“An infrared sauna blanket is a portable device that can be used anywhere or anytime someone wants to experience the benefits of an infrared sauna in their own home or office,” explains Kirsch. Unlike the extreme heat from a steam sauna, which typically spans from 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, infrared heat does not need to be as high, as it uses electromagnetic radiation to directly warm your body. Infrared heat operates between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to experience a more intense sweat session at a lower temperature, creating an overall more tolerable experience vs. that of a steam sauna.
Unsurprisingly, an infrared sauna blanket delivers a lot of the same benefits as an IRL sauna session, with the added bonus of being able to indulge in all of the below from the comfort of your own home.
Setting up your sauna blanket is pretty straightforward—simply remove it from its bag, unfold it onto a heat-proof surface like your bed or couch, attach the controller pad, and plug in the device.
Unlike a traditional sauna experience, however, stripping down before stepping into your sauna blanket isn’t recommended. “You’ll want to put on moisture-wicking clothes like long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of socks,” says Kirsch. “Have a bottle of water nearby to stay hydrated, step into the blanket, and turn it on.”
Wearing clothes in the sauna blanket allows for an easier cleanup, as the fabric will absorb some of the sweat, and will keep your skin protected. According to Kirsch, the blanket can be used every day, but you’ll definitely experience benefits if you use it 2 to 3 times a week.
Once you plug in the device and set your desired time and temperature (Kirsch advises aiming for a lower temperature and shorter time if you’re a beginner), you’ll gradually start to feel the blanket warm up. After about five minutes, you’ll reach the set temperature, at which point you can lie back and relax for the set duration of time.
As I tested a sauna blanket of my own—the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket—I personally didn’t notice myself sweating too severely, and because the blanket warms slowly and steadily, the heat didn’t feel uncomfortable or too extreme. Keeping Kirsch’s advice in mind, I aimed for a lower temperature for my first few uses, setting the device to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes a session. I was able to increase the time and temperature after a few days of consecutive use, eventually lasting the full recommended hour.
Because the blanket has velcroed sides, I didn’t have to worry about getting trapped inside of it, and once I had a week and a half of daily sessions under my belt, my M.O. was to put on an hour-long TV show and just chill inside of the device until my time was up. Of course, the blanket was still warm when I was finished with it, so I made sure it had cooled off completely before cleaning and storing it to avoid potentially damaging the technology.
Kirsch advises beginners to start with a lower temperature around 120 degrees and a shorter time frame. “I would start first-time users at 10 to 15 minutes at a low temperature, then gradually build up from there,” he says.
If heat triggers issues like migraines, vertigo, or dizziness for you, Dr. Posina recommends sitting this one out. Additionally, if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or are taking blood pressure medication or diuretics, consult with their doctor before springing for a sauna blanket. “If you’re completely healthy and think it could help, use it in moderation,” she says.
UTK is engaged in a fast-growing healthy industry. Our vision is to make a healthy lifestyle accessible and affordable to everyone. UTK heating pad combines Hot Stone Therapy, Far Infrared Therapy, Negative Ions Therapy & Photon Light Therapy to reduce aching, inflamed muscles, and to relieve pain, which will give you a tremendous wellness-boosting experience.
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