Can I put a fitted sheet over my Earthing Sleep Mat or Mattress Cover?

Direct skin contact is always best. However, the Earthing® Sleep Mat or Mattress Cover may be placed under your fitted sheet with complete grounding success!

Shortly after lying down, perspiration and environmental humidity will hydrate your fitted sheet more than enough for your body to absorb electrons from the Earthing Sleep Mat and equalise your body with the negative electrical charge of the earth. 

Helpful Tips:

  • SHEETS: We recommend using cotton, bamboo, or a poly-cotton blend. Fully synthetic materials will most likely not ground you at all and we do not recommend using them over your Earthing products.
  • PYJAMAS: If you choose to place your Earthing product under your fitted sheet, we don't recommend wearing pyjamas. If you do wear pyjamas, then please make sure your feet and hands are bare. (If you place your Earthing® Mat on top of your fitted sheet, then wearing pyjamas and socks is fine as long as they are made of cotton, bamboo, or a poly-cotton blend.)
  • SOCKS: Your feet are one of the most readily conductive areas of your body, so sleeping without socks is always best!

Can you Ground during a thunder storm?

Homes are rarely hit by lightning. When this does happen, the lightning likes to take the path of least resistance to the ground, which means traveling through large conductive systems like the plumbing pipes, electrical wiring network, or telephone and cable TV lines, all of which are directly grounded to the Earth. It's always looking for the easiest and fastest way to the ground.
Your Earthing® products are connected to the ground via wire or grounding rod, and have a built-in current limiting 100k ohm resistor to guard against any sort of electricity coming through to you. This would not be the easiest path for lightning to get the ground and the resistor would melt before the lightning could ever get to you.
However, if you live on a mountain top where the odds are higher of your house being struck by lightning, or in Florida where there are the most lightning strikes in a year, or if you have any other concerns about lightning, please follow the standard lightning safety guidelines as directed by the UK Met Office or the weather authorities in your country.
Lightning is unpredictable and it never hurts to be overly cautious. If you are worried at all, simply disconnect your Earthing device(s) and don’t use during lightning and thunderstorms.

How can I ground myself outside if I don't have grass?

  1. The concrete sidewalk will ground you. Take a barefoot walk or go sit on the curb.
  2. The copper cold water pipe in your home is grounded, so washing your hands and taking a shower will ground you. If you have access to the pipe, you can sit with your hands on it.
  3. Other surfaces that will ground you include:
  • Soil (Must be touching the earth. Cannot be in an enclosed box or plant pot.)
  • Sand
  • Gravel
  • Rock
  • Unsealed brick
  • Bodies of water (like the ocean, lakes, and streams)
  • Living trees

Do the floors in my house ground me if I'm barefoot?

It depends on the floor type!

UNGROUNDED:

  • Wood floors
  • Carpets
  • Vinyl floors
  • Glazed tiles
  • Unfinished tiles applied over wood, plywood, plastic, or vinyl understructure and/or tiles adhered with a petrochemical bonding material

GROUNDED:

  • Unsealed concrete floors built directly on the Earth (polished is fine)
  • Unsealed stone built directly on the Earth (polished is fine)
  • Unsealed/unpainted tile attached without a petrochemical bonding material to a concrete slab that is built right on the Earth

Is There Anything I Can Do To Enhance Conductivity?

Yes! There are a few things to be aware of:

  • Internal hydration: When you are dehydrated, your body isn't as conductive. Drink plenty of water and consider adding trace minerals or a pinch of high quality sea salt to each glass. These additions help to support healthy body mineralization and the absorption of water into your cells.
  • Skin moisture: Dry skin has more resistance and so less electrons will be able to enter the body compared to moist skin. Moisturize with high quality oils or lotion after showering while your skin is still slightly damp. (Always wait at least one hour to use Earthing or Ground Therapy products after applying oils, creams, or lotions.)
  • Skin surface: A build-up of dead skin cells on the bottom of your feet or anywhere else on your body will reduce or block conductivity. Dry brushing, using a loofa in the shower, and/or pumice stones on your feet can be very helpful in maintaining healthy skin.

 

If I'm grounded and touch someone's skin, will they be grounded too?

Yes, as long as you're touching the person he or she will be grounded.

 

Is grounding a new concept?

No, it's not. Throughout practically all of history, humans have walked barefoot on the Earth. They have sat and slept on conductive animal skins, and fashioned those skins into footwear. Living like this enabled our predecessors to absorb the Earth’s natural energy into their bodies at all times.

Over time, as we've "advanced" as a society, we've disconnected ourselves more and more from touching the Earth. Today, everyone is chronically disconnected from ground and as a society, we largely live our lives indoors.

During the late 1880s, a back-to-nature movement in Germany featured walking barefoot and sleeping directly on the Earth. For more on this movement, refer to the Earthing book.

At Earthing®, we're committed to spreading the message that we all need to reconnect. We encourage everyone to get outside and put their bare feet on the ground whenever possible. We've created products that allow you to be connected to the ground while you're sleeping, working, and living your life indoors.

 

Am I grounded in water?

It depends on the water!

Pure water like distilled water or snow has no minerals or salts dissolved in it and so is a poor conductor of grounded energy. When certain minerals, such as salt, are added to pure water, then the water becomes conductive (as a result of dissolution that breaks the salt into its components, electrically-positive sodium and negative chlorine).

The following types of water WILL ground you:

  • Ocean Water: It's full of dissolved salts and minerals and represents a superb conductive medium for grounding.
  • Lakes & Rivers: They generally contain less minerals and salts than the ocean but they are still good conductors.
  • Mineral Hot Springs: The high mineral and salt content will ground you.

The following types of water MAY ground you:

  • Swimming pool: Yes if you have a salt water pool and the water is in contact with a metal drain pipe going into the ground. Normal tap water in a pool can also be conductive, but again, it needs to be in contact with a metal fixture going into the ground.
  • Bathtubs, Showers, and Facets: Tap water contains minerals and salts and is conductive, but as with the pools, it must be running through metal pipes that go into the ground in order to ground you.

 

Can I sleep too many hours while grounded?

No. Ideally, you would be grounded 24/7 so sleeping grounded gives you a large block of grounded time, so it's a great idea in that regard. Additionally, because your body is undergoing its normal repair cycles while you sleep, this is a great time to be grounded.

 

What is grounding?

The earth beneath your feet provides you with food and water. It gives you a surface to sit, stand, walk, run, swim, climb, play, and build on. It also provides you with something very surprising - electrons. When you touch the ground, the electrons flow into you. This is called being “grounded.” Earthing® products connect you to the earth's electrons while you're inside sleeping, working, and relaxing. Connecting to the ground by using our products indoors is called ‘Earthing.’

 

Am I grounded when I touch a tree?

Trees are made of wood, which is an insulating substance that does not ground you. However, the sap of the tree is grounded and so trees do have the ability to ground you, especially when the tree is wet from rain or moist from humidity. The grounding effect from a tree isn't as strong as when you're in direct contact with the Earth because wood is insulating, but it is still generally present.

If you'd like to know for sure if a certain tree will ground you, test it with a voltmeter.

 

Can you wear shoes and be grounded?

Most footwear today is made with plastic/rubber composite soles and do not conduct the Earth’s electric energy.

Shoes with leather/hide soles, which were the primary footwear material in the past, or specially designed conductive/electrostatic discharge shoes will ground you if you are walking on a conductive surface.

Please note: Dry leather isn't conductive, but damp leather is. When your foot perspires and moisture from the ground dampens the leather, the energy from the Earth is able to travel through the leather and into your body. Also, very thick leather soles may not allow moisture through, so a thinner sole is better for conduction.

 

Can I be grounded too much?

No, it's impossible to be grounded too much. (You can definitely be UN-grounded too much though!)

 

What surfaces will ground me? Which surfaces won't?

Conductive Surfaces Include:

  • Soil
  • Grass
  • Sand
  • Gravel that is touching the earth
  • Rock that is touching the earth
  • Unsealed concrete or concrete with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface
  • Unsealed brick or brick with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface
  • Unsealed ceramic or ceramic with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface like an unsealed cement slab
  • Bodies of water (like the ocean, lakes, and streams)
  • Living trees in the earth when you can make contact with the sap or the bark is moist/wet
  • Living plants in the earth

Note: Moist surfaces will be more conductive than dry surfaces.

Non-Conductive Surfaces Include:

  • Asphalt
  • Vinyl
  • Plastic
  • Tar or tarmac
  • Cut wood
  • Painted or chemically-sealed concrete
  • Living plants in a pot inside your home

 

How do I wash my silver-threaded Earthing® sheet? (No longer sold on our website)

PLEASE NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOR THE NEW BLACK CARBON SLEEP MAT OR MATTRESS COVER. They are only for the silver-threaded Earthing sheets that are no longer in production or sold on our website.

It is necessary to wash your silver-threaded Earthing® sheet regularly following the directions below. Regular washing strips body sweat and natural skin oils from the silver threads, which helps to keep the silver threads  conductive for a longer period of time.

DO:

  • Wash weekly or a minimum of 2x per month
  • Wash in a washing machine
  • Wash with warm water, approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 celsius)
  • Dry in a dryer on low heat or line dry
  • Iron, only when necessary, on low heat
  • Wait one hour after applying lotions or body oils before touching the sheets

DON'T: Everything listed below will ruin the silver threads making your sheets nonconductive.

  • Don’t wash with bleach
  • Don't use fabric softener
  • Don’t use whitening detergents or oxi-detergents
  • Don't use detergents with oils in them like lavender or coconut oil
  • Don’t use dryer sheets
  • Don't apply lotions or body oils on your skin right before be

 

What materials are the sleeping mats made out of?

Our non-toxic Earthing® mats are made from our patented conductive carbon leatherette. The leatherette is a composite of Polyurethane (PU) resin infused with conductive carbon pigment. It has a buttery soft feel akin to a vegan leather. It has been 3rd party tested to be free of lead, Azo dyes, and phthalates.

Polyurethane (PU): This material is what makes the Earthing® sleeping mats so durable while being environmentally-friendly, breathable, soft, and flexible. This leather look-alike is consumer-friendly and safe, unlike older PVC leathers which were full of plasticizers and heavy metal elements like lead. It is vinyl-free and phthalate-free.

Conductive Carbon Pigment: Carbon is the 2nd most abundant element in the human body (after oxygen) and is what conducts the earth's energy. It also makes the mat naturally flame-resistant without needing to add harsh chemicals.

FABRIC BACKING: The sleep mat has a soft fabric backing made from a cotton/polyester blend that is latex free.

MAT STRAPS: The mat straps do include a latex yarn to ensure a secure fit to your mattress.

OFF-GASSING: Prior to packaging, the mats undergo a thorough off-gassing procedure to ensure a peaceful, grounded rest right out of the box.

CLEANING: The sleep mat may be wiped down using soap and water on a damp cloth or sponge. Don't ever spray with household products like furniture polish or Armor All® which will make the mat lose its conductivity. Air dry the mat. Never put it in the dryer.

 

Can Earthing® products be plugged into wall outlets anywhere in the world?

Yes, as long as you have grounded outlets and you may need an outlet adapter. Please see below for details about each type of wall outlet.

Ground Rod: The most simple way to use Earthing® anywhere in the world is with an Earthing ground rod placed in the soil outside a window or door. This is especially helpful if you don't have grounded outlets.

Universal Adapter: Do not buy a universal adapter. Some universal adapters look like they have the Earth/ground connection but when tested they do not work. Others have loose intermittent connections that will minimise the benefits you expect from Earthing® products. If you do not have a grounded outlet, you will have to use a Ground Rod or have an electrician connect your electrical outlets to the Earth.

Voltage: Earthing® products do not operate on electricity, so it does not matter what the electrical current is in your country (whether 110 volts or 240 volts, etc). All Earthing® product connection cords do contain a current limiting 100k ohm resistor.

TYPE "B" WALL OUTLETS

Used in: The United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and parts of the Carribean

  1. Ensure your outlet is grounded. Check it with the Outlet Checker available to purchase.
  2. The cords that come with Earthing® products are designed to fit directly into the ground port (bottom hole) of your three prong wall outlet or they may be used with an Earthing Ground Rod placed in the soil outside your window or door.

Please Note: Outlets with only two holes have no Earth/ground present. This is quite common in older homes. In this situation, you must use a Ground Rod or have an electrician come in and ground your outlets.

TYPE "I" WALL OUTLETS

Used in: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Okinawa, Panama, Papua New Guinea, St. Vincent, Tajikistan, Tonga, and Uruguay

  1. Ensure your outlet is grounded. Check it using a simple outlet checker that you can purchase. If you do not have grounded outlets, you must use the Earthing Ground rod.
  2. To successfully use Earthing® products in your grounded Type I wall outlets, please use an Earthing Outlet Adaptor .

TYPE "F" WALL OUTLETS

Used in: Algeria, American Samoa, Aruba, Austria, Azores, Balearic Islands, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Chad, Croatia, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Laos, Luxembourg, Madeira, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Niger, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Turkey, and Uruguay

  1. Ensure your outlet is grounded. Check it using a simple outlet checker that you can purchase at your local electrical supply or hardware store. If you do not have grounded outlets, you must use the Earthing ground rod.
  2. To successfully use Earthing® products in your grounded Type F wall outlets, please use the F Type Outlet Adapter.

     

    Should I unplug the Earthing® products when I'm not using them?

    There is no need to unplug the Earthing® products when they aren't being used. You aren't connected to any voltage, current, or electricity flow so there is no concern that leaving the products plugged in will decrease their lifespan. In fact, the products will most likely last a tiny bit longer if you do leave them plugged in because there will be less oxidation on them!

     

    Can I plug my Earthing® products into an extension cord or surge protector?

    Yes, as long as it's a three-prong surge protector/extension cord and you can connect the surge protector/extension cord into a grounded outlet in your home or office.

     

    How do I clean my Sleep Mat, Universal Mat, Sticky Mat, or Pillow Cover?

    Our conductive black carbon material is inherently antimicrobial and can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

    For an occasional deeper clean, we recommend a simple 3-step cleaning process: 

    1. Wipe down the outside of your product using a damp cloth mixed with a small amount of mild household soap. 
    2. Use a clean, damp cloth to thoroughly wipe away the soap. (This prevents buildup which blocks conductivity.) 
    3. Let your product air dry.

    Important: Never use a cleaning agent containing bleach, disinfectants, oils, or whitening agents as they can ruin the conductivity of your Earthing® product. Never put your product in the washing machine or dryer.

     

    Where should I place the Earthing® Patches?

    Over many years of observation and study, we have found that there are three prime locations for placing the patches.

    1. To target your upper body (from the waist up), place the patches on the palms of your hands.
    2. To target your lower body (below the waist), place the patches on the K1 spot on the soles of your feet.
    3. To target a specific area, place the patch directly on that area of the body, or adjacent to it.

    TIPS:

    • Use two patches on your palms and two patches on your soles, by purchasing either an additional Patch Kit or two additional Coil Cords.

     

    How do I clean my black carbon Earthing® products?

    Our conductive black carbon material is inherently antimicrobial and can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

    For an occasional deeper clean, we recommend a simple 3-step cleaning process: 

    1. Wipe down the outside of your product using a damp cloth mixed with a small amount of mild household soap. 
    2. Use a clean, damp cloth to thoroughly wipe away the soap. (This prevents buildup which blocks conductivity.) 
    3. Let your product air dry.

    Important: Never use a cleaning agent containing bleach, disinfectants, oils, or whitening agents as they can ruin the conductivity of your Earthing® product. Never put your product in the washing machine or dryer.