Infrared Sauna Blanket Guide

Posted on by Myron Dallas

Introduction

Infrared sauna blankets are growing in popularity as an easy and convenient way to enjoy the many benefits of infrared saunas. An infrared sauna blanket combines some of the known benefits of a traditional sauna with portability, convenience, and affordability. It provides a place to sit or lay down while relaxing in the warm air produced by therapeutic infrared heaters surrounding your body.

Like a regular sauna, infrared technology uses an invisible wavelength of light on the electromagnetic spectrum called infrared (IR). This radiation can penetrate deeper into the body than regular “surface” heat, such as your refrigerator’s coils or stovetop burner. Used for years in medical settings, this type of light-based temperature therapy has been found to help with pain relief, detoxification, and improved circulation, among other properties.

For those looking for an affordable and effective way to enjoy the benefits of a traditional hot rock or wet sauna without having either installed at home, an infrared sauna blanket offers all these advantages – plus, you can take it anywhere! In this guide, we will discuss the various features that make using an infrared sauna blanket attractive and provide helpful tips on purchasing one that meets your individual needs.

Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared light to create a therapeutic heating experience. They provide a safe, natural, and relaxing form of heat therapy. Infrared saunas can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and detoxify the body.

In this guide, we will explore the many benefits of infrared saunas and their potential to improve your overall health and well-being:

Detoxification

Detoxification is one of the key benefits associated with infrared saunas. As the heat from the infrared rays penetrates our bodies, it increases our heart rate and circulatory system, allowing for better blood circulation and improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients to our cells. The heat also encourages our body’s natural detoxification process by eliminating toxins through sweat.

The sweat produced in an infrared sauna works differently than other types of sweating. The infrared rays heat deep layers of skin tissue 4-7 millimeters, stimulating greater sweat production at a lower temperature than traditional saunas. This type of sweat consists largely of toxins, fat-soluble vitamins, toxic heavy metals, metabolic wastes, sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, ammonia, and Urea – all metabolic byproducts which are more easily eliminated through sweat versus excretion through normal perspiration that occurs during exercise or other activities.

Studies have shown that regular use of an infrared sauna can reduce concentrations of lead and other heavy metals in your body over time. It also helps reduce inflammation caused by influenza or muscle pain from vigorous exercise or overuse injuries. Additionally, the increase in circulation caused by your session helps to improve oxygen absorption into the cells, resulting in improved metabolism and better overall functioning for optimal health.

Weight Loss

The consumption of calories is a key component of weight management. The use of an infrared sauna can support weight loss by burning approximately 200 to 600 calories per 30-minute session. That’s the equivalent of running in a three-mph marathon for one hour. The water weight you lose is quickly regained, but the fat layer around your waistline will melt away as you proceed with regular sauna treatments.

An additional benefit associated with infrared sauna use is improved circulation and metabolic rate, which can expedite the elimination of toxins stored in fat cells and reduce the amount of cellulite in treated areas. In addition, higher temperatures generated by infrared technology can penetrate tissue, muscles, and bone to alleviate soreness and inflammation from physical exertion or arthritis. Finally, it is beneficial for achieving an overall sense of well-being as it relaxes both body and mind while boosting the production of endorphins, renewing energy reserves for upcoming activities or endeavors.

Improved Circulation

Improved circulation is one of the significant benefits of using an infrared sauna. The heat from an infrared sauna reduces local capillary blood flow. As a result, it generates systemic vasodilation that can increase oxygen levels in the blood, allowing more efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to muscles, tissues, and organs. This improved circulation can reduce inflammation, pain, and even scar tissue while providing higher energy levels.

Proponents of saunas for better circulation point to:

  • Enhanced muscle responses to resistance workouts
  • Improved flexibility due to better blood flow in joints and muscles
  • Healthier immune system functioning with the help of increased levels of white blood cells
  • Increased detoxification from the enhanced removal of metabolic wastes through sweat drainage.

Pain Relief

Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to relieve various kinds of pain. In addition, since infrared saunas tend to be more tolerable in terms of temperature and humidity, they can relax tight muscles associated with chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Research has also suggested that infrared sauna therapy may help ease muscle aches and pains related to exercise or sports injuries.

The heat generated by infrared saunas helps increase blood circulation, allowing oxygenated blood to travel more efficiently to affected areas in the body, accelerating the healing process, and relieving joint and muscle pains. For example, a study by the University of Oregon found that individuals who used traditional or nontraditional therapy combined with infrared sauna treatments experienced an 80% reduction in lower back pain after six weeks.

Additionally, since infrared is far-reaching yet gentle enough, it penetrates subsurface muscles that may not be able to be reached otherwise during massages or physical therapy sessions. As a result, it relaxes muscles as deep as three-inch throughout your entire body, which is beneficial for helping you relieve tension, knots, and chronic pain naturally!

How to Use an Infrared Sauna Blanket

An infrared sauna blanket is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a sauna from the comfort of your own home. It helps improve circulation, reduce stress and tension, and detoxify the body. This guide will discuss how to use an infrared sauna blanket for maximum benefit properly.

We will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of your infrared sauna blanket:

Preparing for a Session

Before you begin an infrared sauna session, it’s essential to prepare yourself and your equipment properly.

Begin with a shower, and ideally, don’t wear anything when you enter the sauna, as this can prevent your skin from completely absorbing the sauna’s beneficial infrared heat. However, if desired, you may wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics that breathe so your body can fully absorb the detoxifying and healing benefits of the infrared heat.

Setting up a timer for your session is also recommended, so you are not exposed to too much heat. The optimal session time depends on the model of your infrared sauna blanket but typically starts at 20 minutes for beginners. Subsequently, after becoming accustomed to an infrared sauna blanket, it is safe to take 60-minute sessions three times a week.

In addition, you may want to ensure that there are no electronic devices nearby to limit Interference, as they may be damaged by strong electromagnetic fields created by proximity to hot objects like an infrared sauna blanket. Finally, ensure that any fans used are not directed directly at the sheet’s surface while it is heating up and in use.

Setting up the Blanket

Setting up an infrared sauna blanket is a straightforward process. Before beginning, it’s important to ensure the floor underneath the blanket is clear of debris or obstructions. Next, find a flat surface to place the blanket on and ensure it is properly connected to an appropriate power source.

Plug the infrared sauna blanket in at its corresponding wall plug and use a timer if desired. Next, open up the lid of the heated pad and carefully spread out the folds of fabric following manufacturer instructions, allowing it to cover its intended surface area evenly. Once you have finished arranging the fabric properly, you can switch on your infrared heat pad for up to 15 minutes before each use. However, you should not exceed this time, as doing so could damage or reduce the efficiency of your infrared sauna blanket.

Lastly, follow your model’s temperature setting instructions and prepare for your first session!

Using the Blanket

Using an infrared sauna blanket is an efficient way to experience the benefits of heat therapy wherever you go. Whether in a gym, at home, or even while traveling, this lightweight and portable sauna blanket provide a convenient way to reap the rewards.

Before using your blanket, always consult your doctor to ensure it’s right for you. Also, review the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before use. The settings on some blankets are not adjustable, so be sure to check before purchasing.

You should use the safest sauna temperature settings when beginning a new routine. Allow time to adjust slowly while taking short breaks during each session as needed. It’s essential to drink plenty of water so that your body can stay hydrated during heat therapy sessions.

Here are some tips for using an infrared sauna blanket:

  • Set the temperature control on low or medium-low for best results and comfort when beginning your blanket experience; then increase as needed over time.
  • Lay or sit on the folded blanket with nothing between your body and the infrared light source.
  • Cover yourself with comfortable clothing such as a long cotton t-shirt and shorts/tights; make sure they fit loosely enough, so they don’t become constricting.
  • Stay in the blanket for no more than 20 minutes per session – if you start feeling too hot during a session, take a break immediately; do not wrap your covered yourself up tightly in any kind of fabric like sheets or blankets.
  • Wipe off any sweat from your body after each session.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to cool down appropriately before standing up.

Aftercare

Once treatment is complete, the patient should be instructed to follow their home-care regimen. Depending on the condition, aftercare might include professional skin care treatments or self-care approaches such as moisturizers and topical healing remedies.

Patients should be aware of general post-treatment guidelines while recovering from an infrared sauna blanket treatment. These include:

  • Refrain from activities that can irritate the skin during recovery, including exercise and physical labor.
  • Avoid tight clothing over treated areas.
  • Do not scrub or exfoliate treated skin until all redness has subsided.
  • Use only mild cleansers on the treatment sites and avoid chemical products or comedogenic cosmetics that can clog pores.
  • Keep hair away from treated areas for at least 12 hours after a session to prevent irritation from chemical processes.
  • Drink plenty of water following a session to flush toxins and replenish moisture levels in the epidermis.

Safety Tips

Using an infrared sauna blanket can be a therapeutic and relaxing experience, but it is important to follow safety precautions before, during, and after use. Knowing the risks and safety tips is essential to ensure optimal health and comfort.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the safest ways to use an infrared sauna blanket:

Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant, you should use extreme caution when considering the use of an infrared sauna blanket. Although studies on the long-term effects of this type of sauna have yet to be conducted, some potential risks have been identified. For example, excessive heat can increase your risk for complications such as premature labor, birth defects, and gestational hypertension. Therefore, you should consult a medical professional before using an infrared sauna blanket if you are pregnant.

In addition to consulting your medical doctor before using any heat therapy during pregnancy, it is important always to follow these safety tips when using an infrared sauna blanket:

  • Set any protective coverings before turning on the unit, and ensure they remain in place throughout your entire session.
  • Please do not allow anyone else to use the machine while you are pregnant since their body temperature could cause overheating in some cases.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to rest between sessions and monitor your body temp regularly.
  • Avoid increasing the temperature or session time beyond what has been advised by your doctor or manufacturer specifications for safety reasons.
  • Don’t forget to cool off after each session by taking a shower or relaxing in a cool room until your body temperature returns to normal.

People with Health Conditions

People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or other cardiovascular diseases, should consult their physician before using an infrared sauna blanket or any infrared heating device. In addition, as with any medical treatment, those with existing medical problems should be monitored and tracked by a healthcare provider who can properly diagnose and treat any side effects that may arise.

Pregnant women should also seek guidance from their healthcare provider if not already established. Infrared technology has not been extensively studied for use during pregnancy. As such, pregnant women should abstain from using this type of heating device until further evidence is available concerning its safety use in these cases.

Those using drugs or supplements should also be aware that certain medications can interact negatively with infrared rays emitted by this type of device. Therefore, it’s best to speak to your doctor before trying an infrared sauna blanket if you take medication regularly to avoid any potential side effects or harm to your health.

Children

Infrared sauna blankets can provide various health benefits to adults and children, but extra care should be taken when using them with children. Infrared sauna blankets are not recommended for children under eighteen due to their increased sensitivity to heat. Additionally, it is essential to monitor the length of time a child spends in an infrared sauna blanket and ensure that the temperature does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure proper safety when using an infrared sauna blanket with a child, ensure that there is always an adult who knows how long the session should last and how to adjust the temperature accordingly. Also, be sure that all skin is covered before lying down on the blanket, and do not allow the temperature to go above 110 F. After use, check for any possible burns or redness on the skin, as hot spots in certain areas or parts of the blanket can cause them.

It is also important to remember that infrared technology has been found to penetrate up to five inches below skin level, so young children mustn’t use this therapy without an adult’s supervision. Finally, these types of saunas have been known to induce sweating which may result in dehydration, so it’s important for both adults and children alike who are using these blankets to drink plenty of fluids throughout their session and afterward.

Maximum Temperature

When using an infrared sauna blanket, it is vital to know the maximum recommended temperature for your user and machine. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before use, and never exceed this limit during a session. Exceeding the maximum temperature may lead to overuse injuries and health risks such as overexposure, dehydration, or burns. The maximum safe temperature levels range from 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 37 Celsius).

It would be best to start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it as your body adjusts to the heat. Be sure to take sufficient breaks between each use, allowing your body time to cool off and replenish fluids before resuming your session. Stop immediately if you feel discomfort or pain while using the blanket and consult a medical professional if needed.

Conclusion

The infrared sauna blanket is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a traditional sauna experience without the high costs associated with installing a full sauna room in their home. With the infrared sauna blanket, you can enjoy all the same benefits as a traditional sauna, including improved circulation, detoxification, relaxation, and stress reduction without the hassle of creating additional space in your home.

However, with all of its advantages come some potential downsides that should be considered before making your final decision. For example, although infrared light may carry fewer risks than UV light in medical treatments such as tanning beds or certain types of laser treatment, doctors still recommend that people practice caution when using a product such as an infrared sauna blanket due to its powerful penetrating intensity.

Also, be sure to research any additional costs associated with users, such as

  • heating source requirements
  • controlling hardware

That may be needed depending on your specific model of infrared sauna blanket. However, with thoughtful consideration and awareness of its potential downsides, you can ensure that your experience with this product is safe and enjoyable!