Chances are, if you are into spa treatments or perhaps suffering from a painful condition, such as an injury or muscle pain, then you’ve heard of a sauna bed and wondered what is a sauna bed?
A sauna bed is basically a blanket that is powered by infrared heat that acts as a sauna when the user is wrapped in it.
What Does A Sauna Bed Do?
A sauna bed resembles a sleeping bag, and it is used throughout various industries, including clinics, physical therapy, and spas to provide therapy and promote overall health and wellness.
Research shows that one main benefit of sauna beds is they help the body rid itself of unwanted chemicals.
In fact, one study involving various participants exposed to work-related toxicants showed that after just 4 to 6 weeks of infrared sauna treatments, the participants had lessened neurotoxicity scoring and fewer sick days than the study group that did not receive the therapies.
Another benefit that infrared blankets provide is they help ease the symptoms of certain forms of arthritis as well as many other painful joint and muscle conditions.
During one study involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the participants reported a drastic decrease in muscle stiffness and pain after a series of 8 infrared treatments provided over a 4-weeks.
Meanwhile, another study involving over 20 patients with lower chronic back pain showed that after receiving infrared therapy for several weeks, the treatment was effective in decreasing chronic pain in the area.
Some research shows that they are also helpful in improving vascular function in those with hypertension, diabetes, hypocholesteremia, and other coronary risk factors.
A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine revealed that infrared heat also promotes blood circulation, enhances the immune system, and reduces the frequency of inflammation.
And then, of course, the most obvious benefit of sauna blankets is they can be used to quickly warm your body, such as after being in frigid temperatures or while camping outdoors and more.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Bed Work?
Infrared sauna beds work similarly to traditional saunas by warming your body, thus inducing sweating and speeding your heart rate, which are the same responses elicited during exercise.
However, the warmth generated by these types of beds emits a lower heat than regular saunas, which use dry heat and warm the entire room and your body.
Infrared rays are naturally produced by the sun; however, the sun also gives off UV rays, which science shows can have harmful effects on the body during prolonged exposure.
Hence, infrared sauna beds are designed to harvest the power of the sun’s radiant heat but without the UV rays, so users can experience its healing powers but in a healthier way.
The infrared heat put off by the blankets also only penetrates the skin 1 1/2″ to 4″, so it won’t cause you to become too hot.
And unlike traditional saunas, they also only warm your body and not your external environment, so they are more bearable.
Can a Sauna Blanket Help You Lose Weight?
Various studies show that infrared beds may also help with weight loss.
In fact, one study involving participants with high compliance showed that after being exposed to an infrared sauna for 45 minutes at 110 degrees 3 times a week for a total of 12 to 45 sessions over 16-weeks, the treated group had a 4% drop in body fat over 4-months.
Infrared heat works by helping break up fatty tissue deposits, which can help you lose pounds and inches. Hence, it is one of the most scientifically proven effective methods for fat loss and body sculpting.
The radiant heat also increases blood circulation and gets your heart pumping, which helps you burn calories.
In fact, just one session enables you to burn more than 600 calories, which is the same amount of calories burned during an hour-long run at 5-mph.
Thus, using a sauna bed after your workouts will help you burn even more calories since your metabolism is already revved up.
Heat therapy also helps improves the look of cellulite.
According to medical experts, cellulite is caused by an uneven accumulation of fatty deposits between the skin and the underlying muscle, which causes a dimpling or rippling of the skin.
Infrared heat, however, reaches below the skin to help break up these fat pockets, which are then removed via the sweating process it also causes.
And when incorporated with regular exercise and a proper diet, infrared beds can help improve the appearance of your skin even faster.
Can a Sauna Bed Help Tone the Skin?
Another benefit of sauna blankets is they help improve skin tone.
When the device’s energy rays penetrate the body, the warmth causes the blood vessels to widen.
This, in turn, helps increase blood flow throughout the body, which boosts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
The skin then uses the oxygen and nutrients to produce collagen, which helps keep your skin firm and wrinkles at bay.
Who are the Best Candidates for an Infrared Heat Bed?
Since infrared beds radiate little heat, they are especially beneficial for people who are heat sensitive but still want to reap the effects of a sauna.
They are also suitable for those suffering from muscle and joint discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and many other conditions.
If you are looking to burn fat, reduce the appearance of cellulite, or are an athlete that is looking to optimize muscle recovery post-training, then you may also benefit from heat therapy.
Infrared blankets also provide sauna detox benefits; therefore, they are also suitable for those looking to rid unwanted toxins from their system.
Otherwise, consult your doctor before using an infrared bed, so they can let you know if it is right for you.
Can I use a Sauna Blanket at Home?
Though infrared therapy is typically performed in a professional environment using specialized equipment, it is possible to experience comparable results at home via a sauna blanket. And they are also a fraction of the price.
Some physicians and therapists also recommend infrared beds to their clients to use at home in between sessions to help speed healing.
What is the Best Way to Use a Home Infrared Sauna Blanket?
Sauna beds work best on flat surfaces that can handle the heat, such as your bed.
Once you’ve chosen a spot, simply wrap yourself in the blanket, close the flaps, and then lie back and enjoy the warmth.
It is normal to feel a bit restricted at first as the blanket is made to fit snuggly around your body and may hug even more once you start sweating.
Therefore, experts recommend starting with shorter sessions until you get used to the feel and then gradually work your way up to 45 minutes or more.
Most blankets are electric, so they must be plugged into an electrical socket to use. Their control box is also usually attached to the cord, which you operate by simply pushing the buttons.
The inside also usually contains a waterproof material like polyurethane material to prevent moisture from soaking through.
Sauna blankets are also usually compact, so they fold up and travel easily for heat therapy on the go.
How Do You Perform Infrared Sauna Sessions at Home?
To do a sauna session at home, select the lowest temperature setting on the blanket and then allow it about 15 to 20 minutes to do its work.
Repeat this process each session until you get used to the heat, after which time you can begin to increase the heat and the length of your sessions accordingly.
When you are ready, you can also switch to a higher-dose infrared sauna blanket for more powerful results.
However, the first time, it is important to start with a lower heat setting and shorter sessions to avoid complications.
How Often Can I Use A Sauna Bed?
Home infrared sauna blankets can be used as often or as little as you need to begin experiencing results.
However, health professionals recommend using them no more than 3-days a week and on alternate days to allow fat deposits and toxins to be flushed out, but more treatments may be recommended the more fatty deposits you have.
Likewise, the healthier your lifestyle, the fewer sessions you may require because when used in combination, they produce quicker results.
On average, people also tend to use them no more than 45 minutes per session. However, it is not recommended that you go any longer than that to avoid adverse effects.
What Should I Wear When Using a Sauna Bed?
When in doubt about what to wear during your infrared blanket session, read the tag. However, many manufacturers warn against using the blanket while naked because it can make your skin uncomfortable.
Instead, it is recommended that you wear long-sleeved exercise gear and socks, preferably made of cotton, to create a barrier between your body and the blanket to help safeguard your skin, especially when it’s on the highest heat setting.
How Long Does it Take to Experience Results With a Home Infrared Sauna Blanket?
How long it takes to see results with home infrared sauna blankets depends on your goal.
If your goal is to detox your body of unwanted chemicals that are slowing you down, it can take up to 1 month to experience noticeable results.
Improved skin texture is typically visible after about 12-weeks, and a reduction in weight generally occurs after about 8 to 12-weeks.
In the meantime, many people reported an increase in athletic performance after 3-weeks of using infrared therapy, and those suffering from chronic pain and inflammation often report a significant improvement in symptoms after 6-weeks of therapy.
However, no matter your goals, you will still need to undergo periodic treatments to help maintain the results.
But as stated earlier, when doing other things to take care of your body, such as regularly exercising, eating clean, and sleeping well, etc., the longer the effects of infrared therapy lasts, and the fewer maintenance appointments you will need.
Your doctor or therapist will help determine the best protocol for you.
What Are the Precautions/Risks With Using a Sauna Blanket?
A sauna blanket is not recommended for everyone, such as individuals with skin disorders, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or hemophilia, because it can worsen the condition.
Recent surgical patients and individuals with broken bones or implants are also advised against using infrared blankets without approval from your caretaker.
If you are on prescription medications, you feel sick, or you suffer from headaches, you should also seek medical guidance before using infrared therapy products.
Heat-sensitive people should also avoid using sauna blankets unless their doctor approves to avoid becoming overheated.
It is also not considered safe for young children and elderly adults to use infrared beds without proper advice.
In the meantime, do not use the product immediately after eating, and you should also be sure to stay hydrated during your session to prevent dehydration.
Best Infrared Sauna Beds
| Heat Healter Infrared Sauna Blanket | HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket | Fulove Far Infrared Sauna Blanket |
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| The Heat Healter Infrared Sauna Blanket uses jade and tourmaline stone for an experience that lasts up to 60 minutes. | The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a premium sauna IR sauna blanket that has serious endorsements from celebrities and artists. | What’s unique about the Fulove Far Infrared Sauna Blanket is that it contains more than 30 kinds of trace elements helpful to the human body within the energy stones built into the blanket. |
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Final Thoughts
So overall, sauna beds enable you to benefit from professional treatments at home via a sleeping bag type of blanket that makes therapy and healing as simple as just cozying up and getting warm.
However, keep in mind, it can have adverse effects if used improperly, such as when used for too long or if you have certain health conditions.
So be sure to stick to the recommended guidelines for use to help ensure the best results.
Meanwhile, if you are ready to experience a low-cost way to improve your health while relaxing in the comfort of your own home, including immediately boosting your overall mood, then strongly consider exploring the benefits of sauna blankets in even more depth to maybe become a satisfied user yourself or to perhaps simply pass the information on to interested family and friends.
