Infrared Sauna Blanket: Before & After | Photos & Studies [2024]

If you came to this article, you’ve probably thought about using infrared sauna blankets or just heard anything about them. And for good reason: they are an effective solution to many problems, from lessening stress to reducing cellulite. Today we’ll share and show you the results of using infrared sauna blankets, and a little earlier we researched the best models of these blankets for different purposes.

Let’s take a step back in history — infrared sauna blankets started being actively used a few years ago, during the coronavirus pandemic. And you know, most people thought: damn, why didn’t I do this sooner? That’s because infrared sauna blankets are bound to make you feel better. And you’ll see why below.

8 Issues an Infrared Sauna Blanket Can Cope With

• Beneficial for muscles and joints

Infrared heat has proven positive effects on muscles and joints. They eliminate problems such as cramps, arthritic pain, especially in the shoulders and upper shoulder girdle, muscle pain, menstrual pain, rheumatism, and sciatica.

• Improve skin

The activation of blood circulation in the skin under the influence of deep heating leads to the expansion and purification of skin pores. Dead cells are removed and the skin becomes smooth, firm, and elastic. As a result of profuse sweating, even pores that have been dormant for years are opened. The skin is cleansed, which is necessary for cosmetic procedures. Several skin conditions are eliminated: acne, pimples, and nettle rash. The complexion improves, wrinkles are smoothed out and the skin looks younger.

• Lower blood pressure

It sounds illogical because during the session the blood pressure and heart rate increase on the contrary. But with prolonged use of infrared sauna blankets, your blood pressure can stabilize to normal. 

• Relieve pains and aches

Almost everyone who uses infrared saunas or infrared blankets talks about this effect. Even regular saunas relieve various pains, but infrared rays penetrate deeper into the body and handle it even better.

• Accelerate recovery from exercise

Infrared sauna blankets are especially good for athletes. They relieve muscle cramps and pain from injuries and sprains. They also speed up the healing process of bruises and fractures sustained during training and allow a quicker recovery after competitions.

In addition, a session performed before a workout promotes a quick warm-up of the muscles without wasting extra energy. The heating increases the blood flow to the muscles.

• Promote weight loss

Infrared sauna blankets are good for burning calories. It is similar to the effect of exercise, but especially effective when combined with it. Studies show that using infrared saunas can reduce your weight by about 1.5 kg in two weeks if you are obese. Infrared blankets have a similar effect.

• Reduce stress

This is one of the most obvious benefits of infrared sauna blankets, for which users praise them. If you create the right atmosphere that is comfortable for you (there are a couple of tips below), infrared blanket heat therapy sessions will be your anti-stress activity.

• Reduce chronic fatigue

During a course of infrared heating, you will feel the relaxing effect, improve sleep, and relieve nervous tension.

Before & After: Results after Using an Infrared Sauna Blanket 

Unfortunately, there is still not enough research on the effects of an infrared sauna blanket on our bodies. However, the upside is that the infrared sauna is almost the same in its effect (just the shape is different), so we can look at studies of these saunas as well. For convenience, we have divided the results into several categories.

Fat burning

Some practical studies [1, 4, 6] have found that you can lose weight with infrared saunas. Subjects diagnosed with obesity lost an average of 1.5 kg and about 4% fat in two weeks of regular sessions. Of course, you should not expect such great results in a short time if your weight is within normal limits.

Cellulite treatment

One research study [14] involved 20 women between the ages of 25 and 55. They were divided into two groups (one control group). This study combined exercise with infrared-LED illumination to see if such a complex would help reduce cellulite. As a result, a significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite was seen in women who combined exercise with infrared radiation. The control group which did only exercise showed fewer results.

Skin improvement

The direct effect of infrared radiation on the human body has a positive effect on the skin. Treatments with its use have a rejuvenating and detoxifying effect by removing excess fluid from the body. Also, infrared sauna blankets have a toning effect with increased skin elasticity and reduction of fat mass [1].

Heart diseases 

A few studies [7-9] showed that infrared sauna therapy is a safe and efficient treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF). They proved the benefits of infrared therapy in general for the heart and its protection.

Detoxication

Some studies [1, 12, 13] proved that an infrared sauna blanket provides detoxification and improves metabolism. It is sweating and increased blood circulation that helps this. Evidence shows that sweating removes toxic metals such as arsenic and lead from the body. 

Pain relief

Infrared sauna therapy may be beneficial for the treatment of chronic pain. At least one study [9] showed an increase in the chances of returning to work; a trend toward less pain and anger in subjects. 

Reducing chronic fatigue syndrome

In addition to the fact that those who have used infrared blankets claim to have reduced their fatigue levels, there is also scientific evidence to support this fact [9, 12, 13]. Infrared sauna blankets have been shown to improve muscle recovery after exercise in athletes [12, 13]. They also have a general relaxing effect.

Infrared heat penetration at a moderate temperature (35-50°C) while taking the use of an infrared sauna or blanket is beneficial for the recovery of the neuromuscular system after maximum endurance exertion [13].

How to use an infrared blanket to get results & enjoyment

Step 1. Prepare yourself properly.

Remember, that once you stepped into an infrared blanket, you wouldn’t be able to get out until your session is over. You might get bored of just lying, so be sure you’ll have what to do. It could be watching TV or listening to an audiobook — anything that you are interested in. Also, prepare appropriate clothing. It should be loose and by no means tight. Ideally, you should also put a towel under your neck and back in a blanket to absorb the sweat. Make sure you will be feeling comfortable.

Step 2. Heat your blanket.

Before you get into an infrared sauna blanket, you have to warm it up. It works like preheating the oven. This is where you need to choose the optimal temperature. If you are new to this, I suggest you turn it down. It is better to gradually get used to such hot treatments to minimize the risk of feeling unwell. Later you can safely set a higher temperature.

After you turn on the heat, you’ll have about 10-15 minutes before you need to get inside. The heating time depends on the model you choose. We talked about them in more detail in our other article.

Step 3. Gather all you need and be ready to sweat.

Anything you might need includes a smartphone, audio player, TV remote, and water bottle. Yes, you’ll have the ability to take one hand out for a short time to change the channel or drink water — but the water bottle should be handy. You might need also something else, but remember that you’ll be able to use only one hand.

When you finally get into the infrared sauna blanket, relax. For the next 30-50 minutes (depending on the timer you set), you’ll be sweating, but having pleasure at the same time. We do not advise you to study or watch something serious, as sweat will still be distracting. It is better to distract yourself with some light and fun activity/viewing a comedy.

Of course, the closer you get to the end, the hotter you will feel. It’s not easy for everyone to endure. But after the treatment, your body will love you and feel better, so it’s worth it.

3 Reasons to Use Infrared Sauna Blanket Instead of Infrared Sauna

You may have wondered which one is better: an infrared sauna or an infrared blanket? They are similar in their principle of operation, but we have a couple of convincing arguments in favor of infrared sauna blankets.

1. An infrared blanket is much more affordable than a sauna.

If we talk about the long term, it is clear that the sauna blanket will cost you much less. Some people can afford to buy an infrared sauna at home as well, but it’s still not always profitable. If you’re talking about regular visits to an infrared sauna at a spa or similar places, you’ll very quickly go bankrupt. At the same time, the sauna blanket will last you a long time and will cost much less.

2. Takes up less space

It’s more about buying a device at home. Not every house or apartment has enough space for an infrared sauna. A blanket, on the other hand, takes up very little space at all.

If, on the other hand, you want to visit an infrared sauna in a clinic or spa, it will simply take longer, given the travel time. 

3. You don’t have to worry about someone else using it before you

We do not doubt that all (or almost all) places where you can visit an infrared sauna adhere to sanitary standards. And at the same time, how much more pleasant it is to have your infrared sauna, isn’t it?

Summary

As it turns out, infrared sauna blankets are not only convenient to use but also effective for a wide variety of problems. Despite the small number of scientific studies on this subject at the moment, the ones we see show real results. It is worth emphasizing that the best effect infrared blankets give in combination with exercise if your goal is to lose weight or reduce cellulite.

But if you want to get rid of chronic fatigue, improve your mood, and just take care of your well-being, then an infrared sauna blanket can do it all by itself. However, always consult your doctor before making such a purchase, because you may have contraindications to the use of heat therapy. 

If you are curious about this topic and want to know more about infrared blankets or learn about the best models, we also have another helpful article for you. 

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