HigherDose Sauna Blanket Review
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved getting hot and sweaty. It’s no wonder I gravitate to hot tubs and saunas so quickly, but when COVID hit and we moved away from my gym that had a sauna, I was at a loss.
Fortunately, the evidence behind the health benefits of saunas is coming to light, and sauna use is going mainstream. I dove hard into the research and ended up pulling the trigger on the HighseDose Infrared Sauna Blanket. And I have no regrets.
It’s portable, durable, effective, low-EMF, and non-toxic. Basically, it checked all the boxes. The price was the X-factor but with my blanket looking and feeling the same as it did back when I bought it in 2021, it’s paid for itself many times over.
Today I'll review The HigherDose Sauna Blanket and break down the pros, the cons, my experience with saunas, and whether it's a worthwhile investment to get you sweating.
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance & Function: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Bottom Line
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket stands out as a portable and user-friendly option for those looking for the advantages of sauna therapy without the need for a permanent fixture. The main advantages are that it is durable and made of a non-toxic material with low-EMF radiation. It’s also very user-friendly, easy to clean, and portable.
The main disadvantage is the price. Still, with the advantages above, compared to the cheap materials and high-EMF that other units give off, the HigherDose Sauna Blanket is a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing their health and wellness.
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket
What Is The HigherDose Sauna Blanket?
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket is a portable, electric blanket that uses infrared technology to generate heat and mimic the experience of a traditional sauna. It's designed to offer the benefits of sauna therapy, like detoxification, relaxation, muscle recovery, and improved sleep, but in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
Specifications
Taken from the HigherDose website:
Heat Zones: One heating zone
Display: 1-8 level
Control: White color handle held controller
Voltage: 100-120 Volt (US/Canada model); 220v (UK/EU models)
Wattage: 350-420 Watts
Amps: 4-5 Amps
Timer Settings: 1 hour
Electrical Field: Low EMF
Warranty: One-Year limited warranty. See details here.
Size: 71 x 71 inches (180 x 180 cm), unfolded. Maximum interior circumference when in use is approximately 65 inches (165 cm)
Usage: The product should only be used in the country where it was purchased and shipped. Usage outside those geographical locations voids any warranty and can cause severe damage to the product. HigherDose will not be responsible for any damages incurred because of this.
From The Manufacturer
SWEAT IT OUT
GET DRESSED
Wear comfortable, skin-covering clothing and socks. Prefer to keep your clothes off? Try our Sauna Blanket Towel Insert.
GET LAID
Lay the Sauna Blanket on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Try a massage table or yoga mat.
GET COMFORTABLE
You’ll need a barrier between your body and the blanket. Use a towel (or an HD Insert) for added comfort.
GET HOT
Preheat the Sauna Blanket for 10 minutes. Select a temperature level by turning the dial.
GET LIT
Slip into your Sauna Blanket and zip yourself in. Enjoy a euphoric 30-45 minute session.
GET COLD
Rinse off in an icy shower to cleanse your body, cool your system, and keep the healing going.
NON-TOXIC PU LEATHER BODY AND INDUSTRIAL ZIPPER
Passing all non-VOC standards, our elevated polyurethane leather body material is better for you and the environment while remaining as waterproof as earlier models. We swapped velcro for an industrial zipper, making the V4 blanket a roomier experience, an easier exit, and more comforting for those with a weakened immune system.
Selling Points
Portable and convenient: The lightweight design and foldable nature make it easy to use at home or on the road.
Multiple heat settings: The adjustable temperature control lets you personalize how hot the blanket gets.
Durable and easy to clean: The high-quality materials and removable inner liner make it easy to maintain and keep clean.
Charcoal, clay, magnetic, and crystal layers are embedded in the blanket.
Made of non-toxic PU leather.
Low-EMF (read more about why that's important here)
30-day return policy
HSA/FSA eligible
One-year warranty
Accessories. There are some accessories you can buy separately or you can buy these within a bundle package, including:
Infrared Sauna Blanket Insert (100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton)
Drawbacks
Price: The HigherDose Sauna Blanket comes at a higher price point compared to some other sauna options.
It’s low-EMF and not zero-EMF. I never tested this specifically to measure the EMF but I wish it was the latter.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
Sauna Blanket
Anyone who wants to go all-in on the benefits of sauna.
Those who don’t want an expensive or permanent sauna fixture at their house.
Nomads who want a portable sauna option.
Those who are concerned about higher EMF options.
Anyone planning to use this blanket for many years.
Sauna Use:
Those who want to mimic the benefits of exercise without exercising.
Anyone looking for a detoxification process.
Lower inflammation levels.
Manage or mitigate the risk of health conditions. Sauna has been shown to positively impact cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), high blood pressure or hypertension (HTN), congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease among many other conditions.
Improve brain health and mood. Sauna has been shown to positively impact depression, cognitive decline, and attention/focus.
Reduce stiffness and soreness: Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who gets aches and pains, sauna is a great way to reduce these issues including helping with tightness associated with back pain.
Relaxation and managing stress: Anyone who wants an effective way to relax and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest) instead of the sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, freeze).
Injury recovery: Sauna use has been shown to improve muscle maintenance, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, and elicit a detox process, critical parts of recovery.
General Wellness: Anyone interested in improving overall well-being and longevity can incorporate heat therapy into their self-care routine to improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance their overall health.
Tips
Make sure that the top of the blanket is slightly higher than the rest so that sweat doesn't come out through the top opening. I put a towel or a pillow underneath.
Let it "pre-heat" for about 15 minutes before getting in.
I keep socks and boxers on when I'm in the blanket since it can be very hot when you first get in.
Have the control close by when you're in the sauna so you can adjust the dials appropriately. It also has an auto shut off so do a quick turn off/turn on before getting in so make sure it doesn't shut off during your session.
I recommend doing a cold soak (either in the shower or in an Ice Pod) at the end of the session.
Before doing this, however, make sure to wipe off the sweat with a big towel and keep the unit turned on so that the rest of the sweat dries.
After your rinse off, spray and wipe down the blanket and turn it off. I use Branch Basics and a simple microfiber towel to do this.
Make sure to have enough water and electrolytes before and after.
I sometimes take a Niacin supplement before getting into the sauna because it's thought that Niacin's vasodilatory effects, combined with the heat exposure from the sauna, enhances blood circulation and promotes increased sweating. This process is thought to help with the detox process.
What I do while I'm baking in the sauna:
My Experience
As much as I hate to get cold, I love to get hot. Saunas, long runs, the beach all day. Whatever is warm and gets me sweating makes me happy. That’s one of the reasons I looked for gyms with sauna. So when COVID hit around 2020 and the gym was out of the picture, I dove deep for a home version.
After lots of research, I found one that checked my boxes: low-EMF, durable, gets hot enough, and it can easily be folded away. The X-factor was the price. After multiple conversations with my wife I ended up biting the bullet and we considered it a birthday present.
When it arrived, I was ecstatic It was easy to set up, easier to use, and gross but simple to clean. Even though it’s made of a thick leather material, I was skeptical that it would be able to hold up through a move, many uses, and the constant moving it from one room to another. Low and behold, it looks as good as it did when I got it without any issues.
Some of my toughest decisions of the day come down to my alone time at night (when my wife is working and the kids are in bed). Do I blog, go for a workout, or use the sauna? When it comes to the sauna, which I aim to do 1-2 times a week, I pre-heat it as I make the kid’s lunches, get a huge towel along with a microfiber cloth and a Branch Basics bottle (see the tips section) and climb into that sack with instant relaxation. You get a great sweat in a 20-30 minute span and sometimes I end up staying in there for a little longer listening to a book or doing a longer meditation.
While the relaxation is nice, the science is strong that saunas have a host of health benefits, including:
Detoxification
Improved skin health
Improved temperature regulation
Improved sleep
Improved immune system
Reduced inflammation
Reduced risk of all-cause mortality by 40%!
Beyond the physical advantages, the mental clarity and relaxation I feel during and after a sauna session have cemented this as an essential part of my self-care and wellness routine.
The Final Verdict: Is The HigherDose Sauna Blanket Worth It?
If you’re looking to reap a vast array of proven health benefits then the sauna is a good choice. If you’ve got access to a sauna through a gym or elsewhere then keep using it. If, however, you want the ease and convenience of a sauna at home then this is the one to go with. It’s durable, easy to clean, and it travels well. Plus, it’s low-EMF and non-toxic meaning you’re not negating the health benefits as you sweat away.
The downside is the price but this is a price but given the cost of many other sauna blankets on the market, it is reasonable when durability and quality are factored in.
Yes, the HigherDose sauna blanket is worth it.
HigherDose Sauna Blanket FAQ
Q: Is the HigherDose Sauna Blanket safe for everyone?
A: While generally safe for healthy adults, it's crucial to consult your doctor before use if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have implanted medical devices.
Q: What temperature can the HigherDose Sauna Blanket reach?
A: The blanket ranges from 68°F to 158°F, with adjustable settings to personalize your experience. It's recommended to start low and gradually increase the temperature as you adapt.
Q: How long should I use the HigherDose Sauna Blanket for?
A: Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes. Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as tolerated. Listen to your body and don't push yourself beyond comfort.
Q: How often can I use the HigherDose Sauna Blanket?
A: Daily use is possible, but most users find 2-3 sessions per week optimal. Rest and recover between sessions to avoid overexertion.
Q: What type of infrared does the HigherDose Sauna Blanket use?
A: The HigherDose Sauna Blanket utilizes far infrared (FIR) light. This form of infrared penetrates deeper into the body compared to near infrared (NIR), potentially reaching muscle tissues and promoting greater detoxification and warmth.
Q: What is the "best" type of infrared for saunas?
A: Determining the "best" type of infrared depends on your specific goals. Each type offers distinct benefits:
Near Infrared (NIR): Stimulates the skin and surface tissues, improving skin health and cell repair.
Far Infrared (FIR): Penetrates deeper, potentially promoting detoxification, muscle recovery, and pain relief.
The HigherDose Sauna Blanket focuses on deeper tissue penetration offered by FIR, while other sauna options might utilize NIR or a combination of both. Ultimately, choosing the best type comes down to your individual needs and desired outcomes.
Q: Can I wear clothes in the HigherDose Sauna Blanket?
A: The choice is yours! HigherDose recommends wearing light, loose-fitting clothing for comfort and sweat absorption. I prefer to wear boxers and socks since it's so hot when I first get in. HigherDose also sells a Sauna Blanket Towel Insert.
Q: How do I clean the HigherDose Sauna Blanket?
A: Wipe down the interior with a gentle disinfectant spray (I use Branch Basics) after each use and let it air dry completely before folding and storing. The removable inner liner can be hand-washed with a mild detergent.
Q: Can I add essential oils to the HigherDose Sauna Blanket?
A: While not officially supported, some users enjoy adding a few drops of their favorite essential oils to the towel for an aromatherapy boost. Choose high-quality, diluted oils and never apply them directly to the blanket.
Q: Is the HigherDose Sauna Blanket portable?
A: Yes. The lightweight design and foldable nature make it great for travel or use in various rooms throughout your home.
Q: Is the HigherDose Sauna Blanket worth the price?
A: it depends on your needs and your budget but the HigherDose sauna blanket uses low-EMF and high-quality and durable materials to give you a sauna experience. It is durable, portable, and a long-term investment for your health so I consider it a worthwhile expense.
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