It was 9 a.m. on a Friday and I was dripping sweat as if I’d just crushed it in a hot Pilates class. But no, I was lying in bed—listening to music—in my apartment, resting inside my HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket.

Designed to promote a full-body detox, this blanket is one of the most questioned beauty-meets-wellness devices on the market right now. It’s one of those things purported to deliver optimal well-being—improving how you feel in ways that can’t quite be quantified but are certainly felt, and those who take a more holistic approach to health consider it a must-have. For instance, Gwyneth Paltrow (of course), who prioritizes sweating daily, has given it her stamp of approval. “If I’m on the go, there’s this infrared sauna blanket by HigherDose that is a 10 out of 10,” she told Vogue in 2021, outlining her wellness philosophy. “You just get in it and you sweat. You can be on your phone, or you can put your arms underneath, which is what you’re really supposed to do, and just chill, meditate, or listen to a podcast.”

HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket

• Why We Love It: Beloved by celebrities, athletes, experts, and editors alike, this is the most acclaimed sauna blanket on the market. Utilizing infrared heat plus grounding layers of crystal, charcoal, and clay, this heats up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit for a detoxifying sweat with stress-relieving benefits. All you need is a flat surface and 45 minutes to experience its benefits.
• Type: Sauna Blanket
• Electrical Field: Low EMF
• Specs: One heating zone, 68 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit
• Best For: Detoxing, burning calories, boosting mood, glowing skin, reducing stress, increase blood flow
• How to Use: Wearing skin-covering clothes and socks, place the Sauna Blanket Towel Insert into the blanket. Preheat the blanket for 10 minutes, then lay it on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Zip yourself inside for 30-45 minutes, then rinse off in an icy shower following your treatment.
• Size: 72.5 inches x 32 inches

Coincidentally enough, Paltrow’s experience is a nod to the inspiration behind the device in the first place. Introduced in 2017 by HigherDOSE co-founders Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri wanted to “make the experience of the infrared sauna portable, harnessing the heat-healing, far-infrared light technology into a blanket”—which at the time, had not been done before.

How does the HigherDOSE infrared sauna blanket work?

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, says the technology works by emitting far infrared radiation (FIR), a wavelength of light that penetrates the skin to heat the body from within, stimulating circulation and inducing sweat. “The HigherDOSE blanket, for example, uses a layered technology: a far-infrared emitting layer, followed by a layer of amethyst and tourmaline to release negative ions, and a final charcoal and clay layer to support detoxification and even heat distribution,” she explains. “It’s also designed with low EMF and ELF output for safety and comfort.”

The Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blankets

A traditional steam sauna works by warming the air in the room (and any objects inside of it) through high heat and humidity, however, per Kaps and Berlingeri, an infrared sauna heats the objects directly (versus heating the air) through infrared rays that mimic the sun’s natural ability to penetrate deep into the body and raise our core temperatures. Dr. Liliana Lopez, DNP, FNP owner of Health & Wellness With HBOT amplifies this point, explaining that the deeper penetration of infrared saunas can be more effective for muscle recovery, pain relief, and detoxification. “If you’re seeking cellular-level benefits with less heat stress, infrared tends to be the more efficient option,” she says. Thus, you might expert more therapeautic benefits. “Some users also report clearer skin, reduced inflammation, and better sleep quality,” Murphy-Rose insists.

It’s also oft-discussed if infrared saunas can help burn calories and support weight loss. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, the increased perspiration can lead to a temporary reduction in water weight and modest calorie burn. “Some data suggests that infrared heat may modestly boost metabolism with consistent use,” she continues. “However, meaningful fat loss and long-term weight management still depend on regular exercise and healthy nutrition. I view sauna blankets as a helpful adjunct, not a replacement, for a healthy lifestyle.”

My Experience With the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket

Such incredible claims made me eager to give it a try. When the device arrived to my house, I was surprised at how compact the package was, despite how long the actual blanket is (it measures just over six feet). I opened it to find the blanket stored in a handy duffle bag-resembling travel case. Getting it ready for use was easy enough; it’s not heavy—so I just flung it over where I wanted to lie in it, which in this case was my bed. It just needs to be a flat, heat-resistant surface.