Infrared saunas have become more accessible in recent years. Not only have more wellness and recovery centres, clinics, and facilities started offering infrared sauna services, but there has also been an increase in home sauna products – take our high-quality SunStream home infrared sauna as a prime example.
Despite this, many are still looking for alternative ways to enjoy infrared benefits, hence the growing popularity of infrared gadgets such as infrared sauna blankets. More often than not, these sauna blankets are advertised to produce similar health benefits to infrared saunas. But is there any truth to these claims?
Learn about the main differences between infrared saunas and infrared sauna blankets, and whether they produce similar effects with the team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS!
What Is An Infrared Sauna Blanket?
An infrared sauna blanket works similarly to an infrared sauna. However, instead of sitting down in a room or cubicle, you wrap the blanket around your body to raise your core temperature – lending a more portable heat exposure that isn’t anchored to a particular location.
These blankets are often made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane or aramid. Polyurethane is often used in insulation, furniture, and electronics; while aramid is often added to Kevlar to increase the toughness of the end product. They’re also equipped with a control unit that allows you to control the temperature, activate or deactivate the heat output of the sauna blanket.
To stimulate the body’s cells and tissues, the device uses electromagnetic radiation. Currently, however, research on its benefits remains ongoing.
Comparing Infrared Saunas and Infrared Sauna Blankets
Both infrared saunas and infrared sauna blankets use infrared heat to promote health and wellness – but they differ significantly in their usage, design, cost, and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at their key differences below.
Heating Distribution and Temperature Range
Infrared saunas typically operate at temperatures of 40°C to 65°C, which is lower than traditional saunas, but still enough to induce a deep sweat. Meanwhile, many infrared sauna blankets have a range of 30°C to 80°C, establishing a broader range through which the practice can exist. The lower end of this range may not induce an intense sweat, but it can provide enough warmth to relax tight muscles and provide a soothing effect on the body.
When it comes to prioritisation of heat distribution, however, the body gets a more even dose with infrared saunas. While blankets can provide almost the same heat temperatures as saunas, the heat is directly focused on contact areas, keeping effects to the body uneven depending on how users may bias their treatment. While this can provide targeted relief, in other words, it’s often the case that it’s less comprehensive – and could even lead to asymmetry in muscle health and function, where therapy is completed..
Space and Portability
Home infrared saunas are suitable for those who have ample space to spare in their homes for the installation of one. These sauna types, while available from the comfort of home, aren’t portable, and require installation.
On the other hand, infrared sauna blankets can make heat exposure highly accessible, with maintenance including being folded up and stored away after use. They are also highly portable, making them a great option for travel or compact-sized homes, not to mention those with immediate needs and adaptability.
Safety
Both these devices are considered generally safe. However, there are a few things to consider with infrared sauna blankets.
While the polyurethane material of sauna blankets are generally not toxic, when heated, they have the potential to emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air. The good news is that more and more companies are becoming aware of this and actively looking to decrease this risk in their blanket products.
Beyond this, concerns do exist in the periphery about exposure to Electro-Magnetic Frequencies (EMF & ELF). A high dose can damage human DNA and cells – given that the use of sauna blankets places heater panels directly against your body, there is some level of increased exposure to potentially higher EMF & ELF doses. Though some sauna blanket companies do claim that their products don’t emit any EMF’s, it’s still a factor that’s worth considering at the end of the day.
Health Benefits
Infrared saunas are celebrated for providing a full-body exposure to infrared heat, stimulating biological processes that lead to muscle recovery, pain relief, and improved blood circulation.
Infrared sauna blankets are marketed to provide the same effects – however, in effect, many users claim that they provide more targeted muscle relaxation and localised pain relief. This is understandably so, given that sauna blankets lend heat in a functionally different way, resulting in a less comprehensive heat distribution in favour of more tailored application.
Final Verdict: Which is Right For You?
Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depend on your lifestyle, specific needs, and wellness goals. For a more affordable, portable, and convenient option, infrared sauna blankets are an option. However, if you’re looking to enjoy broader infrared treatment benefits and have the space and budget for it, infrared saunas are the better choice.
If you’re interested in setting up your own home infrared sauna, explore our high-quality home infrared sauna setups at SunStream. Our products are made with the most durable materials and incorporated with the latest low EMF & ELF heater technology, allowing you to enjoy the best of infrared saunas in your home. Contact us today for more inquiries!