We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we support. Why trust us?
After an intense workout or a stressful day, nothing makes us feel better than heat therapy to help relieve the stress of the day. Compared to traditional saunas that require a visit to a spa or cost thousands of dollars to install, we recommend using an infrared sauna blanket to help relieve tension and speed up recovery. Not only are they more comfortable than traditional saunas, but they also allow you to enjoy the same health benefits at a more affordable price.
These blankets use far-infrared (FIR) technology and light to directly heat your body and increase its thermal energy, causing you to sweat profusely. The idea of ​​sitting and sweating may not sound ideal, but Casey Kelly, MD, founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health, explains that infrared sauna blankets can help relieve muscle tension after a workout and promote neuromuscular recovery after endurance training. “When heat is applied to a wound, blood vessels dilate, which increases blood flow,” says Dr. Kelly. “This helps flush out lactic acid and other toxins that have built up in the muscles.”
Sauna blankets also detoxify and cleanse the body. “Toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be excreted through sweat, and one study found that repeated sauna use can normalize mercury levels in the body,” says Dr. Kelly.
Meet the experts: Casey Kelly, MD, founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health; Marilee Marre, FNP-BC, certified nurse practitioner at the New York Center for Integrative Health; Karena Wu, PT, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at ActiveCare Physical Therapy; and Alex Aksanov, PT, DPT, MS, doctor of physical therapy at Stay Active Physical Therapy.
Whether you’re looking to speed up muscle recovery after a workout or sweat out toxins, infrared blankets are a great way to enjoy spa-quality relaxation without leaving your home. We talked to experts and combed through customer reviews to bring you a list of the best options for every budget. Next, let’s take a look at the best-selling infrared sauna blankets online, recommended by Prevention magazine editors, starting at just $90.
The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is our experts’ top pick, and given its benefits and materials, it’s easy to see why. Marilee Marre, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner at the New York Center for Integrative Health, uses and endorses this option. “This blanket uses far-infrared light, which promotes intense sweating and allows the body to flush out toxins from the environment,” she says.
This blanket has excellent detoxifying properties because its carbon layer absorbs pollutants and removes all harmful toxins from your skin. It’s also made of clay, crystals, and non-toxic polyurethane leather, which Marre says makes it compliant with all VOC standards. And if you’re sensitive to heat, the HigherDose has a lower minimum temperature with options ranging from 68 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, this blanket has all the benefits of an infrared sauna blanket: improved circulation, stress relief, muscle recovery, and more.
With over 2,900 five-star reviews, the SunHomeSaunas Infrared Blanket is the highest-rated choice on our list. Buyers love how easy it is to use with the remote control, and how the unit folds up into the included carry bag for easy storage. Cleaning the SunHomeSaunas Blanket is also easy: It folds out and has Velcro on the sides and bottom, allowing you to wipe every inch clean. The zipper also helps lock in heat, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 167 degrees. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day risk-free return policy and a one-year warranty.
“The sauna blanket has completely changed the way I deal with inflammation,” writes one satisfied reviewer. “It’s easy to use at home and fits easily into my daily routine, and the gentle heat it produces has significantly reduced my joint pain and muscle soreness. I’ve found that regular use has improved my overall flexibility and mobility.”
We all know that recuperation is important, but finding the time to use a sauna blanket can be a whole other challenge. We love that the Surnuo Sauna Blanket has sleeves, allowing you to use your arms without having to take them out of the blanket. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy, recommends this option for its affordability and ease of use.
“An infrared blanket wraps you up and keeps you warm, and as your body warms up, it can help you relax, calm down, and de-stress,” she says. So your entire body will benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, and muscle tension relief, but you’ll still be able to read a book or talk on the phone.
Frequent travel can take its toll on your body, and that’s where the REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket comes in handy. It folds neatly into the included bag, making it easy to carry or store when not in use. Whether your legs are sore after a long car ride or your back is sore after a long flight, this portable sauna blanket is a great choice for pain relief anytime, anywhere.
We also like that this sauna blanket has a machine-washable lining that helps absorb sweat and protect your skin from direct heat. Plus, five different heat settings let you choose between 85 and 185 degrees to suit your needs.
New to using an infrared sauna blanket? With an intuitive design, ease of use, and user-friendliness, this blanket may be just what you need. “[The blanket] has a zipper for easy use, an EMF-free heating coil, a storage bag, and a simple, clean design,” Wu said. Beginners can take their time finding the perfect temperature with precise, accurate controls.
The company claims that the blanket’s carbon coils distribute heat evenly and replace any EMF heating coils that may be present in other blankets, making this blanket less scary if you’re sweating under a high-tech blanket for the first time. The only maintenance required for this blanket is wiping it down after use, as the material is water-resistant.
For plus-size shoppers who are concerned about the size of an infrared sauna blanket, this blanket, which costs less than $200, is a top choice. “The LifePro Sauna Blanket is designed to fit larger body sizes, has a zipper for arm access, and comes with a lifetime warranty and support,” said Dr. Wu.
With two size options, plus a zipper to create more space, this blanket can comfortably accommodate people of all sizes. We love that this blanket has handy armholes if you need to use your arms or just want to keep your legs and torso warm. It also starts at a relatively low temperature, ranging from 77 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are a fitness enthusiast and often suffer from muscle pain due to daily workouts, we recommend the MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket. The portable controller is detachable and has a simple, sleek design, making it one of the most attractive options on our list. It also comes with a carrying case, so you can take the pain reliever with you wherever and whenever you want.
Even professional athletes rave about the MiHIGH Sauna Blanket, like UFC fighter Michael Chiesa, who, after trying the blanket, said, according to the brand, “The MiHIGH Sauna Blanket gives me the same benefits of a seated infrared sauna, but it’s portable like a regular sauna blanket,” he said. “When I’m stressed on the road, I use the MiHIGH Sauna Blanket to help my muscles recover, lose weight, and relax before bed every night.”
If you are concerned about electromagnetic radiation, the Heat Healer Blanket’s natural heat therapy technology may help. “This blanket uses electromagnetic radiation blocking technology, which means it is not just ‘low’ electromagnetic radiation, but it effectively blocks the magnetic field throughout the blanket,” Marre said.
This blanket has a carbon fiber heating element that emits far infrared rays and is made of certified non-toxic materials to ensure your safety. Compared to HeatHealer’s anti-artificial vision, the HeatHealer blanket contains 96 jade and tourmaline stones that absorb and distribute heat evenly, emit negative ions, and relieve stress because these stones are naturally occurring.
Enjoy two spa treatments in one with the Sharper Image Massage and Sauna Package. Not only does this blanket have eight different heat settings (up to 150 degrees), it also offers three levels of massage vibrations for extra muscle relaxation.
We like that this unit has a timer that automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, minimizing the risk of fire. If you want to use it for more than 30 minutes, the remote control also makes it easy to add 15-minute intervals, giving you up to an hour of use. After using the sauna bag, simply wipe down the waterproof interior with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipes.
This portable sauna dome is a little different from other sauna blankets in that it allows you to sit upright like in a traditional sauna, while still leaving your hands free to use the sauna. This portable sauna uses a full spectrum of infrared frequencies, from near infrared to far infrared. “Near infrared stimulates collagen and elastin production, which makes you look younger,” says Marre. Near infrared has a wavelength close to that of visible light (the colors we can see with our naked eye), according to NASA, meaning it has a shorter wavelength than far infrared.
At $1,299, this product is a luxury choice, but its durability will pay off in the long run. It can be carried like a blanket and comes with a carrying bag.
While there are many great options on the market, finding the product that best suits your needs will make your experience more enjoyable. That’s why our editors have worked hard to find the best infrared sauna blankets on the market. Here are some factors to consider before you buy:
Marre loves the detoxifying effect of the infrared blanket. “Long-term oxidative stress from daily exposure to environmental toxins can damage our body’s cells and DNA, leading to chronic inflammation and other health problems,” Marre said. “Through sweating, we can flush these toxins out of our bodies so they don’t negatively impact our health.”
Sweating has a side effect that offers other benefits, such as detoxification, improved skin, and improved cardiovascular health. “It helps clear pores and remove dead skin cells, helping to improve the overall condition and appearance of the skin,” says Aksanov. “It also helps fight infections and diseases by creating an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria and viruses, thereby supporting the immune system and helping to prevent infection. Lastly, it helps improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.” Other benefits of the blanket include soothing muscle aches, stress relief, pain relief, improved circulation, weight loss, and increased blood flow, according to Aksanov.
Current research on infrared sauna blankets is promising, and Dr. Kelly says patients are already experiencing many of the benefits of these blankets. “As a physician, I’ve seen patients achieve great results using infrared sauna blankets, but it’s important to purchase a high-quality sauna blanket,” said Dr. Kelly. “Infrared saunas have many well-documented and researched health benefits, and sauna blankets use the same technology. These benefits include flushing toxins from the body through sweat, muscle recovery (especially after exercise), improving cardiovascular health, and even relieving chronic pain.”
While the effects of an infrared sauna blanket are similar to those of a traditional sauna, there are some significant differences. According to the Mayo Clinic, traditional saunas use steam to raise the temperature of the room, while infrared saunas use light directly to warm the body rather than the surrounding air.
Because infrared sauna blankets are relatively new, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits, but current research is encouraging: There have been no reports of harmful effects. While some infrared sauna blankets emit low levels of electric and magnetic fields (EMF), or radiation, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says the low levels used in these blankets are not harmful. But if you are concerned about any type of radiation, there are many infrared sauna blankets with low EMF levels or even EMF-blocking technology.
To ensure safety, check the materials and specifications, and make sure the product has been tested and certified. Also, always follow the instructions and do not exceed the maximum recommended time. The ideal temperature is selected individually, the main thing is to pay attention to how your body feels during the session. Start with a low temperature, and then gradually increase it.
Please follow the instructions and consult the manufacturer with any questions regarding use, as each person and blanket situation is different. If you have any underlying medical conditions, it is best to consult with your doctor before incorporating an infrared blanket into your daily routine. Sunlighten recommends using it three to four times a week, while MiHIGH recommends using an infrared sauna blanket two to three times a week. However, there is no strict answer, as it largely depends on common sense.
Infrared sauna blankets are a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a sauna at home, but infrared sauna therapy can provide pain relief for certain conditions. “People who suffer from stiffness or chronic pain (e.g. arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome) or who want to lose weight and reduce stress may benefit from using an infrared sauna blanket,” says Dr. Wu.
Don’t use an infrared sauna blanket if you’re pregnant, sick, or intoxicated. “Avoid using an infrared sauna blanket if you’re pregnant for the same reasons you should avoid all saunas and hot tubs,” says Dr. Kelly. “You should also avoid using a sauna blanket if you have a high fever or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances limit the ability of blood vessels to dilate, and they may not be able to handle the increased blood flow that occurs when using a sauna blanket.”
For best results, we recommend wearing clothing that creates a barrier between your skin and the direct heat source. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks will protect your skin and absorb sweat, making it easier to keep the blanket clean. Some experts recommend placing a thick towel under the blanket for added comfort and to absorb sweat.
We consulted with Casey Kelly, MD, founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health, Marilee Marre, FNP-BC, certified nurse practitioner at New York Integrative Health, Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, board-certified orthopedic physical therapist at ActiveCare Physical Therapy, and Alex Aksanov, PT, DPT, MPH, physical therapist at Stay Active Physical Therapy. We also did our own research and looked at tons of online reviews to find the best infrared sauna blankets on the market.
For more than 70 years, Prevention magazine has been a leading provider of trusted health information, giving readers practical strategies for improving their physical, mental, and emotional health. Our editors interview medical experts to help us select health-focused products. Prevention also reviews hundreds of reviews (and often conducts in-person testing by our staff) to help you make informed decisions.