A typical wood-paneled chamber with hot rocks and steam that relieves dry heat is probably how most people view a steam room. On the other hand, for a smaller, portable option, infrared baths and sauna blankets provide comparable advantages. Their ways of delivery are where they differ most.

Although both use infrared light to heat the body rather than the air around it, spa blankets are more easily integrated into everyday routines because of their flexibility, affordability, and convenience when compared to typical spa visits. We’ll examine the similarities and differences between infrared baths and infrared blankets in the next sections, along with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Comparing sauna blankets vs. infrared saunas

A few important things to compare between infrared saunas and spa blankets are as follows:

• Similarities: Both infrared baths and spa blankets use infrared light to reach the skin and raise the internal temperature to around 120°F, despite their differing shapes. They provide comparable session durations; for maximum effects, they usually begin with 10 to 15 minutes and work their way up to 45 minutes.
• Portability: Spa blankets are highly mobile, so users may take advantage of infrared treatment at home or on the go. Barrel Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are usually less mobile, and fixed constructions can need installation.
• Cost: Bath blankets are more affordable than infrared steam rooms, which makes them a more feasible choice for those on a tight budget.
• Heat Distribution: Infrared radiation is used to distribute heat in both infrared baths and spa blankets. Due to variations in construction and design, there may be little variation in the heat distribution between both options.
• Comfort and Convenience: Bath blankets let users relax in a sitting or resting position outside the confines of a bath cabin, which may make them more comfortable and helpful for certain people. Others might enjoy the roominess and atmosphere of an infrared spa.
• Privacy: For some who feel uneasy utilizing public steam room facilities, spa blankets provide a degree of privacy that they may find attractive. However, infrared baths are frequently seen in public areas like spas and gyms.

Ultimately, personal tastes, financial constraints, and lifestyle considerations will determine which of an infrared bath and an infrared blanket is best. Relaxation, stress reduction, better circulation, and detoxification are among the health advantages that both approaches may offer.

See more: Exfoliate Before or After a Sauna (With Useful Tips)

Difference between sauna and infrared sauna

The main way that regular and infrared saunas differ from one another is in how they heat. Conventional baths heat the air with a heater, which raises the body’s temperature to 150–195°F. However, infrared steam rooms, which normally operate at temperatures between 120 and 140°F, employ infrared lights to heat your body directly.

For consumers who might find the high heat of traditional saunas too much, the direct heating technique of steam or infrared saunas improves efficiency and comfort. Infrared baths are also recognized for reaching deeper into the tissue, which may result in improved muscle relaxation and detoxifying effects.

Is it better to use an infrared sauna or a sauna blanket?

Sauna blankets and infrared baths share the same basic concept; yet, unlike conventional spas, which heat the air surrounding the user, far infrared light (FIR) is usually used to heat the body inside. The decision between the two is based on the particular situation. An excellent option for people who want isolation or mobility is a spa blanket.

It enables people to make use of an infrared sauna, whether traveling or enjoying it in their own homes. On the other hand, infrared sauna cabins are more expensive and require more maintenance than sauna blankets, but they may be put in homes or offered as facilities in gyms or spas.

Sauna blanket vs. infrared sauna: which is better?

Most adults can usually handle infrared radiation without any problems. Infrared blankets provide the advantage of shielding your head from direct radiation from infrared rays, which consumers may find preferable because they lessen the impact of the heat. In contrast, some people may find an open infrared bath atmosphere more relaxing and the spa blanket’s isolation to be limiting. Since both infrared baths and spa blankets use the same underlying technology, the health benefits of both are the same, despite personal tastes to the contrary.

Potential benefits & risks of sauna blankets

The benefits and risks of using sauna blankets are given below:

Potential benefits of using a blanket in a sauna:

• Relaxing down and relieving tension.
• Increased blood flow.
• Sweating is a method of detoxification.
• Possible release of tight and painful muscles.
• Easily portable for holidays or usage at home.

Possible risks of using a blanket in a sauna:

• Dehydration occurs if you do not drink enough water.
• Becoming overheated, especially after extended use.
• Burning or dermatitis, the blanket is overheated or misused.
• It is not recommended for use without first speaking with a doctor in cases of specific health issues, such as pregnancy or heart problems.
• Possible discomfort or anxiety in certain people.

Potential benefits & risks of infrared sauna

The benefits and risks of using an infrared sauna are given below:

The benefits of infrared saunas:

• Encourages relaxing and lowering tension.
• Improves heart health and circulation.
• Promotes increased perspiration, which aids in cleansing.
• Might be useful in reducing joint and muscular discomfort.
• Improves the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Infrared Sauna Risks:

• Dehydration occurs if you do not drink enough water.
• Certain individuals have discomfort or heat sensitivity.
• Overexposure results in problems with heat.
• There is a possibility of making some medical issues worse; if you have any concerns, speak with a doctor.
• Risk of burns if safety measures, such as appropriate usage and monitoring, are ignored.

Are sauna blankets as effective as infrared saunas?

It is possible to wonder if a steam blanket is really any more efficient than a full-sized infrared sauna, even with its simplicity. A spa blanket works similarly to an infrared bath in that both employ infrared technology to improve circulation, produce serotonin, increase calorie burning, and lower blood pressure.

Chromatotherapy is a type of color-light treatment that affects the body’s energy fields; some infrared steam rooms, however, may have extra qualities. Although spa blankets don’t have this structure, some of them include layers that contain things like clay, coal, and crystals. As a result, the efficacy may differ based on the particular results that are required.

Are sauna blankets effective?

Sauna blankets might seem too good to be true, but they work. In studies, the infrared technology included in spa blankets has been shown to have positive effects on well-being, appearance, and health. Additionally, research has shown how effective infrared technology is in reducing inflammation and easing arthritic symptoms.

What to think about before making a purchase

After carefully examining the advantages and disadvantages of both spa blankets and infrared bathrooms, make your decision by going through the following list:

• Mobility: Assess whether mobility is necessary for your requirements. In that case, go with a bathhouse blanket.
• Budget: Evaluate what you have set aside for this. A two-person infrared sauna may cost as much as $2000, while a steam room blanket often costs about $600.
• Space Availability: Take into account the area that you have set aside for your spa. If you have an infrared bath, you usually need a 6×5-foot dedicated room, although a steam room blanket may be easily kept in a closet.
• Movement During Session: Consider if you need to move about while in the bath. Perhaps a spa blanket isn’t the best option if you have trouble sitting idly or feeling constrained.
• Multitasking: Assess the importance of multitasking throughout your spa session. Infrared bathing prohibits electronics, but if you use an infrared blanket, your head can be uncovered so you can watch TV, listen to music, etc.

See more: Red light therapy vs. Sauna blankets (benefits & drawbacks)

FAQs

The most frequently asked questions are given below:

What is the difference between a sauna and an infrared sauna?

You might feel like a new person after using either the classic or infrared spa techniques, which both provide several health advantages. The main distinction between the two is that infrared baths employ deep, intense light, whereas Finnish spas use stones, steam, and humidity.

Is the infrared heater the same as the sauna?

The body absorbs infrared heat, which creates a calming sensation. Compared to conventional bathrooms, the heat enters your body more deeply, making the experience stronger and more healing. The history of infrared saunas is rather interesting.

Do all saunas have infrared?

Most importantly, all spas emit far-infrared radiation as a byproduct of the energy input required to generate the heat they utilize, and frequently in greater quantities. This is true even if the infrared spa’s sole unique feature is its use of this radiation.

See more: Which Sauna Blanket Is Best for Tall People? (Six Feet or More)