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I’ve always been drawn to the natural-high-inducing and toxin-releasing benefits of hopping in the sauna or steam room at the gym (they’re especially soothing for my chronically inflamed sinuses), but, unfortunately, I have a very low tolerance for feeling overheated and dizzy—especially when I’m half-naked and surrounded by other gym-goers doused in sweat. When I found out that at-home infrared sauna blankets were actually a thing, I was thrilled to get my hands on one (I first tried HigherDOSE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket, which I now use almost every day and absolutely swear by.)
These infrared sauna blankets are basically compact saunas resembling a giant sleeping bag that you can literally use while watching TV on the couch, meditating, and even lying in your bed. These detoxifying sauna blankets are engineered with infrared technology and emit spa-level far-infrared light and heat energy to emulate the effects of a full-body sauna. When emitted, the heat energy works to help boost your heart rate and overall blood circulation (just like when you’re working out or having sex), which in turn helps the body release feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, which also function as natural pain-killers and give the feeling of a natural high. Aside from better blood flow and a boosted mood, Infrared sauna blankets may also be beneficial for heart health as well. “[Sauna blankets can help promote heart health by] decreasing blood pressure, mimicking exercise, and decreasing inflammation,” Dr. Azza Halim of Azza MD tells The Daily Beast.
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One of the main reasons I was dying to get my hands on a sauna blanket is because they also help to “trick” the body into thinking it’s working out due to the elevated body heat, which can potentially help you burn calories without even moving. Unfortunately, while they can help with weight control because of expelling water weight, their ability to burn up to 600 calories in an hour, as some of the brands say, may not be 100 percent true, though I’m still convinced (and praying) that they do. “Unfortunately, not enough studies have been conducted to confirm or negate such claims. [The research] has been more presumptive rather than evidence-based; therefore, regardless of whether it does or not, I always suggest that there isn’t any miracle weight-loss gadget or pill,” Dr. Halim says. Still, when used in unison with a healthy diet and physical exercise, infrared sauna exposure may help expedite recovery and promote fluid drainage, which can result in greater weight loss. “[It would] definitely be nice if [we could] just lay in a blanket for daily calorie burn, but I also don’t recommend for anyone to become complacent and use that in place of exercise, nutrition, and staying active,” she says. *Sigh.*
One of the best things about sauna blankets is that because your head is not exposed to infrared light and accelerated heat, you don't get that overwhelming light-headedness that can happen at a spa or gym sauna. In fact, all I feel after my at-home sauna session is a natural high and an overwhelming sense of calm. I genuinely look forward to using mine every single time. Of course, Dr. Halim says that it’s important to always check in with your physician before starting any new wellness modality, including using saunas of any kind, and starting out slow. “As with any device or treatment, it is best to test [it] out in increments for the temperature and duration. Always make sure the temperature is comfortable to avoid overheating, dehydration, or burns—and do not fall asleep in it.”
Now, while I’m pretty loyal to my HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna blanket, there are plenty of highly rated options on the market—many of which are a bit more affordable. If you’re looking to invest in your wellness or are just looking for a natural high without having to go on a five-mile run to get those endorphins flowing, scroll through below to check out the best sauna blankets on the market.
HigherDOSE’s sauna blanket really does give me a natural high, as promised, and I feel like my anxiety is much more manageable when I use it consistently. Even my fiance can tell when I’ve used the blanket because I’m much calmer and less irritable for the remainder of the day post-sauna session (so yes, he’s now a fan, too!).“I have chronic pain, and then add winter/cold temps, and my pain intensifies, especially at night. Daily time in my sauna blanket has nearly removed that chronic pain and inflammation,” says one reviewer.
This extra portable and intuitive infrared sauna blanket by Sun Home Saunas features a slew of unique features, including a sturdy, industrial-level velcro closure to keep the heat locked in (a design feature that many competitors don’t have) throughout your sessions and an easy-to-clean interior. “The benefits are amazing... [it] helps with anxiety, reduces inflammation, and burns calories but is portable and doesn’t take up half of my house,” one shopper says.
Heat Healer’s premium infrared sauna blanket is equipped with a slew of elevated features to help you detox and relax while staying comfortable as you sweat it out. The inner lining of the sauna blanket features 96 jade and tourmaline stones to help accelerate your sweat session and get your feel-good endorphins flowing. It’s also designed with EMF-blocking technology and durable outer fabric, which helps prevent damage to the blanket and keeps odors at bay. “[It] felt amazing! It is like you can feel the heat resonating through your whole body. About 20 minutes in I started to sweat and it only escalated from there,” one Redditor says.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly infrared sauna blanket, Vanell's makes a great one for just under $170. It's equipped with both front and back heat and is designed with built-in safety features as well. “I’ve used other sauna bags in spas with what I thought were decent results. Well let me tell you—this one puts those to shame. It came with a big pack of liners which was unexpected,” one Amazon shopper wrote.
For just under $100 (it's on sale right now), you can score this detoxifying infrared sauna blanket. It features all the same premium specs you expect including customizable temperature and time settings, but for a fraction of the price.“Honestly amazing for the price!! So happy with this purchase. I can’t speak to durability because I've only used a couple of times, but at the price point, I’m so happy with it. It heats up quickly, and so relaxing. I use for quick muscle recovery from workouts and lymphatic drainage/ detox. It’s like 20 minute sessions of heaven, without having to walk to the spa for an infared sauna session," wrote one Amazon reviewer who called it "a quarantine purchase you won't regret.”
MiHIGH's premium infrared sauna blanket is most similar to HigherDOSE's blanket—price point included. It's designed with a durable faux leather outer and waterproof, non-toxic inner, along with a convenient carrying bag for travel. “I’m addicted. I get the same feeling as a normal infrared sauna—and it fits on my bed,” one reviewer said.
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