The main difference between Bed of Nails ECO and Original is the materials: the ECO range is made with more eco-friendly materials and has a natural, neutral look, while the Original comes in black, pink or green. Both use the same style of plastic acupressure points and give a similar relaxing sensation, so the choice is mostly about materials, style and budget.
Key takeaways
- ECO and Original mats work in the same way: you lie on them for 10 to 20 minutes to relax and unwind.
- ECO uses eco-friendly materials and a natural finish; Original is available in three colours.
- The ECO range sits at a higher price point than the Original.
- Both ranges include a mat, pillow, mat and pillow set, strap and travel mat; the cushion is ECO only.
- If you are unsure, the Original Mat & Pillow Set is the easiest starting point.
What is the difference between Bed of Nails ECO and Original?
Bed of Nails is a Swedish-designed acupressure brand. Its Original range is the classic: a padded mat covered in small plastic acupressure points, with a fabric cover in black, pink or green. The ECO range takes the same concept and swaps in materials chosen with the environment in mind, finished in a natural, neutral look.
For day-to-day use, the experience is broadly similar. You lie down, breathe through the first prickly minute or two, and let the sensation soften into warmth. If you are new to the whole idea, our guide to acupressure mat benefits explains what to honestly expect from your first sessions.
How do the ECO and Original ranges compare side by side?
| Feature | Original | ECO |
|---|---|---|
| Acupressure points | Plastic points arranged in “flowers” | Plastic points arranged in “flowers” |
| Materials | Classic fabric cover and padding | Eco-friendly materials with a natural finish |
| Colours | Black, pink, green | Natural, neutral tone |
| Price point | Lower | Higher |
| Mat, pillow and set | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Travel mat | Yes (black) | Yes |
| Cushion for chairs | No | Yes |
| Best for | First-time buyers, colour lovers, gifts | Natural-material lovers, neutral interiors |
Product specifications can change between production runs, so always check the individual product page for the latest material details.
Does the ECO mat feel different from the Original?
The acupressure sensation itself comes from the points, and both ranges use the same style of point. That means the feeling of lying on either mat is broadly the same: an intense first minute, followed by warmth and, for many people, a sense of letting go.
What can differ slightly is the feel of the fabric against your skin and how the mat sits on your bed or floor. Some people prefer the more natural texture of the ECO range; others like the familiar feel of the Original. Neither is “stronger” in any meaningful sense, and you can always soften the sensation by wearing a thin T-shirt.
Who should choose the Original range?
The Original is the right choice if you want the classic Bed of Nails experience at a lower price point, or if colour matters to you. It is also our usual recommendation for a first mat.
- The Bed of Nails Acupressure Mat in black is the most popular single mat, and it also comes in pink and green.
- The Original Mat & Pillow Set adds a pillow for neck support and is better value than buying both separately.
- The Travel Acupressure Mat in black rolls up small for trips.
Who should choose the ECO range?
Choose ECO if you prefer products made with eco-friendly materials, like a natural, neutral look at home, or want a slightly more considered piece to keep out on display.
- The Bed of Nails ECO Acupressure Mat is the ECO version of the classic full-size mat.
- The ECO Mat & Pillow Set is the complete ECO starter kit, with a pillow for your neck.
- The Travel Acupressure Mat ECO has the filler removed so you can pack it for holidays and work trips.
- The ECO Acupressure Cushion is only available in ECO, and works on an office chair, sofa or car seat.
Is the ECO version worth the extra?
It depends on what you value. If you are buying purely for the acupressure sensation, the Original gives you the same experience for less. If materials and appearance matter to you, the ECO range is worth considering, particularly if your mat will live out in a bedroom or living room rather than in a cupboard.
A useful way to decide is to think about how you’ll use it:
- Trying acupressure for the first time? Start with the Original. You’ll learn whether the ritual suits you.
- Already a regular user? ECO is a lovely upgrade or a second mat for another room.
- Buying a gift? Choose an Original colour for someone who loves colour, or ECO for someone with a neutral, natural style.
- Using it at a desk? Consider the ECO cushion, which has no Original equivalent.
How do you care for ECO and Original mats?
Both ranges need the same simple care. Keep them dry, store them flat or loosely rolled, and avoid folding sharply over the points. If you use your mat on bare skin, lay a thin cloth over it between sessions to keep dust off, and spot-clean the fabric gently if needed, following the care label on your product.
Don’t leave either mat in direct sunlight for long periods, and keep them away from pets who might decide the points make an interesting chew toy.
Still not sure which to pick?
Our complete buyer’s guide on which Bed of Nails to buy compares every mat, set, pillow, strap, cushion and roller, and you can browse the whole range on our Bed of Nails page. If you’re buying for evening use, our guide to using an acupressure mat to wind down before sleep will help you get the most from either version. Planning to take one away? See our travel routine for keeping calm on the move.
Related reading
- Which Bed of Nails Should You Buy? Mat, Set, Pillow, Strap or Travel
- Acupressure Mat Benefits: What to Honestly Expect
- Is an Acupressure Mat Safe? Who Should Avoid It and How to Start Gently
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bed of Nails ECO mat softer than the Original?
Not in any meaningful way. Both ranges use the same style of plastic acupressure points, which create the main sensation, so the feeling of lying on either mat is broadly similar. The difference you might notice is the texture of the cover. To soften either mat, wear a thin cotton T-shirt or use it on your bed.
Can I mix ECO and Original Bed of Nails products?
Yes. The pieces are designed to work in the same way, so you can happily use an Original mat with an ECO pillow, or add an ECO cushion for your desk. Many people mix and match based on where each piece will be used, choosing colour for some rooms and a natural finish for others.
Which Bed of Nails colour is best?
There is no difference in how the black, pink and green Original mats feel; the colour is purely personal taste. Black is practical and discreet, pink and green feel softer and brighter in a bedroom. If you prefer a neutral, natural look, consider the ECO range instead of a coloured Original mat.
Is there an ECO version of the AcuRoller?
The AcuRoller comes in one version. If you want ECO pieces for arms, legs and feet, the ECO Acupressure Strap is the closest alternative, as it wraps around limbs and can be used at home, at work or on the go. You can pair it with the roller for areas the strap doesn’t reach easily.
