From melting stress away to supporting your body’s natural detoxification process, speeding up recovery rates, and even easing weight management, there are so many benefits of infrared sauna therapy.
Nordica Sauna is your trusted choice for an infrared sauna for sale. You’ll discover the best brands and their most popular models at the lowest prices online, guaranteed. But one thing our customers ask us all the time is how our products compare to an infrared sauna blanket.
It sounds great in theory. You can get all the benefits of an IR sauna in a way more affordable, portable form. Just bundle up in your blanket while you watch TV and enjoy the benefits, right? Not quite. We’ll unveil the truth about the infrared sauna blanket vs sauna differences below.
A blanket can’t match the heat penetration depth, and thus, the benefits, of a real sauna. It’s better than nothing, maybe, but not even close to as effective as a full-fledged sauna cabin.
Learn more about the infrared sauna blanket vs infrared sauna differences below.
Infrared Blanket vs Sauna at a Glance
| Feature | Infrared Sauna Blanket | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Coverage | Partial body contact, limited depth | Full-body immersion, deeper infrared penetration |
| Setup | Plug-and-play, no installation | Requires dedicated space and basic assembly |
| Portability | Highly portable, folds for storage or travel | Stationary, not designed for movement |
| Cost | $300 to $900 | $1,500 to $6,000+ depending on size and features |
| Wellness Benefits | Mild benefits, best for short sessions or detox | More comprehensive results (muscle recovery, circulation, pain relief) |
| Comfort | Can feel restrictive and hot in direct contact | Spacious, breathable, more comfortable for extended use |
| Maintenance | Wipe down fabric after each use | Minimal upkeep - clean wood and heating panels occasionally |
What is an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas are the modern twist on traditional dry saunas. Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared panels to warm your body directly. This type of heat penetrates deeper into muscle tissue without needing high ambient temperatures.
In other words, you get all the same benefits (perhaps even some new ones) in a more comfortable setting. The therapeutic effects are just one reason we think infrared saunas are the best form of sauna therapy, though.
How Infrared Heaters Work
Infrared heaters emit invisible wavelengths of light, usually in the far-infrared range. The skin and underlying tissues soak these in, heating the body internally. So the space itself doesn’t feel all that hot - youdo, though.
Most infrared saunas operate between 110°F and 150°F, significantly cooler than traditional saunas that can reach up to 190°F. Some people find the authentic sauna experience overwhelming, making IR saunas the perfect alternative.
The deep tissue penetration leads to an array of therapeutic effects, such as improved circulation, faster muscle recovery, and detoxification after regular infrared sauna use. Some studies suggest IR saunas could support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and aid in relaxation and sleep, too.
In comparing an infrared sauna vs dry sauna, these styles are more affordable upfront and over the course of time, too. They operate more efficiently, don’t require as extensive installation requirements, and have fewer maintenance needs.
Cost and Installation Requirements
You’ll find IR saunas in a variety of sizes, from compact 1-person models to 4-8 person family units. Our sauna buying guide can help you pinpoint the optimal size for your needs.
As far as installation goes, most models are an indoor infrared sauna - though we have a great outdoor infrared sauna selection in store for you as well. They’re very versatile. Most plug into a standard household outlet (though some larger models require 240V connections).
Upfront costs range from $1,500 to $6,000 depending on brand, size, and features. There’s no plumbing or venting required, so you may be able to get your sauna installed on your own!
But, even that price range can cause quite the sticker shock for those who were initially considering an infrared sauna blanket - which is a fraction of the cost. So, let’s take a closer look at the other half of our infrared sauna blanket vs sauna comparison.
What is an Infrared Sauna Blanket?
As the name suggests, these blankets envelope you in infrared sauna therapy. Instead of entering a sauna cabin and sitting down, you wrap up in what is basically a thermal sleeping bag lined with infrared heating elements.
These are a lot more portable and budget-friendly. Are they the right choice for you, though? As convenient as they sound, there’s more to this infrared sauna blanket vs sauna comparison than meets the eye.
How Sauna Blankets Mimic Infrared Therapy
Just like full-size infrared saunas, blankets use far-infrared heating coils or carbon fiber panels embedded within the lining. These emit targeted infrared wavelengths that raise your core temperature directly.
Most blankets heat up to 140°F-160°F and give you control over intensity with adjustable settings. The effect is fairly similar to a full sauna session. Your heart rate increases and you work up a deep sweat, without actually needing a large room or special installation.
Benefits of Sauna Blankets
We totally understand the appeal of sauna blankets. You get the same potential wellness benefits as infrared saunas at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.
You can promote circulation, muscle recovery, and detoxification even if you live in an apartment or only have a few hundred dollars to spend. You can also bring your sauna therapy on the go if you’re headed on a road trip. Just plug the blanket it in anywhere life takes you and enjoy.
Plus, you can indulge in a gentle sauna session while watching your favorite show, working on your computer, or taking a nap! But they say something that sounds too good to be true usually is, and that’s the case here…
Limitations to Consider
Sauna blankets do have their trade-offs. You won’t get the full-body immersion or dedicated relaxation environment of a walk-in unit. The heat doesn’t distribute as evenly, and airflow is more restricted since you’re lying flat and wrapping the blanket around you.
Blankets can also trap sweat and require more frequent cleaning. They typically last fewer years than solid wood saunas and offer fewer advanced features like chromotherapy or audio systems.
A really good infrared sauna blanket will cost you between $600 to $1,000. Sure, there are cheaper models on the market if you just want to dip your toes in the water with IR sauna therapy, but you get what you pay for. Ultimately, you may not save as much as you’d hoped.
So, where does that leave you in choosing between an infrared sauna blanket vs sauna?
Infrared Sauna Blanket vs Infrared Sauna: Which is Right For You?
Here’s the bottom line if you’re not sure whether you should go with an infrared sauna blanket vs infrared sauna: a full-size sauna provides a superior experience across the board if you have the space and budget for it.
That said, sauna blankets still deliver meaningful wellness benefits in a compact, affordable format. We’ll admit they’re better than nothing at all. But as we’ll explain below, there’s no contest between an infrared sauna blanket vs sauna.
Heat Coverage and Intensity
Infrared saunas provide full-body heat coverage with evenly placed panels surrounding your entire body - front, back sides, sometimes even overhead. The heat penetrates way deeper as these panels are more powerful, so you get that classic “sauna session” effect.
On the other hand, sauna blankets focus heat mostly on the torso and lower body. Most leave your arms and head out in the open. The heat source is closer to the body, but less even overall. You also lose the ambient warmth that fills a sauna room.
So, the effects from an infrared sauna blanket can definitely be a bit more inconsistent than those of a full-fledged sauna cabin. This leads to differences in benefits between the infrared sauna blanket vs sauna…
Health and Wellness Benefits Compared
Both options use far-infrared technology to raise core body temperature and stimulate circulation, sweating, and recovery. You can expect benefits like relaxation, muscle relief, and detoxification from both.
Those are the similarities. The difference, though, comes down to how pronounced those benefits feel. Infrared saunas allow longer, more effective sessions, with greater circulation of fresh air and space to breathe deeply.
They’re also more likely to feature elevated touches like chromotherapy, sound systems, or ergonomic seating. It’s the whole experience. You just won’t get this in a sauna blanket. It’s also important to note that some people say sauna blankets make them feel a bit claustrophobic.
You can learn more about how long to see benefits of infrared sauna in our blog if you’d like.
Ease of Use and Setup
This is where the sauna blanket has an edge - you really can’t beat its ease of use and convenience. Just plug it in, lie down, and go. It’s great for quick sessions and works well for users who don’t have the time, space, or lifestyle for a fixed unit. No installation or planning.
An infrared sauna requires a dedicated space, be it a spare bedroom, basement, garage, or even outdoors. Chances are, there’s somewhereyou can make a sauna work unless you live in a 1-bedroom apartment.
Assembly isn’t rocket science, especially compared to traditional saunas that require ventilation. But it’s certainly more involved than using a sauna blanket. It can take at least a few hours to bring your sauna kit to life. Actual usage is pretty straightforward after that, though.
Portability and Storage
This one’s no contest. Sauna blankets can be folded, rolled, and stored in a closet or under the bed. You can even take one on a road trip or vacation. That’s obviously not possible with the other half of our infrared sauna blanket vs sauna comparison.
In fact, a lot of homeowners choose to leave their sauna behind when they eventually sell their house because relocating it can be a pain. For what it’s worth, though, this will add to your home’s sale price since home saunas are so desirable!
Cost Comparison
You can imagine which is the most expensive side of our infrared sauna blanket vs sauna comparison. Most sauna blankets range from $300 to $800 depending on build quality and features. That’s pretty affordable.
In contrast, infrared saunas cost roughly $1,500 for a compact 1-person model, or anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000+ for premium setups that accommodate multiple people at once.
But, they do offer better value for the money in our opinion. We’ll talk more about this later, but you can get financing and potentially use HSA/FSA funds for the purchase when you shop at Nordica Sauna!
Safety and Comfort Factors
Are infrared saunas safe? This is something we get asked all the time. But the risks of infrared sauna can be traced back to cheap build quality, improper use, and certain wavelengths (near infrared). That said, you don’t have too much to worry about on the safety front either way.
As for comfort, infrared saunas have a few undeniable advantages. They offer better airflow, seating, and temperature regulation. You’re upright or reclined, and can often listen to your favorite podcast or music while you relax.
Sauna blankets wrap around you and limit your range of motion. Some users find them too confining or too hot around pressure points, especially during longer sessions. There’s more potential for overheating, too.
Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
Any sauna style is going to require some level of care, and blankets are no exception. In fact, they actually require more frequent cleaning since sweat collects directly inside the lining. You’ll need to wipe them down after each session and occasionally disinfect to avoid buildup.
Infrared saunas are low maintenance. You’ll want to wipe down benches, vacuum occasionally, and that’s pretty much it. Most are made from antimicrobial wood that resists mold and mildew, like cedar.
Don’t Settle for “Close Enough” - Discover the Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy Today!
Infrared saunas outperform sauna blankets in nearly every category: heat coverage, comfort, longevity, and overall wellness impact. The only downside is their cost and the space needed to install them.
While you can’t get around the installation side of things, you can get the best value for your money at Nordica Sauna. We’ve handpicked industry-leading infrared sauna brands and offer the lowest prices online, guaranteed.
Better yet, we offer free shipping, flexible financing options, and you may even be able to use FSA/HSA funds for the purchase. Our goal is to make buying a home sauna more accessible so everyone can experience their benefits. You can narrow it down based on size below:
- 1 person infrared sauna
- 2 person infrared sauna
- 3 person infrared sauna
- 4 person infrared sauna
- 5 person infrared sauna
- 6 person infrared sauna
- 8 person infrared sauna
Or, get in touch with our team for one-on-one support. We’ll talk about your needs and your budget and help you pinpoint the best infrared saunas. You can also take our sauna quiz below for a quick, personalized recommendation!
Wrapping Up Our Infrared Sauna Blanket vs Sauna Comparison
Infrared sauna blankets are a convenient, portable entry point into heat therapy. They sound great in theory, but fall short in practice for long-term health benefits, full-body coverage, and overall comfort.
We hope this infrared sauna blanket vs sauna comparison has left you feeling confident in which aligns with your goals. Investing in a real sauna offers way more value if you have the space and budget.
Make the upgrade today with the help of Nordica Sauna. Reach out for personalized guidance or take our sauna quiz to uncover the perfect model now!
