I’ve gone to saunas for years, and I thoroughly enjoy how I feel after a 30-minute sweat session. There are a number of benefits to regularly going to a sauna, including improved sleep, athletic performance, and mood. I can attest to having a more restful night’s sleep after spending time in a sauna. Plus, it’s a wonderfully satisfying way to relieve stress after a hard week’s work.
The only caveat is that I usually have to go somewhere with a sauna and spend nearly $100 each time. So when I got the chance to try the portable Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket ($599) at a press event, I was excited to see how I’d feel after the session.
How Does the Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket Work?
The blanket’s exterior is made of a waterproof, fireproof, and meltproof polyurethane. There is a dual-sided zipper for getting in and out. Attached to the blanket is a temperature dial with eight heat settings that control the infrared heating layer. Underneath the heating layer are four additional layers, one of which includes amethyst and tourmaline crystals, that aid in improving circulation and blood flow while evenly distributing heat throughout.
What to Know Before Using the Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket
There are a few things you have to do in preparation:
- Wear comfortable clothing. The Higherdose site recommends loose (preferably cotton) clothing and socks.
- Put the blanket on a heat-resistant surface. Whether it’s your floor, a yoga mat, or a massage table, make sure your infrared blanket isn’t lying on something flammable.
- Preheat the blanket for 10 minutes. Using the included temperature dial, select your desired heat setting and let the infrared blanket warm up before you slide in. Tip: If it’s too toasty, turn down the temp and give it another 10 minutes to cool down.
- Put a barrier between yourself and the blanket. The blanket itself gets hot, so make sure you put a large towel on the bottom of the infrared blanket and on top of your torso.
Once you’ve followed the steps above, put on your favorite playlist or podcast and zip yourself in for a 30- to 45-minute session. Your head is exposed, so you can even wear headphones or earplugs during your time in the blanket.
What It’s Like Inside the Higherdose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Per the recommendations above, I threw on a cotton-rich sweatset and crew-length cotton socks so I was fully covered. Then, one of the event leaders placed a blanket on the bottom of the infrared blanket. I climbed inside and was given an extra towel to put on top of myself. I’m 6’2″, so I wasn’t sure whether I’d fit in the blanket. However, it’s 71 inches long with a 65-inch interior circumference, so I was able to comfortably straighten my legs inside.
The blanket was comfortable and roomy enough that I could easily adjust my legs — I even crossed and straightened them back out again. I was glad the zippers also worked from inside the blanket so I never felt trapped. As for the heat, this blanket got hot. Not only did I quickly become drenched in sweat, I could feel how hot the bottom of the blanket was through my clothes. I didn’t feel like I would get burned, but I definitely understood why I was instructed to be fully clothed.
Since I was trying this at an event, my session was 20 minutes instead of the suggested 30 to 45. Still, I felt rejuvenated — like I’d had the perfect cup of mood-boosting coffee. My muscles also felt less tense. And yes, I still got a satisfying sweat. If you want a sauna-like sweat without having to run to the spa, check out the Infrared Sauna Blanket from Higherdose.
