The 6 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets You Will Ever Experience
Sweating is my favorite hobby.
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You know how sometimes you just wanna sit in a good sauna and get out a nice, juicy sweat from all that dry heat? Especiallyyy after a hard workout or a fun weekend full of (responsible) drinking and delicious foods? Just me who wants to recover and detox my body? Kay. Well, the current state of my pocketbook does not allow for regular visits to a bougie-ass spa, and my teeny tiny apartment offers zero extra space to prop up an actual sauna. So, what is a girl who loves to sweat to do? Get an infrared sauna blanket, that's what.
JSYK, an infrared sauna blanket is a sleeping bag-like device that can get up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes a little higher. They're said to boast healing benefits, like stress reduction, muscle relaxation, improved circulation, pain relief (for things like muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and arthritis), and even potential skin benefits, explained Padma Gulur, MD, a professor in population health sciences at Duke University School of Medicine. But while this all sounds freakin' awesome, "it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited," she said. So basically, none of those things are 1,000% guaranteed.
The Best Infrared Sauna Blankets of 2024
Nearly all infrared sauna blankets use electromagnetic fields (EMF), aka radiation. This isn't necessarily dangerous, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), since our cell phones and microwaves give off low EMF. Infrared sauna blankets emit a bit more than those, but not as much as light bulbs, tanning beds, or X-rays, reported NIEHS. There are options for low- or no-EMF sauna blankets, which we've included on this list.
Oh, and one last thing: If you're new to infrared heat, be careful with your time in the blanket, especially starting out. Begin with one 30-minute session a week at a lower temp and gradually work your way up to 45 minutes three to four times per week, raising the temp as high as feels good.
Okay! Now that all of that's out the way, ready to find your new go-to sauna blanket? We did the homework for ya and rounded up six of the best on the internet. Happy sweating!
Pros
- Some reviewers say it's helpful for post-workout muscle recovery
- Commenters mention the blanket helps with relief from joint pain
Cons
- Pricey
- Add ons are extra
This cult-favorite is extra pricey because it features an amethyst and tourmaline layer, a charcoal layer, and a clay layer. TBD on if they provide extra health benefits, but they ARE a reason to brag to your friends.
Rave review: "I would highly recommend this product. I am in my late 30s and suffer from major cervical issues so it's difficult for me to work out. I use the mat for around 45 minutes each while watching TV or meditating and work up a huge sweat. It definitely relaxes me and I feel like it speeds up my metabolism."
Pros
- 30-day return policy
- Free, fast shipping
- One commenter mentioned that it fits tall folks (like 6'6!)
Cons
- Several reviewers mentioned that the blanket is very heavy
The inside of this blanket is made with 96 (!!) smooth jade and tourmaline stones, which just sounds cool, let alone actually feels good. You can have it all, girls.
Rave review: "I bought it for my hubby knowing I would use it too. I use it 3-5 days a week and love how I instantly feel better. I deal with a lot of inflammation, gut issues and my body just feels like a hot mess one week a month. The heat healer helps combat the bloating, aches, and I can tell my circulation is better and I feel so refreshed! "
Pros
- Comes with a bag for toting around and simple storage
- Features a removable cord
- One commenter mentioned it heats up well
Cons
- Heat settings don't have a direct degree correlation
- Might not be the best option for people taller than 5'5
This infrared blanket is so lightweight and compact that it'll fit in a suitcase no problem. Achey body and joints from long roadtrips or flights just found their worst nightmare.
Rave review: "I love this sauna, it detoxifies, it’s easy to use and compact enough to store for daily use. Each time I’ve used this so far, I’ve had better sleep and relaxation. This sauna blanket heats up quickly and once you get in, you immediately feel the warmth. You can change the controls to the comfort of your body once you are in as well."
Pros
- Is a large size
- Easy to clean
- Has arm holes
Cons
- Reviewers mentioned having to register to get the accompanying storage case which is highly inconvienent and takes forever to receive
This top-rated sauna blanket has two heating zones and an automatic shut-off that detects when the blanket goes above 185 degrees. When that happens, the heat turns off and an alarm sounds. It also has a zipper closure, which makes it easy to get in and out.
Rave review: "Very relaxing and the control is awesome (my other sauna blanket had a huge control box with a short plug-in cord). The cord is long enough to plug in and operate while you are in the bag. ... Oh, and the arm holes are a life saver! I can use my phone or laptop or even read while still keeping my upper body and shoulder fully inside the bag. I like that you can zip and unzip from inside the blanket. I nearly fell asleep in it."
Pros
- Super easy to use, based on lots of reviews
- Comes with a storage/carrying bag
- Available in five different colors
- Zero EMF
Cons
- Some comments mention the plug is in an inconvenient location
- Might not be the best option for tall people
This pick is just a good ol' solid option. Between the head towel, included detox wipes, and wide temperature range, you truly can't go wrong with this bad boy.
Rave review: "I absolutely love my LifePro Infrared Sauna Blanket! This product has truly exceeded my expectations. It's made with high-quality materials and is incredibly easy to use.One of the things I appreciate most about this blanket is how effective it is at creating a sauna-like experience in the comfort of my own home. The infrared heat technology is fantastic, and I love how it promotes detoxification and relaxation."
Pros
- Has an auto shut off feature after an hour
- Can fold up and carry in accompanying back
Cons
- No specific heat settings, only "levels 1-6"
- May require some preheating based on reviews
This 2.0 version of Reviiv's old sauna blanket is truly bigger and better. It's made from quality materials (that don't have an odor, bless), has a higher temperature range than the last one, and emits low EMF.
Rave review: "My daughter bought an infrared blanket where she lives and loves it. Hers is a much more expensive brand. I bought this one for half the price and it works perfectly. I am in love with it. I spend appr. 35 minutes in it on level 6, then cool down for a period of about 30 minutes, then take a sea salt bath for 30 minutes, then shower. ... This blanket works as it is described. No problems. I highly recommend it."
Are infrared sauna blankets effective?
Infrared sauna blankets claim many healing benefits, like improving blood circulation, mood (from that post-sweat endorphin boost!), and help your body rid of toxins, according to a 2019 study. They also may be beneficial for muscle recovery and relaxation after workouts, said Dr. Gulur. It's important to note though that "the extent of these benefits is still a topic of ongoing research and debate," added Dr. Gulur.
What to know when buying an infrared sauna blanket
Keep your limits in mind
"People with certain medical implants or devices should consult with a healthcare professional before use," said Dr. Gulur. Also, pregnant people and folks with medical conditions, like heart disease, low blood pressure, or those prone to heat-related illnesses, should likely avoid using infrared sauna blankets, explained Dr. Gulur.
Be aware of potential side effects
Overheating or dehydration could happen from the blankets, so it's crucial to stay filled up on water and not overuse the blanket, especially when your body is already heated from exercise, said Dr. Gulur. "If you experience symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive sweating, nausea, or dehydration," she said, "it's crucial to stop using the blanket immediately."
Why trust Cosmo?
Our lifestyle team is all about finding the best of the best. That's why we scour the internet, test products, read consumer feedback, and yes, even binge TikToks reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality products we'd buy for ourselves (and we've got high standards, no joke). It's also really important to us that each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge, and we try to make sure the products we feature are good for both you and our planet. If we wouldn't buy something for ourselves, we sure as heck won't recommend it to you—and we're always gonna keep it really, really real. Pinky swear.
Christen A. Johnson is the senior lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers health and wellness, home, sports, astrology, food, travel and more for print and digital. She also dabbles in culture writing, and wrote Cosmo's first-ever digital cover story. Before joining the magazine, Christen was a lifestyle features reporter at the Chicago Tribune. Several of her health and style stories made the paper's front page. When Christen isn't digging through antique stores, she's likely drooling over home renos on HGTV, sharing her latest therapy revelation, redoing old workouts from her college basketball days, or trying to perfect her homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe. Follow her on Insta for BTS ~ editor life ~ tingz!
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