The 5 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets, Tested & Reviewed
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Get your sweat on.
InStyle / Reese Herrington
The residents of Finland have been locking themselves in rooms to sweat for nearly 2,000 years. This tradition that we call sauna has persisted through the millennia for good reason: Exceptional and very real health benefits, like relieving muscle tension, improving sleep quality, and boosting mood.
But, unless you happen to be a hardcore Finnish carpenter, chances are you’re not constructing a purpose-built room in your home or apartment that can heat up to 190 degrees in your home or apartment. Enter the infrared sauna blanket, with all the sweaty benefits of traditional sauna, but in an apartment-friendly, sleeping bag-style design.
We’re not fans of wasting money and these wellness tools aren’t cheap, so our team of InStyle editors laid and sweated in their sauna blankets four times a week for five weeks to determine which ones were worth the splurge. We investigated every angle of the sauna blanket experience, including a painless set up, as well as the degree of comfort we felt while lounging in our blankets, the amount of extra wiggle room our legs enjoyed, and the technical details, like the range of heat settings and convenient features. We huddled with our data and ranked each sauna blanket to provide you with this definitive list of the best at-home sauna blankets that are worth their weight in sweat.
Best Overall: LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket
What We Love: This blanket provides an undeniably rejuvenating feel and features a non-toxic, waterproof fabric.
What We Don’t Love: The highest heat setting might not be sufficient for those who are frequent sauna goers.
We selected LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket as our best overall choice, which we used once a week for three months. Although almost $400, this investment-worthy sauna blanket made us feel refreshed and energetic, simply after one use. The blanket—crafted from non-toxic, waterproof faux leather with layers of flexible cotton underneath—also came with handy accessories like a head towel, a carrying bag, and a pack of five disposable detox wraps to lay in for an ultra sweaty session.
We loved that the setup process was so effortless, with absolutely no hassle involved. First, we unfolded the blanket, spread it out on the floor, and plugged in the product cord. Then, we set the timer for 60 minutes on level eight. The panel allows you to select heat levels from one through eight and you can bake for up to an hour. And voila, just like that, we transported ourselves into a spa-like sauna.
If you’re new to the sauna game, we suggest starting off on the lower end of the heat spectrum. On the other hand, if you’re a frequent sauna-goer we think you’ll be comfortable using a higher level heat setting. In fact, you might even wish the temperature went even higher—we did notice that for those of us accustomed to regular exposure to sauna heat, we could’ve used another level or two. Also we would have preferred a pillow instead of the head towel that came with this sauna blanket.
Price at time of publish: $399
Material: Polyurethane leather, waterproof oxford fabric | Temperature Range: 77–176 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 8 settings with timer up to 1 hour | Dimensions: 71 in x 31 in unfolded | Weight: 18.21 pounds | Storage Case: Yes | Closure: Zipper
Best Budget: LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket
What We Love: For an affordable price, this blanket supplies ample heat, and it even features zippered slits on the side for your arms to move around freely.
What We Don’t Love: The material feels a bit too plasticky, we wish it was more soft.
If you want the spa-like treatment without those spa membership prices, consider the LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket, which we tested twice a week on average for an entire month. This soothing blanket increases your body temperature, helping you to accelerate your sweat level and release toxins. And we can confidently say that our sweat levels were through the roof. We even got a little too warm while sweating everything out, but we were easily able to give ourselves some air by unzipping the splits on the side of the blanket to rest our arms outside of the blanket. In fact, this was our favorite feature for moments we got too hot, but didn't want to jump all the way out.
And thanks to the long cord attached, we were able to use this blanket, which is about the size of a big sleeping bag, basically everywhere—from the floor to the sofa, and even in our beds. To boot, this affordable option was also far from cumbersome, and we could easily roll it up and store it in our closet, or keep it unfolded and slide it under our beds, which was key consideration, given the size of our NYC apartment.
As for features that we could have gone without, the interior of the blanket was a bit too plasticky. Also, this blanket did get very warm, and it might take some time to fully acclimate if you're sensitive to heat.
Price at time of publish: $199
Material: Polyurethane leather, waterproof oxford fabric | Temperature Range: 113–176 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 3 settings with timer up to 1 hour | Dimensions: 71 in x 36 in unfolded | Weight: 10.3 pounds | Storage Case: Yes | Closure: Zipper
Best Temperature Range: MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket by Gravity
What We Love: There are nine heat levels with temperatures from 95 degrees to 167 degrees, making this blanket great for sauna aficionados and beginners alike.
What We Don’t Love: The weight of the blanket is a bit much, which might feel comforting to some but not others.
If you’re the type to go from warm to hot in a flash like us, you’ll love the wide range of temperature settings on this sauna blanket so you can go back and forth quickly and easily if you get too warm. This sauna blanket offers an array of different levels from one to nine, ranging from 95 degrees to 167 degrees. This wide range of temperature options also makes this blanket an excellent choice for beginners who want to start at a hot (but not a Sahara- hot) level, and work their way up.
During each sweat session, we appreciated how we could just slide into the blanket, close our eyes, and not worry about a thing, thanks to the automatic shut off once the blanket hit our desired time setting. And when we got a little too toasty, we didn’t have to unzip the blanket and disrupt our experience, but instead we could just keep the remote handy and quickly dial it down. We fully condone slipping into this sauna blanket and catching up on a quick nap.
When we rolled out the blanket for the first time, it didn’t look bulky, but once we got inside, we were surprised at how roomy it was, allowing us to fully stretch out without hitting the sides. Perhaps it even had too much room. Because of its size, it did feel a bit like a weighted blanket—which might feel soothing for some, and uncomfortable for others.
Price at time of publish: $499
Material: Polyurethane leather exterior, waterproof fabric interior | Temperature Range: 95–167 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 9 settings with timer up to 1 hour | Dimensions: 62 in unfolded | Weight: 20.1 pounds | Storage Case: Yes | Closure: Zipper
Best Zero EMF: Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket
What We Love: The design of the blanket provides the safest sauna blanket experience on this list.
What We Don’t Love: It’s very large, so this blanket is not ideal for those who are limited in space.
EMF stands for electromagnetic fields, which, in non-marketing speak, is more commonly called radiation. This sounds worse than it is, as most EMF is not harmful; in fact, the light bulbs we use daily emit more EMF than an infrared sauna blanket. Designed with zero-EMF infrared coils, which are specifically designed to cut emissions to zero, this tech-forward blanket promises a totally safe experience.
Even better, it’s also designed with 96 jade and tourmaline stones to aid the body’s absorption process, as it disperses heat throughout the coils. When we unpacked and fully unrolled the blanket, we noticed the jade and tourmaline stones on the bottom side, and we made sure to place the cotton blanket inside over the stones to create a comfortable barrier. The stones felt incredible beneath our backs, almost as if we were receiving a mini-massage. We also loved the feeling of the pillow beneath our heads, as it allowed us to feel even more relaxed. We set the time for 50 minutes, and decided to unwind and flip through a book.
Although we enjoyed how we felt once inside the blanket, we weren’t huge fans of the set up process. One, the instructions didn’t mention what we should wear while inside the blanket, and we felt that this could've been a bit more explicit. And two, it was sort of annoying to unroll the blanket because of how large it was. We even struggled to fit it on our couch and had to remove some of the cushions to make it fit, but it was smooth sailing from there.
Price at time of publish: $508
Material: Premium heat resistant Aramid fabric | Temperature Range: 140–176 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 9 settings with timer up to 1 hour | Dimensions: 75 in x 69 in unfolded | Weight: 24 pounds | Storage Case: Yes | Closure: Zipper
Best for Muscle Recovery: HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
What We Love: The warmth of the blanket helped soothe our muscle aches.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn't come with a carrying case.
Dealing with achy muscles can be a chore on its own, so why not make things a bit easier for yourself by simply slipping into the HigherDose Sauna Blanket? This relaxing blanket uses infrared technology to elevate the body’s thermal energy, which in turn, increases blood flow through the body to get rid of lactic acid stored in your muscles.
To soothe our muscles, we decided to put this blanket to the test, using it everywhere from the bed to the couch. The instructions were very clear, and it didn’t take us long to begin our sweating process. And after just one hour of sweating, we noticed that our muscles felt much looser. There was also an overall feeling of flexibility, almost as if we had just completed a thorough stretching session. To wrap things up, we simply sprayed the blanket with a disinfectant spray and wiped it down.
However, we did notice that the HigherDose Sauna Blanket didn’t offer an option to select independent heating zones. For those who want to target muscle soreness, this might be a tad bit inconvenient. But aside from this minor nuisance, we would highly recommend incorporating this blanket into your post-workout routine in order to alleviate pain and boost recovery.
Price at time of publish: $699
Material: Non-toxic PU leather body with amethyst and tourmaline crystals | Temperature Range: 60–158 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 8 settings with timer up to 1 hour | Dimensions: 71 in x 71 in unfolded | Weight: 16.45 pounds | Storage Case: No | Closure: Zipper
Our Testing Process
We initiated our testing process by curating a list of the most coveted infrared sauna blankets on the market. Then we spent the next four weeks laying and sweating in our sauna blankets at home. As we laid in our respective blankets, we evaluated each one based on a specific set of criteria, including ease of set up, ease of use, design, and value. We also observed specific features such as temperature range, time settings, dimensions, and more. After going through this process, we narrowed down our picks to the five infrared sauna blankets that received the highest ratings.
What to Keep in Mind
Material
Infrared sauna blankets are typically constructed of synthetic materials, like polyurethane, or a blend of vegan and standard leathers. It’s important to look for materials that are free of solvents and other toxins, which have the potential to release gas.
The best infrared sauna blankets will provide proof that their materials have been independently tested by an accredited lab. These tests demonstrate whether their materials meet FCC standards for radiated emissions, SGS Labs for toxins and international safety standards, says Heat Healer founder, Lauren Dovey.
Temperature Range
Infrared, according to all of our experts, allows sauna blankets to operate at a lower temperature range while maintaining all of the expected benefits of the sauna experience. "Infrared sauna blankets can be much more tolerable for those who are sensitive to heat,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Macrene Alexiades.
But that’s not to say you shouldn’t crank it up. Personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, Samantha Altan reminds us that a traditional sauna reaches temperatures of 150-195 degrees. The lower temperatures offered by infrared sauna is one of the primary appeals. That means, according to Altan, you should be looking for a minimum temperature of 68 degrees and a maximum of around 158 degrees.
“A full-size infrared sauna generally is heated to between 110 and 135 degrees,” Altan says. “So you’ll definitely want your blanket to achieve those temperatures as well.”
If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s particularly important to consider the highest heat setting as well as the time it takes for the blanket to reach it. “Start with lower temperatures and shorter sessions, gradually increasing them as your tolerance builds,” suggests Dr. Tony Nakhla, a board-certified dermatologist with a practice in Orange County, California, He adds that dehydration can become a concern if you stay in the blanket too long, so keep a water bottle handy to prevent fluid loss.
Settings
All infrared sauna blankets are equipped with temperature settings, and some offer more specificity and customization than others. If you want to know exactly what temperature your blanket is heating to, look for models with more settings.
You’ll also likely want a model with a built-in timer, as recommended by board certified naturopath, Dr. Lana Butner. She and all our experts caution against the risk of dehydration when utilizing a sauna. Ensuring that your infrared sauna blanket sessions are long enough to allow you to reap the full benefits, but not overdoing it and risking dehydration is crucial.
Some models offer multiple heating zones, allowing you to more precisely control the temperature in different areas of the blanket. If, for example, you know you’d like your feet to stay cooler than your torso, this might be an appealing feature for you.
Size
Every body is different, says Dovey, so it’s important to make sure your individual body dimensions and preferences can be accommodated by the model you are purchasing.
"Some people can tend to feel a bit claustrophobic if the blanket is too tight or heavy,” warns Ominsky. If that sounds like you, make sure to look for roomier models.
Type of Closure
The best infrared sauna blankets generally utilize either a zip or a velcro closure. Zippers not only provide ease of accessibility, but they trap heat better, making them more energy efficient as well.
On the other hand, thick velcro closures, like the ones on these sauna blankets, were surprisingly strong and the two closures remained firmly together for the entire month of testing. Although if a bout of claustrophobia hits, it’s much faster to jump out of a velcro closure than a zipper. Velcro closures also allow the blanket to open completely flat, which can make cleaning and storing a bit easier.
Your Questions, Answered
How do infrared sauna blankets work?
Despite the scientific sounding name, the concept behind infrared sauna blankets is pretty simple, according to Dr. Alexiades. “Infrared saunas are just a newer spin on the traditional sauna experience,” she explains. “They focus on the infrared delivery of heat rather than other forms of heat production. Infrared rays heat up the body with less impact on the temperature of the room, but still induce the intense sweating that characterizes a sauna experience.”
An infrared sauna blanket delivers heat to your body through the air, similar to what you would experience in a cabin, just in a much smaller space. According to Dovey, this is what makes infrared sauna blankets so great: “A sauna blanket actually heats up quicker and is more energy efficient and space saving than a traditional cabin.”
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna blanket?
The benefits of infrared sauna mirror and even improve upon those of traditional sauna, according to all of our experts. Dr. Alexiades calls out that sauna has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure, while Ominsky says that many of her clients seek out sauna because it can reduce high blood pressure, increase metabolism and release toxins from the body.
Dr. Butner is particularly keen to highlight the detoxifying benefits. She says that internal organs, including the kidney, bowels, lymph nodes and lungs, reap major benefits from infrared therapy.
Dr. Alexiades agrees: "On the skin level, sauna use has been reported to not only flush out toxins, but also to remove dead skin cells, purge clogged pores, deliver fresh nutrient supplies to the epidermis, and help reduce the prevalence of stress-related skin breakouts.”
Meanwhile, Altan is a particular fan of sauna for the pain relief and muscle relaxation it can offer after a tough workout. “The heat of a sauna helps promote muscle relaxation by reducing muscle tension and eliminating lactic acid and other toxins that may be present,” she says. “Under the high-heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins which can also help to minimize pain. As the body temperature rises in the heat of the sauna, blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation, which in turn speeds the body’s natural healing process.”
Beyond the health benefits, the most obvious benefit of an infrared sauna blanket is that it allows you to sweat it out in your own home. And some, like Ominsky, even would argue that the blanket experience is, in some ways, an enhancement on the relaxation of traditional sauna rooms. “One of the best attributes of the blankets,” Ominsky says, “is that when you are lying down it allows the blood to circulate and that contributes to a deeper relaxation while receiving all the benefits.”
If you’re looking to unwind and relax, Dr. Nakhla says that the heat from the blanket can reduce stress while detoxifying the body. “Advocates claim that infrared heat can help the body detoxify by promoting sweating, which may help eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body,” he says.
What are the downsides of using an infrared sauna blanket?
Dr. Nakhla explains that although infrared sauna blankets are certainly beneficial, experts are still unsure with regard to whether or not they are as effective as actual saunas. “The effectiveness of infrared sauna blankets compared to traditional saunas is a matter of debate, with some experts questioning their ability to provide the same benefits.”
Are infrared sauna blankets safe?
If infrared sauna blankets aren't used properly, there could be a few health-related consequences. Exposure to high heat over long periods of time can lead to burning, overheating, and dehydration according to Dr. Nakhla. It can also lead to irritation if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Also, high temperatures can affect heart rate and blood pressure. “If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna blanket,” says Dr. Nakhla.
“I wouldn't recommend using infrared sauna blankets for children or pregnant women either,” Mitro adds. Children are naturally more sensitive to heat than adults, and as for pregnant women, exposure to high temperatures can affect fetal development.
Overall, if you fall into any of the categories listed above, or if you are taking any medications that can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature, you should speak with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna blanket.
What should I wear under an infrared sauna blanket?
You should fully cover your body with all-natural materials while using an infrared sauna blanket. Long-sleeves, pants, and socks are all recommended for two reasons. First, it will help protect both your skin and the blanket itself by avoiding any direct contact. Second, the layer of fabric will help to absorb excess sweat, making clean up easier.
How often can you use an infrared sauna blanket?
Our experts all agree that it is safe for most people to use an infrared sauna blanket daily, as long as you are properly hydrating before and after your sessions.
Dovey offers that consistency of use is key for seeing the full benefits. “We would suggest three to four times per week for 30 to 60 minutes for at least six weeks,” she says. “15 minutes helps to relax you and provide muscle relief, whereas 30 to 60 minutes works to get a good sweat on, increase circulation, burn calories and improve cardiovascular function.”
For athletes or those looking to promote muscle recovery, Mitro suggests using an infrared sauna blanket after a workout or a run to maximize results. But at the end of the day, everyone is different. So in addition to playing by the rules , you should also pay close attention to your body. “Individual tolerance and goals may vary, so listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if needed,” says Mitro.
However, if you’re a first-time infrared sauna blanket user, it’s important to work your way up to this point. “It's recommended to start with 10 to 15 minutes of use and slowly build up the time you are using it, just like you would if you were in a sauna,” says Mitro.
Pregnant women should avoid both sauna blankets as well as traditional saunas for the duration of their pregnancy. Additionally, anyone with a medical condition should pay particular attention to their usage, says Dr. Butner. She creates specific schedules and programs for patients who have PMS/PCOS or Lyme Disease. If you have a medical condition, it is best to consult your physician to determine the frequency of use that is right for you.
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Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.
Why Shop with Us
Peter Tittiger and Lauren K. Tappan are contributing writers at InStyle. To write this article, Tittiger consulted board-certified dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades, board-certified naturopath Dr. Lana Butner, Shana Ominsky, Executive Director of the top-rated Lake Austin Spa Resort, personal trainer Samantha Altan, and Lauren Dovey, the founder of Heat Healer. Tappan consulted Lisa Mitro, DPT, a Virginia-based physical therapist who specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation for runners, and Dr. Tony Nakhla, a board-certified dermatologist in Orange County, California, to learn the science behind the sauna blankets.
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