ???? xx
Hmm, I might need to show this to my wife and see if she wants to try one …
Charlee: “Hmm, I wonder if we could achieve a similar effect by climbing on Mama’s back and making muffins.”
Lulu: “I’ve seen your nails. I think they might be a little too poky for this.”
Making muffins while on Mama’s back? That’ll be a bit tricky but I’ll take a muffin, chocolate if you’re asking. Mmm chocolate. Your nails would certainly give her an unforgettable (painful) experience! ????
Might be worth your wife taking a look on their website to see what she thinks. It’s certainly a novel one but I’ve been really pleased, love ’em!
I’ve actually been considering getting one for about two months, now! Very cool Caz.
Great timing then – I hope this review helps a little! It’s such an unusual and awesome idea, isn’t it? I’ve personally been really pleased with the mat & pillow. I’d say the mat is more useful and versatile on the whole but it’s also pricier. I’m very glad to have been able to give this a go as I’ll be keeping going with it for the foreseeable future. It’s good that they offer a period to be able to try it and return it if it’s not suitable. Do you have any other questions on it? I hope you love it too if you get one! xx
Thank you, Caz! Your review is concise and answers any questions I had. I wrote it down on my wish list.
What a great and detailed review Caz! The brand have “nailed” it made me chuckle :’). Also, love the fact it has the quote “give your stress wings and let it fly away” on it. I’ve never considered buying a product like this before, but I am now – perhaps I’ll have to put it on my Christmas list!
Gemma x
I spotted that on your recent quote post and thought how coincidental!
I’d definitely recommend taking a browse of the website to see what you think. They actually would be a cool gift idea.
Thanks, Gemma – I’m really glad you like the review! xx
I am totally intrigued by this! Great review Caz!
I was incredibly curious, too – I’m really happy to have been able to try it as it’s definitely a novel experience. Very pleased with both the mat and the pillow, though I’d recommend the mat if it were a choice between the two so you can easily lie on it.
Thanks, Jo, I’m glad you like the review! ???? xx
I’ve not been able to use mine without clothes yet but I will keep persevering.
It’s so cool you’ve got one, Jo, I hope you love yours too! It takes some time getting used to and everyone will have their own preference and tolerance. Do you think you get some benefit or feeling from using it with a layer of clothing? If so then there’s no rush to go without, but I think it’s worth trying without if you can build up to it just in case you find the difference is worthwhile. xx
Interesting! I’m not sure I’d like to feel of this. I did try acupuncture at the doctors once though didn’t find it beneficial at the time.
It’s not going to suit everyone, and the novelty of it means it’s hard to tell what it’ll be. All I can really say is that an acupressure mat is pretty different to acupuncture in practice, but it depends on what your pain or pressure sensitivity is like and what you’d want to get out of it as to whether it’s something that might suit or not. I’ve never had acupuncture myself but I don’t particularly like the idea of it, at all, so I think you’re brave to have given it a go! ???? How did you find the experience itself? I’m sorry it didn’t help you. xx
How interesting! My husband has a bad back, so I’ll be sure to share this post with him. I can see that it’s something to ease into slowly. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
A slow and steady approach is probably the best way to go for most folks, though everyone will acclimatise differently. I’m sorry about your hubby’s back – definitely worth taking a look at the BON website to learn a bit more, see whether it’s something he’d be interested in. Thanks for reading! ???? x
A knowledgeable and very convincing review. But I have always feared I will hurt myself and get deeply punctured. ????
Hahah I understand that fear! All I can say is it’s not quite what it seems – I’ve not had any punctures and I can’t see it happening given the type of softer, flexi plastic. It’s firm enough to give the benefit without being dangerous. You can ease yourself into it and the worst seems to be a little redness if you go too fast or put too much force on, but that’s all. You won’t come away with holes in your back even though it seems like you might, honestly! ???? xx