Studies show that heat therapy boasts a slew of health benefits, from improved circulation to muscle recovery. I love heat; I’ve logged well over a thousand hot yoga classes, have never chosen a cold and snowy vacation over one that’s scorching and sunny, and have luxuriated in countless steam rooms and saunas at gyms, hotels, and wellness centers over the years. It’s no surprise, then, that I jumped at the chance to try out the Infrared Sauna Blanket from HigherDose. It’s won a spate of awards and is beloved by discerning wellness experts and aficionados. The brand states that it aids muscle recovery, expels impurities, lowers stress, increases blood flow, improves mood, burns calories, and helps yield glowing skin.
I couldn’t wait to join their ranks to see if the blanket was as hot (both literally and figuratively) as the hype around it.
HigherDOSE V4 Infrared Sauna Blanket
Cons
- Doesn’t offer full-spectrum infrared light
- Heat can feel inconsistent
Features at a Glance
| Heat Levels | 1-9 |
|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 175 F |
| Size | 72.5 x 35 in |
| Recommended Session Length | 30-40 minutes |
| Power Source | Must be plugged into wall |
How I tested the Sauna Blanket
I slipped into the Infrared Sauna Blanket nine times, for 30 to 40 minutes each session, over the course of three weeks—always on hair-wash nights and as the first step in my evening wind-down routine. This cadence met the brand’s recommendation to use it two to three times a week.
The specs
I tried out the fourth (and latest) version of the Infrared Sauna Blanket, which kind of looks like a thick sleeping bag. The brand touts It’s 72.5 inches long and 32 inches wide. Since I’m a hair shy of 5’ 3”, I had more than enough room to wiggle into the blanket with ample space to spare at the bottom. The blanket also has a head cutout on top so you can fit your neck and shoulders inside (that is, unless you’re above 6 feet). Worth noting: The brand recommends against going au natural in the blanket and suggests wearing long sleeves and pants to protect skin from the heat.
The controller is connected to the outlet plug, and you plug the controller into a socket on the bottom of the blanket. The dial only goes from levels 1 to 9, so you won’t know the exact heat you’re getting unless you’re at level 9, which is a scorching 175°F. In addition to using far infrared light to heat the blanket and thus your body, the blanket is also layered with amethyst and tourmaline. Per HigherDose, this helps to “emit negative ions to help calm your mind and lift your mood.”
What I liked
Nestling inside the Infrared Sauna Blanket simply feels divine, especially on a cold winter’s night. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the blanket elicited the same heat high I’m used to getting in professional-grade infrared saunas. Unfortunately, my strength training regimen has fallen to the wayside, so I can’t speak to the claims on promoting muscle recovery. Yet each time, my stress and physical tension melted away within a few minutes, so I’d go out on a limb to say it should be effective in a post-workout protocol. About 10 to 15 minutes in, I could also feel my heart beating faster and (most times) the sweat began to build up, indicating boosted circulation, increased blood flow, and calories burned—all sans exercise.
Before reviewing the Infrared Sauna Blanket, I was skeptical about whether it’d actually help promote glowing skin and radiance as the brand claims. The blanket uses only far infrared light, whereas skin benefits—including reduced wrinkles and increased skin firmness—are most often attributed to near infrared light. While most of my sweat sessions resulted in a bit of flush, I can’t say for certain that I’ve noticed any major improvements in my skin quality or glow.
Post-sauna blanket results
Nonetheless, I ended each session feeling lighter, brighter, and more relaxed than when I started. I don’t struggle with sleep too much these days (*knock on wood*), so I can’t say that the Infrared Blanket changed the game on my ZZZ’s, but I think it can absolutely be helpful for people who need some extra support calming their nerves and slowing down at night.
Last but not least, I appreciate that the Infrared Sauna Blanket is third-party tested for safety, efficacy, and low electromagnetic fields (EMF). Research shows that EMF may trigger oxidative stress, potentially leading to symptoms including fatigue, headache, and cognitive issues.
What I didn’t
Unlike many infrared saunas I’ve used before—as well as HigherDose’s own at-home luxury sweat sanctuary—the Infrared Sauna Blanket only uses far infrared, instead of full-spectrum light (the latter of which will also include near infrared and mid infrared). You basically miss out on a few extra benefits, such as those potential skin wins, for the sake of accessibility. Depending on who you ask, that’s not necessarily a bad tradeoff, especially if you’re using the blanket to feel good and de-stress and you have your skincare bases covered elsewhere.
Perhaps the biggest downside is that I found the heat occasionally inconsistent. There were two times I didn’t even break a sweat despite heating it to level six and having sweated a solid amount at level five on my first go. I ended up finding my sweet spot at level seven, which consistently left my chest, stomach, and thighs pretty wet through my clothes.
On this note, be prepared for some heftier laundry loads. You need to wear long sleeves, pants, and socks so your body doesn’t directly touch the hot mat—so get ready to wash all of this apparel in addition to a buffer towel or two. HigherDose also sells a towel insert so you can enjoy the sauna in your birthday suit (that is, if you’re willing to shell out an extra $89).
The bottom line
HigherDose’s Infrared Sauna Blanket is a solid dupe for an infrared sauna you’d find at a spa, a luxury wellness center, or even installed in your own home, yet at a fraction of the price. At $699, it’s still not cheap, but I believe that it’s worth shelling out for anyone who wants a mind-body boost from the heat or simply wants to take their wellness regimen to the next level. Plus, if you already enjoy infrared saunas, it can end up saving you time and money from pricey memberships and a commute to wherever you usually access them.
All said, I give the green light to infrared light for wellness warriors who are dedicated to feeling better and willing to invest in the time, consistency, and technology to help them do so.
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