Have you ever wondered what it's like to sweat profusely in a heated sleeping bag while watching your favorite TV show? If so, this post is for you. Many people have inquired about sauna blankets, curious about their potential benefits. This article aims to answer all your questions, providing a comprehensive review based on personal experiences and expert opinions.
Introduction to Sauna Blankets
Sauna blankets have emerged as a popular wellness tool, offering a convenient way to experience the benefits of a traditional sauna in the comfort of your own home. These portable blankets use infrared light to generate heat, inducing sweating and promoting relaxation. But are they worth the hype?
Personal Journey with a Sauna Blanket
Two years ago, after reading about infrared saunas on various lifestyle blogs, I became curious and wanted to try one without making a significant investment. I began visiting Shape House in Larchmont, Los Angeles, where I would lie in their sauna blanket, sweating and watching TV. While enjoyable, the cost and sustainability of frequent visits led me to explore long-term options.
A friend recommended an infrared sauna blanket, emphasizing its safety and low EMF levels. After receiving the blanket as a gift, I've been using it consistently for over a year and am now ready to share an honest review, addressing common questions and concerns.
Why Use a Sauna Blanket?
For me, using a sauna blanket is primarily about feeling good, both mentally and physically. Sweating is scientifically proven to be beneficial for your skin and cardiovascular system, boosting your mood and overall well-being. Raising your heart rate stretches your veins, making them more flexible, which is good to avoid plaque build-up. As someone who enjoys having something to look forward to each night, the sauna blanket has become a healthy substitute for less desirable habits.
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How to Use a Sauna Blanket
Using a sauna blanket is quite simple. You lie inside, secured with Velcro, for about 50 minutes, allowing yourself to sweat profusely. It's crucial to be properly prepared and dressed. Wear medium-weight, loose-fitting clothes, such as thin sweats or joggers, and socks. Place a towel inside the blanket to absorb sweat, especially around your neck.
To maximize comfort, find a comfortable position, whether reclined or lying flat with a pillow under your knees. Use the dial to adjust the heat setting, starting with a lower level if you're new to sauna blankets. Allow the blanket to preheat before getting in, and ensure you have everything you need within reach, such as a TV remote, phone, water, and optionally, a heart monitor.
The Sauna Blanket Experience
Initially, the warmth feels pleasant and snuggly. However, as the session progresses, the heat intensifies, requiring mental fortitude. Twenty minutes in, you'll feel hot and sweaty but good, while 30 minutes in, the heat becomes more intense, and your body works harder to stay cool. You may need to take an arm out to fan your face, eagerly anticipating the end.
It's essential to complete the entire 50-minute session, as the last 10 minutes are considered the most effective. Once the timer goes off, you'll likely want to escape the blanket immediately, feeling incredibly sweaty.
Post-Sauna Routine
After the session, it's recommended to avoid showering immediately, allowing your body to cool down naturally. This may take 15-30 minutes or longer. Once cooled, take a quick shower.
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Benefits of Sauna Blankets
Mood Booster
Sauna blankets are a guaranteed mood booster. The feeling after a session is comparable to that of a cold plunge - challenging during the process, but incredibly rewarding afterward. Pushing your body to do something difficult releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy.
Improved Sleep
Common sense suggests that a relaxed and warm body, having worked hard for 50 minutes, is more likely to experience better sleep.
Calorie Burning
While there isn't extensive scientific evidence, it's reasonable to believe that using a sauna blanket burns more calories than simply watching TV. Your body works harder to cool itself, which likely translates to some calorie expenditure. However, it's essential to avoid misconceptions and clichés. It's not the same as a physical cardio workout, as it doesn't involve moving your body or activating muscles. It can be a useful addition to healthy lifestyle choices.
Detoxification and Skin Health
Sweating is known to be good for your skin, and some scientists believe it helps release toxins. Regular use of the infrared sauna blanket can help eliminate rashes or irritated skin, blemishes, and aging.
Stress Reduction
Infrared heat reduces the body's stress hormone (cortisol) while helping you produce an abundance of calming chemicals. Regular infrared sauna blanket use helps moderate your body's level of cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
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Pain Relief
A Japanese study showed that chronic pain patients experienced a significant reduction in pain levels (nearly 70%) with regular use of the infrared sauna blanket. In addition to increased flexibility and range of motion as well as decreased joint stiffness and inflammation,.
Mental Health
Regular use of the infrared sauna blanket helps stimulate “happy chemicals”, like dopamine and serotonin. In one published study, participants that had just one infrared sauna treatment reduced their symptoms of depression by about 50%.
Vogue's Favorite Infrared Sauna Blankets
Vogue has highlighted several top infrared sauna blankets, each with unique features and benefits:
- Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket: Known for high-quality infrared products, non-toxic materials, even heat distribution, and safety certifications.
- CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket: Allows customization of temperature and time, includes a cotton towel insert, and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- LifePro Infrared Sauna Blanket for Detox: Features zippered arm holes for multitasking and comes with thermal wraps.
- Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket: Sleek, easy-to-use, and reaches optimal temperatures quickly.
- Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket: Offers hotter temperatures, a "remember last mode" setting, and comfort accessories like a footrest and pillow.
- Grooni PEMF Infrared Therapy Mat Pro: Combines PEMF tech with far infrared heating.
Expert Opinions on Sauna Blankets
Health experts generally agree that infrared sauna blankets offer potential benefits, including improved blood flow, muscle relaxation, and cellular activity. However, they also caution that research is limited, and individual experiences may vary.
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose notes that the HigherDOSE blanket uses layered technology with far-infrared emitting layers, amethyst and tourmaline for negative ions, and charcoal and clay for detoxification and even heat distribution.
Dr. Connor explains that infrared sauna blankets stimulate tissue, improving blood and oxygen flow and increasing muscle relaxation.
Darshan Shah, MD, emphasizes that the effectiveness of sauna blankets is subjective and dependent on individual reactions.
Liana Levi values the ease of use and design of sauna blankets, noting that aesthetically pleasing and simple-to-set-up products are more likely to be used regularly.
What to Look for in a Sauna Blanket
When choosing an infrared sauna blanket, consider the following factors:
- Third-party testing: Ensure the blanket has been tested for safety and quality.
- Temperature range: Look for adjustable models that reach temperatures between 140 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Material quality: Opt for non-toxic, waterproof materials that are easy to clean.
- Safety features: Choose a blanket with overheating protection and an auto-shutoff function.
- Ease of use: Select a model with simple controls and easy cleaning and storage.
- Warranty: A good warranty indicates the company's confidence in its product.
Potential Disadvantages
Despite the benefits, sauna blankets have some potential drawbacks:
- Limited research: There is limited scientific evidence to support all claimed health benefits.
- Dehydration risk: Increased sweating can lead to dehydration, so it's crucial to stay hydrated.
- Suitability: Sauna blankets are not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or individuals taking certain medications.
How to Clean a Sauna Blanket
Follow the specific cleaning guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Additional Sauna Blankets and Tools
Allure has also highlighted several infrared sauna blankets and tools:
- Best Overall: Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Customizable: CurrentBody Skin Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Mat: HealthyLine Photon PEMF InfraMat Pro
- Best Warranty: Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best for Athletes: Lifepro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Temperature Range: Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do infrared sauna blankets actually work? Yes, they work similarly to dry saunas, with potential additional benefits from infrared therapy.
- What to look for when shopping for an infrared sauna blanket? Consider materials, durability, temperature range, and infrared type.
- What are the disadvantages of an infrared sauna blanket? Be aware of dehydration risks, potential costs, and the need for regular cleaning.
- How many times a week should you use an infrared sauna blanket? Consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate frequency for your individual needs.