Sure, once-in-a-while trips to your nearest spa sound like a relaxing, lovely experience. You can immerse yourself in the spa ground’s sauna, experience mindfulness more fully — and oh, pay hundreds of dollars before you go back home.
Enter infrared sauna blankets. Much like a home sauna, these at-home wellness options warm your body using infrared light and can also be advantageous post-workout; the use of an infrared sauna blanket can help “improve blood circulation and the metabolism of the whole body” and “trigger the consumption of calories and fat burning,” per a 2019 study by Infrared Physics & Technology.
Related: Best ice baths and cold plunge tubs.
“It’s very important to look for non-toxic fabrics and materials as heating the blanket could cause the body to absorb any toxins from cheap fabrics,” Tyler Fish, co-founder of Sun Home Saunas with more than 15 years of experience in the heat therapy space, told the New York Post. “It’s equally important to use an infrared blanket that has integrated EMF blocking/shielding technology. Using a blanket with industrial-grade zippers will ensure the blanket traps heat efficiently, too.”
Ahead, the New York Post Shopping team pulled the 6 best infrared sauna blankets of 2023, along with an in-depth, expert-backed FAQ section highlighting their benefits, safety notes, how to use them and more.
The Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket boasts gentle, infrared heat that’s void of any harmful radiation or electromagnetic fields (EMF). In fact, it’s EMF-shielding technology is said to be the lowest in the industry.
Additionally, its industrial-grade zippers help lock in heat, while its easy climate and timer controls make it adjustable to your liking. It’s also made of premium nontoxic fabrics and is both portable and easy to clean.
Shop the LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket, a top-of-the-line option that features a nontoxic, waterproof fabric to help wick out any sweat or moisture. Inside, you’ll find the RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket, a controller, a head towel, five detox wraps and a carrying bag for the ultimate at-home experience.
More, it’s also prized for offering a wide temperature range, from 77 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is one of the most readily available options to order online — an option that’s said to elevate the body’s thermal energy, enhance deep relaxation, promote glowing skin and improve circulation.
In addition to having a pre-set timer function to feel like you’re really at a spa appointment, this infrared sauna blanket also has a one-year warranty should anything go awry.
The Gravity MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket is a calming way to help burn calories and soak in that R&R from home. Its PU leather exterior, waterproof interior and nontoxic materials add to its well-made charm, and you’ll appreciate its addition of a controller and carrying bag upon purchase.
It’s also one of the more affordable options — as far as infrared sauna blankets go — and is a breeze to clean; simply lay the blanket out flat and wipe down with a towel to remove the sweat.
With an impressive temperature range (85 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact), the REVIIV Far Infrared Sauna Blanket v2.0 is one you shouldn’t skip on. These higher-than-usual temperatures are safe (featuring low EMF emissions) and help to ensure a more effective sweat session for “optimal detoxification,” per the brand.
Plus, you can select a timer for up to 60 minutes and have peace of mind with the blanket’s auto shut-off safety feature after 60 minutes.
The HYDRAGUN HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket is a sleek, durably made option that delivers full-body infrared heat therapy when you want it, however you want it. Whether you’re looking to help relieve stress or stay mindful after your workout, this brand is one we recommend.
Namely, its temperature range of 86 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit is quite impressive. And, for that feel-good fabric, its premium vegan leather is one you’ll want to indulge in.
Ahead, Fish gives us the 411 on infrared sauna blankets — including their benefits, safety notes, how to use them and more.
First things first — what is a spa-like infrared sauna blanket, and how do they differ from traditional blankets?
“An infrared sauna blanket is a portable and compact tool designed to provide the same benefits of an infrared sauna in a convenient, budget-friendly, at-home setting,” Fish told The Post. “Unlike traditional saunas that use heated air or steam to warm the body, infrared saunas utilize infrared heating elements to directly heat your body.”
How they work? Infrared rays penetrate your skin and raise your core body temperature, promoting sweating and numerous health benefits, according to Fish.
Infrared blankets have a plethora of health benefits as a result from the body absorbing healing FAR infrared photons. “A few of the core benefits include: reduce risk of disease/all cause mortality, heavy metal/toxin detox, inflammation reduction, sleep improvement, anti-aging and pain reduction,” Fish lists.
Below, we highlight Fish’s tips in an easy-to-follow format, of which we recommend sifting through before your first at-home infrared sauna blanket relaxing session:
According to Fish, infrared sauna blankets are typically made from nontoxic, environmentally friendly, waterproof polyurethane. “Carbon Fiber coils heat the blanket and EMF shielding technology are available in [some] premium blankets,” he adds.
Quality infrared sauna blankets are safe to use, though we asked Fish for his tried-and-true infrared sauna blanket tips for you to take note of:
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.