After testing out the innovative MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket over 6 months of regular use, I‘m breaking down everything you need to know in this comprehensive first-hand review. You‘ll get the full low-down on how infrared heat therapy works, MiHigh‘s product specs, health benefits, set-up, cleaning tips, usage guidance, safety info plus how MiHigh compares to popular competitors – all so you can decide if their wearable sauna blanket could be right for your self-care routine!
What is Infrared Heat Therapy?
Infrared saunas utilize wavelengths just outside what‘s visible to the human eye to safely and deeply penetrate human tissue. This stimulates beneficial effects like improved circulation, increased sweat production, relief of muscle and joint pain and an overall state of relaxation.
Infrared is able to penetrate more deeply than traditional saunas and steam rooms to provide these benefits at much lower temperatures. Sessions are enjoyable even for those who don’t tolerate extremely hot, dry air.
How Does Infrared Therapy Benefit Your Health?
Over years of research, infrared heat therapy has been clinically shown to provide an array of wellness perks. Here’s an overview of some main benefits:
Improved Blood Flow and Circulation
Infrared prompts vasodilation – widening of blood vessels – boosting nutrient and oxygen flow to tissues throughout the body. This supports cellular repair and revitalization.
Enhanced Detoxification
Infrared heat triggers profuse sweating, helping flush toxins, heavy metals and other impurities from your body. This cleanses and refreshes skin while clearing embedded gunk.
Pain Relief
The deep heat of infrared therapy has temporary alleviating effects on all kinds of muscle and joint pain – from DOMS after tough workouts to chronic conditions like arthritis.
Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
As infrared sessions melt away stress, studies confirm they also provide significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. This promotes cardiovascular health.
Reduced Stress, Anxiety and Depression
The deeply calming effects of a good sweat-sesh under infrared waves has been shown to decrease negative emotional states and boost mood.
Skin Rejuvenation
Profuse sweating followed by hydration brings a glowing, youthful tone and texture to skin. Infrared also boosts collagen production to reduce fine lines.
Better Sleep Quality
The relaxation response triggered by infrared usage before bed has been shown to result in deeper, more restorative sleep.
Increased Calorie Burn and Potential Weight Loss
The elevated heart rate and internal body temp from moderate infrared usage burns calories well above resting rates. When combined with a healthy diet, frequent use supports weight loss.
Now that you know all the science-backed wellness perks, let’s look at how MiHigh aims to deliver those same infrared benefits in an innovative wearable format.
How MiHigh‘s Infrared Sauna Blanket Provides Portable, At-Home Infrared Therapy
The expert engineers at Australian-based startup MiHigh have cleverly adapted infrared sauna tech into a flexible, lightweight blanket format for hassle-free use anywhere in your home.
Their flagship Infrared Sauna Blanket wraps your body in gently penetrating infrared heat. As the infrared waves are absorbed by your tissues, you‘ll start releasing stress while activating the cascade of wellness benefits detailed above.
MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket Features and Specs
Here are the key details on the product‘s construction:
- Materials – Waterproof interior layers with exterior made of non-toxic PU leather
- Heating Method – Low EMF infrared heating system integrated into blanket lining
- Size Dimensions – 55 x 71 inches unrolled (Fits heights up to 6‘5")
- Weight – 19.8 pounds
- Power Supply – 120V power outlet, 290W max pull
- Heat Range – Adjustable from 95°F to 140°F
- Safety Certification – ETL certified to meet US and Canadian standards
- Controller – Built-in control unit to adjust settings
Unboxing and Setting Up My MiHign Infrared Sauna Blanket
Eager to give this innovative electric blanket a whirl, I ripped open my shipment as soon as it arrived. Inside the plain brown box I discovered:
- The Infrared Sauna Blanket itself, neatly folded
- The control unit attachment
- A wall adapter power converter
- A handy Quick Start Guide
With only three main components, set-up took less than 5 minutes. I simply found a clear area on my bedroom floor larger than the unfolded blanket, unravelled the blanket flat and secured the controller unit‘s cable into the power adapter. Then I plugged the adapter into my wall outlet.
After syncing the remote by holding down a button combination, I was ready for my first sweat sesh!
Preparing for My First Infrared Sauna Blanket Session
Since I really wanted to test the MiHigh‘s detoxification effects, I made sure to prep my body for an intense sweat:
- I drank two full glasses of water leading up to my session stay hydrated
- I grabbed two oversized towels – one to lie on and another to wipe sweat during my session
- I filled up a large water bottle to sip from while using the blanket
- I tied my hair up and removed glasses/jewelry that might get in the way or heat up
- I cleared my schedule so I could lounge comfortably for 90 minutes afterward
I laid my microfiber towel atop the blanket, set the controller to 105° F and timer to 60 minutes, then wiggled inside…
My First Infrared Sauna Blanket Session
As soon as I zipped myself inside, I was enveloped in soothing warmth emanating from the integrated carbon fiber heating pads lining the blanket. It felt like sinking into a hot stone massage!
Within 10 minutes, I felt the first beads of sweat dot my forehead. By minute 20, rivulets were streaming down my back as my core temp ramped up. Surprisingly, I never felt overheated thanks to the infrared tech‘s ability to comfortably maintain higher temps.
By minute 45, though, the now-drenched towel beneath me felt cold and damp. I hit pause on the controller and cautiously peeled open the blanket, immediately met by clouds of steam escaping from my super-heated inner sanctum.
After blotting sweat from my utterly soaked skin and guzzling some cool water, I swapped my towel out for the dry one I’d wisely prepared. I cranked the temps up to my blanket’s max limit of 140°F and nestled back inside to complete my hour-long maiden voyage.
Over the remaining 15 minutes, pools of sweat accumulated wherever my skin touched the warm blankie. By the time I emerged, I was lightheaded and woozy – but also deeply relaxed in a uniquely soothing way I’d never experienced in a normal sauna.
After slowly reacclimating to normal temps and rehydrating for 90 minutes, I felt amazing – refreshed, blissed-out and ready for a nap!
My Ongoing Experiences Using The Infrared Sauna Blanket
Now, after over 6 months of semi-regular use, I’ve got Infrared Sauna Blanket sessions down to a science. I still sweat profusely when I use it – especially in summer‘s humidity. But proper hydration and switching out towels mid-session prevents feeling waterlogged.
I’ve experienced the whole spectrum of benefits first-hand: relief from sore muscles after intense workouts, consistent restful sleep when using before bedtime, an mood boost on stressful days.
My favorite is finishing up after a long work-from-home day, emergence from the blanket leaving me refreshed and relaxed instead of drained. I almost always konk out quickly on nights I infrared sauna before bed!
While not a miracle cure-all, my overall inflammation levels seem lower and I haven‘t caught a single cold all season – likely from the immunity boost I’m getting!
Pros and Cons of The MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket
After extended first-hand use, here are the key PROs I‘ve enjoyed:
Total Convenience – Easy to unroll, use, wipe down and store anywhere with an outlet
Portability – Weighs just 20 pounds for seamless transportation and storage
Effective Infrared Heat – Penetrates tissues deeply like full-size saunas
Washable & Durable Construction – Withstands sweat, spills and regular machine washing
Reasonable Cost – A fraction of the price of permanent infrared sauna rooms
Cool Extras Included – Bonus headbands, towels and cleaning spray make sessions more comfy
And here are a few CONs to note:
Limited Range of Motion – You remain in fixed prone position inside the cocoon
Can Get Stifling – Taking breaks to cool off is a must during longer sessions
Requires Cleanup – Be prepared to wash blanket and towels regularly to reduce odors
Solo Use Only – Those looking to sauna with a friend or partner might feel cramped
Prone to Spills & Stains – Water, oils or bath products will necessitate prompt spot cleaning
Comparing MiHigh Against Top Infrared Sauna Blanket Competitors
How does MiHigh‘s performance and quality stack up amongst competitors like HigherDose and SunStream? I compared specs and real-user reviews across four top-selling infrared therapy blankets to find out:
| Product | Price | Heat Range | Timer | Weight | Warranty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiHigh | $649 | Up to 140°F | 60 min | 20 lbs | 1 year | 4.1/5 ⭐ |
| HigherDose Restore | $597 | Up to 135°F | None | 10 lbs | None | 4.3/5 ⭐ |
| SunStream Classic | $499 | Up to 140°F | 20 min | 15 lbs | 90 days | 3.9/5 ⭐ |
| SereneLife BodyWrap | $120 | Up to 140°F | 30 min | 7 lbs | 1 year | 3.5/5 ⭐ |
MiHigh holds its own against the competition by matching top rivals in max safe heat production and session duration flexibility while undercutting HigherDose‘s pricing. Users and experts rate both MiHigh and HigherDose equally effective and durable.
For shoppers on a budget, SereneLife lets you test infrared‘s benefits at a fraction of typical costs – but compromises on overall quality and longevity compared to the higher-priced large blankets.
Bottom line – MiHigh delivers top-tier infrared therapy performance rivaling brands hundreds more for a mid-range price point that brings great value.
Guidance for Safe, Effective Infrared Sauna Blanket Use Sessions
To maximize benefits while preventing unpleasant side effects, adhere to these general infrared safety guidelines:
Hydrate well – Drink at least 16 oz. water before, during and after sessions to counteract sweat loss
Start low and slow – Begin with 10-15 minutes at lower heat settings for body adaptation
Listen to your body – Note any discomfort and avoid exceeding personal heat tolerance
Air dry fully – Allow skin temp normalization before redressing to prevent discomfort
Be patient – It may take a few weeks for benefits to fully set in
Also avoid infrared therapy when:
- You are pregnant
- Have an unstable health condition – check with your doctor first
- Take photosensitive medications like antibiotic or anti-inflammatories
- Have acute joint injuries needing medical attention
- Have medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators
And for safe ongoing use of your blanket specifically:
- Fully unroll blanket before each session
- Keep clear of open flames like candles or fires
- Store completely dry to prevent mold or mildew
- Spot clean spills promptly to limit staining
- Launder outer cover regularly on delicate cycle
Using common sense and following usage and care instructions, an infrared sauna blanket offers safe, convenient at-home heat therapy for most people.
Maintaining Your Infrared Sauna Blanket
Caring properly for your infrared sauna blanket ensures safe, hygienic use while extending its longevity. Here are my top care and cleaning tips:
Rinse Sweat Residue – Use cleansing wipes or spray to mop up salty sweat pools after each session
Sanitize Weekly – Disinfect by massaging sanitizing wipes over all contact surfaces
Spot Clean Spills – Blot stains quickly then use gentle soap and damp cloth
Air Out Often – Fully unroll and allow to breathe before re-packing away
Machine Wash Cover – When cover begins looking grimy, remove and machine wash on cold, delicate cycle
Inspect Heating Pads – Periodically check for damage to ensure even heat distribution
Proper drying and storage is also key for your electric blanket:
Dry Thoroughly – Never store damp, as trapped moisture breeds mold
Coil Loosely – Avoid creasing heating pads by loosely rolling
Store Vertically – Stand blanket upright in closet to minimize footprint
Using these simple habits keeps your infrared sauna blanket fresh and functioning like new!
Troubleshooting Common Infrared Sauna Blanket Issues
During months of regular use, I have occasionally run into a few hiccups while infrared sauna-ing. Here’s how I troubleshoot common problems:
Controller Not Working
- Check it is fully synced by holding buttons until light flashes
- Try unplugging then restarting the power connection
- Contact MiHigh for potential replacement
No Heat From Pads
- Verify heating pads are still intact without tears
- Try rotating to alternate outlet in case of power issues
- Initiate return/exchange if pads fail outright
Overheating
- Keep sessions under 30 minutes until adapted to heat
- Stay hydrated and end session if feeling nauseous
- Use lower temp settings or cover less of body
Bad Odors
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly after each session
- Use sanitizing wipes weekly when not washing
- Spot treat stinky areas then air out
Mold/Mildew
- Always fully dry blanket and lightly coil before storing
- Add moisture absorbers to storage area
- Disinfect and machine wash at first sign of mold
Reaching out to MiHigh’s stellar customer service team via email or social channels can also help diagnose and address any problems not easily resolved on your own.
Recent Infrared Sauna Innovations To Watch
While infrared therapy itself has been studied for decades, advancements in tech continue expanding options for consumers. Exciting new innovations include:
Flexible Carbon Fiber Heating – Ultra-thin pads used in MiHigh allow infrared integration into wearables
Far Infrared Nanotech – Nano-scale emitters boost tissue penetration depth
Chromotherapy Lights – Color therapy LEDs enhance relaxation and mood
Amethyst Biomat tech – Negative ion and infrared therapy combo promotes healing
We may see these features integrated into future iterations of infrared sauna blankets to optimize physiological and mental health benefits.
I’m also eager to test out some newly launched whole-body infrared cocoon blankets claiming to accommodate two people at once. This could come in handy for de-stressing together with my partner after chaotic workdays!
Manufacturers like MiHigh will likely continue honing safety, efficacy, convenience and customization as infrared therapy works its way into more mainstream wellness routines.
Bottom Line: Who Should Buy The MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket?
Thanks to its solid infrared heat production, effectiveness for detox and recovery, ease of use and reasonable price point, I recommend the MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket for:
Athletes & Fitness Buffs – Accelerates workout recovery and reduces inflammation from intense training
Pain Sufferers – Alleviates muscle aches, soreness and arthritic joint discomfort
Skincare Fanatics – Boosts collagen, minimizes pores, brightens complexion
Insomniacs – Deeply relaxing pre-bed sessions improve sleep quality
Anxiety Warriors – Melts away stress and edginess from hectic modern lifestyles
Biohackers – Infrared‘s multitude of benefits check boxes from anti-aging to immunity
Spa Fans – Brings luxurious sauna-glow and tranquility home for a song
Basically, if you want to feel healthier, happier and more radiant inside and out, infrared sessions courtesy of MiHigh can surely help get you there!
Thanks for reading my epic Infrared Sauna Blanket review! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Stay sweaty!
