Of course, a full-size sauna isn’t always accessible thanks to the high price point (and space needed to host it). Enter: The best infrared sauna blankets. These downsized versions of the popular well-being tech make it easier to bring the sweat-inducing sensation into your home. Read on to uncover why adding an infrared sauna blanket to your routine could benefit your overall longevity—no fancy spa membership required. So instead of sitting in temperatures around 185 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only have to put up with a temperature around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It sounds counterintuitive to sit in a lower temperature, but Butner notes the benefits. “Due to the ability to withstand the lower temperatures of an IR sauna, people can be exposed to this type of heat for longer periods of time, allowing for a more intense sweat and longer durations of detoxification time,” she explains. Infrared sauna blankets mimic the effects of sitting inside a far-infrared sauna or FIRS by incorporating infrared light into a sleeping-bag-like design. The vessel uses waterproof materials and a closure, such as Velcro or zippers, to create a closed space that traps heat. And before you ask: Yes, it’s recommended you wear clothes or at least a towel to avoid direct skin contact with the blanket. As functional medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., previously told mbg, “When we stress our hormones out a little bit, we get great results in the long term. It’s a concept written extensively in medicine.” When it comes to FIRS specifically, the research is more limited. Studies have found far-infrared to be beneficial for reducing pain1 and improving cardiovascular health, as well as helping your body produce collagen2 (although expert opinions are mixed on whether infrared light is actually good for our skin). However, most research was completed in small and short-term trials, and further research is still needed to understand the full effects. No serious adverse effects have been reported, per a previous interview with Brent A. Bauer, M.D., a research director for the Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, but children and expecting or lactating mothers should skip the trend for now until more research is completed. Of course, you should always check with your health care practitioner before starting a new routine. When you’re ready to use, simply set your desired temperature and slide into the blanket for a 30- to 40-minute session. You’ll rest easy knowing the polyurethane cotton material is waterproof and the design itself is low-EMF. Higher Dose’s Infrared Sauna Blanket has over 2,000 reviews and most of them are glowing (pun intended!). A lot of people praise the quality of this blanket, and several say it’s a worthwhile splurge to add the brand’s Sauna Blanket Towel Insert (which is recommended if you want to sweat in the buff). What Our Tester Says: mindbodygreen co-founder Colleen Wachob tested the infrared blanket while watching TV when her kids were asleep, and was quickly impressed by how easy it was to get started. “I don’t like complicated set-ups,” she explains. “This was one of the easiest that I have ever encountered. You literally plug-in the blanket and it’s ready to go. The blanket also warms up really quickly—I started on the heat setting 6, which was perfect for me.” When you’re ready to use, simply set the timer for up to 60 minutes (the brand suggests starting small and working your way up). The portable pick is easy to wipe down post-use and easily fold for speedy storage. What tester says: Creative director Danielle Vogt says this relaxing blanket is a “great way to wind down after work.” She uses it first thing in the morning to warm up before a cup of coffee–and says the the 10-minute heat-up time is impressive. She also calls out the luxe, leathery exterior and compares the device to a super fancy sleeping bag that makes you sweat. The only changes Vogt would make to the design would be a slightly longer cord for the controller and a control unit that used Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. Otherwise she sums it up, “I’ve wanted a sauna blanket for a while now, but I wasn’t sure if it was worth the investment. Turns out I know myself pretty well because I love this thing and I’m never going back.” And while the standard 71-inch length of a sauna blanket might not cut it for taller folks, this LifePro design boasts an extra 5 inches. It’s not a huge addition, but the added space can make all the difference for tall folks hoping to try out this popular tech. Plus, every purchase comes with two space blankets (what you see runners using after a race) to help trap heat inside for an extra bump of heat to your treatment—a bonus considering a few reviewers feel this blanket doesn’t get hot enough. What Customers Say: Other standout elements include a built-in timer, adjustable heat settings, and a waterproof head pillow that won’t absorb sweat. There’s also a special layer of 96 smooth jade and tourmaline stones added to help more evenly disperse heat across the body. Best of all, it comes with a sleek carrying case to take your treatment on the go—a low-risk venture between the three-year warranty and lifetime trade-in program (which gives you a new blanket 50% off when you trade one in). What Our Tester Says: Deputy commerce editor Braelyn Wood gave this infrared sauna blanket a go after it was featured in our longevity gift guide: “As someone that overheats easily, I’ve always struggled with saunas. I know the benefits, but I dislike feeling like I’m struggling to breathe in a hot room. An infrared sauna blanket was my perfect solution; the slip-in design covers my body but allows my face to skip the treatment. While the heat offered by the blanket isn’t smothering, it will make you sweat, especially if you’re prone to extra perspiration like me. I found it was equivalent to a Barry’s workout but less sweat than a hot yoga class.” Overall, she was impressed with the blanket and loved how easy it was to set up a treatment. The only improvements she could imagine would be a zip-up closure, which would feel more luxe. She also would’ve loved a way for her arms to stay free during the treatment, like some other designs—but she know that’s a reflection of her need to always go-go-go, rather than the design itself."
- Start Slow: She recommends starting with 10 to 15 minute sessions, warning that it’s “not a competition” to maximize time.
- Know When To Stop: Butner says it’s also important to understand when to stop, warning “blankets shut off after 50 minutes, which is both for safety (electrical hazard) and to not overwhelm the body with the release of toxins.”
- Rehydrate: “Replete your water stores with with alkaline electrolyte water,” she advises. “Detox is all about having enough nutrients and enough hydration to adequately allow for toxins to flush out of your system, therefore, staying hydrated is key.”
- Relax: Butner’s final words of wisdom: “Do not go for a long run or expect yourself to have total concentration capacity after an intense sweat session. Gift yourself the downtime after a sauna session and allow your parasympathetic nervous system to take over and promote the rest and digest actions that your body so lovingly deserves and craves.”
