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Best Infrared Sauna Blankets to Shop Right Now
Need a detox after all that holiday feasting, drinking, and overall indulgence? You just might find what you’re looking for in some of the best infrared sauna blankets on the market right now, which dole out all the benefits of breaking a sweat without you ever having to visit a gym or set foot in an actual, full-scale sauna.
And in case you have no clue what a sauna blanket is, think of it as a sleeping bag doppelgänger that cocoons your body in heat ranging anywhere from 86℉ to 185℉. Infrared sauna blankets also deliver a spa-grade intensity of infrared light, which penetrates tissue gently yet deeply: without the same intense, overheating sensation as traditional saunas.
“A traditional sauna or dry sauna usually heats a room, either using an electric heater or burning wood to create heat, which then results in an increase in the room’s temperature and of your body’s temperature,” explains Jessie Lucking, certified holistic health coach at Parsley Health. “Conversely, the infrared sauna blanket emits far infrared light to heat your body directly. This infrared heat penetrates deeper into the tissues, which many feel provides more significant health benefits than a traditional sauna.”
Because sauna blankets use infrared technology to warm the muscles and deep tissue, you’ll be able to sweat more at a lower temperature. The experience is totally different from a traditional sauna, but you can rest assured you’re still getting real results here. Even without the foggy steam, sauna blankets will help most people break a good sweat, relax tight muscles, and calm a frenetic mind.
Our editors consulted with multiple experts and conducted firsthand product testing to narrow down this list of the best sauna blankets to invest in for the new year. Read on for our expert-vetted picks, plus tips on how to squeeze the most bang for your buck out of this trending wellness category (which makes for a great year-round gift, we’ll have you know).
Bonus points: Most of these selections are FSA-eligible, meaning you can spend your flexible savings account funds on a sauna blanket before they go away forever on January 1.
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HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Meet HigherDose, the luxury sauna blanket supplier that truly popularized the at-home sauna category. The brand’s top-of-the-line Infrared Sauna Blanket in question promotes healthy blood circulation, relieves sore muscles and joint pains, decreases cortisol, and improves mood for the ultimate result of regenerative relaxation. Its latest model, pictured here, is also roomier than previous iterations and comes outfitted with an industrial zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of the blanket. A handheld remote allows you to toggle through the device’s extensive heat settings while you’re inside, winning extra points in the convenience department. What’s more, the blanket features special layers of amethyst and tourmaline, which emit negative ions that also help boost energy while kicking stress to the curb. And who wouldn’t want more of that?
HigherDose recommends starting sessions at 30-40 minutes, so as not to overdo it, wearing long layers to maximize your sweating, and staying hydrated throughout the experience.
Editor testing and review notes: “I slide into HigherDose’s sauna blanket after a long day on the move or at my desk. Within 30 minutes on Level 5, my hips feel looser, my back feels more flexible, and, best of all, my head feels clearer. The temperature range makes the blanket soothing and never stifling. Its material has a nice weight to it, which helps enhance the calming effect while I’m laying inside. After owning and using the blanket for a year, it still works good as new: There are no issues as far as the zipper closure goes and the material has not weathered.” — Former WWD Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $699
Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket
Our WWD Shop editors were highly impressed with the functionality and special features of Sun Home Saunas’ infrared blanket. Indeed, it’s a great beginner sauna blanket at a high-value price point, boasting easy-to-clean materials and industrial-grade velcro straps to seal in your shoulders. The device has a fully customizable timer, so you can set your session to the exact amount of time you have for relaxing on any given day (many counterparts have timers automatically set at 15-minute increments). It’s crafted out of a weighty, luxury material that evokes a weighted blanket when you use it, but the bestseller’s small profile folds down to something that can be easily slipped under the bed or stowed away in a closet.
The best part? Sun Home Saunas claims this baby has the “lowest EMF in the industry,” which refers to the electromagnetic radiation produced by the likes of microwaves, power lines, and MRI machines.
Editor testing and review notes: “A standout feature in this sauna blanket is the inclusion of shoulder straps that fall onto your chest, which allows you to fully seal your body into the blanket so as to contain the heat better. I’ve worked my way up to the highest heat setting after a few months of usage, and even with a few sessions a week, the blanket feels good as new. My only complaint is that the remote is on the end of the blanket, so you have to sit up to adjust the temperature setting if you’re already tucked comfortably inside of it.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $499
CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket
Our editors trust CurrentBody when it comes to the brand’s leading LED face masks, and its sauna blanket is no different in regards to dependability and efficacy. Coming to you with a 100-percent cotton towel insert in tow, the product achieves no-BS results — like a reduction in inflammation and an uptick in mental clarity — in just one session. The blanket’s settings are customizable, allowing you to time sessions from 30 minutes to a whole hour, with a temperature range of 86°F-167°F. CurrentBody’s suggestion is using it three times a week to be safe, and, as far as contraindications go, the buzzy blanket is not a fit for people who are pregnant, have heat-sensitive skin, or a medically implanted device.
Cheers to CurrentBody’s inclusion of a comfort pillow as part of this purchase, which might help you reach your highest level of zen yet.
What testers say: “Absolutely love my CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket! The quality is top-notch, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite self-care rituals. Not only does it feel amazing during use, but I love that I can get all the benefits of infrared therapy from the comfort and privacy of my own home. No more paying salon prices or coordinating appointments — this blanket is going to save me so much money long-term. I can use it whenever I want, and it’s been a total upgrade to my wellness routine.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $699.99
MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket
MiHigh’s Infrared Sauna Blanket competes with other top-rated sauna blankets when it comes to temperature range and high-quality materials. The award winner features a polyurethane leather exterior and a waterproof lining, being one of the easiest to clean out of all the options on our list. It fully unzips into a flat, blanket-like shape that you can then position over your bed or couch for a comfy-as-can-be sweat sesh. MiHigh promises users will experience an inimitable “sauna high” sensation after use, while potentially burning “up to 300-600 calories per session.”
What testers say: “I love saunas and have done a fair share of reading in regards to their mental and physical benefits. This is a fantastic alternative to a classical sauna. You will feel relaxed, calm, and break a great sweat. It helps me recover after a workout or a long day at work and has impacted my sleep positively. I’m using it almost daily.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Reviiv Infrared Sauna Blanket
Like it hot hot? Reviiv’s Infrared Sauna Blanket can warm up to 185°F at its maximum setting, making it the most powerful option in this roundup. To be sure, the blanket’s also outfitted with safety features for peace of mind, including a full-length insert towel to prevent direct contact with the skin and EMF blockers. Unlike some alternatives, the Reviiv pick operates via carbon fiber heating panels versus wires — for consistent output that prevents some parts of your body from heating up more than others. You’re bound to use this one for life, what with its high-quality design elements like triple-stitch seams, heavy-duty hardware, and a thick leather build.
What testers say: “I love this! I did a lot of research on which blanket to get and went with this one in the end. I’ve been trying to talk my husband into putting a full sauna in our house and he suggested we start small. Don’t think a sauna is necessary, as this works well, folds up small, and really makes you sweat! The liner on the inside is easy to toss in the washing machine, and I can plug this in while watch TV on the couch and relaxing. Great item, use 3x a week!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $259.99
Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket
Heat Healer’s popular sauna blanket is composed of actual jade and tourmaline stones that distribute negative ions to your body while ensuring the gadget’s heat spreads homogeneously. The sauna blanket is also made of amide fabric, the same material used for an astronaut’s spacesuit, and flaunts EMF-blocking tech. It’s lightweight, durable, toxin-safe, and comes with a waterproof head pillow for taking your R&R setup at home up a notch. Unsure of where to begin once the Heat Healer top seller arrives at your door? The brand provides helpful how-to videos for getting you started, and you can easily get in contact with reps that will be able to answer all other questions — making the blanket less intimidating of a wellness tool.
What testers say: “I discovered this blanket after lots of research, and it’s the best I have ever tried. My previous ones broke easily, but the Heat Healer has superb-quality materials and manufacturing. I’m using it for 50 minutes three times a week, and it is helping me recover from a surgery. [The blanket] is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store. A great investment to improve life.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $523
Are Infrared Sauna Blankets Safe?
It’s always best to check with your primary care physician before you commit to a new wellness device, especially if you have an existing medical condition. “Saunas may be contraindicated in pregnancy or for individuals with certain autoimmune conditions, poorly controlled blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal heart rhythms, unstable angina, and advanced heart failure or heart valve disease,” Lucking explains to WWD.
Also consider skin conditions: “Infrared radiation exposure is associated with worsening of conditions like rosacea and melasma,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. “Heat exposure can cause flushing of the skin and a flare of rosacea.”
For most people, though, the biggest danger of using a sauna blanket boils down to dehydration. “The risks of using an infrared sauna blanket are similar to that of a traditional sauna and include symptoms of overheating and dehydration,” Lucking says. So, before you zip yourself in and put on your meditation video, be sure you’re adequately hydrated — keeping a water bottle nearby and continuing to drink plenty of liquids after your session comes to a close.
Be sure to read your device-of-choice’s manual before you power it on to take note of any extra safety precautions, and keep your sauna blanket away from pets and children. It’s recommended that beginners start with lower heat settings. A safe bet is going for 100°F at first and then gradually building up to around 150℉.
Exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) from infrared light is another consideration, with some consumer groups being highly cautious of EMF. If you share the sentiment, opt for a sauna blanket marked “low-EMF” or “EMF blocking” (many on this list fall in such a category).
Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits
Recent evidence supports the notion that sauna blankets can support your health in the following ways:
Better circulation: “Infrared saunas improve nitric oxide production and promote vasodilation, allowing the blood vessels to dilate or expand as a result of the heat, which lowers blood pressure and boosts circulation,” shares Lucking.
More radiant skin: “Sweating can help remove particulate matter and other soiling that builds up in the pores and on the skin,” Dr. Zeichner explains. On top of clearer pores, you may also experience a rosy flush or glow similar to the one people tend to get after a run (this likely correlates with sauna blankets’ relationship to better circulation). Just be sure to rinse off with warm water and a gentle cleanser afterwards to prevent breakouts, then follow up with a dry skin moisturizer.
Sounder sleep: “Beyond its active relaxation and stress reduction benefits, which contribute to restful sleep, an infrared sauna in the evening may actually have a positive impact on our circadian rhythm, boost melatonin production, and improve thermoregulation as the body naturally cools down after the sauna session, all of which also directly impact sleep quality,” says Lucking. Research supports a sauna blanket’s potential for better sleep, too: According to a 2019 survey published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, the majority of the 482 men and women polled perceived improvements in their sleep and stress levels with consistent sauna bathing. Though more data is necessary to support the claim, sleep quality is an important marker for long-term health, so if a sauna blanket helps you get seven to eight hours of shut-eye, consider that a win.
Improved digestion: “Infrared saunas may be beneficial for digestion due to their general anti-inflammatory effects but likely more so due to the active relaxation they provide,” Lucking tells us. “When our body and nervous system are relaxed or in the parasympathetic state, this improves the function of our vagus nerve, connecting the brain and the gut, and controls significant aspects of digestion as a result. This parasympathetic state also improves our digestive secretions — like stomach acid, enzymes, as well as liver and bile flow — which allows our digestive tract to function optimally.”
What to Look for in the Best Sauna Blankets
Materials: Due to its heating mechanisms, you’ll want to ensure the sauna blanket you choose is crafted with heat-safe and fire-proof materials. Polyurethane leather is a common one, but some luxury sauna blankets also include cotton or crystal layers (like the Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket with its jade and tourmaline) that diffuse heat and make the experience more comfortable on a variety of surfaces.
Temperature range: The majority of infrared sauna blankets feature a range of heat settings, falling somewhere between 86℉ to 185℉. Lucking suggests aiming for a temperature that allows for at least 15 minutes of significant, uninterrupted sweating.
Portability: If you live in a small apartment or lack storage space, you’ll want to consider the size and portability of the infrared sauna blanket you’re looking to buy. Most options are designed to be folded down once they’ve cooled between uses, though some have multiple layers of material that make them heavier, bulkier, and harder to store.
Sauna Blankets vs. Saunas
As soon as you first slide into an infrared sauna blanket, you’ll notice that it’s entirely different from a standalone home sauna or a sauna room at your local gym. Traditional saunas are constructed from wood — typically the durable and insulating cedar — and emit dry heat to raise the temperature of the air around you, subsequently upping your body temperature and inducing a sweat. Infrared sauna blankets, on the other hand, harness the powers of infrared light to warm you up. The relevant wavelengths penetrate the skin and muscles to effectively heat deep tissue, which means that, with a sauna blanket, you can reap the benefits of heat therapy without feeling stifled by the high temperatures of a traditional sauna.
Accessibility marks another key difference between traditional saunas and infrared sauna blankets. The most expensive sauna blanket on our list caps out at a cost of $700, and many include a warranty while requiring minimal to no upkeep (besides some casual cleaning). At-home saunas, particularly outdoor ones, are more of an investment: spanning from approximately $2,000 for a wooden, one-person model to well over $10,000 for a two-person sauna. They also require nitty-gritty maintenance, including keeping an eye on ventilation to prevent mold buildup, as well as regular cleaning of the walls, benches, and floor. On top of this, infrared sauna blankets can be folded up and stashed under the bed or in a closet when they’re not in use, catering to the small space–dwellers among us.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Sauna Blankets
Our article on the best sauna blankets began with in-depth expert interviews to learn about the benefits of infrared sauna blankets and tips for choosing the best ones on the market this year. We then conducted extensive research into the growing wellness category of infrared sauna blankets, immersing ourselves in key features like EMF safety, temperature ranges, and beyond.
Ultimately, our team drafted a shortlist of bestselling infrared sauna blankets to try out during a first testing round. Each sauna blanket was trialed a minimum of six times over the course of one month to assess durability, feel, and special features. Our editors used the sauna blankets in question on each of their heat settings and on different surfaces — including couches, rugs, and hardwood floors — to evaluate comfort levels. We took note of key design elements that contribute to the user experience, too, such as where the remote control is located and if the blanket’s length suits taller individuals. Lastly, WWD Shop editors carefully considered safety features during testing, making sure that the options we recommend to readers are low-EMF, waterproof, fire-proof, and have auto shut-off timers.
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist working out of NYC. He is also an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Zeichner is an expert in treating acne and rosacea specifically and has an extensive, loyal following on social media.
Jessie Lucking is a board-certified holistic health coach at functional medicine provider Parsley Health. She has significant experience working with a variety of chronic conditions and helps many patients navigate coexisting chronic diagnoses simultaneously.
Meet the Authors
Claire Sullivan was the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote and edited beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over seven years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. Sullivan has personally tested multiple infrared sauna blankets on this list; she wrote the original version of this article and contributed to its January 31, 2024 update.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trending wellness products that are actually worth the hype.
