Infrared Sauna Blanket Review.

You might remember that about two years ago I got really into going to HigherDOSE for their infrared sauna, and also going to Shape House to lay in their infrared sauna blankets. I loved it so much but truth be told, it was expensive and also a pain in the butt, scheduling wise. After the sauna you are so sweaty that you really have to go straight home… it wasn’t something I could do before events or meetings and I don’t like making multiple trips in and out of the city in a single day. So like with many other awesome but inconvenient things (and now COVID), even though I loved it and really loved the results, I stopped going. A home sauna would be much, much more ideal.

Infrared Sauna Blanket Review

This past summer, HigherDOSE got in touch to see if I’d want to review one of their at home infrared sauna blankets and I was so excited – the idea of being able to do it at home, from the comfort of my couch sounded incredible. The blanket increases the body’s thermal energy and promote a temporary increase in blood flow like you are working out… without actually working out. Sweating while watching TV is basically the dream. Still, I had questions. Would it be as effective as going to Shape House or HigherDose? Would it smell bad? And, would it be easy to clean? Etc. etc. I was already sold on the benefits of using an infrared sauna blanket but the at home element was new to me.

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Why I Love My Infrared Sauna Blanket

It gives you all the benefits of going to the sauna – but at home. I can lay on my couch and SWEAT (I put down a towel, don’t worry!) without leaving my home (no sweaty subway ride home afterward). Also, while it’s expensive, it will pay for itself in a month or two if you do it a couple times a week (a 10 pack at Shape House is $400!)

How to Use the Infrared Sauna Blanket

The blanket is a large rectangle that folds together sort of like a sleeping bag (velcro panels). It is pretty simple. You plug it in, lay it flat down (I take the back couch cushions off, lay a towel down underneath, and put on my favorite show), and SWEAT for an hour. The blanket is a high quality waterproof PVC with infrared technology and a remote control to control the temperature. I usually keep the temperature heat settings around a 7 (it goes up to a 9); that’s all I can handle!!! You can work up as you become more comfortable with it.

Infrared Sauna Blanket How To Use — wear a cotton long sleeve, loose pants, and socks!

When you are in the blanket, it’s recommended that you wear loose cotton clothing that you don’t mind getting really sweaty: a long sleeve tee, socks, and long pants. You’re going to get very hot, sweat a lot, and you may notice a slight increase in your heart rate. Be sure to drink a lot of water during and after your sauna session – I fill up a large mason jar or carafe of water and keep it next to me during my session… I try to drink the whole thing over an hour.

I put down a towel over my couch pillow, and another trick I like to do is take a wet wash cloth and wrap it around a couple ice cubes. About thirty minutes into your sweat you will be SO glad it’s there… so refreshing!

You will sweat a lot.

The clothing that you wear will be soaked and there will be sweat in the blanket. It does not leak though – it’s fully self-contained. I had been worried about cleaning it but it is actually very easy- immediately after my sweat I unfold the blanket, lay it flat, and just wipe it down with these cleaning wipes from 7th Generation. You just want to do it immediately! (Whatever you use to clean the blanket; I’d definitely be sure to use something natural/organic!).

I’ve had my blanket for six months and use it at least once or twice a month and it has been really easy to clean and does not smell bad at all. The key is to clean it immediately after sweating. The 7th Generation wipes are perfect!

Infrared Blanket Benefits

There are so many health benefits to infrared sauna treatments (this post that I wrote last year is a great resource!) but here are a few of my personal favs. Infrared technology is really cool!

More energy

You will definitely notice more energy after you sweat, similar to getting a good workout. That increased blood flow!

Weight loss

I’m hesitant to include this as you do notice an immediate slimming effect but that’s all water weight. So you will of course temporarily lose water weight which is great in the short term. That being said, it does burn a lot of calories. According to Shape House, a single sauna session in the blanket burns upwards of 800 calories.

It’s great for your skin.

Sweating is great for your skin – the increase in blood flow helps you detoxify and boosts collagen levels. I notice that when I’m using the blanket 2-3x a week (or getting a good sweat at somewhere like Tracy Anderson), my skin is so much softer.

Reduced stress + anxiety.

While the blanket is not comfortable at times (you get really hot!!!) the infrared rays and heat are incredibly relaxing. It’s great when you are feeling anxious or stressed.