Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: How to Choose (2026)

Published October 2026. Updated October 2026.

What an infrared sauna blanket is

An infrared sauna blanket is a heated wrap you lie inside, like a sleeping bag, with a controller to set temperature and time. It uses far infrared heating to warm the layers around you, so you get a sauna style session at home without building or booking a sauna room. A portable infrared sauna blanket folds up and stores in a closet, which is why many people choose one over a cabinet sauna.

One point of confusion is worth clearing up. If you searched for a red light therapy blanket or an infrared sauna blanket with red light, know that the HL300 and HL500 are far infrared heat products. They do not use red or near infrared LEDs, so LED specs such as irradiance do not apply here. Our guide to red light therapy versus infrared sauna explains the two formats side by side, and sauna blanket versus traditional sauna covers what changes when you move from a room to a blanket.

This guide sticks to features and the experience of using one: warmth, a quiet hour to wind down, and a simple setup. It does not make claims about health outcomes. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take medication, ask your doctor before using any heat product.

HL300 vs HL500: side by side

These figures come from the live AWA product pages and the user manuals.

What to look for in an infrared sauna blanket

Size and fit

Measure your length lying flat and add a couple of inches so the blanket is not pulled tight, then check your shoulder and hip width against the blanket width. Example numbers for arithmetic only: if you measure 68 inches lying down, the 70 inch HL300 leaves 2 inches to spare and the 71 inch HL500 leaves 3. The HL500 is 36 inches wide against 31 for the HL300, which gives more room across the shoulders and hips.

Materials and feel

You will be in direct contact with the inside surface, so look at the outer fabric and the lining. The HL300 uses woven Oxford fabric. The HL500 has a leather exterior and an easy clean waterproof lining. Both are listed as designed to be fire retardant. Neither is better in every case, so pick the feel and care routine you prefer.

Temperature control

Look for a clear way to set the heat, not just the highest number. Listed temperatures are in Fahrenheit: 95°F is 35°C, 176°F is 80°C and 185°F is 85°C. A low starting point lets you ease in, and the HL300 manual advises starting with a lower temperature and a shorter session. A higher ceiling only matters if you will use it.

Timer and safety shut off

A built in timer gives your session a clear end point, and automatic shut off turns the blanket off when the time is up. Both AWA blankets also list over heating protection. Whatever model you buy, never leave a running blanket unattended and unplug it after each session.

Power, cord and plug

Both blankets use a standard 110V US outlet. The controller connects to the blanket by a cable, and the power cable plugs into the wall. The HL500 is rated at 450W. Dividing watts by volts gives about 4.1 amps (450 / 110), which is arithmetic from the listing and not a rating to rely on, so check the label on your unit and avoid sharing a circuit with other heavy devices. Do not wrap the cables tightly around the blanket or controller.

Cleaning and storage

Let the blanket cool completely before you clean or fold it. The HL300 manual says to wipe it with a soft, damp cloth or an anti bacterial wipe and to avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners. The HL500 manual says to wipe it with a soft cloth after use. Keep water, liquids and steam away from both, and store the blanket dry, out of direct sunlight, with nothing stacked on top.

EMF, warranty and what is in the box

We do not make EMF claims for either blanket on the product pages, so we will not make them here. If low EMF matters to you, ask any brand for its test documentation before you buy. On warranty, both AWA blankets carry a 1 year warranty, and every order includes a 60 day return window with free US return shipping. Check the box contents on each page, because the HL300 and HL500 ship with different extras.

Who each blanket suits

• HL300: a straightforward blanket for an at home routine, with a top heat of 176°F and a woven fabric feel. A good fit if you want an easy entry point.
• HL500: a wider blanket with a leather exterior, an easy clean lining and a top heat of 185°F. A good fit if you want extra width and the highest heat setting.
• Neither: if you want a flat heated pad to sit or lie on rather than a full wrap, see our comparison of a sauna blanket versus a heating mat.

You can see both blankets together in the sauna blanket collection, or read our HL300 review for a closer look at one model.

Safe use basics from the manuals

• Lay the blanket on a flat, sturdy, heat resistant surface such as a bed, floor or couch with the controller beside you, not on top of the blanket.
• Start with a lower temperature and a shorter session. The HL300 manual suggests 15 to 20 minute sessions for first time users.
• Drink water before, during and after, avoid alcohol beforehand, and keep water within reach.
• Wear light, clean clothing, and remove metal jewelry and accessories.
• Do not use the blanket if it is damaged, frayed or has been exposed to water, and do not fold it while it is on or still warm.
• Never use it while sleeping, never leave it running unattended, and unplug it after every session.
• Adults only. Keep it away from children and pets.
• The manuals list people who should not use a sauna blanket, including anyone who is pregnant. Read the full list in your manual and talk to your doctor if you are unsure.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

• Does the length and width fit you with a little room to spare?
• Is the temperature range and control style something you will use?
• Does it have a timer, automatic shut off and over heating protection?
• Can you wipe the inner surface clean, and where will it be stored?
• What is the power rating, and where will you plug it in?
• What are the warranty and return terms, and what is in the box?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best infrared sauna blanket for home use?

It depends on fit and preference. The HL300 is the simpler blanket at 70 x 31 inches with a top heat of 176°F. The HL500 is wider at 71 x 36 inches with a leather exterior and a top heat of 185°F. Measure yourself first, then compare the two side by side.

What is the difference between the HL300 and HL500?

The HL500 is wider (36 inches against 31), has a leather exterior with an easy clean lining, reaches 185°F against 176°F, and lists a 450W rating. Both have a timer, automatic shut off, a handheld controller and a 1 year warranty.

Is an infrared sauna blanket portable?

Yes. Both AWA blankets fold for storage and plug into a standard 110V outlet, so you can set one up on a bed, couch or floor. Always place it on a heat resistant surface and keep the controller beside you.

Do the AWA blankets use red light?

No. They are far infrared heat products. Red light therapy panels use LEDs and are a different kind of device. See red light therapy versus infrared sauna for the difference.

How do I clean a sauna blanket?

Turn it off, unplug it and let it cool completely. Then wipe the surface with a soft damp cloth or an anti bacterial wipe. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners, and keep water and steam away from the blanket and controller.

Is it safe for everyone?

No. Heat affects people differently. The manuals say that people who are pregnant should not use the blanket, and they list other conditions to discuss with a doctor first. Follow the manual, and ask your doctor if you are unsure.