So Many Wellness Experts Are Using Sauna Blankets—I Was Skeptical, so I Tried It

This is the exact sauna blanket I saw the influencer use, and it’s the same one I tried. Yes, it’s expensive, but rightfully so. After all, it’s supposed to offer the same benefits of a traditional infrared sauna—with no gym membership or home renovation necessary. Take it from Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, co-founders and co-CEOs of HigherDose: “Sauna blankets took off because of their portability to bring a spa experience into your home and with you while traveling. Most consumers can’t afford to install a full-size sauna in their homes, so sauna blankets are a fantastic accessible solution to help the masses stay committed to a consistent wellness routine.”

The blanket has multiple layers. The first is the polyurethane leather case. This is the black outer material that makes it look a little bit like a sleeping bag. Inside, there’s an infrared heat core to raise the body’s internal temperature. There’s also a layer of charcoal, clay, and magnetic material to detox the body even further while balancing heat and improving circulation. 

All in all, the brand claims the sauna blanket has myriad benefits. “Infrared heat elevates the body’s core temperature to support detoxification, deep relaxation, glowing skin, and circulation. The benefits are holistic to overall longevity when used frequently,” Kaps and Berlingeri say. 

Board-certified multispecialty physician Azza Halim, MD, says the benefits of infrared heat are legit. “Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas yet still provide therapeutic benefits,” she says. “Benefits include heart health by decreasing blood pressure and mimicking exercise, relaxation, pain relief of sore muscles, improved sleep cycle, as well as decreased oxidative stress and decreased inflammation—thereby boosting the immune system and overall detoxification via sweating.” As if that’s not enough, Halim adds that it’s great for the skin, which explains my post-sweat glow. (More on that in a minute.)