Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Review (2024): We’re Sweatin’ That Price

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, the best home saunas can impart a host of benefits. (1) If you lack the space or budget for a multi-person sauna, sauna blankets like the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket are proving to be a budget-conscious and portable way to enjoy home sweat sessions. Research has shown that following a workout or physical activity, heat baths may help improve cardiovascular and cognitive health, lower blood pressure, and promote muscle recovery. (2)(3) 

Higher Dose’s blanket is one of the pricier models on the market, both for its luxe profile and the clay, charcoal, and crystal layers layered into its design. Our expert product tester slipped beneath its folds to rate its portability, construction, performance, and value, among other factors, on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Its $699 price tag may deter some, but don’t sweat it (for now) — our review has all the info you’ll need to know if this sauna blanket is the right one for you. 

Main Takeaways

• This sauna blanket has a temperature range of 68 to 158° Fahrenheit, which is vast but doesn’t go as high as other models. 
• It stands out from other models by integrating clay, charcoal, and crystal layers that Higher Dose claims can boost blood circulation and “deepen your detox.”
• Its infrared heat is ETL-certified to be low in electromagnetic field (EMF) and extremely low-frequency currents (ELF). 

Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Highlights

• Price: Starts at $699
• Temperature Range: 68° to 158° Fahrenheit
• Maximum Interior Circumference: 65’’
• Unfolded Dimensions: 71’ ’x 71’’ 

Very few of us have backs wide enough to lug a traditional Finnish sauna to and fro, thus necessitating a rise in portable sauna options. The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket, which can fold up when not in use for easy transport, is one of the finest portable saunas on the market, capable of delivering infrared sauna benefits whether you’re at home or on the road. 

Unlike traditional saunas, in which the air is heated to create a sweat-generating steam bath, infrared saunas use light to heat up your body directly without impacting the surrounding air. After laying the blanket on a flat surface and pre-heating it using the included controller, all you need to do is slip beneath the covers, relax, and let the heat do its job. During sessions as long as 60 minutes, your heart rate can quicken and your blood circulation can increase in the same way they do during moderate bouts of exercise, resulting in myriad potential cognitive and cardiovascular health benefits. (1)

Higher Dose’s blanket can produce temperatures as high as 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s roughly 20 degrees less than you’ll find on some comparable models, but still well above the 104 to 140-degree average of the typical infrared sauna session. If you’re worried about radiation, fear not — the blanket is certified by Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), a leading third-party testing company, to be low in both EMF and ELF currents. 

At $699, this blanket is one of the priciest options on the market, costing roughly $200 to $500 more than some of its competitors. The blanket’s high price is due in part to the clay, charcoal, crystal, and magnetic layers sandwiched inside its leather interior. Higher Dose claims these additions can improve blood circulation, “flush out impurities,” and produce negative ions that can have a positive effect on your mood. The science is mixed as to their health benefits, but those interested in holistic wellness may find comfort or relaxation in their inclusion. (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)

Higher Dose also offers optional towel inserts to soak up sweat and protect your body during sessions. They’re sized to fit the blanket, machine washable, and made of organic cotton, which studies have shown can be more absorbent than standard cotton. (10) They’re also expensive at $89 for one and $213 for three. “If you have the budget, I would definitely suggest getting the inserts,” said our tester. “I just find it a low-stress way to keep things clean.” 

Let us emphasize, though, that they are optional. While you’ll definitely want that extra layer under the blanket, you can just as easily swap out those pricey inserts for sweatpants, thick socks, and a long-sleeve shirt. That’s what BarBend Senior Editor Lauren Keary does when using this blanket. “I do have to clean it after every session since the clothes don’t protect the blanket from sweat as well as the insert does,” she says. 

Pros

• Its 68- to 158-degree temperature range allows you to reap the benefits of a sauna after a workout at home.
• The integrated clay and crystal layers produce negative ions that may help with symptoms of depression. (4)(5)(7)
• This blanket improves on previous models’ velcro closure with a double-sided zipper for easier entry and exit.
• It’s ETL-certified to be low in both EMF and ELF currents. 

Cons

• At $699, it’s pricier than many comparable blankets by roughly $200 to $500.
• You have to pay extra for Higher Dose’s cotton towel inserts, which cost $89 for one and $213 for three. 

Using the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Our tester prefers old-fashioned saunas to infrared ones but overall enjoyed their experience with the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket. “I can’t say I’d use this on a routine basis, but it’s a solid way to sweat for those in need of something more portable,” they said. “It was very relaxing and easy to use.” 

Delivery and Setup

The Higher Dose blanket arrived in a box without much plastic. Our tester noted that the parts were “secured in the packaging and well-organized” and that the setup and care instructions were easy to follow.  

Second, find a flat, heat-resistant surface on which to lay the blanket, like a yoga mat or even your bed (so long as it’s not a water bed). In general, it’s best to keep it far from bodies of water during use. The same goes for chairs and couches. Getting the blanket wedged in cushions or twisted in any moving parts could result in damage to both the blanket and furniture. 

Before climbing in, Higher Dose recommends putting on long sleeves, long pants, and socks made of comfortable, breathable materials like cotton or linen. Since the blanket will get very, very hot, it’s wise to keep your bare skin covered. You’ll also want to spread out a thick towel inside the blanket to help soak up sweat and protect its surface. 

Next, it’s time to preheat the blanket, which is as simple as setting your desired temperature with the attached controller. “I found it incredibly easy to get started,” said our tester. “All I had to do was pick the temperature, and it was fully heated in less than 10 minutes.” 

Overall, getting situated with the blanket was a breeze, though it’d be nice if they provided at least one cotton towel insert along with the blanket, especially at a cost of $699. In terms of its delivery and setup, we rated it a 4.5 out of 5. 

The Heat

Higher Dose’s blanket utilizes far-infrared heat, a wavelength of infrared light capable of penetrating the skin membrane quicker than the air of a traditional sauna while also keeping the temperature lower. (11) Temperatures tend to range from 158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in a traditional sauna, whereas infrared saunas generally range from 104 to 140 degrees, though they can certainly go higher. (1) As such, some prefer the more manageable heat of infrared saunas.

Research has shown that the kind of heat stress provided by sauna baths — increased heart rate, cardiac output, and blood circulation — can promote cardiovascular and cognitive health, as well as muscle recovery. (1) There has also been evidence that far-infrared heat, in particular, can be beneficial as a recovery tool following physical activity. (3)

Though it can’t generate as much heat as some of its competitors — the Sun Home and HydraGun blankets can reach 176 degrees Fahrenheit — it can still reach 158 degrees Fahrenheit, which should be plenty for most users. As our tester noted, setting the temperature was “incredibly easy” thanks to the handheld controller, with the blanket heating up in less than 10 minutes. Standard infrared sauna blankets typically take between 10 and 15 minutes to heat up. 

We have no gripes with the overall performance of the blanket, giving it a 5 out of 5. 

Don’t Overdo It

How long should you stay in a sauna? Users can program the Higher Dose blanket to pump heat for up to 60 minutes, but if you’re new to it, it’s recommended that you stick to five to 20 minutes. (12) As your body gets used to the process, you can increase the amount of time you spend in the blanket. Our tester opted for sweats between 30 to 45 minutes. 

Footprint and Portability

Like many comparable sauna blankets, Higher Dose’s profile measures 71 inches by 71 inches when unfolded. It folds back up easily and comes with a box you can keep it in when not in use. “Obviously, a sauna blanket is much more portable than an actual sauna,” said our tester. “It’s not something I’d want to carry from place to place, but it can easily fit in a car if you’re going out of town.” 

Our tester had no issues fitting comfortably inside the blanket, which has an internal circumference of 65 inches, but Higher Dose notes that users over 6’ tall may need to zip open the bottom part of the blanket to get comfortable. Some heat is likely to escape in that instance, but you should still be able to sweat. 

We rated it a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of portability. 

Durability and Construction

Our tester called Higher Dose’s blanket one of the “sharper-looking” blankets on the market, noting its sleek PU leather body and industrial-strength zipper. The zipper, which is double-sided for easier entry and exit, is actually an upgrade on previous models of the blanket, which used Velcro. 

Higher Dose notes that its PU leather is truly non-toxic, as it’s passed all the standards to be considered free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s also water-resistant, which is good since you’ll be sweating buckets when tucked inside it. 

Higher Dose’s blanket distinguishes itself from competitors like the Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket with what’s beneath its PU leather body. Integrated into the blanket are clay, charcoal, and crystal layers, as well as a magnetic strip. Let’s go through each. 

• According to Higher Dose, the clay works to help “balance the heat” and emit negative ions, which have been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression in some people. (4)(5) 
• As for its use of charcoal, it’s true that activated charcoal has the ability to adsorb particular noxious substances, but there’s little evidence that it can “flush out impurities,” as Higher Dose claims. (6) 
• There is evidence that tourmaline can naturally produce negative ions, but there is no concrete scientific evidence regarding its healing properties. (7)(8)
• Similarly, the science is mixed on whether or not the addition of a magnetic strip can help improve blood flow and circulation, as Higher Dose claims. (9)

Though it’s unclear what healing benefits these additions can provide, some find them helpful or calming from a mental or emotional perspective. Still, in terms of the blanket’s durability and construction, we rated it a 3.5 out of 5. 

Maintenance

Infrared sauna blankets are not machine washable, so regular maintenance is required on your part to ensure its quality and longevity. Since you’ll be sweating a lot between the covers, you’ll want to have an extra towel nearby after sessions to mop up any sweat not absorbed by the towel you already laid down. You’ll then want to wipe the blanket down with a disinfectant sports equipment cleaner and give it at least 30 minutes to dry and cool down before packing it up. 

Once the blanket has cooled down, fold it in half lengthwise from left to right, then in thirds from top to bottom. This way it’ll fit into its original box, which Higher Dose recommends you tuck away in a cool area free of heat and moisture, like a closet or under the bed. 

Keary rated its maintenance a 4 out of 5, saying, “While it’s super easy to wipe up after a session, cleaning is the last thing I want to do when I’m feeling relaxed and rejuvenated (and a little short of breath) from my sweat.”

Safety

Since infrared heat is a form of radiation, many worry about absorbing electromagnetic field (EMF) or extremely low frequency (ELF) currents during use. Higher Dose’s blanket has been certified by Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), a leading third-party testing company, to be low in both EMF and ELF currents. 

Though some infrared sauna blankets, like the HydraGun HeatPod, claim to be completely free of EMF currents, low EMF and ELF currents are standard in sauna blankets and should result in no adverse effects, so long as you’re using the blanket at the recommended intervals of 60 minutes or less. (13)

What to Consider Before Buying the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Before hopping under the covers, you’ll want to consider the best type of home sauna for your needs. We’ve outlined a few of what we think to be the key factors below. 

Size

For some, the joy of an at-home sauna comes from having a dedicated space to disconnect, spread out, and sweat out your tension — think Redwood Outdoors’ Thermowood Barrel Sauna. As Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester, noted, though: “The luxury of being able to walk out your back door and hop in on your own is so much better than having to share it with a bunch of sweaty people.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKXG8PxTIM8

Granted, installing a full-size sauna can feel akin to adding another room to your home, which isn’t feasible for most people. Infrared sauna blankets won’t provide as roomy an experience, but they’re a popular, space-saving alternative to full-sized saunas. When unfolded, Higher Dose’s blanket measures just 71 inches by 71 inches, meaning you’ll likely be able to spread it out on a bed, yoga mat, or rug. It also easily folds up again so you can store it under the bed or toss it in the back of your car for a vacation. 

Your Physical Needs

Like other popular sauna blankets, such as the HydraGun HeatPod and Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket, Higher Dose’s profile has a maximum internal circumference of 65 inches. You’ll want to take that — plus the blanket’s 71-inch length — when figuring out how you’ll fit under the blanket. 

[Related: Why Saunas Can Build Muscle, Boost Endurance, and Increase Strength]

Higher Dose claims it can comfortably fit users up to 6 feet tall, but it’s worth noting that taller users can unzip the bottom of the blanket to make more room for their feet. 

Price

Higher Dose’s blanket is thousands of dollars less expensive than full-sized saunas, which can cost upwards of $6,000. At $699, though, it’s roughly $200 to $500 more expensive than many comparable models. Our tester rated it a 3 out of 5 in terms of its value. “I find Higher Dose’s blanket one of the more aesthetically pleasing blankets, but it doesn’t have enough extra features to justify it costing $200 more than some of the other models on the market,” they said. 

Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket Vs. The Competition

Since sauna blankets come in a variety of styles and price points, we thought we’d see how the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket stacks up against its competition in terms of cost, size, temperature range, and other key factors. 

As the above chart demonstrates, the Higher Dose blanket shares a number of features with the Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket and HydraGun HeatPro, specifically in terms of their materials, EMF levels, and maximum interior circumference.

These profiles do, however, differ in a few key ways, not the least of which being that the Higher Dose blanket costs $200 more than those models. If you’re wondering why, there are a few reasons. 

First, unlike the Sun Home and HydraGun profiles, Higher Dose’s low EMF and ELF levels are certified by Electrical Testing Laboratories. While HydraGun claims to have zero EMF levels due to its Faraday-shielded heating coils, the stamp of approval from a respected third-party tester is a coveted feature. 

Also, Higher Dose’s blanket aims to enhance its benefits with clay, charcoal, crystal, and magnetic layers that the company claims can help purge toxins, emit negative ions, and increase blood circulation. Clay and tourmaline are capable of producing negative ions, which studies have shown may help reduce symptoms of depression, but the science remains unclear when it comes to the other healing properties promised by Higher Dose. (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) Still, some may find their integration valuable. 

Sun Home and HydraGun’s blankets also contain multiple layers. Sun Home fortifies its profile with two waterproof layers, while HydraGun weaves a cotton lining into its blanket to enhance comfort. 

[Related: Steam Room vs. Sauna: The Key Differences You Need to Know]

The LifePro BioRemedy, meanwhile, is a solid budget option that can make you sweat just as profusely as its competitors at well under half the price. What you sacrifice at this price point is primarily comfort-based. It has a smaller footprint and maximum internal circumference than the other blankets, not to mention a lack of transparency regarding its EMF levels, which may impact your peace of mind. It does, however, come with a lifetime warranty, which isn’t offered by any of the other blankets. 

In terms of temperature, the Sun Home, HydraGun, and LifePro BioRemedy are capable of reaching a sweltering 176 degrees Fahrenheit, 18 degrees more than the Higher Dose’s blanket. Hotter isn’t always better, however. The average infrared sauna session runs between 104 and 140 degrees, meaning Higher Dose’s 68 to 158-degree range should be plenty for most users. In fact, it may be the better option for beginners, as users can slowly work their way up from lower temperatures. (1)

If you can really take the heat, though, the other options can push your limits. And since the HeatPro’s range — 86 to 176 degrees — is just as wide as Higher Dose’s, it may also be a good fit for newer users. 

Places to Buy the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket

The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket is available directly through Higher Dose’s website. You can also find it at several online retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Nordstrom. 

Warranty

Higher Dose includes a one-year limited warranty with the blanket, though, per Higher Dose’s terms, “the product should only be used in the country where it was purchased and shipped.” The company adds, “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.”

Customer Experience

Our tester rated their experience with Higher Dose a 4.5 out of 5, noting that the blanket arrived in pristine condition and that the customer service team was “very responsive.”

They added, “I liked how there were several customer service options. You can email or call, or upload a video of your issue for Higher Dose to examine via their website.”

Company Information

Founded in 2016 by a pair of self-described “female biohackers,” Higher Dose is a wellness company that creates infrared, PEMF, and light therapy devices that its founders hope can “boost holistic recovery” and “elevate your health and beauty rituals.

Final Word

The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a portable and effective way to sweat through an infrared sauna experience at home or on the road. Perfect for those new to home saunas, it has a comfortable PU leather body and a wide, approachable temperature range of 68 to 158 degrees, which is enough heat to get hearts pumping, blood circulating, and sweat pouring. It’s also ETL-certified to be low in EMF and ELF levels, something many of its competitors can’t say. 

At $699, however, it’s roughly $100 to $500 more expensive than most sauna blankets, many of which are comparable in terms of size, materials, and temperature range. While we’re wary of its price, we know from experience that this blanket can withstand years of use. “I’ve had my Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket for four years now. I’ve used it multiple times each week, and it still works just as well as it did the day I got it.”

FAQs

References

1. Patrick, R. P., Johnson, T. L. (2021) Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan. Experimental Gerontology. 154, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111509.
2. Masuda, A., Miyata, M., Kihara, T., Minagoe, S., Tei, C. (2004) Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha). Jpn Heart J. 45(2), 297-303. 
3. Mero, A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M., Puurtinen, R. (2015) Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. Springerplus. 4, 321. 
4. Watson, K. (2019). What Is Calcium Bentonite Clay? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium-bentonite-clay
5. Perez V., Alexander D. D., Bailey, W. H. (2013). Air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 13, 29. 
6. Zellner, T., Prasa, D., Färber, E., Hoffmann-Walbeck, P., Genser, D., Eyer, F. (2019). The Use of Activated Charcoal to Treat Intoxications. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 116(18), 311-317. 
7. Zhang, Y., Hu, J. (2020). Robust Effects of Graphene Oxide on Polyurethane/Tourmaline Nanocomposite Fiber. Polymers (Basel). 13(1), 16. 
8. Walters, M. (2023). Healing Crystals: What They Can and Can’t Do. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/healing-crystals-what-they-can-do-and-what-they-cant
9. WebMD. (2021). Do Metallic Bracelets Have Health Benefits? https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/health-benefits-of-metallic-bracelets
10. Rout, S., Pradhan, S., Mohanty, S. (2022). Evaluation of Modified Organic Cotton Fibers Based Absorbent Article Applicable to Feminine Hygiene. Journal of Natural Fibers. 19, 1-15. 
11. Vatansever F., Hamblin, M. R. (2012). Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 4, 255-266. 
12. Laukkanen, J. A., Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S. K. (2018). Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 93(8), 1111-1121.
13. World Health Organization. (2016). Radiation: Electromagnetic fields. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-electromagnetic-fields

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