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Updated December 27th, 2023: This article on the best infrared sauna blankets was updated with new product selections, editor product testing review notes, and expert tips on choosing and using a sauna blanket.
For those looking to reap the benefits of breaking a sweat without intense physical exercise, today’s saunas go beyond sleek cedar enclosures at luxury gyms. The best infrared sauna blankets deliver the myriad benefits of this heat therapy at home.
Sauna blankets are sleeping-bag doppelgängers that cocoon your body with heat ranging anywhere from 68℉ to 185℉. Designed to deliver a spa-grade intensity of infrared light, which penetrates tissue without the same overheating sensation as traditional saunas, infrared sauna blankets offer an easier and more convenient solution to traditional saunas in the comfort of your home, whether you’re laying in front of the TV over a Netflix binge or reading a book.
If you’re thinking, “Do infrared sauna blankets really work?,” we’re here to tell you that yes, they do. “A traditional sauna or dry sauna usually heats a room, either using an electric heater or burning wood to create heat, which then results in an increase in the room’s temperature and of your body’s temperature as a result,” explains Certified Holistic Health Coach at Parsley Health, Jessie Lucking. “Conversely, the infrared sauna blanket emits far infrared light to heat your body directly. This infrared heat penetrates deeper into the tissues which many feel provides more significant health benefits than a traditional sauna.”
Because sauna blankets use infrared technology to warm the muscles and deep tissue without overheating your entire body, you’ll sweat more at a lower temperature. The experience is totally different from a traditional sauna — you won’t be in a puddle of sweat by the end of your session in a sauna blanket. But you can rest assured you’re getting similar benefits: Even without the foggy steam, sauna blankets will help most people to break a good sweat, relax tight muscles, and calm a frenetic mind. (More on these benefits to come.)
Our WWD Shop editors consulted with multiple experts and conducted firsthand product testing to narrow down this list of the best sauna blankets. Read on for our expert-approved, wellness gift-worthy picks, plus more information infrared sauna blanket benefits and disadvantages and tips on how to use them.
Top Infrared Sauna Blankets
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HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 68℉ to 158℉
Heating zones: One
Warranty: One year
Low EMF: Yes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket has wowed multiple WWD Shop editors who’ve tested the luxury sauna blanket that popularized the at-home sauna category. Crafted with grounding medical-grade magnetic strips and charcoal and clay layers, this top-of-the-line infrared blanket also promotes healthy blood circulation, relieves sore muscles and pains, decreases cortisol, and increases serotonin to aid your body in regenerative relaxation. This latest model is also roomier than previous iterations and comes outfitted with an industrial zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of the blanket. A handheld remote allows you to toggle through the device’s extensive heat settings while you’re inside for convenience, too.
Editor testing and review notes: “I slide into HigherDose’s sauna blanket after a long day on-the-move or at my desk, and within 30 minutes on level 5, my hips feel looser, my back feels more flexible, and best of all, my head feels clearer. The temperature range makes the blanket feel soothing, never stifling. And the material has a nice weight to it, similar to a weighted blanket, which helps enhance the calming effect while I’m laying inside. After owning and using the blanket for a year, it still works good as new, with no issues with the zipper closure or weathering of the material.” — Senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan
What testers say: “My husband and I both workout quite a bit and we both agree that using the blanket after a workout has definitely sped up muscle recovery. I have also been battling arthritis pain in my knees and hips and whenever I am in the blanket, I get so much relief. On top of all this, it is so relaxing. The minute I get under it, I feel like I could fall asleep right away.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $699
LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 113℉ to 176℉
Heating zones: Two
Warranty: Lifetime
Low EMF: Yes
#1 Bestseller in Saunas on Amazon
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
An impressively high heat range makes LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket a bona fide sweat machine. The blanket includes two disposable thermal wraps to slip inside before use — these optional inserts will help contain the blanket’s heat to give you an intense sweat. We love that this design features zippers to reach your arms outside of the blanket while you’re cooking, so you can click the remote or scroll away while you’re inside. The lifetime warranty is a major selling point, too.
What testers say: “All the sauna benefits without the sauna problems. This doesn’t burn my face, lips, or throat by breathing in scorching air. My sauna blanket heats up quickly so I get the most of the session. I relax on the bed, watch TV, and melt away the aches and pains.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $169.99
Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 86℉ to 176℉
Heating zones: One
Warranty: 18 months
Low EMF: Yes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
A premium vegan leather exterior and waterproof lining make Hydragun’s HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket are just two reasons this sauna blanket is a luxurious pick that’s worth the spend. It also features safety elements like a heat protective layer that falls between the heated coils and sweat-resistant lining, which prevents flare ups in certain areas of the sauna blanket. The sleek black design includes a compact storage bag, remote control, and plush towel insert that makes clean up easy. And this top infrared sauna blanket has a nice weight to it, so you’ll be lulled into deep relaxation when you rest inside.
What testers say: “This HeatPod blanket has been an essential part of my recovery from a fall that left my back and shoulder badly injured. Not only does it alleviate the pain, it also helps me mentally reset. I am a very active person and this has been helping me get back on track.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $499
Reviiv Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 85°F to 185°F
Heating zones: One
Warranty: No
Low EMF: Yes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
For those who can handle the heat, Reviiv’s Infrared Sauna Blanket can warm up to 185°F at full power, making it the hottest option on our list. However it’s also outfitted with safety features to prevent scalding, including a weighty lining and EMF blockers. It’s also one of the few infrared sauna blankets on our list that comes with a towel insert — this not only provides a comfortable, soft experience when you slip in, but also makes it a breeze to clean between uses. (You can throw Reviiv’s cotton insert in the washing machine with your load of workout clothes.)
What testers say: “The sauna blanket comes nicely packaged in a portable bag. The blanket was of better quality than I was anticipating. It is very durable, easy to set up, use and clean. I was able to tolerate the 60 minutes but could not imagine increasing the temp until my body adjusts to this first. It was warm and snuggly but the longer I was in, the more the sweat started to pour. Loved it and can’t wait to incorporate this multiple times during the week.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $299
MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 96℉ to 165℉
Heating zones: One
Warranty: One year
Low EMF: Yes
MiHigh’s Infrared Sauna Blanket competes with the top-rated sauna blankets in temperature range and high quality materials — it features a polyurethane leather exterior and a waterproof lining and a comfortable, efficient temperature range for those who like mild to high heat. This blanket is one of the easiest to clean out of all the options on our list. It fully unzips into a flat blanket-like shape that lets you wipe down every inch of the lining. This sauna blanket is compact, too, as it folds down into a flat rectangle for easy storage in the closet or under your bed.
What testers say: “I love saunas and have done a fair share of reading in regards to their mental and health benefits. This is a fantastic alternative to a classical sauna. You will feel relaxed, calm, and break great sweat. It helps me recover after a workout or a long day at work and has impacted my sleep positively. I’m using it almost daily.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $374.25
Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 95℉ to 167℉
Heating zones: One
Warranty: One year
Low EMF: Yes
With easy-to-clean materials and industrial grade velcro straps to seal you in without the hassle of a zipper, Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great beginner sauna blanket. The device has a fully customizable timer, so you can set your session to the exact amount of time you have for relaxing (many other options have timers set at 15 minute increments). It has a small profile, too: You can fold it down once it’s cooled off and slip it under the bed or in the closet.
Editor testing and review notes: “A standout feature in this sauna blanket is the inclusion of shoulder straps that fall onto your chest — this allows you to fully seal your body into the blanket to contain the heat. It also lets me to scoot up in the blanket to free my arms for reading or scrolling during a session. I’ve worked my way up to the highest heat setting after a few months of usage, and even with a few sessions a week, the blanket feels good as new. My only complaint is that the remote is on the end of the blanket, so you have to sit up to adjust the temperature setting if you’re already in the blanket.”
What testers say: “I’m really loving my new sauna blanket! It’s so easy to use, very compact, and very cozy. I have Fibromyalgia and this amazing blanket helps so much especially on my flare up days. It definitely helps with joint pain and stiffness. I have been using it before bedtime and it’s really helped me to relax and sleep deeper.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $499
Ete Etmate Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 95℉ to 176℉
Heating zones: Two
Warranty: Two years
Low EMF: Yes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Using advanced infrared technology to create a thermal effect in the body, the Ete Etmate Sauna Blanket promotes better blood circulation as it makes you break a serious sweat. Its upper double zipper design allows you to release your hands while the sauna blanket is in use while also providing a convenient user experience. On top of a comfortable temperature range, the device has an auto-shut off feature that prevents the blanket from exceeding 185°F.
What testers say: “This sauna blanket has been a great addition to my stay-at-home time in the evenings after a workout in my stay-at-gym and then a shower. It gets hot and you sweat a lot but feel very relaxed afterwards.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket
Temperature range: 140℉ to 176℉
Heating zones: One
Warranty: 3 years
Low EMF: Yes
The Heat Healer is composed of 96 smooth jade and tourmaline stones that distribute heat with maximum infrared emissivity and EMF blocking technology. The sauna blanket is made of amide fabric, the same material used for an astronaut’s spacesuit. It’s lightweight, durable and heat resistant, and this best infrared sauna blanket also comes with a waterproof head pillow for a full at-home sauna setup. Plus, the brand provides great directional videos with a fast response time to ensure users get the most out of what can be an intimidating gadget.
What testers say: “I discovered this blanket after lots of research, and it’s the best I have ever tried. My previous ones broke easily. The Heat Healer has superb quality materials and manufacturing. I’m using it for 50 minutes, three times a week and it is helping me recover from a surgery. Is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store. A great investment to improve life.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $478.40
Are Infrared Sauna Blankets Safe?
It’s always best to check with your primary care physician before you test a new wellness device, especially if you have an existing medical condition. “Saunas may be contraindicated in pregnancy, individuals with certain autoimmune conditions, poorly controlled blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal heart rhythms, unstable angina and advanced heart failure or heart valve disease,” Lucking explains.
Also consider existing skin conditions: “Infrared radiation exposure is associated with worsening of conditions like rosacea and melasma,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. “Heat exposure can cause flushing of the skin and a flare of rosacea.”
For most people, the biggest risk of using a sauna blanket boils down to dehydration. “The risks of using an infrared sauna blanket are similar to that of a traditional sauna and include symptoms of overheating and dehydration,” Lucking explains. So before you zip yourself in, be sure you’re adequately hydrated, keep a water bottle nearby, and continue drinking plenty of water after your session.
Be sure to read your device’s manual before you power it on to take note of any extra safety precautions, and keep your sauna blanket away from pets and children. When selecting your temperature, it’s recommended that beginners start with lower heat settings to ensure their safety; start at 100℉ and gradually build up to around 150℉.
Exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) from infrared light is another consideration; some consumer groups are cautious about EMF exposure. If you’re concerned about EMF exposure, opt for a sauna blanket marked low-EMF — many on this list fall in that category.
Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits
Infrared technology and sauna blankets are still relatively new, so their benefits haven’t been widely studied just yet. Anecdotal evidence supports the notion that sauna blankets can support your health in the following ways:
- Better circulation: “Infrared sauna improves nitric oxide production, which promotes vasodilation, allowing the blood vessels to dilate or expand as a result of the heat, which lowers blood pressure and allows for improved circulation,” explains Lucking. These circulation benefits can result in improved cardiac function, better vascular health, lowered oxidative stress markers, and reduced blood pressure levels.”
- More radiant skin: “Sweating can help remove particulate matter and other soiling that builds up in the pores and on the skin,” Dr. Zeichner explains. On top of clearer pores, you may also experience a rosy flush glow similar to what you experience after a run (this likely boils down to the effects of better circulation). Just be sure to rinse off with warm water and a gentle cleanser afterwards to prevent breakouts, then follow up with a dry skin moisturizer.
- Sounder sleep: “Beyond the active relaxation and stress reduction benefits which contribute to restful sleep, an infrared sauna in the evening may actually have a positive impact on our circadian rhythm, boost melatonin production, and improve thermoregulation as the body naturally cools down after the sauna session, all of which directly impact sleep quality,” says Lucking. Research supports a sauna blanket’s potential for better sleep, too: According to a 2019 survey published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, the majority of the 482 men and women polled perceived improvements in their sleep and stress levels with consistent sauna bathing. More data is necessary to support the claim, however sleep quality is an important marker for long-term health. So if a sauna blanket helps you get seven to eight hours of shut-eye, that’s a win.
- Improved digestion: “Infrared sauna may be beneficial for digestion due to its general anti-inflammatory effects but likely more so due to the active relaxation it provides,” says Lucking. “When our body and nervous system are relaxed or in the parasympathetic state, this improves the function of our vagus nerve which connects the brain and the gut, and controls significant aspects of digestion as a result. This parasympathetic state also improves our digestive secretions like stomach acid, enzymes, as well as liver and bile flow which allows our digestive tract to function optimally.”
What to Look for in the Best Sauna Blankets
- Materials: Due to their heating mechanisms, you’ll want to ensure the sauna blanket you choose is crafted with heat-safe and fireproof materials. Polyurethane leather is one of the most common materials you’ll find, however some luxury sauna blankets also include cotton or crystal layers that diffuse heat and make the experience more comfortable on a variety of surfaces.
- Temperature range: The majority of infrared sauna blankets have a wide range of heat settings, with the majority falling somewhere between 70°F to 185°F. These allow you to customize your experience for a mild or more intense sweat session. Lucking suggests aiming for a temperature that allows for at least 15 minutes of significant sweating.
- Heating zones: Some sauna blankets achieve a consistent temperature throughout the entirety of the device, where others have multiple heating zones that allow you to make small adjustments to the heat on certain parts of the body (i.e., if you’re looking to heat your legs more than your upper body to recover after a long run).
- Portability: If you live in a small apartment or lack storage, you’ll want to consider the size and portability of the infrared sauna blanket you’re looking to buy. Most options are designed to be folded down once they’ve cooled between uses, however some have multiple layers of material that make them heavy and bulkier to store.
Infrared Sauna Blanket FAQs
How do you use an infrared sauna blanket?
Beginners should start out by spending no more than 10 to 15 minutes in a sauna blanket, working up from a low temperature to one that feels steamy, but not suffocating. Once you’re acclimated, you can stay zipped in for 20 to 30 minutes, or more if you can tolerate it without feeling lightheaded or dizzy. “Start slowly and observe how the body responds to both the duration and heat level of the infrared sauna blanket, particularly if you have not used other types of sauna therapy previously,” Lucking recommends. Depending on your preference and schedule, it’s best to use a sauna blanket around three times a week to reap its full benefits. Before you tuck yourself inside, allow the blanket to pre-heat to your desired temperature. If you’re laying in your blanket for a longer session (30 minutes or more), keep ice water and a cold towel nearby to avoid overheating.
What should you wear in an infrared sauna blanket?
“It is very important to wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks while using an infrared sauna blanket which helps to prevent any discomfort or injury from the heat,” says Lucking. Exposing bare skin to an infrared sauna blanket can otherwise risk burns. We recommend a loose, breathable long-sleeved shirt or hoodie and sweatpants which will diffuse the direct heat.
Do infrared sauna blankets help you lose weight?
While you may feel lighter with regular use of a sauna blanket, you’re likely losing water weight versus body fat — so any weight loss you’re experiencing is temporary. And remember that losing too much water weight can increase your risk of dealing with severe dehydration, so don’t rely on excess sweating to see changes on the scale.
Many sauna blanket manufacturers note the amount of calories you can burn while you’re basking (anywhere from 300 to 600 calories a session), but keep in mind that this information may not be verified, and the amount of calories burned will always vary person to person based on height, weight, and other health factors. Sauna blankets are good accessories for those looking to lose weight, as they may help with sleep and muscle-relief after exercise, but don’t count on a sauna blanket to change your build overnight. Your best bet for lasting weight loss is regular exercise, good sleep, and a well-rounded diet.
How do you clean an infrared sauna blanket?
Some sauna blankets come with machine-washable towel inserts that will absorb sweat during your session. If not, you’ll likely be left with a puddle of sweat after your sauna blanket session — first things first, wipe up any excess moisture with a dry towel. Then let the blanket cool completely before taking a gentle, non-toxic cleaner to the inside of the blanket. Let the blanket air-dry, then fold it up to store until the next use.
How We Selected The Best Sauna Blankets
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
We tested a handful of sauna blankets and combed the internet for user reviews and expert recommendations to bring you the best infrared blankets. Throughout our search, we considered factors like materials (waterproof and fireproof are key), timer settings, and temperature range (a wide range lets you better customize your session). We included sauna blankets with varying amounts of heating zones, too. Any sauna blanket with more than one heating zone will let you calibrate the temperature in different sections of the blanket, so you can go warmer on your legs and cooler on your upper body, for example. The size of the blankets and enclosure mechanisms are also important: We opted for a range to suit various body types and individual preference. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country’s key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.
Jessie Lucking is a Certified Holistic Health Coach at Parsley Health through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She has significant experience working in preventative health as well as with a variety of chronic conditions, and specializes in complex health dynamics assisting members who have been through many iterations of healing with different providers or are navigating multiple coexisting chronic diagnoses simultaneously. She has additional functional medicine training from the School of Applied Functional Medicine and the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan has personally tested multiple infrared sauna blankets and her expertise and firsthand experience with these tools informed the product selections on this list.
