Sauna Blankets Compared - How effective are the therapeutic blankets really?

After an intense workout or a hectic workday, there's probably nothing better than complete relaxation through heat therapy. One way to harness the benefits of heat is by using an infrared sauna blanket.

Imagine these blankets as a kind of sauna bag that completely envelops you. The products use infrared radiation technology to directly warm your body, make you sweat, reduce stress, and provide ultimate relaxation. And all of this comfortably on your sofa in your own home.

The best sauna blankets compared

Sauna blankets are essentially portable saunas that you wrap around your body, similar to a sleeping bag. They are intended to be a space-saving, often cheaper alternative to large sauna cabins.

We compared the most popular products to find out if they can compete with a regular infrared sauna and if they deliver on manufacturers' promises.

Koanna Infrared Sauna Blanket

The first product in our comparison is an infrared sauna blanket from the brand Koanna.

Materials, such as PU leather. The manufacturer boasts a special ultra-low EMF heating technology, which, according to its own statements, has an average of only 0.1mG to 0.9mG.

The device reaches a maximum temperature of 80°C and generates infrared wavelengths in the range of 8-14um. This means it emits far-infrared heat rays.

Conveniently, the device is suitable for broad-shouldered individuals up to 2m tall. Additionally, the product can be tested for 30 days free of charge with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Further warranty services are not mentioned on the website, which is why we assume the legally required 2-year warranty.

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HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

HigherDose is a wellness products company founded by two passionate female biohackers.

In addition to sauna blankets, the company also sells devices for local red light therapy, infrared cabins, and infrared mats.

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The HigherDose sauna blanket, made of waterproof, leather-like polyurethane, heats up in just 10 minutes, reaches temperatures of up to 70°C, and has 8 display modes.

In addition to infrared heat, the blanket also features a charcoal, clay, and magnetic layer, as well as a layer for crystal therapy.

The charcoal layer is said to help bind toxins during detoxification. The clay layer emits negative ions to balance the heat. The grounding magnetic strips improve blood flow and circulation.

Crystal therapy is said to occur through amethyst and tourmaline layers, providing soothing vibrations for the body.

Dedc Digital Far Infrared Oxford Sauna Blanket

The Dedc Digital Far Infrared Oxford Sauna Blanket is made of waterproof Oxford material and reaches a maximum temperature of 80°C. The inner layer is made of waterproof PVC material.

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This model features a double-zipper design, creating openings for your arms. This allows you to move your hands freely outside.

The Dedc sauna blanket uses far-infrared, with continuously adjustable desired temperature.

The effectiveness of this infrared sauna blanket is questionable, as there is very vague information about the product online. No information is provided regarding warranty services, heating technology, or EMF exposure.

VEVOR 3 Zone Infrared Sauna Blanket

The VEVOR infrared sauna blanket features 3 heating zones for different heat settings. It can reach up to 85°C, with the heating areas located on the upper body, waist, and lower body.

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The exterior of the product is made of polyurethane. The interior is also made of plastic, but it is soft PVC material.

Even though VEVOR advertises premium quality on its website, no precise information is given about the heating elements. There is also no information regarding warranty and EMF exposure, which raises numerous doubts.

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Are sauna blankets really effective?

According to research from 2019, infrared sauna blankets work through electromagnetic radiation that stimulates the tissue beneath the skin. [1]

The same research notes that these blankets can offer some health benefits, including:

• Improved blood circulation
• Stimulation of metabolism
• Accelerated detoxification
• Faster fat burning

Further research on the effects of infrared sauna blankets is limited.

A clinical study from 2014 investigated the effects of sauna blankets on people with decompensated heart failure. They concluded that the blankets could be beneficial as an accompanying heat therapy. [2]

Another scientific report from 2022 found that infrared saunas, in general, can be beneficial for certain musculoskeletal disorders. [3]

It mentions knee osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic myofascial pain as conditions that can improve with infrared sauna therapy.

This shows that while research on infrared cabins in general is already very well-established, there is still little scientifically proven information specifically on sauna blankets.

Therefore, one cannot automatically assume that sauna blankets have the same effect as high-quality infrared cabins.

What are the risks of using sauna blankets?

Just like with an infrared cabin, there is no cause for concern with an infrared heating blanket for healthy individuals when used correctly. There is no evidence to suggest that infrared sauna blankets pose dangers or risks.

However, you should consult a doctor before using the device to ensure that you are in suitable condition for using infrared heat.

Pregnant women, for example, should avoid all forms of sauna. [4]
There is also evidence that people with heart problems should avoid saunas. This could be due to the fact that heat and humidity can strain the cardiovascular system. [5]

Children should also use a sauna blanket only to a limited extent or for shorter periods than adults. A research paper from 2021 recommends that children under 6 years of age should avoid this therapy altogether, as they cannot regulate heat as well as adults and therefore risk overheating. [6]

If you do not belong to the mentioned groups of people, there is nothing against using a sauna blanket or infrared sauna.

Is a sauna blanket worth it?

Infrared sauna blankets in the lower price range have little in common with the effectiveness of an infrared cabin. Cheap products are poorly made, have a short lifespan, do not achieve the same beneficial effect as full-spectrum infrared emitters, and produce a lot of electrosmog.

High-quality sauna blankets or sauna mats come at a price. However, research into the effectiveness of a therapeutic infrared blanket is not as extensive as that for classic infrared cabins.

Therefore, it might be worth considering a highly effective, robust infrared cabin instead of a sauna blanket. Unlike sauna blankets, there are numerous well-founded studies on the effects of infrared saunas.

If you are still considering buying an infrared sauna blanket, you should consider several factors:

• Materials

The material depends on your own preferences, on the one hand. On the other hand, you should make sure that it is made of high-quality biomaterials that are gentle on your skin.

Cheap plastics not only create an uncomfortable feeling when sweating, but can also smell strongly when hot and sweaty, and in the worst case, promote skin irritations.

• Warranty and other services

The budget is entirely up to you. However, you should pay attention to return policies, trial periods, and warranty information.

The length of the sauna blanket's warranty is an indicator of quality. The longer the warranty, the more likely the product is to be of good quality.

Products that only include the legally mandated return policies are therefore not recommended. Warranty periods of 2 to 5 years also suggest that the product has a very limited lifespan.

• Safety features

You should ensure that the infrared blanket has certain safety features.

For example, a timer helps to save electricity. The heating blanket switches off after a certain time, even if you fall asleep in it or forget to switch it off manually.

In addition, the product should have safety features to prevent overheating.

Some infrared sauna blankets have an integrated EMF blocker, which is designed to help the device produce fewer electromagnetic fields and thus fewer disturbances to your relaxation.

• Design

Of course, you should pay attention to factors such as the size of the blanket and the design. Furthermore, you should note that there are sauna blankets with armholes, and others where you are completely covered and thus have less freedom of movement.

The best alternative to a sauna blanket

Those who prefer to rely on scientifically proven effectiveness, but are still looking for a space-saving version of an infrared sauna, should opt for small one-person infrared cabins or a portable model like the mobile Clearlight Dome Sauna.

With dimensions of 100 × 112 cm, the Clearlight Essential Infrared Cabin, for example, is smaller than many sauna blankets. And even the mobile Clearlight infrared sauna, at a maximum of 180 × 175 cm or 90 × 70 × 46 cm when collapsed, is no larger than the aforementioned sauna blankets.

The Dome Sauna is thus extremely space-saving, flexibly usable due to its adjustable size, and just as easy to store. It can be quickly set up and taken down and takes up no more space than a bar stool in its smallest possible state.

The advantage is that with all Clearlight infrared cabins, you can rely on patented True Wave™ infrared heaters with the lowest EMF exposure on the market.

That's also why all our models have numerous positive effects on the body. These include:

• Promotion of blood circulation [7]
• Better detoxification [8]
• Pain relief [9,10]
• Weight loss [11]
• Even skin tone [12]
• Reduction of stress and anxiety [13]

The inexpensive technology found in infrared sauna blankets simply cannot compete with that of a Clearlight infrared sauna. This also explains the comparatively low price.

Furthermore, with Clearlight, you enjoy the security of a lifetime warranty on all products for private use, so you don't have to worry about wear and tear or repairs.

If you are ready to invest a little more in your health and well-being, or if you would like to learn more about infrared cabins and wellness, we at Clearlight are happy to provide advice.