Are infrared sauna blankets worth it?

If you're not a fan of heat and find it hard to breathe in rising temps, an infrared sauna blanket might not be worth trying. As for everyone else? If you're okay with giving a new gadget backed by minimal research a try, then just proceed with caution, and be sure to follow the instructions. Thurman suggests looking for an infrared sauna blanket that's labeled with a low electromagnetic field (EMF) rating, such as the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket . While the research goes back and forth on this, some science has linked higher EMF's (i.e. x-rays) to cell damage and potentially cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health Cancer Institue . Most blankets cost well over $100 and many are even closer to $500, so it is somewhat of an investment. And while again, it may help improve your health, science doesn't say it's a definite do-gooder. So, weigh the cost with what you're looking to improve.

Are infrared sauna blankets safe?

While science lays out potential benefits to infrared saunas, it doesn't offer much in terms of potential risks — other than a potential lack of efficacy. In fact, several of the infrared sauna studies say there were no adverse effects — at least in the short-term. As for the long-term? That's another TBD, according to Dr. Bauer, who says that the scientific community still doesn't know much about the long-term risks nor benefits of infrared saunas (and therefore, blankets). Still, if you do decide to try out one of these sweat-inducing sleeping bags, it's important that you start small and listen to your body. "Most users will start with a couple of times a week at 15 minutes up until 60 minutes," says Joey Thurman , C.P.T. "Remember the point of these blankets is to get your body to sweat. Use your body as your guide."

The 9 Best Infrared Sauna Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

best infrared sauna blankets tout — Shape / Reese Herrington

Saunas aren’t exactly a new health and wellness trend; credit goes to the Finnish people for making saunas a part of their everyday lives since at least the 1100s. But aside from being a key way to escape the doldrums of dark, cold winters, saunas have been shown to pack a ton of health benefits (think: reduced inflammation, increased blood flow, and improved heart function, to name a few).

Not everyone has the space (or the budget) to add an at-home infrared sauna. Luckily, there’s an alternative way to get some of the therapeutic benefits of infrared saunas (and steam rooms): infrared sauna blankets, which look like high-tech sleeping bags and use electric power to heat the body from within. The best infrared sauna blankets are portable, easy to clean, quick to heat, and offer a variety of temperature options. We tested and analyzed several infrared sauna blankets and researched dozens of others to help you find the best options.

Our Top Picks

Best Infrared Sauna Blanket Overall:

HigherDose Sauna Blanket at Nordstrom ($699)

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Best Budget Infrared Sauna Blanket:

LifePro Sauna Blanket at Amazon ($144)

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Best Infrared Sauna Blanket with Arm Sleeves:

Surnuo Sauna Blanket at Amazon ($83)

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Best Infrared Sauna Blanket with Accessories :

LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket at Amazon ($394)

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Best Infrared Sauna Blanket for Pain Relief:

Sharper Image Calming Infrared Heat Sauna Wrap at Amazon ($150)

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Best Portable Infrared Sauna Blanket:

REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket at Amazon ($249)

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Best Infrared Sauna Blanket Temperature Range:

MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket by Gravity at Gravityblankets.com (See Price)

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Best Infrared Sauna Blanket Overall

HigherDose Sauna Blanket

Amazon

View On Nordstrom $699 View On Higherdose.com $699 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $699

Why We Like It: The latest model has a side zipper, making it even easier to get in and out of the blanket.

It’s Worth Noting: The blanket tops out at 158 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than other models.

Temperature range: 68 to 158° F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: 1 hour | Dimensions: 36” x 71” unfolded, with a maximum interior circumference of 65” when in use

The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket doesn’t sacrifice on quality, making it our choice for the best infrared sauna blanket. A double-sided zipper closure makes getting in as easy as slipping into a sleeping bag, and the sauna blanket boasts layers of amethyst, charcoal, clay, and magnetic strips to enhance the wellness-boosting effects (improved blood flow and circulation and fighting free radicals, according to the brand). 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 also feel this blanket was a little large for the small NYC apartment we tested it in, but the bag fit underneath a bed, which made storage easier. Note that the temperature range of the HigherDOSE blanket is lower than other options we tested (such as the LifePro Sauna Blanket), ranging from 68 to 158 degrees F. We also wish the towel insert was included, since you need a layer between your body and the blanket (and at nearly $600, a free towel doesn’t seem like a lot to ask). Also, keep in mind that taller users may stick out of the top a bit; the length of the blanket is just under six feet.

Shape / Maria Rowella
Shape / Maria Rowella
Shape / Maria Rowella

Best Budget Infrared Sauna Blanket

LifePro Sauna Blanket

LifePro BioRemedy Infrared Sauna Blanket

Amazon

View On Amazon $144

Why We Like It: The optional arm holes give you the flexibility to free your arms.

It’s Worth Noting: The blanket comes with two single-use wraps, which you’ll have to keep purchasing if you enjoy using.

Temperature range: 113° to 176° F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: 1 hour | Dimensions: 36” x 76”, with a maximum interior circumference of 55” when in use

For a relatively cheap infrared sauna blanket, the LifePro Sauna Blanket offers a few different benefits from the HigherDOSE option at less than a third of the price. Most notably, the LifePro blanket has optional arm holes with double-zipper closures, so you can free your arms to read a book, use a phone, or play on a tablet while losing minimal amounts of heat. We loved this feature during testing, as we felt like this blanket ran pretty hot and the option for a bit of a reprieve was much needed. If you want max heat, no problem — just keep them zipped shut.

This sauna blanket is also longer than the HigherDOSE model (76” compared to 71”) so may be a more comfortable fit for tall people. The temperatures range from 113 to 176 degrees F, and the blanket requires just five minutes of preheating. We also thought this was really easy to store, since it folded up basically to the size of a large throw blanket. The cord that attaches the blanket to the remote was quite long, giving us extra freedom to set the blanket up where we had room. For a budget infrared sauna blanket, the LifePro is a solid option.

The model comes with two disposable thermal wraps that look like aluminum foil or Mylar blankets. These are supposed to improve heat retention and maximize benefits. If you find that the single-use wraps improve your sweat, you can buy more on Amazon. We didn’t find these necessary when using the sauna blanket, but they might be worthy if you want to turn up the temps even more.

Shape / Elena Garcia
Shape / Elena Garcia
Shape / Elena Garcia

Best Infrared Sauna Blanket with Arm Sleeves

Surnuo Sauna Blanket

Amazon

View On Amazon $83

Why We Like It: The arm sleeves give you more freedom to move without letting heat escape.

It’s Worth Noting: The operating module is clunky.

Temperature range: Up to 176° F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: 1 hour | Dimensions: 32” x 71”, with a maximum interior circumference of 64” when in use

If the LifePro Sauna Blanket seem too airy for you, the Surnuo Sauna Blanket offers another option for freedom of movement: arm sleeves. The sleeves extend from the main body of the infrared sauna blanket, and the cuffs keep hot air from escaping (the sleeves themselves don’t actually heat up; they just prevent heat loss). The sauna blanket itself reaches temps up to 176 degrees F, and the automatic timer can be set to turn off at intervals from 15 minutes to 60 minutes.

The design of the Surnuo Sauna Blanket isn’t as chic as the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket, and the operating machine is clunky and cumbersome to use. This sauna blanket is also thinner than other options we tested, at 32” wide. The instructions also warn against using the blanket while lying on a sofa or a bed — leaving the floor as your only option, which doesn’t seem very relaxing.

Best Infrared Sauna Blanket with Accessories

LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket

LifePro

View On Amazon $394 View On Lifeprofitness.com $400

Why We Like It: It comes with a towel, five foil wraps, and a carrying case.

It’s Worth Noting: The temperature range is the widest we tested, at 77-176 °F.

Temperature range: 77-176 °F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: 5 to 60 minutes | Dimensions: 36” x 71”, with a maximum interior circumference of 65” when in use

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, like the Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket has.

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 F) so you can truly get comfortable in the lower temperature zones before dialing up the heat.

LifePro RejuvaWrap Infrared Sauna Blanket in its bag — Shape / Michelle Parente

Best Infrared Sauna Blanket for Pain Relief

Sharper Image Calming Infrared Heat Sauna Wrap

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon $150 View On Walmart $230 View On Hsn.com

Why We Like It: This sauna blanket has 3 vibration settings to soothe aches and pains.

It’s Worth Noting: The temperature maxes out at 150°F.

Temperature range: Up to 150°F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: 30 minutes | Dimensions: 35" x 70"

Vibration and percussive technology (see: massage guns) are major trends in pain relief and athletic recovery right now, and the Sharper Image Infrared Sauna Blanket combines that with infrared heat for the ultimate post-workout recovery experience. The blanket has 8 temperature settings and 3 vibration settings to offer plenty of options for comfort, and we also like that it’s a little heavier for a calming effect (a la weighted blankets).

On the downside, we were confused that the controls for this infrared sauna blanket don’t offer specific temperature ranges, so you have no idea whether Zone 1 is 70 degrees or 90 degrees. The brand does note that the temperature range ends at 150 degrees F, which is much lower than the other options we considered.

Best Portable Infrared Sauna Blanket

REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket

Amazon

View On Amazon $249

Why We Like It: It easily folds up into a carrying case with handles.

It’s Worth Noting: The attached controller sits halfway down the blanket, making it difficult to adjust without getting fully out of the wrap.

Temperature range: 77°F to 176°F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: Not listed | Dimensions: 36" x 71"

If you want to be able to take your infrared sauna blanket on the go, the Reviiv infrared sauna blanket is best. It easily folds up into a self-contained carrying case with a handle that fits over your shoulders. At under 20 pounds, it’s not ultra-light, but it’s manageable. The Reviiv also has one of the most precise temperature controls we saw; you’re able to choose the exact temperature you want, whereas most other options only allow you to choose a general temperature range.

The remote control is attached to the sauna blanket via a cable, and the cable is a little too short to reach easily while still in the blanket — so you have to partially sit up for any adjustments, resulting in heat loss. At $460, it’s also one of the more expensive sauna blankets we tested, but it’s frequently on sale for 25 percent off.

Best Infrared Sauna Blanket Temperature Range

MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket by Gravity

Gravity Blankets

View On Gravityblankets.com View On Urban Outfitters $600 View On Mihigh.com $499

Why We Like It: The temperature range spans 95-167 °F, one of the broadest we tested

It’s Worth Noting: The remote control attaches to the foot of the blanket, which is inconvenient.

Temperature range: 95-167 °F | Heating zones: 1 | Automatic timer: Yes | Dimensions: 31" x 70"

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 F, 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.

Shape / Abby Moore
Shape / Abby Moore
Shape / Abby Moore

We Also Tested

Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket

If EMF-blocking technology and even heat dispersion are your main priorities, the Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket boasts both, thanks to 96 jade and tourmaline stones. We also loved that this Kardashian-loved sauna blanket includes plenty of accessories: a cotton towel insert, a pillow, and a carrying case. “I do feel like this was made of high-quality material, and I have no doubt it’ll last me a long time,” adds Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor.

However, we docked points for two big misses. One, the zipper only functioned on the outside of the blanket, which made getting in and out difficult. Two, the timer began at 55 minutes and could only be adjusted by increasing the heat interval (so if you wanted to set the timer for 45 minutes, you had to press the arrow 50 times).

Gizmo Infrared Sauna Blanket

For a more customized infrared sauna blanket experience, the Gizmo sauna blanket features three different heating zones (upper body, waist, and lower body), each of which can be adjusted independently. This infrared sauna blanket also gets hotter than most of the other models we analyzed, with a temperature range of 86 degrees to 194 degrees F. And long-legged people, rejoice: The regular Gizmo blanket is 75” long, and the large version is 88” long, so you’ll have plenty of room to relax.

The Gizmo infrared sauna blanket uses an old-fashioned Velcro closure, which isn’t as quick or convenient as the zippers that most other models have (it also doesn’t retain heat as well). We also wish this model came with a remote control, especially considering how bulky the operating machine is. The controller also only displays degrees in Celsius, so brush up on your conversion math.

What to Know About Infrared Sauna Blankets

Temperature range: Infrared sauna blankets offer a range of heat settings so you can ease into higher temperatures. So, if you're an infrared sauna blanket newbie, you can start at, say, 60 degrees F and gradually work your way up to the max (which is typically around 160 degrees F). Believe it or not, these temps aren't as high as those that you'd experience in a regular ole sauna — and that's the point. The more tolerable the temp, the more time you'll be able to spend sweating it out or the higher you might turn the dial, and, in turn, reap the supposed benefits.

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.

Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blankets

Infrared sauna blankets boast an 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are infrared sauna blankets worth it?

If you're not a fan of heat and find it hard to breathe in rising temps, an infrared sauna blanket might not be worth trying. As for everyone else? If you're okay with giving a new gadget backed by minimal research a try, then just proceed with caution, and be sure to follow the instructions.

Thurman suggests looking for an infrared sauna blanket that's labeled with a low electromagnetic field (EMF) rating, such as the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket. While the research goes back and forth on this, some science has linked higher EMF's (i.e. x-rays) to cell damage and potentially cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health Cancer Institue.

Most blankets cost well over $100 and many are even closer to $500, so it is somewhat of an investment. And while again, it may help improve your health, science doesn't say it's a definite do-gooder. So, weigh the cost with what you're looking to improve.
Are infrared sauna blankets safe?

While science lays out potential benefits to infrared saunas, it doesn't offer much in terms of potential risks — other than a potential lack of efficacy. In fact, several of the infrared sauna studies say there were no adverse effects — at least in the short-term. As for the long-term? That's another TBD, according to Dr. Bauer, who says that the scientific community still doesn't know much about the long-term risks nor benefits of infrared saunas (and therefore, blankets).

Still, if you do decide to try out one of these sweat-inducing sleeping bags, it's important that you start small and listen to your body. "Most users will start with a couple of times a week at 15 minutes up until 60 minutes," says Joey Thurman, C.P.T. "Remember the point of these blankets is to get your body to sweat. Use your body as your guide."

Why Trust Shape

Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor at Shape, where she focuses on reviewing and analyzing tested wellness products to help readers feel their best. 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.

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