WHAT IS AN INFRARED SAUNA BAG, AND IS IT WORTH IT?

Thanks to celebrity fans like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Anniston, infrared saunas have become one of the hottest wellness accessories in recent years.

So, it makes sense that someone would create a compact ‘infrared blanket’, which claims to deliver the supposed cure-alls of the fourwalled sauna, but at a much more wallet-friendly price. Essentially, it’s a large sleeping bag-style blanket that utilises the same technology as infrared saunas, which – unlike traditional saunas – use infrared lamps to warm your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. Instead of sweating it out in a wooden box, the blanket versions have velcro fastenings down the front that help to trap in the heat and create the same cocoon-like feeling of being in a sauna, from the shoulders down.

Infrared blankets are built with layers of infrared heating and waterproof PVC, so you can fold it out anywhere, such as a hotel bed or a sofa, and not worry about making a mess while you sweat out the day’s stresses. Infrared sauna manufacturers say the products have a host of medical benefits, including reducing inflammation, clearing skin issues, improving digestion and aiding weight loss (some claim you can burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes). Fans of the trend on Instagram also suggest they can also reduce stress and anxiety too.

As with most things on the internet though, it’s important to do your own research, as currently, there’s little peerreviewed evidence to suggest that infrared sauna blankets can deliver these impressive results. It’s fairly simple to get to grips with. I tried out the MiHIGH Infrared Sauna Blanket (£399, mihigh.co.uk) which you can simply unfold and plug into the wall, straight out of the box Unlike a typical sauna, you need to get into the infrared blanket fully clothed. MiHIGH suggest wearing long-sleeve cotton gym clothes and socks that you don’t mind getting really sweaty, as you will sweat a lot during a 30-minute session.

The blanket can heat up to 80 degrees, but I recommend starting at 60, which MiHIGH say is a good temperature for easing yourself in. Reassuringly, it has a handheld remote with a choice of six heat settings, so you can control the temperature while inside.

So, how does if feel? Well, surprisingly a lot like a sauna. The blanket delivers that same ‘wall of heat’ feeling, but I’m surprised to find that I actually prefer the at-home version; it’s slightly less claustrophobic, as my face is free to enjoy the cool air. I feel amazing after my 30-minute sauna session. I’m energised, my shoulder tension has melted away and ready to take on the day.