Sauna Blanket Results (What Experts Say)

Once upon a time, sauna blankets and other infrared thermal devices were merely a far-fetched health craze. Nowadays, sauna blankets are a popular, accessible, and affordable alternative to infrared saunas, backed by a growing body of scientific research. 

Using a sauna blanket increases metabolism and circulation, and it induces perspiration (sweat) that helps clear certain toxins like heavy metals and Bisphenol A (BPA) from your body. Sauna blankets are known for providing pain relief and can play a part in helping you lose weight, too.

Here, we discuss in more detail the results you can expect from your sauna blanket, the pros and cons of using one, and what both health experts and customers have to say about sauna blankets.

Realistic results of using a sauna blanket

The body of research available on sauna blankets is still small, but there’s plenty of credible evidence for the benefits of infrared therapy. 

However, don’t be misled by ridiculous claims of light having magical properties. Infrared radiation is merely energy with a longer wavelength than visible light, and most of the direct health effects we see from IR therapy are the results of IR’s ability to penetrate and heat your body (in other words, provide directed energy) below the surface of the skin. 

There are some indications that IR light can energize and speed up the work of certain cellular components (looking at you, mitochondria!), basically stimulating biological functions by altering the body at the molecular levels. 

That said, the effects of simply getting hot and sweaty can be worth your while!

What are the other potential benefits of using a sauna blanket?

Infrared therapy has several therapeutic benefits, and utilizing a sauna blanket to obtain those benefits can be rewarding in and of itself.

Below are benefits associated with Infrared (IR) or heat therapy:

• Increased circulation
• Increased metabolism
• Detox of heavy metals, BPA, some organochlorine compounds, and phthalates by sweating
• Pain relief
• Weight loss
• Mood boosting and stress relief

Pros of using a sauna blanket to reap those rewards:

• More affordable than going to (or installing!) a regular sauna
• Little to no maintenance
• Easy to clean
• Portable and easy to store
• No need to leave the house
• Multitaskable – read, listen to music, watch tv, all while earning the benefits of a sauna bath!

Are there any potential negatives to using a sauna blanket?

Sauna blankets are generally recognized as safe for most populations. However, people with chronic health problems, pregnant people, and children should talk with their doctor before hopping into a sauna.

Except for ambiance, most of the potential drawbacks to using a sauna blanket echo those of regular box IR saunas:

• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure after use
• Electrolyte imbalance and/or muscle cramps
• Contact burns – uncommon and easily avoidable by wearing socks, long pants, and long sleeves

Sauna blanket-specific cons include:

• Restricted movement/ motion while in the blanket
• Missing out on the ambiance and community experience of a traditional sauna. 

What people say about sauna blankets

Experts are cautiously optimistic, and consumers seem collectively satisfied and even pleased with their sauna blankets. 

In one article, Doctor Amy Shah, M.D., reiterates the benefits of short-term stress on health over the long term, adding, “saunas are another stressor with beneficial downstream effects.” In the same article, doctor Roxanna Namavar, D.O., delights in how infrared therapy is a safe way to expose even heat-sensitive people to “just the right amount of stress.”

People who own sauna blankets often can’t wait to tell you how much they love using them. On her blog, Emily Henderson writes about the improved quality of sleep she experiences after using her HigherDOSE sauna blanket, as well as an enormous improvement in her mood as a result. Kelly Martin at Goop loves to emerge from her weekly sauna blanket sessions “feeling glowy, loosened up, and satisfied.”

This is the general consensus of reviews posted on the websites of sauna blanket companies. Consumers report finding relief from various health concerns and are mostly elated over the tension-melting effects they feel almost immediately after finishing their sauna blanket session. 

What are the best sauna blankets?

While infrared has the same positive effects whether you’re in a sauna cabin or using a sauna blanket, the latter is far more convenient. They are portable, heat up quickly, are inexpensive to operate, and are simple to store when not in use.

If you want to have your very own sauna blanket, some brands on the market today consistently rank the highest among users and reviewers.

• HigherDOSE
• MiHigh
• Sun Home
• Heat Healer

HigherDOSE ($599)

• The HigherDOSE blanket tends to find its way into the top 3 of almost every online ranking for sauna blankets. With thousands of positive reviews, this is really no surprise! Customers appreciate its ease of use and the quality of materials and build, though some feel it doesn’t quite get hot enough.

The stats:

• Maximum Temperature of 158℉
• One heating zone
• 8 temperature settings to choose from
• Automatic 1-hour timer
• Low EMF
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 1-year warranty

MiHigh ($499)

• With materials and construction that rival HigherDOSE, many customers consider the MiHigh blanket to be one of the best investments they’ve made recently.

The stats:

• Adjustable temperature range 95℉-165℉
• 30-day risk-free trial
• Quality materials and construction
• Burns up to 300-600 calories per session
• Low EMF
• 30-60 minute timer

Sun Home ($499)

• Boasting 213 glowing 5-star reviews out of the 215 total reviews on their website (the other two reviews gave 4 stars), Sun Home Saunas’ sauna blanket is universally loved by customers for its ease of use and rapid heating, which is ideal for recovery and pain relief.

The stats:

• Adjustable temperature range 95℉-167℉
• 1-year warranty
• Heats up in just over 5 minutes, depending on the desired temperature
• 30-60 minute timer
• One heating zone

Heat Healer ($498)

Heat Healer blankets use a heat-resistant amide material (like astronauts’ space suits) instead of the polyurethane or other plastic waterproof linings found in most other sauna blankets. Customers almost unanimously adore this blanket, though some have difficulty returning it to its carry case for storage or travel.

The stats:

• Durable and portable (24 pounds)
• Travel bag included with blanket purchase
• Adjustable timer
• Adjustable temperature with a maximum at 176℉
• Three independent heat zones
• Low EMF
• 2-year warranty