Scouted: Infrared Sauna Blankets Are the Best Wellness Discovery I’ve Ever Made—Here Are the Best on the Market
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I’ve always been drawn to the endorphin-boosting and detoxifying benefits of hopping in the sauna or steam room at the gym (they’re especially soothing for my chronically inflamed sinuses). 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 discovered 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.)
What Are Infrared Sauna Blankets?
These infrared sauna blankets are basically compact saunas resembling a giant sleeping bag that you can use while watching TV on the couch, meditating, and even lying in your bed. 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), 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.
What Are the Benefits of Using Infrared Sauna Blankets?
Aside from better blood flow and a boosted mood, Infrared sauna blankets may also be beneficial for heart health, immunity, and overall longevity. “[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.
Do Infrared Sauna Blankets Burn Calories?
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. “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.*
What Are the Risks of Using an Infrared Sauna Blanket?
Another thing I love 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 in traditional saunas. It’s great for those of us who are prone to getting dizzy or are just new to using saunas and want to start with something more entry-level-friendly.
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.”
How to Clean an Infrared Sauna Blanket
One of the most common questions I get about sauna blankets is how I keep mine clean and from smelling like B.O. after using it almost daily for several years. Unfortunately, these are not machine-washable, so you can spot-clean them using a mild cleaner after wiping away the sweat and using a towel liner to prevent damage and lingering odors. I recommend this HigherDOSE Towel Insert, which will work with most sauna blankets—not just HigherDOSE’s.
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.
