Best infrared sauna blanket, plus benefits and buying tips

Tested by Mumsnet home editor Poppy O’Neill: Read our in-depth CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket review 

Our tester, Poppy, tested the CurrentBody Infrared Sauna Blanket in the comfort of her own home, slipping into it after exercise, winding down after work in the evenings or as a welcome distraction from period pain. Her wife, who has ME, also shared her experience, using the blanket to ease muscle discomfort and support post-activity recovery.

While the power cable is relatively short, Poppy found this blanket easy to set up and use. Compact enough to keep in a corner of her bedroom when not in use, it was quick to pull from the carry bag and unroll when needed. The included towel insert added an extra layer of comfort, and she was able to zip it up independently without any major wrestling involved. 

Poppy found this generously sized blanket comfortable and roomy rather than restrictive, testing it on both her bed and her sofa. She found the controls simple and intuitive, with temperatures ranging from a comforting 30°C to a super-toasty 75°C. The built-in timer is particularly useful if you’re prone to nodding off during a session; however, the end-of-session beeps did jolt Poppy back to reality somewhat, especially when zoning out with a guided meditation.

Poppy didn't noticeably sweat while using the CurrentBody, even at higher temperatures, which made her question the brand’s claim of burning up to 600 calories an hour. That said, she did notice a difference in how her muscles felt after exercise. On days when she used the sauna blanket as part of her wind-down routine, she experienced far less muscle discomfort the next morning. 

If you can’t justify the premium price tag of the CurrentBody sauna blanket above, the StylPro makes a more affordable alternative. With a wide temperature range and multiple layers of insulation, it can keep you cosy and comfortable for up to an hour. The built-in timer automatically shuts off the heat when your limit is reached, so you won’t need to worry about drifting off.  

Reviewers rate the optional zippered armholes on this design, so you can reap the benefits while flicking through a romantasy book series (ACOTAR, am I right?) or, more realistically, while watching funny cat videos on your phone. Alternatively, you can slip into ‘full body’ mode, swaddling your arms inside while leaving enough space to re-position your body as needed.

This model is described as easy to use, with simple, intuitive controls; however, note that it does take some time to heat up. For the best results, StylPro recommends waiting 10-15 minutes before entering. Once it's cooled after use, the blanket folds away compactly, packing into its own portable carry case for storage or travel.

If you’re dreaming of a calming relaxation experience from the comfort of your own home but have never used a sauna blanket before, the LifePro Infrared Sauna Blanket For Relaxation is an ideal choice. This mid-priced sauna blanket comes with everything you need to get started, including five disposable thermal detox wraps for extra heat retention, a towel to absorb that excess sweat, and a lightweight carry bag for storage. It even comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Whether you’re using it for relaxation or post-workout recovery, the LifePro Infrared sauna blanket has precise temperature controls starting at just 35°C, creating a mild warming sensation that won't feel overwhelming for beginners. 

As your confidence grows, you can ramp up the temperature to 80°C. LifePro says higher settings can create an intense full-body sweat within 30 minutes.

Tested by Mumsnet home editor Poppy O’Neill: Read our in-depth HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket review

While it comes with a premium price tag, our tester, Poppy, was really impressed by the cocoon-like feel of the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket. The GOTS-certified cotton towel insert (sold separately on Amazon, but currently available as a free gift when you purchase direct) provides a genuinely luxurious feel - like a generous dose of self-care. 

With a narrow design, Poppy found it held the heat particularly well, with a steady warmth that felt like it was reaching deep into her post-workout muscles rather than just warming the surface. After using it as part of her wind-down routine, she noticed an improvement in tightness the following day. As this model is arms-in, Poppy was also able to achieve proper downtime, zoning out completely rather than doomscrolling or feeding her algorithm.

Despite the benefits, she did experience some frustrations too. First, there’s no adjustable timer, so for shorter sessions you need to keep track of yourself. The temperature settings are adjusted with a dial, which didn’t feel quite as precise. While it didn't detract from the experience, the US plug and adapter also felt a bit clunky.

If you’re looking to create that home sauna experience, or take it with you wherever you go, this portable HeatHealer Infrared Sauna Blanket is an excellent choice. It folds neatly into a sturdy carry bag and includes a soft travel pillow, adding an extra layer of comfort when you’re ready to unwind after a busy day of visiting family, sightseeing, or simply ramping up your step count. 

Thanks to its generous length, the HeatHealer is also one of the best infrared blankets for taller users, with a Velcro tab at the base to adjust the fit or create additional room around your feet. 

The HeatHealer also comes with great safety credentials, including Faraday shielding to reduce electromagnetic fields. While it's a little heavier as a result, it also features a layer of natural jade and tourmaline, designed to retain heat and distribute it evenly across the body during use.

The downside? The HeatHealer blanket has a relatively long heat-up time (around 20 minutes) compared to other models, so you’ll need to factor in some extra time when planning your session. The towelling insert is also sold separately and is a useful addition that helps absorb sweat and keep it clean.

If you really want to get your sweat on, the HydraGun HeatPod certainly lives up to its name. With a top setting of 85°C, it’s the hottest model in our line-up, distributing heat evenly across your body for an intense, deeply relaxing session. HydraGun says its Faraday-shielded heating coils emit zero EMF, and the blanket also has an automatic shut-off timer.

With precise temperature and timing controls, you can easily tailor the session to your preferences, whether that’s a quick five minutes before bed or a longer session to soothe your muscles after a workout. Reviewers love the simple controls, including a handy ‘remember last mode’ to quickly replicate their previous experience. 

This low-maintenance blanket is waterproof and sweat-resistant, with a sturdy double-sided zip to make entry and exit less of a struggle. It can be purchased as a standalone blanket or, for extra comfort, as a bundle that includes a towel insert and a pillow.