A classic far infrared sauna is one side of infrared sauna industry. It imitates a traditional steam sauna by its design (made of wood, often has bench, is a separate cabin). On the other end there are completely different infrared devices, called infrared sauna bags or infrared sauna blankets.

It is evident from their names that these devices come in a form of a bag, or a blanket, in which you can lie on the bed or on the floor and don’t resemble a sauna visually in any way. However they are claimed to give you the same experience as with a conventional sauna. Infrared blankets have a power cord that should be attached to a power outlet and a control panel to regulate heat intensity and set a timer. Some models have separate control over the several parts of the body (i.e. legs, waist area and shoulders area). The head is usually outside in most models available on the market.

Infrared blankets have two apparent advantages over classic infrared saunas - they are a lot cheaper, and take almost no space when folded. However I think that the effect of an infrared sauna blanket is not the same as from classic infrared sauna. It is a big question that heaters in blankets produce enough infrared rays, more probably the heating occurs mostly because of direct heat transfer from a blanket to a human body.

Therapeutic properties of infrared sauna blankets come mostly not from infrared but from direct heating, as blanket has direct contact with your body. They heat you, and make you sweat. It’s like taking a dry hot bath. Many people enjoy a 20-30 minute session under infrared blanket, and report that they feel better after that. So the end decision is best to come from your own first-hand experience. Try using one of these sauna bags and listen to your body - if it feels better, brings enjoyment and relaxation, then consider buying one.