Check out our independent review of the Higher Dose V4 infrared sauna blanket – we got our hands on the latest model and put it through its paces. The V4 is the upgraded infrared blanket for 2024 and replaces the Higher Dose V3 sauna blanket from 2021.
HIGHERDOSE INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET OVERVIEW
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KEY FEATURES
HIGHERDOSE SAUNA BLANKET REVIEW
- Unboxing & Key Features
- Independent Review
- Pros and Cons
- How To Use
- How Is It Made
- Who Is It Good For?
- Specification
WHAT YOU GET
UNBOXING THE HIGHERDOSE SAUNA BLANKET
First up, let’s take a look at what you get. Here are some images of the box that arrived and how the sauna blanket package looked as we unboxed it. The product is neatly and securely packed up. When you open the box and unpack the items you will find your HIgherDose sauna blanket, a hand-held controller with two leads, a comprehensive user manual, and a protective plastic film for the blanket.
Below we will run through the key features of the blanket, its pros and cons, how to use it, and who we think this Higher Dose sauna blanket will work best for.
FAR INFRARED HEAT
The V4 Higher Dose infrared sauna blanket uses far infrared light energy to gently heat your body.
The temperature range on offer is 68 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s plenty of heat to get you sweating, even if you are an experienced sauna user.
You can select your preferred heat level using a dial on the hand controller. Rather than selecting a specific temperature, you rotate the dial to select one of eight temperature levels. Level 1 is the lowest and 8 the highest.
If you have never used a sauna blanket before we recommend you start on level 4. Then, if you feel comfortable doing so you can gradually move up through the levels. Level 8 feels very hot – so don’t jump up there too quickly.
There is an automatic shut-off that ends your session after 60 minutes, but you can switch it off at any time before this. And, it takes about 10-15 minutes to preheat the blanket. But once you have it set up you can use this time to get ready.
CRYSTAL THERAPY
In addition to infrared heat therapy, this HigherDose Sauna Blanket comes with layers of specially fitted crushed crystals. Amethyst crystal and black tourmaline have been added to the interior layers of the blanket. If crystal therapy is your thing this is a great bonus.
These crystals are used in alternative medicine where they are believed to play a role in promoting health. The potential benefits of amethyst crystal include relaxing the mind and boosting energy levels.
While tourmaline may play a role in boosting negative ion production and elevating serotonin levels. Serotonin is the feel-good hormone. However, there is no solid scientific evidence to back up these health claims. You can make your mind up.
SUPERB BUILD QUALITY
The blanket is very well put together. When you first unbox the V4 you will be struck by its appearance and sleek look. We love the PU black finish and light blue highlighting.
This blanket has clearly been very well made. The attention to detail and the quality of the finish are very pleasing. The sauna blanket has been built to last. It feels very durable and solid. Treated well it will serve you many happy years.
GOOD SIZE
The blanket is designed for single-person use. When placed on the ground and completely unfolded it measures 71″ by 71″ inches. That is just under six feet by six feet. It provides plenty of space for most body sizes and we felt very comfortable inside.
Remember, your head and neck will remain on the outside of the blanket. Only your shoulders to your toes will be on the inside. Also, there’s a foot flap at the bottom so if you are on the tall side and need a little extra room you can open this and stick your feet out.
When in use it has a workable interior circumference of 65″ inches. And, when you are inside you can fasten a zip to keep the closure secure.
EASY TO USE CONTROLLER
The blanket is operated using a handheld controller. The device is easy to use. It has an ON/OFF power button and a rotating dial that allows you to set the heat level. A digital display tells you what heat level you are currently on.
There is also a safety feature that automatically switches the blanket off after 60 minutes. This is a welcome feature if you are prone to falling asleep in the sauna. However, you can switch the blanket off at any time before the 60 minutes have elapsed.
GREAT PRICE
The HigherDose sauna blanket is very competitively priced. Considering it is currently the top blanket on the market in 2024 we are surprised it has been priced below some of its leading competitors. This infrared blanket is an excellent investment and treated properly it will deliver many years of relaxing and healing home sauna in the comfort of your home.
HIGHER DOSE INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET PROS AND CONS
Now that we have covered the key features in this Higher Dose sauna blanket review, it’s time to take a look at the pros and cons. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
ADVANTAGES
What are the benefits of the Higher Dose sauna blanket? The HigherDose V4 is a solid all-rounder. There are a lot of things we like about this sauna wrap. Let’s take a look at what it does best.
VERY EASY TO USE
The HigherDose V4 sauna blanket is incredibly easy to use. There are no complicated settings or features you need to get your head around before you begin enjoying your sauna time. The whole operation is a breath of fresh air. Warm, infrared air!
We had it set up in minutes. All you need to do is roll it out, plug it in, and climb inside. The handheld control has an ON/OFF button and a dial to allow you to set your preferred temperature level.
It works straight out of the box. There are no installation requirements compared to a traditional cabin sauna. And, you can have the device up and running in minutes of it arriving at your front door.
GREAT FOR RELAXATION
We found this sauna blanket great for relaxation, for both mind and body. It’s a great way to de-stress after a long day. Just fire it up, climb inside, and allow the heat to take effect. Even short sessions can work well for calming the mind and boosting mood.
And, it works wonders for tired tense muscles. The deep penetrating far infrared heat warms and loosens tight aching tissue. It is a great way to finish a workout session and speed up your recovery.
EASES PAIN
Saunas are well known for their ability to provide temporary pain relief and this sauna blanket is no different. The deep penetrating heat of the V4 is good for aching joints, muscle tension, and period pains.
And, the fact that you can roll it out in your own home whenever needed means you can heat your creaking body any time around the clock. However, if you have any underlying conditions or suffer chronic pain you should first consult a medical professional rather than rely on a sauna for pain relief.
USE FROM HOME
You can use this sauna blanket at home. No more trips to the local gym or spa for some infrared sauna time. With your own personal Higherdose sauna wrap you have round-the-clock access at home.
There are many advantages to having a private sauna. But one of the big ones is you don’t run the risk of picking up Covid while sharing a public gym with strangers. The confined space of a sauna cabin is not ideal when it comes to social distancing.
CRYSTAL THERAPY
The HigherDose sauna blanket is fitted with amethyst and tourmaline crystals. So, in addition to the heating energy of the infrared, you also get crystal therapy – as standard. Crystal therapy is popular in alternative medicine for boosting energy levels and calming the mind.
COMPACT SIZE
The compact size of the blanket makes it an ideal choice for smaller homes or homes with limited storage. It can be easily rolled out when required and then folded up and put away when not in use. It doesn’t take up a permanent space in your home.
Its compact, convenient size also makes it highly portable. You can easily take it on the road. If you are heading away for the weekend you put it in the trunk of your car or fold it up inside a suitcase.
EASY MAINTENANCE
There are practically no maintenance requirements for this blanket. All you need to do is allow it to air dry and safely store away after use. If you feel it needs a clean just wipe it down with a gentle microbial agent. And that’s it, you’re done.
DISADVANTAGES
What are the cons of the Higher Dose infrared sauna blanket? Let’s take a look at a run-through of the disadvantages of the V4 Higher Dose Sauna Bag.
ONE PERSON ONLY
The sauna wrap can only be used by one person at a time. Sauna blankets are designed for single-person use. If you would like to have a shared sauna experience with a friend or family member you will have to take it in turns.
NO COLOR OPTIONS
Currently, there is no color option on the V4 sauna blanket. In the previous model, the V3 came in a choice of black or purple. The new V4 is available in just one color option – black with light blue detail and branding. On the upside – it looks great.
TEMPORARY FIXTURE – REPEATED SET UP
Unlike a traditional sauna cabin, this blanket does not have a fixed location in your home. Using it involves rolling it out when needed and then packing it away when not in use. A wooden sauna cabin is a permanent fixture and will remain in a location ready for use whenever you need it.
VERDICT
The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket is an excellent home sauna. It tops our list of infrared sauna blankets for 2024. The V4 is incredibly well made, super easy to use, and delivers superb results. It works well for relaxation and minor pain relief.
The blanket has been fitted with crystals to complement the infrared heat therapy and has a medical-grade magnet to help improve circulation. It is competitively priced, durable, and treated well will deliver many happy years of infrared sauna in your home.
HOW TO USE THE HIGHER DOSE SAUNA BLANKET
The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket is very easy to use. All you need to do is roll it out, power it up, and then climb inside. There are a few pointers to consider – like wearing suitable clothing and positioning a towel beneath your body. Check out the steps below for more detail.
1: LAY OUT THE SAUNA BLANKET
The first thing you need to do is lay out the sauna blanket. It needs to be rolled out on a flat heat-resistant surface. If you are laying it directly on the floor you should place a yoga mat beneath it to protect your floor surface. A massage table works well too.
2: PLACE AN INSERT OR TOWEL INSIDE
You will need to place a comfortable layer between you and the blanket for lying on. A large bath towel works well. Just make sure it covers the lower inside surface o the sauna blanket. It will add a layer of comfort and protection acting as a cushion between you and the lower interior layer.
3: PREHEAT THE SAUNA BLANKET
Next up, you need to preheat the Higher Dose Sauna Bag. Simply plug the lead into an electrical socket and use the handheld control to select your desired heat level. There are 8 levels to choose from.
We recommend starting at level 4 and gradually working your way up – if you feel comfortable doing so. It takes about 10-15 minutes for the sauna blanket to heat up depending on the heat level you have selected.
4: PREPARE YOUR CLOTHING
Now that the sauna blanket is plugged in and powered up you have some time on your hands while it preheats. You should use this time to prepare your clothing for the sauna session.
You will need to dress in clothing that covers your skin all the way from your neck right down to your toes. This means you will need to wear a long-sleeved top, long bottoms, and socks.
The clothing protects your skin from direct contact with the blanket and will absorb sweat during your session.
We recommend choosing something light and loose-fitting. Cotton is a great choice for comfort and works well in the sauna blanket. If you prefer to sauna naked – check out a sauna blanket insert.
5: CLIMB INSIDE & RELAX
Now you are all set to go. Just climb inside and carefully shimmy down. Get yourself into a comfortable position and then close the blanket over. There’s a zipper running along the right side of the blanket. You can use this to close it right up to your shoulders and keep the heat inside.
That’s it. Your HigherDose sauna blanket session is now underway. All you have to do is lay back and relax. Let the infrared light energy gently warm your body to the core. The length of time you spend inside is up to you.
Beginners should start with short sessions of 10-15 minutes. And you can gradually work your way up. But, you should never stay in longer than feels comfortable to you.
Remember to stay hydrated. Any water lost as sweat needs to be replaced so you should sip water during your session and continue to do so after you get out. The best advice is to continue drinking water until you no longer feel thirsty.
6: GET OUT & COOL DOWN
Once you’re done, open the blanket zipper and climb back out. You will probably have experienced a significant sweat while inside.
Now you need your body time to cool down. A refreshing shower is a good way to freshen up. Some people even enjoy a cold shower after a sauna heat session. Allow some time to rest and return to your normal body temperature.
7: AIR DRY & CLEANING
Depending on how much you sweated while inside the blanket may or may not need a clean. The clothes you were wearing and the blanket placed inside may have absorbed all your sweat.
You can simply unzip the blanket so it is fully open to allow it to cool down and air dry. If it needs some more TLC you can gently wipe it down with a sponge and some suds. But make sure it is completely dry before you begin to roll it up.
8: PACK AWAY
Once the blanket has fully cooled down you can fold it up and pack it away. To fold the blanket, firstly it in half length ways. Then, fold it in thirds from top to bottom. This is how it was folded in its original state.
Its small size and light weight make it ideal for convenient storage. The V4 blanket can be easily stored in a closet or beneath a bed until next time. And, if it is folded correctly, it can be replaced in its box.
HOW IS IT MADE?
There is a real feel of quality to this V4 model. HigherDose has put a lot of thought into the design and manufacture of the blanket. Let’s take a look at its structural components.
MATERIALS
The exterior and interior casing of the blanket is made from non-toxic, waterproof polyurethane – also known as PU. The manufacturer indicates that the non-toxicity of the material has been confirmed by VOC testing. The remainder of the blanket is made using fireproof cotton.
And, it looks great. The exterior has a sleek, neat design and the surfaces are soft and smooth to touch. A satin black finish and light blue highlighting complete the look.
INFRARED LAYER
A far infrared heating element is located inside the walls of the blanket. It provides great coverage all across the surface of the blanket. It’s a deeply penetrating heat and mimics the heat effect of the sun – without the harmful UV rays.
CRYSTAL LAYER
A layer of crushed amethyst and tourmaline crystals is added for their potential health benefits. In alternative medicine, it is believed that amethyst crystals can help relax the mind and boost energy levels. While tourmaline may play a role in boosting serotonin levels. However, the scientific data to back up these potential benefits has not been clearly established.
production.
NATURAL CLAY, CHARCOAL & MAGNETIC LAYER
The blanket also contains a natural clay, charcoal, and magnetic coil layer. A charcoal layer is added to provide heat balancing. The charcoal helps distribute the heat evenly across the surface of the blanket. This evens out hot and cold spots for a more consistent heat level.
The V4 sauna blanket has been fitted with a charcoal layer for the potential benefit of removing pollutants. Charcoal is used in water filters to bind to pollutants and contaminants. And, a medical-grade magnetic strip has been fitted for its potential to promote blood flow.
WHO IS IT GOOD FOR?
This sauna blanket is a great investment for anyone that enjoys infrared sauna and would like to have access to one at home. It costs a small fraction of the price of a traditional sauna – so will suit people on a budget.
The blanket is small, lightweight, and can be folded up and packed away when not in use. This makes it ideal for anyone living in a small home or a home with limited storage options. Its compact size means it can also be taken on the road when traveling.
This infrared sauna blanket is good for anyone who is looking for relaxation and also works well for relieving tired muscles, aching joints, and period pain.
WHO IS IT NOT GOOD FOR?
This sauna blanket is not for anyone that prefers a traditional sauna cabin or a shared sauna experience. The blanket is designed to be used by one person at a time. If you prefer sitting in a traditional sauna and relaxing on a wooden bench while chatting to friends you need to consider if a sauna blanket is right for you.
It is also not for anyone that would prefer to have a permanent sauna fixture in their home. The blanket needs to be rolled out when needed and then packed away when not in use. If you prefer a sauna that sits in a dedicated location in your home, you may prefer a sauna cabin.
READ NEXT
• BEST INFRARED SAUNAS 2024 – click here
• THE BEST SAUNA BLANKETS 2024 – click here
• BEST INFRARED HEATING MATS 2024 – click here
• HEAT HEALER SAUNA BLANKET REVIEW – click here
• HOW TO USE A SAUNA BLANKET – click here
SPECIFICATION
- Heat Zones: One Heating Zone
- Display: Levels 1-8
- Control: White Color Hand-Held Controller
- Voltage: 100-120 Volt (US/Canada model); 220v (UK/EU models)
- Wattage: 350-420 Watts
- Amps: 4-5 Amps
- Timer Settings: 1 Hour
- Electrical Field: Low EMF
- Warranty: One-Year limited warranty.
- Dimensions: 71” x 71” inches unfolded – (180 x 180 cm).
- Circumference: Maximum interior circumference when in use is approximately 65 inches (165 cm)
About the Author
AMY SHAFER
• Allied Health Specialist
Meet Amy, a dedicated advocate of sport, fitness, and the application of infrared sauna therapy. Originally from Texas, she moved to the Sunshine State at an early age. Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, she enrolled in the University of Tampa where she graduated with a BS Degree in Allied Health and a MS in Athletic Training.
Amy’s expertise lies in infrared sauna therapy, with a special focus on the synergistic effects of infrared sauna in combination with traditional therapies. She has a passion for exploring and developing innovative approaches to wellness enhancement and injury recovery.
Amy began her journey as a swimming coach at the YMCA Aquatic Center in Central Florida. Here she developed a passion for applying her sporting knowledge to help individuals achieve their goals. Transitioning to a role more closely aligned with her allied health and athletic training degrees, she delved into the field of infrared sauna therapy. She has been instrumental in pioneering the use of infrared sauna in rehabilitation and injury recovery.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Amy is actively involved in a community-based soup kitchen where she helps support her local homeless community. In her free time, she enjoys cycling and exploring her local national parks, including Biscayne Park, Big Cypress, and the Everglades.
