Do Sauna Blankets Work: Before & After Results, Reviews [2024]

Many people have heard of sauna blankets, but only 1 out of 10 people can say how it works, and only 1 out of 100 people knows what exactly this thing is good for and what benefits it has. 

In this article, you will learn all the necessary information based on scientific research and see the effectiveness of infrared sauna blankets to eliminate cellulite, relieve pain, reduce stress, lose weight and improve skin condition (photo evidence provided). 

What is more, you will be able to pick a infrared sauna blanket that will best meet all your needs, get to know whether sauna blankets are safe to use, and read about all the contraindications. 

So don’t waste a minute, read the article and find out about the thing that will make your life much easier!

Effectiveness of sauna blankets

Everyone has a reason to use a sauna blanket. Someone wants to lose weight, someone to get rid of stress or improve the condition of the skin. But can this device help solve your problem? Below we will talk about the real experience of sauna blankets users and explain everything based on scientific evidence. 

Before reading, we want to say that in fact, the research on the effectiveness of sauna blankets is too small to present a holistic picture, so in this article, we analyzed all similar tools that have the almost identical principles of operation (they all work with infrared light).

Does infrared sauna blanket help with cellulite treatment?

Cellulite is a normal feature of the body, and nobody should not be ashamed or feel uneasy because of it. But many want to get rid of it to meet the generally accepted ideals of beauty and feel more confident. Everyone wants to look beautiful on the beach in summer, right?

First of all, we need to understand what is cellulite. It is a harmless skin feature that causes lumps on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. Below you can see what it looks like compared to normal skin.

To understand how infrared light in sauna blankets work can help cope with cellulite, let’s turn to research. A few years ago, a study was conducted involving twenty adult women (aged 25-57 years) with various skin phototypes the degree of sensitivity of the skin to UV radiation (I-V) and with moderate bilateral cellulite of the thighs and buttocks. They received eight procedures every two weeks for a randomly selected party.

For a visible result, a combined bipolar radiofrequency, infrared, and mechanical suction-based massage device was used. The results were incredible: 90% (18/20) of patients reported an overall clinical improvement, and 17/18 patients reported continuing treatment [1].

Using sauna blankets is most effective with additional exercises. So keep this in mind if you want a quick and effective result. Let’s take a look at another experiment that combined exercise and the use of red light, which proves the effectiveness of infrared sauna blankets.

For some time, the results of women who practiced on a treadmill with additional infrared lighting were compared. According to researchers and reports of women who trained on a treadmill with an infrared LED and treadmill, the skin became smooth, soft, and rejuvenated  [2].

The participants of the experiment were pleasantly surprised by the result and here are the comments left:

Therefore, the question of whether the use of sauna blankets can reduce cellulite, the answer of science is short: YES!

Is it possible to relieve pain using an infrared sauna blanket?

Chronic pain in the lower back or other parts of the body – unfortunately, is a common situation for many. But there is an excellent solution! Let’s use science to see how sauna blankets can really help improve the situation.

There were conducted several experiments that have indicated that infrared light has been shown to be helpful in relieving pain in patients with chronic pain, fatigue, and related psychosomatic symptoms [6].

But how can this be explained by biology? Everything is pretty easy: LED irradiation has an immediate and local effect on the conduction characteristics in the subordinate nerves, which leads to a positive effect and their relaxation. As a result, the pain is significantly reduced [5].

Let’s take a look at the recent study. All participants suffered from low back pain, but the initial levels of pain differed. Twenty-one subjects received infrared treatment, and 18 were prescribed a placebo.

In the infrared treatment therapy group, there was a progressive reduction in pain of approximately 50%, which was greater by the end of the seven-week study period (this can be seen in the table above). This was a very significant result [5].

Can infrared sauna blanket help reduce stress?

Constant feeling of fatigue, headaches, and everyday stress have a very negative effect on both the physical and moral condition of everyone. But how can infrared sauna blanket help with this? Let’s look at the scientific explanation.

Infrared light therapy improves functional and morphological results in a number of central nervous system injuries in vivo by reducing oxidative stress imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body[7].

Recent studies show that infrared radiation has a positive effect on all disorders of the musculoskeletal system and improves skeletal muscle function, reduces oxidative stress caused by exercise, delays muscle fatigue, reduces pain (also chronic pain) and inflammatory reactions, protects against muscle injuries and stimulates general psychophysical well-being [8].

A few years ago Boston Institute conducted research. Testing was performed before and after infrared treatment and showed a significant improvement in non-executive function and verbal memory. Surprisingly, even fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have also been reported [9].

As a result, in the table above we can see how positively this type of treatment affected the length of sleep of the participants. As the stress decreased, its length increased by several minutes.

Is it real to lose weight using an infrared sauna blanket?

Do you know that you can burn around 300-500 calories in a 30-minute session using an infrared sauna blanket? Unbelievable, right? But it’s true, and first of all, you need to know how to use your sauna blanket for such a result. But now, let’s turn to a scientific explanation.

Let’s take a look at the study which took place a few years ago. 45 men with obesity, who led a sedentary lifestyle, were subjected to four sauna sessions of 10 minutes each. As a result, this treatment came out to be extremely effective and showed a significant reduction in body weight (0.65 kg per session) [10].

Another study shows how participants visited a 45-minute infrared sauna 3 times a week. Compliance ranged from a low number of completed 12 sessions to 45 sessions. Participants who had high compliance (regularly visited the sauna) had a greater fat loss. Participants measured up to a 4% drop in body fat in four months [11].

So remember that no matter how hard you try to find the easiest way to lose weight, the fastest and most effective way to combine it with exercise.

Does an infrared sauna blanket improve skin condition?

Everyone wants to have perfect skin, without wrinkles and with an even tone. Thanks to its infrared lighting, sauna blankets can help you with this.

Twenty females (ages 35-61; mean 44.3 years, skin phototypes III-IV) with wrinkles and hyperpigmented lesions were enrolled in the study from March to October 2004. Patients received 15-20 minute daily treatments (on 5 week-days) of far infrared light for a period of 6 months. 

The results were incredible. The grading scale in the category of roughness and tightness was 2.55 and 2.45, respectively, indicating a 51-75% improvement. The grading scale of skin color tone was 1.95. The grading scale of small wrinkles was 1.8, indicating fair improvement (26-50%) [12].

You can see clinical improvement scores above. The average improvement score as determined by a medical observer was 1.2. Roughness was the most improved category with a grading scale of 2.45. Fine wrinkles were at least fairly improved in all patients, with a grading scale of 1.9. There was minimal improvement in the coarse wrinkle category. 

Studies have repeatedly shown how infrared light is good for both facial skin and the whole body, so science confirms to us all the benefits of sauna blankets to improve skin condition.

Choose the infrared sauna blanket that works for you

All models of infrared sauna blankets are quite effective, but below we will tell you about certain models that will help you get results as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Best for losing weight

If you want to lose weight, Vinmax Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is the best choice for you. 

The customers mention that this sauna blanket is perfect to lose weight due to the special coting which reflects 97% of body’s infrared rays into you. Also, it can effectively eliminate toxins from the body and reduce fatigue with muscle soreness after exercise. What is more, this model proved to be effective in a strengthening of the immune system which helped the owners to overcome illnesses faster and easier. 

Best for cellulite treatment

Want to look good on the beach in your new swimsuit? It is enough to be shy because of your cellulite, Altratech Far Infrared Sauna Blanket will help you get rid of it!

The most important thing about this infrared sauna is that it releases 9-14um of far-infrared radiation, which generates the same resonances frequency with the human body cells. This allows to penetrate deep into the skin, having a positive effect on it and smoothing it. As a result, the cellulite will decrease efficiently. Also, thanks to high-quality material, that does not irritate the skin, this model is extremely comfortable to use.

Best for detoxication

We are sure that you know that one of the main benefits of sauna blankets is detoxification, and Gizmo Supply Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is ideal for this. 

Thanks to the carbon fiber heating element panel from Japan, which increases infrared ray to 9.87um, it makes the rays most comfortable for human skin. In addition, thanks to the ability to adjust the temperature from 30-90 degrees Celsius (86-194 Fahrenheit), you can choose the best temperature for you. This will allow you to individually adjust the work of the model and conduct the most effective process of detoxification.

Best for improving skin condition

Do you want to have star-like skin and use those products that have been recognized as effective by popular people and influencers? Well, then Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 will help you with this!

This model was the best-selling infrared sauna blanket in 2020. Thanks a hand controller with 8 levels of heat intensity it can be adjusted from 20°C (68°F) up to 70°C (158°F), allowing to carry out on skin the most effective results. What is more, due to the fireproof cotton with a layer of Amethyst Tourmaline crystals, it not only smoothes and improves skin condition but also helps to relieve stress and anxiety in your life and the symptoms that accompany it, namely headaches, fatigue, and anxiety.

Best for relaxation

Work, physical activity, stress, and constant fatigue – this is something that is present in everyone’s life and that can be easily overcome with the help of MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket.

The first and biggest advantage of this model is that it is easy to fold and easy to transport. So if you lead a lifestyle with constant moving, this thing will be your indispensable companion and help you relax wherever you are. You can safely spend only 30-60 minutes in this sauna blanket and this will be enough for the infrared light to penetrate your skin and help the muscles relax.

Is it safe to use sauna blankets?

Yes, all sauna blankets are absolutely safe in all aspects. All models are made in such a way that everyone has the opportunity to adjust the use to themselves, and getting burns or overheating of the body is simply impossible. 

The main thing is to be prepared for the session before use. You need to remember to drink enough water beforehand to prevent dehydration. Because the temperatures inside the sauna blanket are quite high, the body produces a lot of sweat, so the body loses a lot of substances and water. To avoid this, drink at least two glasses of water before the session.

Contradictions you need to know before using a sauna blanket

Although sauna blankets are safe to use, it does not mean that it has no contraindications. Therefore, be careful and make sure that you do not have any of the following symptoms:

❌ You take medications such medications as diuretics, barbiturates, anticholinergics, antihistamines;

❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding;

❌ Menstruation;

❌ Cardiovascular conditions;

❌ Chronic conditions and diseases associated with reduced ability to sweat or perspire;

❌ Insensitivity to heat;

❌ You had joint injury less than 48 hours ago;

❌ You have metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants.

Our verdict

Having conducted in-depth research of dozens of scientific articles, research, experiments, and tests, we can confidently say that sauna blankets are effective. In particular, we have analyzed such aspects and we can confidently say that sauna blankets help to eliminate cellulite, relieve pain, reduce stress, lose weight and improve skin condition.

You can also choose a specific model that will best meet all your needs. Based on scientific results, we found that sauna blankets are completely safe to use and listed the contraindications for which you should not use them.

We hope you found this article useful and helped you understand and see how effective this device is!

FAQ