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Jul 05, 2023

The Best Infrared Sauna Blankets to Shop in 2023

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Experts agree: There's nothing like a good sweat. As a January baby, I

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Experts agree: There's nothing like a good sweat.

As a January baby, I don't always enjoy humidity and intense heat, but I do love when I get the opportunity to spend a few minutes of my day decompressing in a sauna. But I don't always have time to visit my local spa—which is why using one of the best infrared sauna blankets at home is the next best thing.

Just like the sleeping bags you may have used as a kid, these blankets encompass the entire body, and feature infrared heat that can get up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. According to experts, infrared heat mimics the healing energy of the sun without the threat of harmful UVA and UVB rays. As it penetrates the body, heat warms up its core temperature, while increasing overall blood flow and circulation. Increased blood flow promotes healing on a cellular level, and amplifies your body’s cell health and anti-aging processes, which is why they're especially ideal to use after a tough workout.

Additionally, these types of blankets feature EMFs, or electric and magnetic fields that trigger infrared heat, which is why it's best to look for one with zero or low-EMF to minimize the body's exposure. "[A sauna blanket works to] detoxify the body, relax the mind, boosts your mood, promote glowing skin," HigherDose co-CEOs and founders Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri tell BAZAAR.com. "Clinical studies continue to prove the efficacy and healing power of infrared therapy—from removing toxins like bisphenol A, or BPA, polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB, and phthalates from the body to reducing stress, fatigue, and fine lines." While cozying up in a heated blanket in just your base layers may sound tempting, experts advise staying fully clothed to avoid direct skin contact with its surface.

There are many benefits of using a sauna blanket on a regular basis, but professionals say paying attention to red flags from your body that you may need to take a break. "If you're feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or panicky, end your sauna session," Kaps and Berlingeri note. "The beauty of an at-home device is that you can always soak up the benefits of infrared tomorrow. This is powerfully healing heat! It’s so important to listen to your body and understand that what it needs can change from day to day."

For a short list of some of the top options wellness enthusiasts and experts love, we've pulled together a few of the best infrared saunas worth adding to your home gym or bedroom, from brands like HigherDose, Sharper Image, and more.

This blanket includes an insert towel that's nicely machine washable and dryer-safe, and aims to burn up to 600 calories with just 30 minutes of use.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This sauna bag exceeded my expectations. I thought it wouldn't get hot enough and it sure does. I place a yoga block vertical between my feet so the bag doesn't uncomfortably smash my toes to the floor. I use it a few times a week and it is easy to clean." —QueenB

You don't have to crank the heat all the way up on a sauna blanket to reap its benefits. This vegan leather version from Hydragun ranges between 86 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your needs, and uses zero-EMF carbon fiber infrared coils to activate your sweat.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I did quite a bit of research prior to purchasing this sauna blanket and I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I absolutely love my sauna blanket. I use it at least five times a week, and I have felt tremendous improvements in both my physical and mental health. I had an issue with the sauna blanket insert which was handled so professionally and quickly by the customer service team. Thank you for this wonderful product." —Jennifer S.

If you prefer reading a book or scrolling through TikTok mid-session, consider this Amazon shopper-favorite blanket that contains a pair of arm sleeves (which don't heat up) for maximum mobility.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I wasn’t sure if I would like this as I use steam rooms but I love this! Easy to use, can use my phone or watch TV so I find I stay in it longer and use it more. There is a learning curve, adjusting the temp, timer, getting the battery for the remote but all worth it. I recommend it to everyone!" —Sheila

This infrared tool wraps around the body for added customization, and has easy, one-touch control that heats it up 150 degrees Fahrenheit. And since it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, you'll never have to worry about accidentally leaving it on.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This calming heart sauna wrap is awesome! Soft, warm, and calming all at the same time. The warmth and softness of this wrap is a definite plus! It helps relax tired and achy muscles." —Rairai

Made of water-resistant polyurethane, this popular sauna blanket from HigherDose heats up in 10 minutes flat, and includes up to eight display modes. Plus, in addition to infrared heat, the blanket also features a charcoal, clay, and magnetic layer, along with one for crystal therapy.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Daily time in my sauna blanket has nearly removed that chronic pain and inflammation. No more self-medicating just to find enough comfort to sleep. Love it!" —Brandi

Another sauna blanket that makes it simple to use your hands during a sweat session, this version features two heating zones and an extra long cord for added convenience. And if you're looking for a full-body experience, add a head cover to help increase the heat.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This product is effective and easy to use. Far better than some I have used in the spa." —Aracely R.

Whether you opt for this blanket in regular or large, your muscles can still enjoy its three separate heating zones that relax the upper and lower body, along with your waist.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I use this product every day. My arthritis pain simply melts away. I am very happy with this product." —Marsha D.

For those who can't go more than a few days without a good sweat, this top-rated set includes a blanket and carrying case for easy transport. And to amp up your experience, you can also wear one of its included thermal detox wraps during a session to warm your body even further.

One satisfied customer writes:

"The RejuvaWrap is pretty amazing! It helps me feel relaxed and I have been sleeping better because of it. Research shows using it has many health benefits. It’s the reason we bought it. I have even noticed a difference in my skin, it feels smoother, and more radiant." —JC

Here's a low-EMF sauna blanket with a waterproof liner that's easy to keep clean—just wipe it down with a towel and mat cleaning spray once you're done using it.

Nearly 3,000 shoppers agree: This low-EMF infrared blanket is a must-have to decompress and ease muscle tension. It also uses a velcro closure to help lock in heat for up to 60 minutes per use.

One satisfied customer writes:

"The infrared sauna blanket has changed my life. I am a 40-something athlete who has added this routine to my zen practice at the end of each day. Just about every day I lay down and take about 40 minutes to heal my body and calm my mind. I have seen significant improvement after the pandemic with inflammation and just a feeling of positive energy throughout, a somewhat euphoric feeling. I highly recommend the blanket for healing your mind, body and soul." —SF

"Infrared sauna blankets aren't actually triggered by body heat," Kaps and Berlingeri explain. "They work by raising your body’s core temperature, boosting blood flow and circulation while inducing a full-body sweat. As you get hot inside your blanket, no amount of body heat or healing sweat coming from you will change the device’s efficacy."

According to experts, most infrared sauna blankets provide far infrared rays (radiation with a wavelength of 15 micrometers) while many full-size infrared saunas offer full-spectrum infrared rays (which emit all three levels of infrared heat). Each option works to raise your core body temperature, as opposed to a traditional sauna which heats up the room in order to warm the objects inside of it.

"We’re hooked on infrared, and most of the individuals on the HigherDose team use their sauna blanket every day," Kaps and Berlingeri note. "It’s totally safe to indulge in a daily sweat session, but it’s vital to listen to your body, especially as you are getting started."

The founders recommend those new to using a sauna blanket start with 30-minute sessions no more than three times per week, and work up to a more frequent schedule as you get used to the heat.

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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