The Best Infrared Sauna Blankets, According to Testing & Expert Opinion

Fun fact: saunas have been used dating all the way back to the 1100s. Even back then, it seems, people were craving the refreshing after-effects of getting a good sweat on. That’s because saunas have many benefits — from increased blood flow to inflammation reduction and even better heart health function, per recent studies. 

But what if you want to experience these benefits without ever leaving your home? That’s where infrared the best sauna blankets come in. Slip into one of these high-tech sleeping bags, and the electric power provides heat to the body to mimic a visit to your favorite gym or spa sauna. “Sauna blankets use infrared heat to warm your body, causing you to sweat like in a regular sauna,” explains Ras Dasgupta, M.D., a Los Angeles-based physician and medical advisor for HelpGuide Handbook. “The idea is to help with relaxation and detox by making you sweat it out.”

When shopping for the best infrared sauna blanket, it’s important to consider one that heats up quickly, features different temperature settings, and is relatively easy to clean (since you’ll be sweating it out in there). To make finding the right blanket for the job easier, we’ve tested the top infrared blankets on the market to find the best of the best.

Recall Alert

Lifepro has recalled select models of its Bioremedy Infrared Sauna Blankets due to a burn hazard. There have been 65 reports of the blankets overheating, including 32 incidents of burn injuries. This sauna blanket was previously included in our roundup but was removed immediately after the recall was announced.

To check if your sauna blanket is affected, locate the model number on your device and compare it with the recalled models listed in the official recall report.

Our current top-rated sauna blankets were not impacted by this recall and remain safe, high-performing options. If you’re shopping for a new sauna blanket, our updated recommendations feature only effective, safety-tested products.

Credit: Hydragun

Temperature Range: 86-176 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 10-60 minutes | Weight: 18.7 lbs. | Storage Case: Yes | Closure: Zipper

Hydragun’s HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket checks all the boxes for what a great blanket should be. It’s ready to go right out of the box, comes with a convenient carrier, and takes just a few minutes to set up. The interior is comfortable and cozy, and the device offers a wide range of temperature options. This sauna blanket is completely Faraday-shielded to block EMFs, which can disrupt sleep and interfere with your body’s natural processes. 

Not only does this blanket heat evenly and clean easily, but it also comes with accessories like a soft sweat towel, pillows for added comfort, and a nifty footrest. This blanket blew us away. One tester said she had never used anything like this before. “The best that I can compare it to is an actual sauna, but I love that I can have the benefits of a sauna with a blanket, all from the comfort of my own home,” she says.

Credit: Higher Dose

Why We Like It

• Features eight different temperature settings to soothe sore muscles

• Side zipper makes it easy to get in and out

• Easy to clean and store when not in use

Temperature Range: 68-175 degrees | Heating Zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Settings: 9| Weight: 16.45 lbs. | Storage Case: No | Closure: Zipper

The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna blanket doesn’t just heat up. This innovative sauna blanket features a layer of tourmaline and amethyst that conduct negative ions, along with a magnetic strip that helps improve circulation and blood flow, which is likely why this blanket is so effective at soothing sore muscles. We’re a fan of this non-toxic approach to wellness, even if it means this blanket doesn’t heat up as hot as the others.

The infrared sauna blanket has eight temperature settings and one heating zone, and the automatic timer shuts off after an hour. We thought the non-toxic polyurethane leather body felt incredibly premium and durable. Plus, it’s easy to wipe down and clean after your sweat session, and the blanket folds nearly flat for easy storage.

We found that this blanket also doesn’t fold up or store as nicely as others on the list, but with some finessing, it’s possible to store it under a bed or tucked away in a closet. We recommend getting the towel insert, which costs extra but is necessary for an added layer between your body and the blanket itself. This blanket might not be the best fit for those who are vertically blessed since it measures just under six feet. As a recent bonus, the Infrared Sauna Blanket now comes with the Blanket Bag to make transporting the product easier.  

Credit: LifePro

Why We Like It

• Comes with towel, foil wraps, and carrying case

• Wide temperature range from 77 to 176 degrees

Temperature range: 77-176 °F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: 5 to 60 minutes | Settings: 2 | Weight: Unlisted | Storage Case: Yes | ‎Closure: Zipper

For the full infrared sauna blanket experience, we appreciated that the LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket came with everything we needed: a carrying case for storage, a towel, and five foil wraps. The towel is key, since you can use it as an extra insert layer between your body and the blanket, or you can wrap it around your head turban-style to further trap heat in. The carrying case is nice for portability, but it’s even better for storage; we found that it was easy to slide the case under a bed when not in use. Overall, the accessories package was pretty robust. The only thing missing? A pillow.

If you’re new to the infrared sauna and nervous about tolerating the heat, this infrared sauna blanket might also be a good choice. That’s because the temperature range goes pretty low (to 77 degrees) so you can truly get comfortable in the lower temperature zones before dialing up the heat. 

The LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket comes with a towel, foil wraps, and a carrying case.

Shape

Credit: Gravity Blankets

Temperature range: 95-167 °F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic Shut Off: Yes | Dimensions: 31″ x 70″ | Settings: 2 | Weight: Unlisted | Storage Case: Yes | ‎Closure: Zipper

If you want the most options possible for choosing your optimal temperature, the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket had one of the widest ranges we tested (second only to the LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket). Ranging from 95 to 167 degrees, you’ll have plenty of variety available when determining just how much you want to sweat.

Infrared sauna blankets don’t generally take up much space, but the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket is especially efficient. It’s narrower than most other options we researched (31” wide, compared to 36” for other models), which makes it easier to fold. It also lays more flat than other models, and it comes with its own carrying case for secure stowing. Plus, the MiHigh can be used on beds or sofas, whereas some infrared sauna blankets can only be used on the floor to avoid fabric damage. 

Of course, the narrower fit means this sauna wrap might not be comfortable for curvier body types. We also wish the remote control wasn’t attached so far down the blanket; it was hard for us to reach down and adjust the temperature while inside.

Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blankets

The best infrared sauna blankets boast the ability to do seemingly everything, from “detox” your body to reduce inflammation and body aches to boost blood flow and mood. And infrared sauna blanket groupies on the ‘gram are quick to second these supposed benefits. But, as with everything on social media, what you see in pics and read in captions might be a little, err, exaggerated.

And while the potential pros of these infrared blankets definitely sound promising, science doesn’t entirely back them up. As of now, there’s little to no research on infrared sauna blankets in particular, just on infrared saunas in general, says Brent Bauer, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic’s Integrative Medicine Department.

That said, research on infrared saunas does point to a few potential advantages. For starters, evidence suggests that when used frequently (we’re talking, five times a week), these sweat-inducing treatments may help with heart function. This may result from a reduction in blood pressure, as well as in oxidative stress and inflammation. One small study on male athletes also found that it may help with post-workout recovery. Evidence also suggests infrared saunas may also alleviate chronic pain, including aches for those with rheumatoid arthritis. (In fact, Lady Gaga swears by infrared saunas for managing her own chronic pain.) Where the science lacks: anything having to do with weight loss and the idea that sitting in a blanket is just as good for you as breaking a sweat in a workout.

It’s important to keep in mind that while infrared saunas may offer these health advantages, that doesn’t necessarily mean the blanket version will do the same — though it could.

“Until a manufacturer takes the time and discipline to do such scientific work on their product, I would be cautious about accepting claims for one product (i.e. blankets) that are based on data from another product (i.e.saunas) and trying to claim equivalency between the two,” says Dr. Bauer. “This is not to say that there may not be benefits from blankets, it is just that from a medical perspective, we can only respond to data that has been made available to other doctors and researchers in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.” 

What to Know About Infrared Sauna Blankets

• Materials. When shopping for a sauna blanket, looking for one made out of materials that meet FCC standards is important. “Sauna blankets that meet FCC standards are made with materials with low EMF (electromagnetic field) emissions to keep radiation exposure safe,” Dasgupta explains. “These are usually made with carbon fiber or other heat-safe fabrics.”
• Temperature range. Infrared sauna blankets allow your body to gradually adjust to different heat levels through various temperature ranges and options. Some sauna blankets may start as low as 60 degrees, while others begin in the 80s and can go up to 180 degrees. Still, these temperatures aren’t as hot as what you’d experience in a sauna. Providing a more tolerable temperature means you’ll be able to use the sauna blanket for longer than you’d be able to stay in a sauna.
• Size. Typically, infrared sauna blankets are slightly bigger than your average sleeping bag and are meant to accommodate a wide range of body sizes and shapes. Some are on the longer side, while others fall short of six feet (like the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket). To ensure the best fit, be sure to thoroughly read the product dimension specs before placing your order. 
• Settings. Ideally, infrared sauna blankets should offer users a way to tailor settings to individual needs and preferences. “Controls should include adjustable heat, variable heating ‘zones’ that allow you to control the flow from top to bottom, a timer to turn the blanket on or off automatically, and a remote control,” says Jake Dickson, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT-NASM), and Clinical Athlete Certified Weightlifting Coach for BarBend. For the best experience, temperature and time duration must be adjustable.
• Ease of set up. Infrared sauna blankets can be cumbersome to unroll and store, so finding a lightweight option that still functions as it should is key. All of the options on our list are well under 20 lbs and fairly easy to maneuver, with the Hydragun HeatPot Infrared Sauna Blanket winning for easiest to use. 
• Zipper vs. velcro: While many older-model infrared sauna blankets use a Velcro closure to retain heat, newer models (such as the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket) use a double-sided zipper. The zipper is much easier to use when getting in and out of the infrared sauna wrap, so that’s what we’d recommend prioritizing.
• Remote control vs. operating module: While older infrared sauna blankets are operated from a clunky, computer-esque module, newer (and more expensive) models use a remote control for easier adjustments. Some remote controls are connected to the sauna blanket via a cable, so make sure before purchasing that the remote will be easy to reach while in the blanket. That way, you won’t have to get out of the blanket fully (and lose all the heat) when you want to change the temperature. We recommend an infrared sauna blanket with a wireless remote for ultimate convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do sauna blankets work?

  “Sauna blankets emit electromagnetic radiation (specifically infrared) to increase the body’s temperature and stimulate your tissues, mimicking the effects of a traditional sauna,” explains Brynna Connor, M.D., a family medicine doctor based in Austin and health care ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy. “Stimulated tissue helps increase blood flow and oxygen delivery, promotes muscle relaxation, and activates cellular activity such as protein synthesis and white blood cells as part of the immune system.” 

• Are sauna blankets safe?

  While there’s very little research on sauna blankets specifically, the consensus among health care professionals is that sauna blankets are safe to use short-term, provided you’re following the directions. “People who shouldn’t use a sauna blanket include women who are or may be pregnant, people with heart conditions, people who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses like migraines, vertigo, and dizziness, and people on certain medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and barbiturates,” Connor explains. Sauna blankets should also only be used by adults over 18. 

• Are sauna blankets worth it?

  Whether or not sauna blankets are worth it depends on what you use it for. “Some people love the convenience at home, while others might not notice big benefits,” says Dasgupta. Dickson agrees. “Sauna blankets are gaining a lot of momentum right now, but they’re probably not a one-stop shop for achieving your health goals,” he says. “When making any holistic purchase, keep utility at the forefront of your mind — there may be a more practical option available.” With most infrared sauna blankets costing over $100 (with most in the $500 range), spending that kind of money on something you’re not sure will have noticeable benefits is risky. Some options on this list, like the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket and Hydragun HeatPot Sauna Blanket, have 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can always return your infrared sauna blanket if you don’t think it’s worth it. 

• Who should use sauna blankets?

  If you’re seeking relaxation, suffering from chronic pain, wanting to relieve sore muscles, or just want the relaxing benefits of a traditional sauna at home, Connor says an infrared sauna blanket might be right for you. “There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting that sauna blankets can promote better sleep, so people who struggle with sleep quality may also want to think about using a sauna blanket,” she adds.

Why Trust Shape

Danielle Page has spent the past 13 years writing about health, fitness, and products that positively impact readers’ lives. An active participant in Shape’s testing program, she’s tested everything from pedometers to hair growth serums to find the best product for the job. An avid finder of the latest and greatest gadgets on the internet, she’s elated to bring the best infrared sauna blankets on the market to the forefront. 

Kristen Geil is the former senior editor at Shape. She personally researched and analyzed dozens of infrared sauna blankets to choose these finalists, and she tested the Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket for this test. She’s a NASM-certified personal trainer who has written about wellness and health for nearly 10 years.

We interviewed the following experts for this article:

• Jake Dickson, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT-NASM), and Clinical Athlete Certified Weightlifting Coach for BarBend.
• Brent Bauer, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic’s Integrative Medicine Department.
• Brynna Connor, M.D., a family medicine doctor based in Austin and health care ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.
• Ras Dasgupta, M.D., a Los Angeles-based physician and medical advisor for HelpGuide Handbook.