Korean boiler makers in fierce competition for heating mats

Carbon Mat Ondol [Courtesy of Kiturami]

South Korean boiler manufacturers are engaged in a fierce competition for heating mats with advanced technologies as winter approaches.

According to sources on Wednesday, Kiturami Boiler Co. recently unveiled the 2024 Kiturami 3rd Generation Carbon Heating Mat.

Carbon heating mats, which gained popularity in the 2020s, represent the 3rd generation following electric mats in the 1990s and hot water mats in the 2010s.

Kiturami has taken the lead in the market with its mat, which uses carbon heating wires, eliminating concerns about electromagnetic waves present in electric mats and issues like leaks and bacteria associated with water-using hot water mats.

The Kiturami 3rd Gen Carbon Heating Mat incorporates aramid carbon heating wires made of aramid material that is five times stronger than steel, featuring a double special coating.

It offers three temperature levels – 45 degrees Celsius, 50 degrees Celsius, and 55 degrees Celsius – and emits far-infrared rays to rapidly distribute warmth.

Consumers are showing a strong response to the product, particularly those looking to minimize heating costs.

Compared to the 2nd generation hot water mats, the new carbon mat consumes only one-third of the electricity, making it more cost-effective.

With a power usage of only 160W, an 8-hour use a day costs as little as 2,400 won ($3) per month.

“Last year, carbon mat sales alone grew by 20 percent compared to the previous year, and this year, we anticipate growth in the 30 percent range,” the company said.

Furthermore, the addition of sleep-enhancing functions set the latest mat apart from its predecessors. The automatic adjustment system divides sleep time into three segments, allowing the mat to adapt temperature according to changes in body temperature.

KyungDong Navien Co., in the meantime, has introduced a heating mat that enhances the sleep experience.

Last month, the company launched the Navien Sleep Mat, offered in both hot water and carbon versions, broadening consumer choices.

According to the company, the Sleep Mat circulates warm water inside the mat, maintaining a comfortable and lasting warmth without dryness.

It also features a Dual Temperature Sensing function, which monitors the temperature of the outgoing water from the main unit and the returning water from the mat in real-time, ensuring the user’s desired temperature is consistently maintained.

It has temperature control in 0.5-degree increments and a separate heating system to achieve the optimal sleeping temperature.

The Sleeping Mat Carbon is safe from harmful electromagnetic waves by connecting the heating wire with direct current (DC) and introducing a detachable adapter.

It delivers a deep sense of warmth through the far infrared rays emitted by the heating wire containing carbon.

Boiler makers are investing heavily in heating mats as these products are no longer just auxiliary heating devices.

On Wednesday, KD Navien signed a business agreement with the sleep tech startup Aesleep Co. to create a cutting-edge AI sleep mat based on the latter’s development of a sleep routine app, which measures different sleep stages, including REM sleep and deep sleep.