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What Is A Sauna Blanket And What Does It Do?
Sauna blankets are awesome tools for healing and self-care in the comfort of your own home. Here's why.
Right off the bat, an infrared sauna blanket delivers the same health benefits and wellness gains as traditional saunas, dry or steam, and infrared sauna cabins.
Second, they are the most accessible and affordable type of home infrared sauna. This innovative self-care tools are cheaper than cabins or infrared pemf mats - the best sauna blankets range from $320 to $699.
Below we take a closer look at their technology, best practices for use, safety considerations, zonal targeted heat therapy, and a comparative analysis with other infrared sauna solutions.
A quick tour of the blogpost
- The infrared sauna blanket
- How to get the best out of your sauna blanket
- Targeted heat therapy
- Layered technology
- Safe in use
- Design, technology & comfort
- Sauna blankets vs other home infrared devices
the infrared sauna blanket
A sauna blankets is like a sleeping bag, but one with advanced wellness technology. It uses far infrared wavelengths, located within the broader infrared spectrum which is divided into near infrared (NIR) with the shortest wavelengths, midwave infrared (MIR) and far infrared (FIR).
Wavelengths used in infrared therapy range from 3 to 15 microns, which correspond to frequencies that resonate with those of the body's natural energy. This unique wavelength range ensures that the heat is not only superficial, but also reaches deeper tissues, providing a more comprehensive and soothing experience.
But the main advantage of FIR technology lies in its deep heating power, which goes beyond the heat that penetrates into muscles and tissues. This is achieved through a synergistic effect where the energy of the FIR light harmonizes with the body's natural vibrations, enhanced by the water in our cells, allowing a profound and therapeutic warmth throughout the body.
By resonating with the body's water molecules, far infrared radiation triggers significant biological effects [1], including improved blood flow, enhanced detoxification at the cellular level, and better cell health, leading to the efficient removal of toxins and a reduction in inflammation, thereby supporting the overall health of body tissues.
Lifepro RejuvaWrap X Sauna Blanket
How to get the best out of your sauna blanket
This is why sauna blankets are a favorite to go for those looking for convenient and quickly applicable tools for health and relaxation solutions:
Cleaning Made Simple
The straightforward design of sauna blankets makes them easy to clean, especially when paired with inserts. These absorb sweat and can be easily replaced or washed, minimizing the need for frequent cleaning of the blanket itself, and don't require the regular maintenance a sauna cabin does.
short Preheating time
Some sauna blankets are designed to be effective without the need for lengthy preheating, making them ready to use in 5 minutes which is a significant convenience factor.
Compact Storage
Sauna blankets can be effortlessly folded and tucked away, making them perfect for small living spaces or for those who prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
Versatility in Use
Due to its portability, the blanket can be used in different environments. So not only at home, but also at the office or when traveling.
Targeted heat therapy
Sauna blankets are available from single-zone models through to the more complex multi-zone options. These zone options give you the opportunity to work more specifically on the health benefits that apply to you.
1-Zone Infrared Sauna Blankets
Functionality: Single-zone infrared sauna blankets generate a uniform heating experience across the entire blanket. The temperature is consistent throughout, with no option to set different temperatures for different areas.
User Experience: Ideal for users looking for a straightforward sauna experience. Sauna blankets are easy to use, with minimal controls and settings, making them suitable for general relaxation and wellness purposes.
Applications: General detoxification, muscle relaxation, enhanced circulation, and stress reduction across the entire body.
2-Zone Infrared Sauna Blankets
Functionality: These blankets are divided into two distinct heating zones, allowing users to set different temperatures for each zone, usually upper body and lower body and/or the legs. This delivers a more tailored sauna experience, and allows you to better customize the sauna blanket.
User Experience: Beneficial for users who desire a more targeted sauna session, with the ability to apply different levels of heat to different body areas, such as a warmer temperature on sore back muscles and a cooler setting for the legs.
Applications: Localized relaxing of muscle tissue, specific area detox, and the ability to cater to individual comfort levels and therapeutic needs.
1Love-Health Sauna Blanket 3-zone heating
3-Zone Infrared Sauna Blankets
Functionality: Offering the highest level of customization, 3-zone blankets have three independently controlled heating areas. This allows for even more precise control over the sauna experience, with the ability to set different temperatures for the shoulders and upper body, torso/abomen, and lower body/legs.
User Experience: Ideal for users seeking maximum flexibility and customization in their sauna sessions. Triple-zone blankets cater to specific therapeutic goals or personal preferences, providing controlled far-infrared therapy across multiple body areas simultaneously.
Applications: Concentrated therapy for recovery of sore muscles, alleviating pain, and removal of toxins, with the added benefit of catering to more complex needs or preferences in infrared heat therapy.
layered technology
Infrared sauna blankets make use of multiple layers to generate their effects of deep relaxation, detoxification, and other benefits. The layers and the materials used also determine their maximum temperature, temperature range, weight, storability, and additional therapeutic effects.
A basic blanket will have a heating element, or several heating elements, usually carbon fibre [2]. Further layers might be added to expand the band of therapies your sauna blanket can offer you.
safe in use
Infrared sauna blankets are designed with safety in mind, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure a secure experience.h
The safety of sauna blankets can be approached from two aspects: on the one hand, the radiation level and on the other hand, whether they are safe in use.
Radiation Safety
The blankets are engineered to emit low levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), significantly minimizing exposure to electromagnetic radiation and mitigating concerns related to EMF-related health issues.
Its core technology uses far-infrared radiation, a benign and natural form of heat akin to that produced by the sun and our bodies, distinct from the ionizing radiation associated with medical X-rays, ensuring a safe and therapeutic warmth.
Following the manufacturer's instructions ensures optimal safety and effectiveness of your infrared sauna blanket experience.
is my infrared sauna blanket safe?
High-quality infrared sauna blankets come with essential safety features such as automatic shut-off timers and remote controls. These features are essential for a safe experience, especially if there's a chance you might fall asleep while using it.
The automatic shut-off function activates if the temperature becomes too high, preventing overheating and possible burns. The timer allows you to set a session duration, with the blanket automatically turning off at the set time, preventing prolonged exposure.
These blankets are also built to last, using durable materials that can withstand regular use. They often have a waterproof and sweat-resistant lining, along with rugged outer materials, which increase both safety and longevity.
Additionally, precise temperature control and the addition of natural crystals can further improve the safety and effectiveness of the blankets, potentially enhancing the therapeutic effects of the infrared heat.
Not all sauna blankets have advanced safety features and high-quality materials, especially the cheaper ones, and there are many of those on the market.
When choosing a sauna blanket, it is important to look for these safety features and assess the overall build quality to ensure a safe and effective experience. The sauna blankets in our best infrared sauna blanket reviews are vetted for safety.
Regardless of safety features, an infrared sauna blanket is not suitable for everyone. See our list of people who should not use a sauna blanket. As always, consult your healthcare provider before you start using wellness equipment, either at home or away.
Read more in our dedicated section on sauna blanket safety and cautions.
Infrared Sauna Blankets – Design, Technology, and Comfort
Design and Technology
The design of infrared sauna blankets often includes practical features to improve your experience, such as straps or fasteners to keep the blanket in place, and sometimes hand or foot pockets for extra warmth. The size and design of the blanket are important to ensure it fits properly and delivers optimal coverage for effective heat therapy.
Sauna blankets use the same heating technology as infrared saunas, emitting far infrared wavelengths. These blankets employ either carbon fiber or mineral-based heating technologies. Carbon fiber models use thin, evenly distributed fibers to produce far infrared heat, offering consistent and gentle warmth. This even heat distribution is crucial for a comfortable sauna experience.
On the other hand, mineral-based heating technologies, which often include jade or tourmaline stones, not only provide supply warmth but also the potential for releasing negative ions, which may boost relaxation and furnish additional therapeutic benefits.
When evaluating an infrared sauna blanket, consider your personal wellness goals and preferences. If consistent heat distribution and comfort are priorities, carbon fiber technology is ideal. If you're interested in potential benefits such as negative ion release, then mineral-based technology could be the better option.
Operating Temperatures
The operating temperature range for sauna blankets is quite broad, typically from 25°C to 75°C (77°F to 167°F), and they can reach a comfortable therapeutic level within 10-15 minutes. This is much faster than traditional saunas. This rapid heating capability is complemented by various temperature settings, allowing for personalization of the sauna experience.
You can adjust the temperature to your comfort level. It allows you to control the intensity of the heat and find the right balance between enjoyment and your health goals. This can be especially beneficial if you’re new to infrared therapy or have specific health considerations.
SELF-CARE Choices: sauna Blankets vs at-home infrared sauna tools
How do sauna blankets compare to other infrared sauna options such as tents, domes and cabins and infrared sauna PEMF mats?
Affordability and Accessibility
As previously mentioned, one of the most compelling benefits of infrared sauna blankets is their affordability. With prices starting around $140, they are an accessible version of far infrared saunas. This is in stark contrast to the higher investments required for infrared sauna cabins, tents or domes.
Convenience and Portability
Infrared sauna blankets stand out for their adaptability, perfect for those with limited space or a nomadic lifestyle. Unlike the fixed installation of sauna cabins or the bulkier, more time-consuming installation of tent and dome saunas, sauna blankets offer a simple, space-saving solution. They can be easily folded, stored or transported.
Rapid Heating and Readiness
In today's fast-paced world, the fast heat-up time of infrared sauna blankets is a big plus compared to the other far-infrared options. They are ready for use immediately or within a few minutes.
Energy Efficiency
Sauna blankets (and PEMF mats) aree more energy-efficient due to their smaller size and direct heating mechanism, making them a sustainable and more eco-friendly choice for regular use.
easy set up and Maintenance
The simplicity of setting up a sauna blanket and its minimal maintenance requirements further add to its appeal, especially when compared to the installation complexities and upkeep of larger sauna structures.
Personal Experience and Preference
The choice between an infrared sauna blanket, cabin, tent or dome often comes down to your lifestyle and preferences in terms of space, comfort and the desired sauna experience. While the snug fit of a sauna blanket provides a cocoon-like embrace, tents and domes offer more room, suitable for those who prefer a little more space around their bodies.
Cabins, however, especially the larger ones, give space for workouts or multiple people.
Click on the blue link to jump to our page on the nuanced differences between infrared sauna blankets and sauna cabins.
Being well informed makes it a lot easier to compare at-home infrared sauna options with confidence. Drop us a line if you have any more questions or comments!
Sam Everhart
References
1. Fatma Vatansever and Michael R. Hamblin, Far infrared radiation (FIR): Its Biological Effects and Medical Applications, PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699878/
2. Michio Inagaki, Carbon Fiber, ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/carbon-fiber
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