6 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets: According to Doctors

Spending time in the sauna is a truly luxurious adventure. The warmth relaxes and soothes your body, bringing feelings of peace and rejuvenation. It hasn’t been that easy to visit spas recently due to the pandemic, but why should we give up this incredible feeling?

If you want to relax and enjoy all the benefits of a sauna from the comfort of your home, an infrared sauna blanket may be your solution. It has many benefits, including detoxification, pain and inflammation reduction, and it’s a great way to lose weight.

Below we take a look at what infrared sauna blankets are, how they work, the best devices on the market, and information on how to properly prepare for your first session.

What is an infrared sauna blanket?

An infrared sauna blanket is an all-around slim, soft and flexible infrared heat source that gives the feel of a conventional sauna. It looks like a large duvet with heating elements that cover the entire area of the device.

These blankets solve a long-standing problem in the sauna world. For example, if you cannot be in a conventional sauna for a long time due to health problems (asthma, claustrophobia, severe neurotic diseases, and cancer) or if it is inconvenient to have it at home, an infrared blanket is an excellent alternative.

Also called a dry-heat sauna, an infrared blanket heated up with electricity produces far-infrared heat that penetrates deeper compared to the conventional sauna. In addition, an infrared blanket heats your body to make you sweat 25% faster than the traditional one.

How do infrared sauna blankets work?

The goal of an infrared sauna session is to create a comfortable and soothing experience where you can relax, detoxify and sweat.

Infrared saunas use penetrating dry heat that allows you to breathe normally without feeling like you’re suffocating from hot, steamy air. This means you can enjoy the benefits of infrared even if you have respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even heart disease.

The heat is generated by infrared light which warms up objects (like your body) rather than the surrounding air; allowing you to get more radiant heat with less energy. 

The infrared energy can penetrate your skin up to 1 inch deep, allowing it to boost available blood flow and encourage your body’s natural mechanisms for detoxification. Once you are heated up, sweat glands produce fluid (perspiration) which helps eliminate toxins from your body.

Top-6 infrared sauna blankets

Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3

Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is a high-intensity infrared therapy delivering a great detox. It works by harnessing the body’s natural thermal-infrared technology to enhance perspiration.

The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 will allow users to reap the many benefits of infrared therapy without having to enter a conventional sauna due to feeling too hot, claustrophobic, etc.

The device has 8 temperature settings (ranging from 68 ℉ — 158 ℉) unlike other devices below, in which only 3 modes can be offered. This makes it one of the best for heat-sensitive people as it has the lowest temperature starting point and the most accurate temperature setting to suit your needs. Also, it features an advanced microprocessor that will automatically adjust the temperature to your preferred setting.

The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 will allow you to maintain a healthy lifestyle by offering:

• Relief from joint and muscle pain;
• Stress level reduction;
• Improved hydration by encouraging up to 1.5 liters of sweat per session;
• Enhanced toxin removal through perspiration, resulting in better sleep patterns.

Unlike other devices, this blanket also has layers of amethyst, tourmaline, and charcoal, all of which are premium non-toxic fabrics.

Altratech Far Infrared Sauna Blanket

Altratech Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is a more affordable option, unlike the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3, for those who are looking to try out the benefits of a far-infrared blanket without spending too much on it. It has been designed to produce all the benefits that you can get from a more expensive version of a far infrared sauna blanket.

It is made of high-grade Oxford fabric and thus promises complete comfort, unlike other versions such as Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket or Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket, which are made from polyurethane.

You will be able to beat your fatigue and stress with this blanket as it focuses all the energy in one spot directly onto your body. It is also known for its ability to detox your body and lose weight simultaneously. It also helps in balancing out your blood pressure, improving sleep, soothes menstrual cramps, and alleviates all kinds of pain. 

You will love this blanket if you are a fan of high temperatures, as the maximum reaches 185 ℉, which is almost 20% higher than the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3. However, you don’t need to worry about overheating, as it is equipped with an automatic shutdown mechanism if the temperature will go out of range.

Also, it is lightweight so that you don’t feel uncomfortable while using it at any height or weight. It is available in a size of 70’’ x 32’’ (177 cm x 81 cm), making it suitable for most. 

MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket

MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great health product for those who want to detoxify their body, cleanse the skin, and improve their overall wellbeing. This device is also used by elite athletes to improve blood flow and circulation, relax muscles, and accelerate post-workout recovery.

MiHIGH infrared blanket can reach temperatures up to 177 °F, perfect for detoxification purposes without leaving your home. However, if you need a higher temperature, you can check out the Altratech Far Infrared Sauna Blanket (up to 185 °F).

The device is made with high-quality material and is durable enough to use for a long time. A waterproof lining is used inside the duvet, which is very easy to clean.

It has safety features that keep it from overheating or wasting energy. The sauna is easy to set up and you can start using it in less than 5 minutes after receiving the product at your door, by following simple 3 steps instructions found in the manual.

It has a strong folding structure and comes with a carrying case, unlike Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket. This makes it easy to take the sauna with you on trips and vacations.

Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket

Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is a must-have for everyone who wants to enjoy good health and long life. This blanket is made of high-quality polyurethane material and inside-waterproof PVC as Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket. It is easy to sweat in the sauna blanket, and waterproofing ensures that you are not electrocuted.

Using this blanket in your daily life will not only improve your health but also increase your concentration and reduce stress. It is also a great weight loss solution. With this device, you can lose up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes.

Vinmax Sauna Blanket has 3 levels of heat control which you can choose from depending on your personal preference. It also comes with an infrared remote controller, allowing you to adjust the temperature whenever desired. This blanket has hand zippers, so you can scroll social media or read using the sauna blanket, unlike other devices on the list.

In addition, Vinmax Sauna Blanket features 2 USBs, making it very convenient when traveling. The only thing missing here is a carrying case like in the MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket.

Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket

Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great product that is very effective in terms of the result provided. 

The outside of the device is made of high-quality polyurethane, the inside is waterproof PVC with velcro to keep it warm, which is an excellent conductor of electromagnetic waves and heat as well as far-infrared rays (FIR). This blanket will give you the same benefits that can be attained by spending hours in front of an expensive far infrared sauna unit. 

The blanket comes in a standard size of about 66″x 32″ (168 x 81 cm). However, if you need a larger size, note Altratech Far Infrared Sauna Blanket. 

The device is very easily operated and works with 3 independent heating zones that can be individually selected: upper body, waist, and lower body. This gives you the ability to vary the temperature to suit your needs and target specific areas of pain or inflammation. Instead of warming your entire body from shoulder pain, you can simply target your upper body. What makes this device unique. Since most others do not have this feature.

TTLIFE Far Infrared Sauna Blanket

TTLIFE Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is one of the best health improvements investment you can make for yourself, your family, and your loved ones. It’s such a great way to soothe your muscles after exercise or sports activity, relieve stress, and improve your sleep quality.

This sauna blanket is a light and small infrared heating system without the high cost — the price of this device is almost 5 times lower than the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3, however, it is not inferior in benefits. 

The style TTLIFE Sauna Blanket provides a very comfortable and pleasant way to sweat out the impurities from your body. The far infrared rays penetrate deep into your skin to increase blood circulation, detoxify the body and boost metabolism. It’s a good choice for those seeking an effective method of natural weight loss, or for anyone looking for a relaxing sauna experience regularly.

The temperature is adjustable from 95 to 167 °F, and the built-in timer allows you to enjoy a quick sauna session for 15 minutes or detox for an hour. The high-quality PU material is waterproof and flexibly stretchable in a variety of positions, like the Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket and the Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket.

All-in-all it’s an amazing wellness accessory that is very helpful for your health. You can use the TTLIFE Sauna Blanket daily to help you shed excess water weight and slim down. 

Far infrared vs near-infrared sauna blankets: what’s the difference?

Not all infrared sauna blankets are created equal. Apart from size, style, and cost, the main difference between different types of infrared saunas is the type of wavelength they emit.

The infrared light spectrum consists of near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths. There are advantages associated with all three types of wavelengths.

• Far Infrared

Far infrared wavelengths penetrate the deepest through the skin and into the body, making far infrared saunas the preferred choice for those seeking the most powerful healing properties.

The best devices in this infrared range include Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket and Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket.

• Mid-infrared

Mid-infrared is believed to help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

• Near-infrared

The more superficial effects of near-infrared wavelengths may have benefits, including potential skin healing. Try MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket to take advantage of this infrared range.

Some infrared sauna blankets, called “full-spectrum” models, emit all three types of wavelengths through separate heating elements.

Do infrared sauna blankets really work? Based on scientific research

Infrared sauna blankets are infrared panels, which are used for radiant heat therapy. The advantage of these kinds of panels is their ability to emit the same kind of light that the human body emits. 

It sounds like a very beneficial product considering that it can be used without heating an entire room, but how effective are they? Infrared blankets are just beginning to be researched, however, they have the same effect as infrared saunas, which is why we included studies with them.

There have been several studies that have looked at the use of infrared saunas to treat chronic health problems. These include improving heart health, such as lowering high blood pressure and treating chronic heart failure, as well as pain relief.

A study [1] was involving 40 patients with CHF (chronic heart failure) were divided into control (20) and Waon therapy Waon therapy is a form of thermal treatment in a far infrared-ray dry sauna maintained at a temperature of 60°C. (20) groups. All patients also received standard drugs for the treatment of CHF. The Waon therapy group received treatment daily for 4 weeks. As a result, improvement in cardiac and vascular function was observed in patients.

In the next study [2], 28 patients were divided into a sauna group (14 patients) and a non-sauna group (14 patients). The therapy was carried out in a dry, far infrared sauna at 60 °C for 15 minutes and then bed rest with an infrared blanket for 30 minutes once a day for 2 weeks. As a result, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the sauna group were significantly lower than in the other one. These data suggest that infrared therapy protects against atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease that leads to a heart attack.

The following study [3] examines the effects of infrared saunas on pain relief. 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated over 4 weeks with a series of eight infrared sauna treatments. As a result, the pain and stiffness were relieved. Patients felt comfortable during and especially after treatment.

Apart from this, infrared heat also takes place in the additional recovery of athletes after intense training and in the prevention of injury.

The next study [4] aimed to investigate the effects of far-infrared radiation on strength recovery in athletes. 10 participants used a full-body infrared blanket (40 minutes at 50 ºC) every evening for 4 consecutive days. As a result, infrared heat was shown to restore neuromuscular activity. Improved recovery can promote more intense training and can further accelerate athletic development.

Also, research shows that infrared radiation (including infrared saunas) can help weight loss.

A two-stage study [5] showed that an increase in core body temperature leads to a decrease in body fat. The researchers concluded that people who used an infrared sauna three times a week for 30 minutes per session lost an average of 4 percent body fat over four months. For a 175 pound man, that translates into seven pounds of weight loss.

The last study [6] was conducted on 45 overweight men. They underwent four sessions of infrared saunas of 10 minutes each. As a result, it was noted that this treatment led to a significant decrease in body weight (0.65 kg per session).

How to prepare for an infrared sauna blanket session

Infrared sauna blankets are becoming more and more popular throughout the world as a way to detoxify, lose weight and increase your energy. More importantly, it is a key factor in the battle of diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and heart disease.

Infrared sauna blankets have been around for nearly a decade yet less than 1% of the population has experienced the benefits of an infrared sauna. That being said, 99% of the population has no idea what to expect their first time inside an infrared sauna.

Preparing for your first infrared sauna session is crucial to experiencing all the benefits of infrared sauna therapy.

💧 Drink lots of water

Being hydrated will make you feel more comfortable because the sauna heats the body from inside, as well as outside. The blanket can become very hot and dry out your skin if not enough water is consumed before and after the session.

⌚ Remove all metal objects such as earrings, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry

The blanket emits infrared waves, which can damage the items if they are made of metal.

👕 Wear a T-shirt and shorts made of natural fabrics

Stay away from tight clothing and leather, silk, or polyester materials when using the infrared sauna blanket, due you may risk overheating because of the retentive power of these materials.

✔ Check the sauna blanket before using it

Test the sauna before you begin to see how hot your skin gets and what setting gives you the most comfortable feeling. To prevent burns, check the temperature of your skin every 5 minutes.

👩‍⚕️ Consult your doctor before getting the blanket treatment

If you have a preexisting health condition – such as heart disease – consult your doctor before getting the blanket treatment. In addition, stay away from alcohol, stimulants, and caffeine during that time because they may dehydrate the body even more.

Your session should not be longer than 15 minutes if this is your first time. We advise you to simply relax and focus on deep breathing for the entire session.

After the session, you will experience some discomfort, similar to that of pushing yourself within your workout routine. But the next day you will feel great, and ready for your second seance.

📌 Please remember that everyone is different and therefore responds differently to infrared exposure. If you experience dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms that make you anxious, postpone using the infrared sauna blanket.

Summary

An infrared sauna blanket is one of the most interesting health and fitness products. It has been used for many years, but recently it got its popularity due to the numerous scientific studies — scientists prove that infrared saunas positively influence our biological processes and help us maintain a better general condition. Some people even use an infrared blanket for muscle pain relief or weight loss. 

However, it is worth remembering that infrared saunas are not suitable for everyone. For example, if you or someone in your family has a cardiovascular or respiratory disease — consult with your doctor before using it.

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