The 10 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets for a Swift Post-Workout Recovery

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Believe it or not, you don’t have to buy a membership at a gym with a sauna or trek all the way to your favorite spa to get your sweat on. Just like the best candles, shower steamers, and products that will make your bathroom feel like a spa, adding an infrared sauna blanket to your arsenal can make your home feel like your own personal wellness haven.

“Infrared technology mimics the power of the sun and stimulates healing on a cellular level,” say HigherDOSE co-founders Lauren Berlingeri and Katie Kaps. “An infrared sauna blanket uses infrared rays to heat the blanket directly–versus how traditional steam saunas heat the air–and penetrate deep below the skin to raise our core temperatures, which helps with detoxification, relaxation, burning calories, pain relief, rapid post-workout recovery, anti-aging, improved circulation, and more.”

While you might hear “infrared” and think “radiation,” there’s nothing to worry about. Many infrared sauna blankets “have low EMF (Electric and Magnetic Fields, or radiation) or zero EMFs to minimize exposure,” explains longevity and regenerative medicine doctor Neil Paulvin. Even devices that do emit radiation do so at such low levels that it isn’t believed to be a concern.

We consulted a bevy of experts, tested a couple of devices, and looked through scores of customer reviews ourselves to make shopping for one a whole lot easier for you. Below, scroll through the best infrared sauna blankets on the market.

Infrared Sauna Blanket

The Heat Healer blanket features EMF-blocking technology that prevents any harmful radiation from penetrating the body and is made with certified non-toxic materials. Plus, it has a large temperature range and is lined with jade and tourmaline to absorb and evenly distribute heat. For ultimate relaxation, the blanket also comes with a waterproof pillow, user-friendly controller, and is extra long to accomodate taller folks, too. And just in case you need any more convincing, stars like Kourtney Kardashian and Miranda Kerr are fans of this model.

Temperature Range: Highest is 176°F

Settings: 7

Size: 75 inches long, 69 inches circumference

Heat Healer rating: 5/5

A Heat Healer reviewer says: “First thing first, I’m 6’6,” and Heat Healer was the only sauna blanket that could fit me. It’s easy to start up and connect, getting in is kind of tough but not major. Does it work? Yes. At first I didn’t feel like it was working, but I was completely wrong. I was drenched in sweat, I had it level 9 that’s the highest! My muscles felt loose and I felt light.”

Infrared Sauna Blanket

HigherDOSE’s sauna blanket is one of the most well-known versions around and is recommended by several of our experts. “This quality infrared sauna blanket uses non-toxic materials to bring all the benefits of infrared saunas into your home,” says Dr. Paulvin. In addition to featuring customizable heat settings from one to 8, it has a unique charcoal, clay, and magnetic layer (as well as the crystal and infrared ones) to help draw out pollutants and further boost blood flow and circulation.

This blanket is also one of my personal favorites, and I’ve tried several versions of it as it’s been updated. Not only have I found the line to heat up quickly, but I always feel calmer and less tense after every use.

Temperature Range: Maximum 158°F

Settings: 8

Size: 71 x 71 inches unfolded

HigherDOSE rating: 4.9/5 stars

A HigherDOSE reviewer says: “Finally sprang for one of these, and it was well worth it. Maine winters can make my back and joints cranky, and this does the trick. I am still using it at a midpoint setting, slowly increasing. It’s easier to get in and out of than I thought.”

Infrared Sauna Blanket

“This budget-friendly infrared sauna blanket is perfect if you aren’t looking to spend that much money on your blanket,” says Dr. Paulvin. “It also includes heatless arm sleeves for added comfort,” he says, and the temperature can be programmed manually up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. From my experience, it can get very hot and a bit claustrophobic in other sauna blankets when your arms are up against your body inside, so having these non-heated sleeves that allow for easy movement makes this a good option for someone who’s restless or tends to overheat. While you may not get all of the benefits of keeping your arms inside the blanket, it’s nice that they’re still covered versus completely out in the air.

Temperature Range: Maximum 176°F

Settings: Up to 60-minute timer

Size: 70 x 32 inches

Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have had sleeping problems recently, so I decided to buy this one to try. The pink color is what I like. I set the heat to 60 degrees, turned on some music, and pre-heated for 15 minutes. After using it, I slept like a baby last night! The price is good for this quality, better than other high-priced brands. I love the relaxation and calm it gives me—extremely beneficial for muscles and joints after workouts.”

Sauna Wrap

Designed to be used alone or in tandem with the brand’s red light therapy Lipo Wrap, Nushape’s infrared sauna wrap is designed to boost lymphatic drainage to help decrease bloating and swelling—working to give you a more sculpted look while simultaneously soothing pain and stress. The blanket also emits zero EMF, which means you’re getting no exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Temperature Range: 95°F–167°F

Settings: 30–75 minute setting

Size: 71 x 83 inches

A Nushape reviewer says: “I can’t say enough about my wraps! It’s like having a spa day every day!”

Infrared Sauna Blanket

If simplicty is what you need, Careboda’s got it, while still providing everything you need for an at-home sauna experience. It heats up both the front of your body and the back of it to up to 158°F and comes with its own portable bag to make it easier to take it with you on the go.

Temperature Range: Maximum 158°F

Settings: 20–60 minute timer

Size: 71 x 31.5 inches

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The material is of a nice quality, and everything works very well. It will heat up pretty fast, and if you want the ‘full’ sauna experience, you can get pretty hot pretty quickly. I usually prefer to use a lower temperature, around 115, so I can stay in longer. It is also important to prepare by wearing comfortable clothing that you don’t mind sweating in, since you’re going to if you want. Bare skin will get a little messy, but I suppose if you want to do that, it’s definitely possible.”

Far Infrared Sauna Blanket

For those who can truly handle the heat, Reviiv’s sauna blanket can be warmed to up to a whopping 185 degrees Fahrenheit. It also allows you to program the exact temperature you want and is designed to be non-bulky, making it a great option for travel or anyone who’s tight on space.

Temperature Range: 85–185°F

Settings: Up to 60 minutes

Size: 71 x 36 inches

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I received this REVIIV Infrared sauna blanket as a gift and was so pleased when it arrived. I enjoy the different settings, which provide a wide range of heat. It comes with clear instructions, which makes it very easy to use. It also comes with a convenient bag to store it in and is easy to get back in.”

Rejuvawrap Infrared Sauna Blanket

There are five disposable sauna wraps included with this blanket that are meant to line the surface to keep it clean. These metallic wraps also trap even more body heat to promote sweating. Other bonus items include a head wrap–I never thought to use one until I tried this blanket out, but it’s super helpful when you’re sweating profusely–along with a storage bag. I found that I got a better sweat when I let the blanket heat up for a few minutes before I got in, which is a good practice with most sauna blankets.

Although it feels heavy when pulling it out of the box, I personally enjoyed how lightweight the top layer felt when I was sitting in it. It didn’t feel too restricting or like a weighted blanket like some others that I’ve tried. I was also super impressed by how easily the blanket folded back up inside the carrying case.

Temperature Range: 77–176°F

Settings: 9

Size: 71 x 36 inches

LifePro rating: 4.9/5 stars

A LifePro reviewer says: “I have used it about eight times so far and feel so relaxed and great afterwards. I really look forward to getting in it after a workout. The temperature goes higher than most other bags, which is where many of the benefits are derived according to studies, so I am glad I picked LifePro. I have mostly used it at the highest setting so I get a good sweat going.”

Infrared Sauna Blanket

This blanket has nearly 3,000 five-star reviews, with customers raving about how effective and simple it is to use. Rather than featuring velcro, it has industrial-grade zippers to help prevent heat from escaping. It also emits low EMF, can be heated from 95 degrees to a more intense 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and includes easy-to-clean materials. According to the brand, it’s “the trusted recovery tool for NBA, NFL, MLB, and UFC athletes.”

Temperature Range: 95–176°F

Settings: 30–60 minute timer

Size: 71 x 63 inches

Sun Home Saunas rating: 5/5 stars

A Sun Home Saunas reviewer says: “This infrared sauna blanket has changed my life. I am a 40-something athlete who has added this routine to my zen practice at the end of each day. Just about every day I lay down and take about 40 minutes to heal my body and calm my mind. I have seen significant improvement with inflammation and just a feeling of positive energy throughout, a somewhat euphoric feeling. I highly recommend the blanket for healing your mind, body, and soul.”

BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket

One of the best parts of using a sauna blanket is that you get to relax, but for most of us, that’s easier said than done. This sauna blanket has convenient zippers on each side that allow you to poke your arms out, whether you get too hot and claustrophobic midway through or you want to read a book or be on your phone the whole time. It also includes a few disposable sauna wraps to help minimize cleanup time. Uniquely, this blanket comes in two sizes: regular and large.

Temperature Range: 113–176°F

Settings: Up to 60-minute timer

Size: Regular 71 x 31 inches, Large 76 x 36 inches

LifePro rating: 4.8/5 stars

A LifePro reviewer says: “I purchased this sauna blanket with a little skepticism. After all, people say things just to get you to buy their products, and when you do, you are really disappointed because it does not live up to what it says it does. But I really must admit, this blanket is my all-time favorite thing in the world!! After a long day at work, I jump right into this thing and am immediately transformed! No aches, pains, no stress! Total relaxation! I even allowed my husband to use it (lol) and he was amazed at how well he slept at night and how refreshed he felt the next morning!”

Infrared Sauna Blanket V2

Out of all the styles on our list, this blanket most closely resembles a sleeping bag with its long, narrow, and zippered design that helps retain heat. While it does not come with any extra accessories, there is an additional kit that you can purchase, which has a towel insert, microfiber towels, a spray bottle, and headband.

Temperature Range: 95-167°F

Settings: Up to 60-minute timer

Size: 71-inch length

MiHIGH rating: 4.7/5 stars

A MiHIGH reviewer says: “I have had this blanket for about a month now and it has been wonderful after a workout. I have used the item at around the 6 to 7 range for 40 minutes and come out of the thing drenched.”

What are the benefits of a sauna blanket?

“Sauna blankets essentially create a cozy space to sweat it out,” explains Canyon Ranch Spa Director Sam Cooper. “Not only will your skin glow and your body relax, but the infrared sauna blanket will boost circulation and aid in muscle recovery post-workout, soothing sore muscles and reducing inflammation.” She recommends taking a cold shower after each session to combine the benefits of hot and cold therapies.

Are infrared sauna blankets safe?

“Infrared saunas are completely safe to use,” says Dr. Paulvin. In fact, many studies on infrared blankets have found them to have no adverse health effects. A few things to keep in mind, however: “Patients with nerve or heart issues should discuss with their doctor before use,” advises Dr. Paulvin. He adds that pregnant women should avoid using sauna blankets altogether as they can heat the body to high temperatures. Additionally, sauna blankets can exacerbate skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma, notes dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. So, if you struggle with either of these skin concerns, you may want to steer clear.

What to look for when choosing an infrared sauna blanket

Look for a style that fits your specific needs, says Dr. Paulvin. “Take into consideration the area you want to target and choose size accordingly,” he notes. “What’s more, every blanket contains different materials, so you may want to avoid certain materials that could irritate your skin type.” Some top-of-the-line options come with special features like a wide temperature range and personalized controls, but if you don’t need any extra bells and whistles, you can also opt for a more affordable, basic style.

How often can you use an infrared sauna blanket?

In general, three to five times a week is recommended, but there are some people who prefer to use a sauna blanket daily. If you fall into the latter bucket, it’s crucial that you’re getting enough water to compensate for excessive sweating. As with all things, using a sauna blanket in moderation is best.

What’s the best way to clean an infrared sauna blanket?

“We suggest keeping a dry towel handy to absorb any sweat left behind after each session,” say Lauren Berlingeri and Katie Kaps, the co-founders of HigherDOSE. After wiping down your blanket, use a nontoxic disinfectant wipe or spray to sanitize. “Leave the blanket open to dry and cool down completely before folding and packing away,” they add.

What should I wear in an infrared sauna blanket?

“We recommend wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks while in the blanket, as well as lining the blanket with a thick towel,” says Berlingeri and Kaps. “This will absorb any sweat released during your session and provide comfort while lying on top of the heat source.” Some blankets may come with a removable or disposable lining, but you can also purchase a sauna blanket insert such as the one HigherDose has.

Meet the Experts

Lauren Berlingeri and Katie Kaps are the co-founders of Higher Dose, a brand of at-home wellness tools including saunas and sauna blankets.

Dr. Neil Paulvin is a New York-based board-certified longevity and regenerative medicine doctor.

Sam Cooper is the Director of Spa, Beauty + Fitness for Canyon Ranch.

Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Why trust ELLE beauty

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. In terms of health and wellness, Lisa will try whatever the latest workout or lifestyle trend is and has visited her fair share of spas and treatment facilities that have some of the best saunas around. She also happens to have a few sauna blankets of her own that have allowed her to experience their long list of therapeutic benefits.

For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists as well as a handful of wellness experts to learn about the best sauna blankets and what to look for when shopping. She also personally tested a few blankets, and she and beauty writer Carol Lee looked over styles with hundreds of positive customer reviews, assessing each on the level of feedback provided and features included.

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