Infrared saunas are becoming the latest wellness trend. But don’t let the word “trend” fool you. Infrared light has various proven health benefits for your body and mind—it’s no wonder so many people are installing infrared saunas within the comfort of their own homes.

Yet, not everyone has space for an infrared sauna. Luckily, an infrared sauna blanket offers similar benefits—and is easy to store away when not in use. Plus, it’s a much more affordable option when compared to paying per session at a spa or wellness center.

So, how does an infrared sauna blanket differ from an infrared sauna at a gym? Well, space aside, you get to reap all the benefits of infrared rays, such as detoxification, improved immunity, improved muscle recovery, and more, without even leaving your house. In fact, you could read a book, watch a TV show, or lounge in your favorite spot. On top of this, it’s completely waterproof—meaning there’s no fear of leaving any sweat prints behind.

Now, if you have some burning questions you want answered before making your infrared sauna blanket purchase, keep reading. Below, we go through the most commonly asked questions about infrared sauna blankets.

First off, what is an infrared sauna blanket? Essentially, this blanket uses infrared rays to heat up the body directly, similar to how an infrared sauna works. The only difference between the two is that one has four walls and the other wraps around your body.

Below you’ll find all the questions and answers you’ll ever need when it comes to infrared sauna blankets.

Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

Infrared saunas have been studied extensively for their health benefits¹. From aiding in weight loss to helping you relax, infrared saunas and infrared sauna blankets are safe for almost anyone.

At the same time, there are a few contraindications, meaning certain people shouldn’t use infrared saunas. If you are on certain medications, have an acute or chronic medical condition, or have a medical device implant, you should talk with your doctor before trying your first infrared sauna or infrared sauna blanket session. Your doctor can advise you on whether or not it's safe for you and your specific situation.

Does an Infrared Sauna Blanket Burn Visceral Fat?

There is no specific research indicating that infrared sauna blankets burn visceral fat. However, exposure to Far Infrared energy does increase heart rate! This innately leads to an increased caloric burn at a resting state, which, in turn, can burn fat and support weight loss.

Additionally, research demonstrates infrared rays can enhance mitochondrial function in the body and improve glucose metabolism². On top of this, studies also show how ATP (cellular energy) production improved with infrared sauna use³.

So, what does this mean? Well, other research further concluded that mitochondrial damage might lead to obesity and associated diseases⁴. Basically, this means the body isn’t burning energy as efficiently as it could. Yet, infrared rays may help improve this, leading to eventual weight loss and visceral fat burn.

Does Infrared Sauna Help with Back Pain?

Back pain impacts about four out of five people at some point in their life. More specifically, lower back pain can be a very debilitating, frustrating, and painful situation to find yourself in.

With regular infrared sauna use, participants in a 2019 study were able to find some pain relief and even improve their quality of life⁵. It’s further been explored for those experiencing chronic back pain with no adverse effects⁶.

Can an Infrared Sauna Blanket Help With Athletic Recovery?

Surprisingly, yes! From weekend warriors to professional athletes, an infrared sauna blanket can offer the perfect addition to your recovery routine. Studies show that even after maximal endurance performance, neuromuscular recovery was accelerated with infrared sauna use⁷.

Additionally, infrared sauna blankets and regular infrared saunas help increase blood flow, which can help the muscle tissue recover faster and aid in the elimination of waste.

Can You Use an Infrared Sauna Blanket for Chronic Pain?

As previously mentioned above, an infrared sauna blanket is shown to help manage and relieve chronic low back pain. This type of therapy has also been explored for individuals with other types of chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, with researchers concluding that infrared sauna technology is a great complimentary addition to a multidisciplinary treatment strategy^8,9.

Will an Infrared Sauna Blanket Help Reduce Inflammation?

Studies show that infrared technology can potentially help reduce inflammation, particularly inflammation present in the cardiovascular system¹⁰ and reduce inflammation markers¹¹. And it does this through a few different pathways.

Infrared sauna therapy, as previously mentioned, improves blood flow which can quickly help get immune cells and nutrients to where they are needed. In turn, this can lower inflammation and accelerate healing. But there’s more!

Inflammation is often an accumulation of excess fluids and white blood cells. With increased blood flow and enhanced lymphatic drainage, provided by infrared sauna technology, an infrared sauna blanket session can help your body properly remove these accumulated fluids. The result? Reduced inflammation!

Do Infrared Sauna Blankets Really Work?

Yes! Just like a regular infrared sauna, infrared sauna blankets offer essentially the same benefits. At the same time, miracles don’t happen overnight. As with any natural health remedy, consistency and regular use are key to gaining the benefits.

How Long Should You Stay in an Infrared Sauna Blanket?

It’s recommended to spend no longer than 60 minutes in your infrared sauna blanket. If you are new to infrared sauna therapy, start with five to 15 minutes and gradually increase from there. Your body needs time to adjust and adapt to this temperature.

When using an infrared sauna blanket, wear comfortable and loose clothing. Lastly, don’t forget to hydrate before, during, and after your infrared sauna blanket session. You may also want to add electrolytes (such as a powder) to your water since you lose these through your sweat. Alternatively, many foods contain electrolytes, such as bananas, coconut water, dairy, and avocado. Enjoy a pre or post-sauna meal with these foods included to avoid dehydration.