When I think of a Sauna, I think of the tv shows and movies where people go after their hard workouts, tennis games at the club, or at day spas. I've used some here and there, but often the heat gets to me, so I can't stay in them long. What if, you had the chance, to have your own sauna at home without the stones, heat, and cave like experience? What if it was as simple as climbing into a blanket, and continue to watch tv, listen to your favorite podcast, take a nap, or read? 

There are a lot of benefits to saunas and sauna blankets: muscle relaxation, stress relief, lowered cardiovascular and circulation improvement, and of course, sleeping better!

 I've known about Hydragun products for a while and knew I definitely wanted the chance to try out their HeatPod Sauna Blanket when the opportunity came up! 

I will start off by saying that this is not a product I'd probably traditional consider in my daily spending habits, but after using it on and off the past few weeks, I would definitely say that it's worth the investment! 

I struggle with flexibility, with muscle relaxation, and with overall stress, especially when big work projects and/ or trips are coming up. Likewise, I also walk a lot on even and uneven terrain, which isn't always great for those hip flexors and muscles. While not an Olympic athlete, or training for a marathon, I obviously have my own athletic recovery needs like any other human out there. I also need time to lower my heartrate and focus on breathing, which the sauna blanket does for me as well, as it purposely gives me time to rest. 

The HeatPod Sauna blanket has helped alleviate some of those stressors, and definitely has helped my sleep improvement. 

The Hydragun HeatPod Sauna Blanket comes with a storage bag, the blanket itself, and a remote control. Made up for sweat resistant vegan leather, the blanket aims to use zero-EMF carbon fiber infrared heating coils to soothe and relax, like an actual sauna would. 

Now, I'm not a scientist and infrared technology confuses me, but the best that I can gather is that electromagnetic waves create low-energy light that our bodies absorb and thus warming us from the inside out. There's a lot of talk out there about the risks of infrared technology with EMF exposure, but Hydragun's has Zero EMF, which is the aim. 

The Sauna blanket is 71 X 71, which is long enough for most people under 6'5, but does require a nearby electrical outlet. I've used my Sauna blanket on the couch no problem, but Hydragun does recommend that you utilize your blanket on a heat-resistant surface. I'd remove your comfy blankets if you decide to utilize it on your bed, but the floor is probably the safest bet. 

The electrical cord is detachable and must be inserted into the blanket's socket before turning on. Try to place the HeatPod's controller on a heat-resistant surface as well, as the controller can pick up some heat during your session. The controller has a timer setting and a temp setting. The timer goes from 05 minutes - 60 minutes and the temp settings range from 86-176.

The manual states to start off with a lower heat selection and time, and work your way up as your body adjusts to the settings. I generally started off with about 20- 25-minute sessions until I became used to the blanket and the effects it may or may not have on me. 

Sauna Blankets, just like traditional Saunas, aren't without effects. Dehydration is the most common occurrence, so be sure to watch time spent in the blanket and your water intake as well. If you do have health concerns, speak with your doctor before purchasing, as it could exacerbate certain heart and vascular conditions. 

The HeatPod blanket is safe for daily use, although I haven't used it every day yet. For best results use it 4-5 times a week.  It does help with muscle relief, alleviate anxiety and stress, helps calm breathing, and can be used as part of your workout recovery routine to repair and restore your body. I have a feeling it can even help in the winter when the aches and pains set in due to the cold! 

The blanket can also be left out if you have a space in your home to do so,but be sure to let it cool for at least 15 minutes if you decide to store after use. It is slightly heavier than I anticipated, but it still feels great to unfold and climb into. 

An additional purchase can be that of the sauna towel, not included, that is an insert into the blanket to absorb sweat. You would insert the towel, then slip in between the towel, which is made to absorb sweat and be washable in case you wish to go into your sauna blanket without clothing. 

What to wear? Well, that is totally at your own discretion! If you wear clothing, make sure it's breathable and loose material. Socks are needed as well, to help protect feet against burns and uncomfortable heat. I've seen recommendations that longer clothing is better than short, but it probably depends on how much you want to sweat, whether you want to utilize a blanket insert, and if you can sustain the heat in long pants and a long shirt. Remember to take off your smartwatch and other jewelry, as that may become damaged or interfere with the infrared tech. 

I do believe this will be a great investment as your family heads back to school this year. I think the HeatPod Blanket can help provide a sense of relief with anxiety & stress that builds up in our bodies. Just unfold, plug in, and climb into it for a sense of warmth and relief. It feels almost like a heated heavy blanket, but after you get out, you will feel relaxed. 

It does alleviate muscle tightness, but it doesn't make the causes go away. It just helps you deal with the pain some, so that perhaps you can stretch longer or deeper, or sleep harder during recovery time. It could be greatly benefial after long training sessions, or when your body is just tense from the million things you need to accomplish for your family. 

If Sauna blankets might not be your thing, Hydragun still has other products to help you get through the crazy start of the academic year. Maybe a gun pressure massager or a core massager would do a world of good for you. Perhaps the stretching mat will help you when those tension filled days become too much.

This fall and back to school season, check out Hydragun for their HeatPod Sauna Blanket and be on your way to a relaxing September. Sweat it out, let the infrared technology warm you, and reach your health goals even faster! Recover faster, work harder, and play longer with the affects from the sauna blanket helping you out. 

Want it? Get it!

Purchase the Hydragun HeatPod Sauna Blanket and Insert for a sauna experience at home. 

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Do you like saunas?