What Is Infrared Therapy? The Science Behind the HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket
Traditional saunas heat the air around you. Infrared saunas heat you directly.
That distinction sounds simple, but it changes everything about what the experience does to your body. Conventional saunas require temperatures between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit to produce a sweat response. Infrared saunas operate between 120 and 150 degrees and produce a deeper, more penetrating sweat at a lower ambient temperature, because the heat is absorbed directly by the body rather than conducted through hot air.
The result is a more comfortable experience that goes deeper, reaching muscle tissue, joints, and the lymphatic system in ways that surface heat cannot.
What Is Infrared Therapy?
Infrared light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that sits just beyond the visible spectrum, between visible red light and microwave radiation. It is divided into three bands: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). Each penetrates the body to a different depth and produces different biological effects.
Far-infrared, the wavelength used in most infrared sauna products including the HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket, penetrates 1.5 to 3 inches into the body. At that depth, it raises core body temperature, stimulates circulation, activates the sweat response, and triggers a cascade of physiological responses that mirror the effects of moderate cardiovascular exercise.
This is not a new discovery. NASA has studied infrared therapy for cardiovascular conditioning in astronauts. Japanese researchers have published extensively on its applications for chronic fatigue, cardiovascular health, and pain management. The research base is substantial and growing.
What the Research Shows
The benefits of regular infrared sauna use that are most consistently supported by research include cardiovascular support, with studies showing improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure with regular use; muscle recovery, with infrared heat reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and accelerating tissue repair; detoxification, with sweat produced during infrared sessions shown to contain higher concentrations of heavy metals and environmental toxins than sweat produced by exercise alone; mood and stress regulation, with infrared sauna use associated with increased endorphin release and reduced cortisol; and skin health, with improved circulation and the heat response supporting collagen production and a clearer complexion.
A 2018 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that regular infrared sauna use significantly reduced fatigue and improved quality of life in participants with chronic fatigue syndrome. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that sauna bathing frequency was inversely associated with cardiovascular disease mortality.
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket brings the full infrared sauna experience into your home without a dedicated room, a contractor, or a significant investment in permanent infrastructure. You zip in, set the temperature, and within minutes your body is responding to far-infrared heat the same way it would in a traditional infrared sauna cabin.
One reviewer described it simply: "Every session makes me feel calm, relaxed, and refreshed. It heats up quickly and makes me sweat a lot, just like a real sauna."
HigherDOSE was co-founded by two female biohackers who built the brand around a simple premise: the most powerful wellness tools should not require a spa membership or a clinical setting. The Sauna Blanket is the product that put them on the map, and it remains their most iconic piece.
How to Use It
A typical session runs 30 to 45 minutes at your chosen temperature setting. Hydrate well before and after. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing or use the optional insert to protect the blanket. Most people use it 2 to 3 times per week for ongoing benefits, though even a single session produces noticeable effects on mood and muscle tension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is infrared therapy?
Infrared therapy uses far-infrared light to penetrate 1.5 to 3 inches into the body, raising core temperature, stimulating circulation, and triggering a deep sweat response at lower ambient temperatures than traditional saunas.
How is an infrared sauna blanket different from a traditional sauna?
Traditional saunas heat the surrounding air to very high temperatures. Infrared sauna blankets use far-infrared light to heat the body directly, producing a deeper sweat at a lower, more comfortable temperature.
How often should I use the HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket?
Most people use it 2 to 3 times per week. Even a single session produces noticeable effects on mood, muscle tension, and circulation.
Is infrared therapy safe?
Yes, for most people. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, have cardiovascular conditions, or are taking medications that affect heat tolerance.
What are the benefits of infrared sauna use?
Research supports benefits including cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, detoxification, mood regulation, and skin health with regular use.
Can I use the Sauna Blanket every day?
Daily use is possible for most people, though 2 to 3 sessions per week is the most commonly recommended frequency for sustained benefits.
