If you’ve never done much research about sauna blankets, you may find choosing one difficult. Knowing what makes one different from the next can take a lot of research.
While most sauna blankets use the same infrared technology, not all sauna blankets are the same. Given how many brands there are in the market, understanding the differences in the materials, quality, features, and extras available may make purchasing one easier.
Sauna blankets are a great portable alternative to a traditional infrared cabin sauna. Figuring out exactly which one you’d like to add to your home self-care routine may be challenging, so read on to get the details on the differences between the most popular sauna blankets on the market.
What are the different kinds of sauna blankets?
Identifying which features, materials, and extras correspond to your household’s sauna blanket usage will help you fine-tune your purchasing decision. Some of the different kinds of sauna blankets include:
- Multipurpose Sauna Blanket
- Easily Portable Sauna Blanket
- Sauna Blanket for Muscle Recovery
- Budget-Friendly Sauna Blanket
Multipurpose Sauna Blanket
Suppose you want a sauna blanket with hundreds of 5-star reviews for everything from promoting muscle recovery to having an easy-to-use remote with a long cord. In that case, the higherDOSE V4 Infrared Sauna Blanket may be the one for you.
The higherDOSE sauna blanket is made with easy-to-clean, non-VOC, and non-toxic polyurethane leather, with an updated 2022 design that offers an industrial zipper instead of velcro. It elevates your spa experience with added crystal therapy, magnets, clay, and low electric and magnetic fields (EMFs).
HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
The HigherDOSE sauna blanket increases the body’s thermal energy and promotes a temporary increase in blood flow that can produce sweat and help burn calories.
Use coupon code "saunahelper" at HigherDOSE.com for 15% off!!
How does it work?
Thermal energy heats your body from the inside out. This promotes circulation, improves skin tone, and provides deep relaxation.
The far infrared technology and single heating zone use 4-5 amps of electricity and have an auto timer that will shut off after one hour.
How should you use it?
You’ll need a flat surface to use your higherDOSE sauna blanket. Their website suggests a yoga mat or massage table as good options.
Simply roll out the sauna blanket, use a towel as a barrier, set your temperature (range between 68° and 158°), and wait about 10 minutes for it to warm up.
After you’ve completed your healthy sweat session, let your body cool down for 15 minutes or so, then finish with a cool shower.
How long should you stay in it?
If you’re new to sauna blankets, you may need to start slow. Sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes at a lower heat may work well for a beginner.
HigherDOSE recommends a 30-45 minute session to achieve optimal perspiration.
How do you clean it?
Keeping a dry towel nearby will be an easy way to wipe away any sweat that didn’t get absorbed by your barrier towel.
Sanitizing the blanket with a gentle wipe or spray is always recommended. Choose something that won’t be abrasive but will eliminate bacteria.
Easily Portable Sauna Blanket
If you find yourself always on the go and want to experience the benefits of a traditional sauna wherever you are, choosing a sauna blanket that is easily portable will fit the bill.
At under 20 lbs, the small folding lifepro RejuvaWrap Sauna blanket comes with a carrying case and face towel, making it a preferred option for frequent travelers.
How does it work?
RejuvaWrap uses far infrared technology and offers temperatures that range from 77 to 176°.
The lifepro sauna blanket has a timer that can be set from 5-60 minutes, fits a maximum circumference of ~65 inches, and promises to assist with weight loss, detoxification, tissue regeneration, and relaxation.
How should you use it?
Slip into the RejuvaWrap, velcro at the side and bottom, set your temperature and time, then relax!
The lifepro website suggests using specific temperature ranges to get the maximum results for your desired outcome. For example, optimal results for the elimination of pain and inflammation occur in the range of 113-131°, but weight loss and detox results are better at 131-149°.
How long should you stay in it?
Your tolerance is the ultimate determiner of how long to stay in any sauna blanket, but lifepro does make a suggestion.
30-minute sessions, four times per week, can offer increased circulation and improved metabolism.
How do you clean it?
After the Rejuvawrap has cooled down, wipe the inside and outside of your blanket with a mild detergent or anti-bacterial wipe.
Sauna Blanket for Muscle Recovery
It doesn’t matter whether your workout is your most or least favorite time of the day; using a sauna blanket that improves muscle recovery is always a bonus. We found one sauna blanket backed by the UFC, professional athletes, and sporting organizations.
The MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket V2 claims you can burn 300-600 calories per session. It comes with a carrying case, has a detachable remote, and has positive reviews from Celebrity Trainers, Professional Rugby players, boxers, and more.
How does it work?
As with most sauna blankets, MiHIGH uses far infrared technology to penetrate the skin and promote recovery, rejuvenation, and relaxation.
How should you use it?
Lay your V2 sauna blanket on a flat surface (like your bed or couch) and use the detachable remote to begin preheating to your desired temperature.
Lie down, zip yourself into the waterproof sauna blanket, and enjoy the deep penetrating heat and detoxifying sweat.
How long should you stay in it?
MiHIGH suggests a 30-60 minute session, depending on available time and level of tolerance.
How do you clean it?
A quick interior wipe-down with a cloth and spray does the trick.
Budget-Friendly Sauna Blanket
Even on sale, the $500-$600 price tag on most popular sauna blankets may price you out of the market. One standout that is often priced below $400 is the REVIIV Sauna Blanket Pro.
The REVIIV Sauna Blanket comes with a carrying case, is lightweight at just over 19 lbs, and promises to burn 600 calories per 30 minutes.
How does it work?
The premium carbon fiber heating wires deliver far infrared technology and low EMF heating in the comfort of your own home or office.
How should you use it?
Lie inside the blanket and fasten it around you with the wide velcro strap. Set your temperature and time (it will automatically shut off after 60 minutes), and enjoy!
How long should you stay in it?
REVIIV doesn’t give a specific guideline for how long your session should be but does boast that 30 minutes in the sauna blanket will give you a better calorie burn than a 30-minute jog.
How do I clean it?
Cleaning your REVIIV sauna blanket is similar to cleaning a yoga mat. Wipe away any sweat, and then use a mild detergent with a clean cloth to disinfect.
Potential benefits and risks of using a sauna blanket
Sauna blankets generally offer similar benefits and risks. This isn’t to say that they’re all the same, as the sections above have proved that one sauna blanket might have features that others don’t.
Listed below are the general benefits of using a sauna blanket and potential risks that users must be aware of.
Benefits:
- Can help with weight loss
- Detoxifying
- Helps burn calories
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduce pain in muscles and joints
Risks:
- Dehydration
- Overheating, which may lead to heat stroke
- Lightheadedness
- May cause claustrophobia
- Burns
Now you are loaded with information on how sauna blankets are not all the same. Take the first step and determine how you want to use your sauna blanket, and then use this quick reference guide to make your final purchasing decision.