I was skeptical of this helping but was willing to try it for the price. I have a spinal fusion in my neck so my muscles and nerves can become really bunched up. This isn't a cure all but it has helped ease some of the tension through my neck and upper back. I then sleep better and don't wake up with a headache.
It doesnt feel really durable so I don't think it'll stay pristine for very long. Plus the kids think it's hilarious to place it next to someone's bed. Then when they wake up, they step on it. WORSE THAN STEPPING ON A LEGO! Okay, maybe I started that. But regardless, it's insanely painful to step on it. But oddly relaxing to lie on. Don't wear easily snagged clothing or heavy clothing.

I have almost constant shoulder/neck pain. When it really flares up, this has been a WONDERFUL help. I work from a home office, so I put the pillow on my shoulder blade if I'm having a particularly painful day, and after about an hour or so, the pain goes down a bit (or at its worst, it doesn't go away, but feels better as long as the pillow is there). It takes a little time to get used to lying on, but after a few times of it, I find it feels wonderful to lie on my back on (the first time, I'd recommend with a shirt. I've gotten to the point where I can't feel anything if I have a shirt on and need to have it right against my skin). On days where my lower back is hurting a little, lying on this does the trick for me.

I was concerned about getting this because of the reviews that say it really hurts. I have fibromyalgia and was thinking my back wouldn't be able to handle it. But I got it out of dispersion anyway. I am so glad I did. It does hurt when you first lay on it, so that is true.

I started by just using the bottom part of the mat because my back went out on me and I was in severe pain, couldn't sleep, etc. I put a sheet on the pillow and upper 1/3 of the mat. The first 30 seconds was painful but I accepted the pain hoping it would get better like the brochure says (it comes with a nice brochure explaining how to use it for different aches and pains). Within the first minute the pain started to diminish. In about 3 minutes I could feel my muscles "melting" into the mat. That's the only way to explain the feeling. I spent about 20 minutes on it and kept feeling different parts of my back really relax for the first time in weeks. Just when I thought my body was fully relaxed, I would feel another muscle "melt". I love it!!

I am now up to 1 hour after only a week of using it. I tried using it "full mat with pillow" but the upper part of my back is just too sensitive to anything so I stopped doing the upper part of my back. My neck hated it the first couple of times, but now my neck feels really good when I lay on it. (It's like my body thinks it's being attacked and goes on full alert the first time. But afterwards it starts realizing that it's not going to harm me and doesn't send off a bunch of warning bells to my body.)

I even took it to my meditation class where we can sit or lay in any position we want. And I am now hooked on using this as my meditation mat as well. I can meditate and help heal my back both at the same time. Before this I could hardly meditate because my back was in too much pain. I LOVE IT and highly recommend it. And it comes in PURPLE!!!!!

I bought this about 6 weeks ago, because it was less expensive than similar items. On my first use, I ignored the review warnings to use it initially with thin fabric between the mat and skin. when i laid down on it, I didn't think I would last a minute, but if you give it a chance, you get used to the pressure and the experience in quite pleasant. The effects last for a few hours for me, which is great for pre- or post-golf (or life for that matter.)

Gentle warnings: when you first lie down, try to do so evenly. Obviously don't flop down on it and maybe get someone to help you lie back until you get the hang of it. During use, if you have extra skin like I do, you may have to gently adjust areas of your back - gently. When you are finished, either sit straight up (with help if needed) or roll completely off in one motion.

I was eye-rolling with some of the poor reviews. YES! The plastic on the mat and pillow is sharp. Take my word for it, Yes, it can scratch you if you are careless - and even cut you (I guess) if you are a moron. So, give it a chance, be careful, lie down and give it 2 minutes or so and you should have a pleasant experience. Do so in a quiet room with some relaxing music. Try it for 5-7 minutes to start and then build up. It really does help.

Has done wonders for my back and overall relaxation state at the end of a long day. Hurt a bit until I got used to it but totally worth the adjustment. Helps clear a cluttered mind.