I’ve been a slow convert to infrared sauna therapy for awhile now. As a lifelong user of traditional steam saunas, I was slow to try out far-infrared devices. But a few years ago, a little wellness spa in my tiny town opened up for business, and their state-of-the-art infrared sauna was at the top of my must-try list.
I was hooked right away. I felt happier and more energetic after each session. The only thing I hated was having to make an appointment and drive into town every other day. The day that little spa closed, I started my search for an at-home solution.
That’s when I found about sauna blankets, specifically the Higher Dose infrared model. Yes, it’s really a blanket. And yes, it really does work. Is it a little pricey? Sure. But it’s more affordable than any other portable sauna you’ll find, and you don’t have to add an entire room to your house just to install it.
Once I adjusted to using and cleaning it, there was no going back. I liked it so much that I started wanting to gift it to friends and family. However, the price was an issue for repeated gifting so I started looking for cheaper alternative products. That is when I found Gizmo Supply’s infrared blanket on Amazon (of all places). At the time the price was right, (see the latest prices here) and the quality looked up to par so I was eager to try it out before ordering one for my mom.
Gizmo Supply FIR Sauna Blanket Specs
I’ll be the first to admit that Gizmo Supply’s sauna blanket looks like something out of a spaceship. It’s gray. It’s shiny. It has all kinds of plugs and controllers. It does not have the same high end finish of the Higher Dose blanket but the electronics are almost as good.
While it looks futuristic, it’s really easy to use. It’s also surprisingly comfortable.
Here’s a quick rundown of what this sauna wrap offers:
- 3 zones of FIR
- Compact controller to adjust the three heating zones individually
- Temperature range of 77-185F (30-85C)
- 68” long x 38” wide
- 110V usage
Easy to Use
At first, I was a little unsure about this blanket and its controller. Everything looked so complicated. The controller has four cords attached to it, and the controller has old-school buttons for each setting.
While it looks complicated, this blanket is actually very easy to use.
Three of the cords hook up to the three different zones (the fourth is the power cord). The controller has three individual temperature settings, so you can adjust each zone independently. You can also set a timer and turn the system on or off right from the controller.
The timer can be set for up to 60 minutes.
Impressive Heating Element
I’m most familiar with the version 3.0 of this blanket, which is an upgraded version of the 2.0. This generation has a better heating element made from Japanese carbon fiber. Why does this matter? Because the new heating element increases the far-infrared ray to 9.87um.
The blanket’s heating element can range from 77-185F. Once it reaches your desired temperature, Gizmo Supply says that the far-infrared rays can penetrate 4cm-7cm of muscle tissue and skin.
Durable Design
The inside of the blanket is made of a combination of waterproof PVC and a soft material. Yes, there are heating wires, and I was worried that they would get in the way or become damaged. They didn’t. The heating wire is extremely durable and able to withstand bends and stretches.
The blanket’s exterior is made of PU material, which is a combination of polyurethane and leather. PU is highly water-resistant, which is great because you will be sweating what feels like a pound of water.
One thing I love about this blanket is that it feels just like a heavy blanket. It’s not uncomfortable or awkward to use. It’s also surprisingly easy to relax or even take a quick nap during sessions. I normally have a hard time sleeping, but the warmth and stress relief you get from this blanket makes it easy to drift off to dreamland.
I always recommend setting a timer so that if you do fall asleep, you don’t stay in the blanket longer than is recommended or safe.
The Benefits of Having Your Own Infrared Blanket Wrap
The benefits of a sauna blanket are pretty clear after your first few sessions. You get all of the great benefits of a regular infrared sauna, but from the comfort of your living room.
Detox
One of the best benefits of infrared saunas is their detoxing effect. Sweating helps remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body
Weight Loss
Don’t get too excited. Sauna therapy won’t magically make 10 pounds disappear, but it can help aid in your weight loss.
The effects of sauna therapy are similar to a cardiovascular workout. Some sources say you can burn 400-500 calories or more with far infrared saunas, but I can’t verify these claims. I’m down a few pounds, but I’ve also been watching what I eat and exercising. The sauna is just a bonus that gives me a little extra calorie-burning kick.
Better Skin
Sweating not only helps remove toxins, but also gets your blood moving. That increase in circulation helps deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to your body, so you get glowing skin.
That explains why my skin has a such a dew-y, rose-y glow after each session.
Gizmo Supply vs. Higher Dose Sauna Blanket
When you compare infrared sauna blankets, you’ll find two major players in the industry: Gizmo Supply and Higher Dose.
Which one is better?
I feel Gizmo is a great budget option. It does everything it’s supposed to do, it’s simple, and it’s effective. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but if you’re on a budget, you may not care.
Higher Dose, in my opinion, is the better option if you want better overall quality. It’s might be a tab bit more expensive, sure, but you get a more durable blanket with a few extras that you wouldn’t get with Gizmo’s blanket. With that said, the Gizmo Supply model is a solid buy too.
The Verdict
Overall, the Gizmo Supply sauna blanket is a great option if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy the benefits of a home sauna.
