What Are Infrared Sauna Blankets And Are They Worth The Hype?

An infrared sauna blanket is a portable, sleeping bag-style blanket that mimics a traditional sauna by directly heating your body with infrared radiation. Unlike regular saunas, however, infrared sauna blankets operate at a lower temperature. According to Byrdie, temperatures on an infrared sauna blanket generally range from 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas traditional saunas tend to span from 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the radiation is directly warming your body, however, you can experience a more intense sweat session when using the blanket version.

The heat shouldn't feel as overwhelming as it does in a regular sauna. While you'll certainly feel the infrared sauna blanket start to warm up, it shouldn't be too hot inside the blanket, making it easier for you to stay in there for longer periods of time. It's also designed to gradually warm and reach the set temperature within the span of 5 minutes, allowing your body to slowly get used to the increase in temperature. You don't want to stay inside the blanket too long, however. Although experts recommend using the blanket for a full hour, beginners should start out with intervals of 10-15 minutes.

As it turns out, infrared sauna blankets appear to share many of the same benefits as traditional saunas. While further research is still needed, the heat produced by sauna blankets is associated with a number of potential health and beauty benefits. According to Bustle, there is some evidence that suggests infrared sauna blankets can help improve heart function and blood circulation. They may even help treat certain conditions like high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, they might help speed up muscle recovery and reduce body aches after an intense workout. Since sauna blankets are purported to increase circulation, they can help reduce puffiness and swelling in the skin.

Whether or not infrared sauna blankets are worth the hype, however, depends on your own personal preferences. For many, sauna blankets are a portable and convenient alternative to traditional public saunas, which tend to be filled with other people. They can also help you relax and destress after a long day without having to go to the spa or the gym (via Women's Health). "While I'm partial to foam rolling and ice therapy for workout recovery, using my sauna blanket helps me let go of some of the tension I carry from working in front of my computer all day," Jacqueline Andriakos, a certified personal trainer, told Women's Health.