Fitness Gear Recovery Gear Workout Recovery Guide Workout Recovery Guide Overview Benefits and Terms Cooldown Active Recovery Rest Days Post-Workout Nutrition Why Post-Workout Nutrition Matters What to Eat Post-Workout Protein Carbohydrates Hydration Recovery Modalities Compression Ice Baths Massage Foam Rolling Gear, Supplements, and Apps What To Buy: Compression Socks What To Buy: Foam Roller What To Buy: Recovery Shoes What To Buy: Supplements and Food What To Buy: Infrared Sauna Blankets Stretching Apps The 11 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets for 2023 HigherDOSE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket is comfortable, feature-packed, and easy to use By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 10, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Marcus Millan Building an at-home sauna is no small task, but with an infrared sauna blanket, you can get a sauna-like experience using a device no bigger than a sleeping bag. Like infrared saunas, infrared sauna blankets warm your body using infrared light. While their benefits aren’t fully understood, infrared sauna blankets have shown promise in areas like circulation, metabolism, and heart health, but research on the subject is still pretty limited. A great infrared sauna blanket should be safe, comfortable, easy to use, space-efficient, and easy to clean. When shopping, you’ll also want to pay attention to temperature range and total settings. More settings means more ways to customize your sauna experience—but it also means more buttons to push every time you use your blanket. To find the best infrared sauna blankets, we turned to two experts: Dr. Kerry Martin, Ph.D., exercise physiologist and Director of Science at Biostrap, and Dr. Andrea Paul, M.D., Medical Advisor to Illuminate Labs. With their advice in mind, we researched dozens of top-rated infrared sauna blankets, assessing them for ease of use, comfort, settings, and overall value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: HigherDose Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: SurmountWay Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket by Gravity at Amazon Jump to Review Easiest to Clean: Sun Home Saunas Sauna Blanket at Sunhomesaunas.com Jump to Review Best with Sleeves: Surnuo Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Extra-Large: LifePro Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Separate Heating Zones: Gizmo Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Temperature: REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket at Buyboxclub.com Jump to Review Best Zero EMF: HYDRAGUN Sauna Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vibrating: Sharper Image Calming Infrared Heat Sauna Wrap at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Higherdose.com Pros User-friendly design Cozy lining Automatic shutoff timer Cons Low max temperature HigherDOSE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket is our top pick for two simple reasons: It’s one of the most comfortable sauna blankets around, and it’s really easy to use. The fan-favorite blanket is made of polyurethane, so it feels smooth and sturdy. It’s filled with unique materials, like clay, charcoal, amethyst, and tourmaline. This unusual lining makes the blanket particularly heavy and cozy. We also love how user-friendly the blanket’s design is. It’s shaped like a sleeping bag and lined with a zipper, so it’s easy to open and close. Although it’s cut to leave just your head and neck exposed, you can comfortably slip your arms out if you want to text or read. The blanket is also easy to turn on: Just grab the attached remote and choose from eight different temperature settings. These settings start at 68 degrees Fahrenheit and stop at 158 degrees Fahrenheit, so this blanket doesn’t get as hot as some of our other top picks. But we like that the lower temperature makes the blanket less intimidating, and we appreciate that it automatically shuts off after one hour of use. Price at time of publication: $599 Settings: 8 | Temperature Range: 68°F-158°F | Material: Polyurethane | Dimensions: 36 x 71 inches | Weight: 17.6 pounds Best Budget SurmountWay Sauna Blanket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Two separate heating zones Lots of temperature and timer settings Zip-up arm holes Cons Toggling through settings takes time There are some great sauna blankets in the $110 to $130 range. But SurmountWay’s Sauna Blanket is our favorite budget pick, because it offers an easy-to-use, customizable experience. While most sauna blankets get hot from top to bottom, this one is divided into two heating zones—which you can control separately using the blanket’s remote. Each heating zone maxes out at 176 degrees Fahrenheit, so the blanket gets pretty hot. And we like how specific you can get with the blanket’s temperature and timer settings—you can choose the exact temperature (up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit) and time limit (up to 60 minutes) that you want. We appreciate that the blanket has built-in safety features—automatically shutting off if the temperature exceeds 185 degrees F. We also love that it’s designed with arm holes. After all, lying still for a 30-minute sauna session isn’t always easy—and being able to read a book or check your texts can make all the difference. Price at time of publication: $110 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: Up to 176°F | Material: Polyurethane, PVC | Dimensions: 32 x 70 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds Best Portable MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket by Gravity Gravity Blankets View On Amazon View On Gravityblankets.com View On Urban Outfitters Pros Easy to fold Comes with a carry bag Large temperature range Cons Narrow Most infrared sauna blankets on our list are portable. But since MiHIGH’s Infrared Sauna Blanket folds up smaller than most, it’s particularly easy to bring on the go. While many zipped-up sauna blankets are 71 x 36 inches, MiHIGH’s is narrower at 70 x 31 inches. This unique size makes the blanket easier to fold up. When unfolded, many sauna blankets are 71 inches wide—while this one is just 62 inches wide. That nine-inch difference dramatically cuts down on the thick polyurethane you have to fold up, making this blanket even easier to store inside its carry bag. Of course, portability isn’t the only thing this blanket has to offer—it’s also sturdy and sweatproof. We appreciate that its 77 to 167 degrees F temperature range gives you plenty of options to choose from. Plus, the blanket is easy to open and close, and its attached remote control is easy to use. Price at time of publication: $450 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: 77-167°F | Material: Polyurethane | Dimensions: 31 x 70 inches | Weight: 23.6 pounds The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023 Easiest to Clean Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket Sun Home Saunas View On Sunhomesaunas.com Pros Velcro closure Unfolds completely Comes in three colors Cons High minimum temperature Sauna blankets are not always easy to clean, because they’re sewn up along the bottom. That makes it tricky to clean the inside crevices, even when the blanket is unzippered. But since Sun Home Saunas’s Infrared Sauna Blanket is lined with Velcro along the sides and bottom, it avoids this common pitfall. Like other sauna blankets, this one folds up like a sleeping bag, but when you peel apart its Velcro-lined edges, it unfolds to lie completely flat. This gives you easy access to the blanket’s interior—the part of the blanket that gets the sweatiest. Since it's made of polyurethane, cleaning the blanket is easy: Just spritz it with antibacterial spray, and quickly wipe it down. We also like that the blanket comes in three colors, and we appreciate its easy-to-use remote. The blanket’s temperature range runs from 95 to 167 degrees F, so it boasts one of the highest minimum temperatures on our list, which may be too hot for beginners. You can set its timer anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, which is ideal for worry-free relaxation. Price at time of publication: $499 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: 95°F-167°F | Material: Polyurethane | Dimensions: 36 x 71 inches | Weight: Not listed Best with Sleeves Surnuo Sauna Blanket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Elastic-cuff sleeves Large temperature range Easy to fold Cons Narrow If you want to multitask while using your sauna blanket, arm holes are a must. But sleeves are even better—and Surnuo’s Sauna Blanket is one of the only options on the market that has them. The blanket is made of sturdy PVC, and it’s lined with a zipper that’s easy to open and close. These features are classic, but the blanket’s sleeves are unique: Instead of boasting two zip-up armholes, the blanket is designed with elastic-cuff sleeves. These sleeves free up your hands while concealing your arms—locking in heat and keeping more of you warm while you multitask. At 32 x 70 inches, the blanket is narrower than some of our other favorites, but we’d happily trade a few inches to get the convenience of cozy sleeves. The blanket’s remote is also easy to use, and its temperature range maxes out at a toasty 176 degrees F. Price at time of publication: $166 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: Up to 176°F | Material: PVC | Dimensions: 70 x 32 inches | Weight: 12.3 pounds Best Extra-Large LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Extra-long Zips over shoulders Zip-up arm holes Cons Standard width High minimum temperature LifePro’s BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket comes in two sizes: regular and large. It’s a great pick if you want to opt for a roomier blanket. Many sauna blankets are 71 inches long, but at 76 inches, LifePro’s large blanket is five inches longer than your average sauna blanket, providing a roomier feel. That might not sound like a big difference, but LifePro’s blanket is one of the biggest options we found after hours of research. If you’re too tall for a standard blanket, a little wiggle room can make all the difference. We also like the blanket’s unique design: It’s lined with an extra-long zipper that starts at one side of your neck and ends at the other, so it completely covers your shoulders. And it features built-in arm holes you can unzip to free up your hands. We also appreciate how classic the blanket’s settings are: The heat settings range from 113 to 176 degrees F, and you can set its timer anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Price at time of publication: $180 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: 113°F-176°F | Material: Oxford fabric, polyurethane | Dimensions: 76 x 36 inches | Weight: 11.3 pounds Best with Separate Heating Zones Gizmo Far Infrared Sauna Blanket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Three separate heating zones Extra-large High max temperature Cons Lots of settings to juggle Displays temperature in Celsius Most sauna blankets are designed with one heating zone, meaning they reach the same temperature from top to bottom. Gizmo’s Far Infrared Sauna Blanket stands out, because it’s designed with three heating zones—and you can control each one separately. Like most other sauna blankets, Gizmo’s is made of sweatproof polyurethane. But its design is unique: The blanket is divided into three zones, which can heat your upper body, midsection, and lower body at different temperatures. Each zone boasts the same temperature range: 86 to 194 degrees F. All three are controlled by the same timer, which maxes out at 60 minutes. Unfortunately, the blanket’s remote only displays temperatures in Celsius, so you’ll have to do conversions to use it. The blanket is also unusually large: Its standard size is 68 x 75 inches, and its large size is 78 x 88 inches. This added wiggle room is the cherry on top of an already-great sauna blanket, making it an even better buy. Price at time of publication: $400 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: 86°F-194°F | Material: Leather, polyurethane | Dimensions: 68 x 75 (standard), 78 x 88 (large) | Weight: 22.2 pounds Best Temperature REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket Amazon View On Buyboxclub.com Pros Large temperature range 100 different settings Comes with a carry bag Cons Toggling through settings takes time REVIIV’s Infrared Sauna Blanket is comfortable, sturdy, and easy to use. We especially love that it gives you 100 temperatures to choose from, every time you turn it on. While other products on our list offer great temperature ranges, REVIIV’s is even bigger than most. The blanket’s heat range starts at 77 degrees F and goes all the way up to 176 degrees F. Many blankets restrict you to a few general temperature settings, but we love that this one lets you pick any temperature within its 77 to 176 degrees F range. This approach makes it easy to find a temperature you feel comfortable with. And since the blanket’s built-in remote lets you control the temperature and the timer, it’s easy to customize your sauna blanket experience. But that’s not all, this blanket has many other features that make it a worthy pick. It’s made of waterproof polyurethane, so it holds up to heat and sweat, and it’s lined with several layers of cotton, so it feels plush and comfortable. We also like that the blanket ships with a carry bag, making it easy to travel with. Price at time of publication: $430 Settings: 100 | Temperature Range: 77°F-176°F | Material: Polyurethane, cotton | Dimensions: 36 x 71 inches | Weight: 19.2 pounds The 20 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment Buys of 2023 Best Zero EMF HYDRAGUN HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket Hydragun View On Amazon View On Hydragun.com Pros Comes with a carry bag Large temperature range Lots of timer settings Cons Toggling through settings takes time Many infrared sauna blankets emit EMF (electromagnetic fields)—what most of us would call "radiation." This radiation isn’t necessarily harmful: Infrared devices emit more EMF than cell phones and microwaves, but less than light bulbs and X-rays. But if you’d prefer an infrared sauna blanket that emits no EMF, HYDRAGUN’s HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket is a great pick. Like other sauna blankets, HYDRAGUN’s HeatPod is made of polyurethane and lined with cotton, and it’s designed with a user-friendly zipper that locks in heat. But the blanket is also equipped with zero-EMF infrared heating coils, which are designed to cut the blanket’s EMF emissions to zero. For context, most of our other favorite sauna blankets are designed to emit low EMF, but this one shouldn’t emit EMF at all. The blanket also boasts a bunch of temperature settings—letting you pick from its range of 86°F to 176°F in 2-degree increments. We also appreciate that the blanket’s timer is easy to use, and you can set it between 5 and 60 minutes. Price at time of publication: $499 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: 86°F-176°F | Material: Vegan leather (polyurethane) | Dimensions: 71 x 36 inches | Weight: 22.6 pounds Best Vibrating Sharper Image Calming Infrared Heat Sauna Wrap Bed Bath & Beyond View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Hsn.com Pros Eight temperature settings Three vibration modes User-friendly hook-and-loop closure Cons Low max temperature Like many other sauna blankets on our list, Sharper Image’s Calming Heat Sauna Wrap boasts eight different temperature settings. It’s also equipped with three vibration modes—which you can pair with your favorite temperature setting to get a massage while you warm up, offering a unique and relaxing experience. At first glance, the blanket looks pretty classic: It’s made of sturdy polyurethane, it leaves your head and neck exposed, and it’s lined with hook-and-loop fasteners that are easy to open and close. But when you grab the blanket’s remote, you can see what makes it special. The blanket lets you pair eight different heat settings with three vibration modes, giving you 24 relaxing combinations to explore. The blanket also comes with a built-in timer, which you can set to last between 15 and 60 minutes. One downside of the blanket is that it only reaches 150 degrees F—the lowest max temperature of any blanket on our list. This isn’t a huge deal—150 degrees F is still pretty hot, and since it’s the only blanket on our list that vibrates, we’re happy to sacrifice those extra degrees. Price at time of publication: $300 Settings: 8, plus 3 vibration modes | Temperature Range: Up to 150°F | Material: Polyurethane | Dimensions: 70 x 35 inches | Weight: 14.1 pounds We Tested the Best Massage Guns for Every Budget—These 15 Came Out on Top Best Lie-Down Sauna Relax Far Infrared Lie Down Sauna Amazon View On Amazon View On Relaxsaunas.com Pros Roomy Lightweight Comes with a pillow Cons No listed temperature range Expensive Relax’s Far Infrared Lie Down Sauna isn’t a typical infrared sauna blanket, but it works a lot like one. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who wants more room to move around mid-sauna-session. At 65 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 19 inches tall, this sauna tent is bulkier than a sauna blanket, but you still lie down to use it. To set up the tent, place the sauna mat on the ground, then lie down and pull the tent around your body. Grab the attached remote to turn on the sauna and adjust the heat, and rest your head on the sauna’s inflatable pillow to stay comfortable while you relax. Since the tent is bigger than a sauna blanket, you can move around inside it—and you can even log a sauna session while lying on your side. This flexibility makes the sauna tent more comfortable—and without sacrificing convenience. At 18 pounds, the tent is as lightweight as a classic sauna blanket. And since it folds down to a fraction of its size, it’s easy to store and transport. Price at time of publication: $1,500 Settings: Not listed | Temperature Range: Not listed | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 65 x 26 inches x 19 inches | Weight: 18 pounds How We Selected the Best Infrared Sauna Blankets To find the best infrared sauna blankets, we spent hours researching top-rated options. We compared blankets based on size, settings, ease of use, and overall value, and we favored blankets with standout features—like built-in sleeves or independent heating zones. For advice on buying and using infrared sauna blankets, we turned to two experts: Dr. Kerry Martin, Ph.D., exercise physiologist and director of science at Biostrap, and Dr. Andrea Paul, M.D., medical advisor to Illuminate Labs. Dr. Martin walked us through the benefits and best practices of infrared sauna blanket use, and Dr. Paul emphasized the limitations of current infrared sauna blanket research. What to Look for in an Infrared Sauna Blanket Temperature Range Infrared sauna blankets are designed to get hot, but some get hotter than others. On our list alone, you’ll find blankets with minimum temperatures between 68 and 113 degrees F, and maximum temperatures between 150-194 degrees F—that’s a lot of variation. Before buying an infrared sauna blanket, check its temperature range to make sure its heat settings start as low—and get as high—as you want them to. Settings Some sauna blankets simplify your experience, giving you just a few temperature and timer settings to toggle through. Others give you total control, letting you pick the precise temperature and time limit you want. Consider how many settings you’re interested in sifting through, and pick an infrared sauna blanket you’ll find user-friendly. Size Your infrared sauna blanket should be big enough to comfortably accommodate you—but small enough to store space-efficiently. “Keep in mind that you may want to regularly put the device away,” says Dr. Martin. Consider your height as you shop, and don’t buy a blanket that’s bigger than it needs to be. If you want to be able to bring your blanket on the go, look for one that comes with a convenient carry bag. Closure Style Most infrared sauna blankets look like sleeping bags and are designed with different kinds of closures—like zippers, Velcro, and hook-and-loop fasteners. Be sure the blanket you choose has a closure you’ll find easy to use. And pay attention to where the closure starts and stops: Does the blanket leave your shoulders exposed? Is it designed with arm holes? “Some people like to be able to slide an arm or two out of the blanket to use a phone, computer, or book,” Dr. Martin says. “Some blankets have arm holes that allow you to keep most of your body inside while doing this, while others require you to slide the blanket down to clear your arms.” Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of an infrared sauna blanket? “The benefits of infrared blankets and saunas are still being researched and discovered,” Dr. Martin says. But there may be some potential perks. “Infrared saunas may have anti-inflammatory effects that help individuals recover from strenuous workouts,” Dr. Paul says. “There is also some early research suggesting that infrared sauna use may improve skin quality, but not enough research to say so conclusively yet.” How to clean an infrared sauna blanket? Cleaning an infrared sauna blanket is relatively easy. Start by opening up the blanket (unzip it, unfold it, or unfasten it), and then spritz the blanket with antibacterial spray and wipe it down. Be sure to target the inside of the blanket. If your blanket is sewn along the base, this area may be hard to reach. Since it’s the part of the blanket that gets the sweatiest, you’ll want to be sure to reach in and clean it. Are infrared sauna blankets safe? “Infrared sauna blankets indeed are considered safe for the majority of adults,” Dr. Martin says. “Infrared therapy itself isn’t considered harmful, as the wavelengths are too low-energy to damage cellular components like ultraviolet light can.” That said, infrared sauna blankets do get hot—so you’ll want to watch out for burns and dehydration. Consider talking to your doctor before buying an infrared sauna blanket, and be sure to use the blanket according to its instructions. Dr. Paul notes that because research on infrared sauna blankets is so limited, you may want to proceed with additional caution. “While I consider infrared sauna blankets likely to be safe, there isn't enough research to say so conclusively in my opinion,” she says. “Consumers are subjected to light at a much closer range with infrared sauna blankets than with traditional infrared saunas, and this technology should be studied more in legitimate clinical trials.” How do infrared sauna blankets compare to a classic sauna? Infrared sauna blankets and infrared saunas are similar, but they’re not the same. According to Dr. Martin, infrared saunas often emit near-infrared and far-infrared rays, whereas infrared sauna blankets emit only far-infrared rays. Because of this, saunas may offer some benefits that sauna blankets don’t. (Research is limited, so it’s hard to say for sure.) On the other hand, sauna blankets also offer benefits that saunas don’t: They’re small, portable, and budget-friendly, and they’re easy to use at home. How often can you use an infrared sauna blanket? “Experts recommend using the therapy two to three times per week to experience noticeable benefits,” Dr. Martin says. “But many users use it daily—some even twice a day.” To get the most from your infrared sauna blanket, use it according to its instructions, and consider talking to your doctor about best practices. “Be sure to hydrate very well and replenish electrolytes, too!” Dr. Martin says. What should I wear under an infrared sauna blanket? Infrared sauna blankets get really hot, so most brands recommend wearing clothes while you use yours, and some even suggest sliding a towel between your skin and the blanket. “Many companies recommend being fully clothed, including socks,” Dr. Martin says. “Keep in mind that you will sweat a good bit, so choose clothing that you don’t mind getting sweaty.” As always, it’s a good idea to check your specific blanket’s instructions to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Why Trust Verywell Fit Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Verywell Fit with seven years of experience in the health and fitness space. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. 5 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lima MV, Ochiai ME, Vieira KN, et al. Thermal vasodilation using a portable infrared thermal blanket in decompensated heart failure. Int Heart J. 2014;55(5):433-439. doi:10.1536/ihj.14-096 Cristiano L. Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments. Infrared Physics & Technology. 2019;102:102991. doi:10.1016/j.infrared.2019.102991 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Electric & magnetic fields. Noponen P. Effects of far infrared warm on recovery in power athletes during a 5- day training period. Science in Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing. Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. SpringerPlus. 2015;4(1):321. doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit