Accessible, compact and easy to use, infrared sauna blankets are rapidly becoming a sought-after tool for relaxation and overall wellness. The best sauna blankets offer a wide temperature range and user-friendly controls, along with key safety, comfort and maintenance features to optimize your sweat sessions. Our top pick, the Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket, is a Forbes Vetted staff favorite—it heats up to 175 degrees, totes a portable design and meets rigorous safety standards.
We found the best sauna blankets from Higherdose, Sun Home Saunas and more.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
“Sauna blankets can help your body relax, loosen tight muscles and improve circulation,” says Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, certified clinical sleep health specialist and board-certified physician. “Many people like them for recovery after workouts or simply as a way to relax at the end of a long day.” There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best sauna blanket, from materials and size to cleaning and maintenance. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best options and included expert tips on what to consider before using one.
Note: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, consult your doctor before using a sauna blanket.
MOST POPULAR
Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Material: Polyurethane leather, charcoal, clay, magnets, amethyst and tourmaline crystals | Dimensions: 71 x 31 inches | Max temp: 175 degrees | Auto shut-off: Yes, 30 to 45 minutes | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year
Best for:
Portable zipper design with a carrying bagNontoxic and comfortable waterproof materialSafety; ETL certified, VOC tested, CE, UKCA, extremely low EMF levels and ELF currentsNine levels of heat
Skip if:
You’re taller than 6-foot-4 and need even heatingYou’d prefer a more roomy, less narrow fit
Higherdose makes some of our go-to wellness products, also earning a spot on our list of the best red light therapy masks. We named its Infrared Sauna Blanket the best overall because it creates a spa-like atmosphere while leading the way in safety certifications. Comfort and rejuvenation stem from far-infrared heating elements combined with charcoal, clay, medical-grade magnets and crystals. These features work together to promote muscle recovery, detoxification and sweat amplification. One Forbes Vetted tester describes the fabric as “very comforting,” adding that it’s a “great answer to committing to yourself and taking steps to improve your skin, reduce bloating and promote muscle recovery.”
To use, preheat the blanket for about ten minutes, then adjust to your preferred temperature (up to 175 degrees) and relax for a 30- or 45-minute session. Afterward, let it cool down for half an hour before wiping clean with a nontoxic solution and folding for storage. The brand recommends wearing loose cotton clothing and socks, or you can buy the reusable Higherdose blanket towel to enjoy sessions bare while still protecting your skin.
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Material: Polyurethane leather | Dimensions: 71 x 63 inches | Max temp: 167 degrees | Auto shut-off: Yes, 30 to 60 minutes | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1 year
Best for:
Precise timer settingsSafety; EMF/ELF shielding technologyNontoxic, low-VOC, waterproof materialIndustrial-grade zippers and durable fabric
Skip if:
You want enhanced features like stone or crystal therapyYou prefer settings to be in Fahrenheit, not Celsius
Sun Home Saunas is behind some our favorite home saunas due its advanced, high-quality infrared technology and materials. The brand’s Infrared Sauna Blanket offers many of the same benefits, but in a much smaller package. With proprietary EMF- and ELF-shielding technology along with nontoxic fabrics, safety’s at the forefront of the design. It heats up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and users say it’s quick to reach your desired temperature. (Just note that the display reads in Celsius).
Unlike some of the other options listed in our roundup, you can adjust the timer in five-minute increments starting at 30 minutes and ending at an hour. This allows you to do a shorter, high-heat session or a longer one at low heat. Sun Home Saunas recommends using an anti-bacterial spray to clean it after every use, noting a homemade vinegar cleaning solution also works. It also comes with a canvas carrying bag for easy storage.
Lifepro Rejuvawrap Infrared Sauna Blanket
Material: Polyurethane leather, waterproof PVC | Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches | Max temp: 176 degrees | Auto shut-off: Yes, 5 to 60 minutes | HSA/FSA eligible: Requires an LMN | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best for:
Included heat controller, thermal wraps, face towel and travel bagDifferent color and design choicesLongest warranty on our listLow EMF
Skip if:
You prioritize safety certificationsYou need a long plug-in cord
An Amazon bestseller, this Lifepro sauna blanket has an average 4.3-star rating with over a thousand customer reviews. It’s available in five colors and three designs, including one with cutouts for your arms and another that incorporates stone therapy. And with nine temperature levels, ranging from 95 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, you can control whether you’d like a calming, gentle warmth or a toasty, sweaty detox.
Although this sauna blanket helps your body perspire on its own, it comes with five foil disposable thermal wraps to accelerate the process and release more toxins by reflecting and trapping your body heat. Let it cool down after use, then wipe it with a damp cloth and stow it back in its travel bag. Customers say the main downside is the length and position of the cord, which limits where you can place it. It’s also worth noting that no third-party safety certifications are listed for this sauna blanket.
Hydragun Heat Pod Sauna Blanket 2
Material: Vegan leather, cotton | Dimensions: 75 x 71 inches | Max temp: 185 degrees | Auto shut-off: Yes, 5 to 60 minutes | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 1.5 years
Best for:
Hottest temperature availableComfort upgradesSafety (SGS and VOC tested; FCC, CE and UKCA certifications)Faraday-shielded coils to emit zero EMF
Skip if:
You don’t want a cocoon fit that may feel restrictive
The second generation of the Hydragun Heat Pod Sauna Blanket was designed to reach higher temperatures than its predecessor while offering more comfort and better ease of use. Its temperature range is 86 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can set a timer from five to 60 minutes that ends with an audible beep in addition to using a “remember last mode” setting. With a double-sided zipper and magnets, the Hydragun blanket offers a full-length cocoon structure that promotes stronger heat retention.
However, some users say they find it more restrictive and difficult to get out of than other models. You can buy the blanket with or without a towel insert, or you can upgrade to including a pillow and footrest for maximum comfort. The blanket’s infrared heating coils are fully Faraday-shielded to emit zero EMF, ensuring a safe and comfortable therapeutic experience. Though, keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible for any electronic device to be truly 100% EMF-free.
Material: Amide fabric, PVC, copper Faraday shielding, cotton, jade and tourmaline stones | Dimensions: 75 x 71 inches | Max temp: 176 degrees | Auto shut-off: Yes, 20 to 60 minutes | HSA/FSA eligible: Yes | Warranty: 3 years
Best for:
Taller and larger bodiesNatural jade and tourmaline stonesWaterproof head pillowSafety; Faraday shielding mitigates EMFs, SGS certified
Skip if:
A 20-minute preheat is too slow for youYou want a lightweight blanket (24 pounds)
The Heat Healer Infrared Sauna Blanket is designed to accommodate statures up to 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, making it one of the most inclusive models on the market. In addition to advanced infrared technology, it uses 96 jade and tourmaline stones to evenly distribute heat and emit negative ions. Research suggests that exposure to negative ions may boost mood, calmness, productivity and overall well-being.
Once you lay the blanket down, the brand recommends putting a towel over the layer of jade and tourmaline, then giving it 20 minutes to warm up. Set the timer from 20 to 60 minutes while using it, tailoring your session for relaxation, muscle rejuvenation and mood improvement. To show confidence in its product, Heat Healer offers 30-day returns, a three-year warranty and a lifetime trade-in policy. It also comes with a travel bag, though it’s the heaviest on this list at 24 pounds.
How We Chose The Best Sauna Blankets
To narrow down the best sauna blankets, we researched best-selling models from reputable brands, compared key features and consulted medical experts.
The sauna blankets featured on this list are the result of extensive product and industry research along with careful vetting by our team. We also included firsthand experience with sauna blankets from Forbes Vetted staff.
When researching the best sauna blankets, we considered a wide range of criteria, including trusted brands, safety certifications, temperature and control settings, materials, dimensions, value and user experience.
We consulted two experts in the health and wellness space to help inform our recommendations and shopping advice.
We only included options that earned a 4-star rating or higher and pored through reviews to note any drawbacks.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Sauna Blankets
While sauna blankets have their perks, it’s important to be realistic about what they can actually deliver. “Many claims around detox, weight loss, longevity and ‘fat melting’ are marketing-heavy,” says Jason Sonners, PhD, a researcher in regenerative medicine at the University of Miami.
Instead, he says the strongest evidence supports more subjective benefits, such as enhanced relaxation, improved circulation, better mood and recovery. “The gentle heat encourages sweating, which some people enjoy as part of their wellness routine,” adds Holliday-Bell. She says these effects may also indirectly improve your sleep by helping the body release tension and unwind before bedtime.
And while traditional saunas have been linked to cardiovascular support in certain populations, Sonners says it’s still too early to say whether sauna blankets can do the same. With a clear understanding of what sauna blankets may offer, here are the key features to consider.
Temperature Range
The main function of a sauna blanket is to warm your body, so it’s important to choose one with a sufficient temperature range for your needs. Sonners recommends looking for a range of about 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit—which all the blankets on our list provide. Some models allow you to control the upper and lower heat independently, which can also be a useful bonus.
It’s best to start cautiously and gradually work your way up in temperature. “Overheating is the main concern, so be sure to not crank the temperature too high or stay inside too long,” says Holliday-Bell. “Drink water before and after to stay hydrated. If you have medical conditions that affect circulation, heart health or heat sensitivity, check with your doctor first.”
Materials
Sonners recommends choosing sauna blankets made with nontoxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) fabrics. Synthetic leathers such as polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the most common materials, but it’s important to confirm they meet safety standards for VOCs. Third-party certifications to look for include UL, SCS, Oeko-Tex and Greenguard.
He notes that our top pick, the Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket, “markets polyurethane that exceeds VOC safety thresholds, which is a good benchmark.” For interior fabric, he advises looking for a “heat-resistant, waterproof inner lining that’s easy to wipe clean.”
Some sauna blankets also incorporate materials like clay, charcoal, magnets or crystals, which can help distribute heat more evenly and may offer additional wellness benefits.
Settings And Safety Features
Most sauna blankets should have multiple temperature-zone settings, along with timers and automatic shut-off features for safety. If you’re concerned about exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), Sonners recommends you choose “a blanket that publishes EMF test results or at least claims low EMF output.”
Safety also depends on how you use your sauna blanket. In addition to following the manufacturer’s instructions, keep these tips in mind for the safest experience:
Hydrate before and after your session; add electrolytes if you sweat heavily.
Start with lower temperatures (110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit) and shorter sessions (15 to 20 minutes), then gradually increase as you’re comfortable.
Use in a well-ventilated room and on a heat-safe surface, with a cotton towel or sheet beneath for boosted protection.
Skip sessions if you feel unwell, dehydrated or have consumed alcohol or heavy sedatives.
Only use while awake—never while you’re asleep.
Finish your session at least one to two hours before bedtime to avoid disrupting quality of rest.
Allow the blanket to fully cool before folding and storing.
Ease Of Use
Sauna blankets are available in a range of sizes and weights. Pay attention to the listed dimensions—not only to ensure it accommodates your body size, but to imagine how it fits in your home, ease of transport and storage. Also consider a sauna blanket that comes with travel bags included, which makes it more mobile.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editorial team is highly experienced in researching and reviewing consumer products across sleep, wellness, fitness and home categories.
Author of this article Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted and a certified sleep science coach. She has over a decade of reporting experience and has spent the last four-plus years dedicated to covering the sleep and wellness space.
To help inform our selections and shopping guidance for this story, we consulted two experts: Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a board-certified physician, certified clinical sleep health specialist and CEO of The Solution is Sleep; and Jason Sonners, PhD, a researcher in regenerative medicine at the University of Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do Sauna Blankets Work?
“Sauna blankets use infrared heat to warm your body from the inside out,” says Holliday-Bell. “You zip yourself in, the heat builds gradually, and you get a sauna-like experience without needing a full sauna setup. The warmth relaxes your muscles and boosts circulation, which is why people often feel so calm afterward.”
Are Sauna Blankets Safe?
Experts say infrared sauna blankets are generally considered safe for most healthy adults. The primary risks include overheating, dehydration and electrolyte loss, which is why it’s essential to hydrate before and after use. “If you have medical conditions that affect circulation, heart health or heat sensitivity, check with your doctor first,” adds Holliday-Bell.
Are Sauna Blankets Worth It?
Sauna blankets can be a worthwhile option for those seeking benefits of a traditional sauna, but in a more convenient and affordable size. They’ve been associated with enhanced relaxation, improved circulation, elevated mood and other wellness perks.
