Several cultures have embraced saunas for the last 5,000-6,000 years.
We’ve come a long way from throwing water on heated stones and burning wood in metal stoves. Today there are several types of sauna: Heated, wet, dry, smoke, steam and infrared.
Infrared saunas or far-infrared saunas are a variation of the traditional sauna. Japan first patented them around the mid-1960s. More recently, the infrared sauna blanket was introduced. These blankets emit infrared heat from far-infrared light, and the surface of the skin absorbs it.
Several well-documented articles on the health benefits of saunas exist. But how safe are infrared sauna blankets?
In this article, we’ll address some common questions. We'll also share some tips to ensure you have a safe sauna blanket session.
Are sauna blankets made from safe materials?
Previously, some blankets weren’t made using safe materials. Some of the materials were known to interact with your skin when the blanket touched your body.
To ensure the materials are safe against your skin, blankets must be independently tested.
We’ve taken extra steps to release blankets made from safe, non-toxic materials. This is especially important as these materials heat rapidly.
We've conducted two separate examinations that have successfully met global safety criteria. Our tests scrutinized 197 substances (including formaldehyde) and Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The outcome of both examinations is a positive result for all 197 substances, including formaldehyde. Each blanket is chemically safe.
You can read more about these tests here.
What EMF levels are present?
All sauna blankets emit electromagnetic* fields/EMF because they plug into the main power source. You will get some exposure to EMF if you use one. However, low EMF is key with electrical devices.
If you’re looking to invest in an infrared sauna blanket, consider the levels of EMFs. Typically, 0mG to 2mG is the official safe criterion to EMF exposure. BON CHARGE’s blanket emits extremely low frequencies - the lowest EMF infrared sauna blanket on the market at 0.16mg. These levels are much lower than cell phones and power lines.
Each blanket is EMF safe.
*Electromagnectic fields are also known as electric and magnetic fields.
How safe is the electrical wiring?
Naturally, the electrical wiring is outside the sauna blanket. Because the blanket wraps up using strong velcro material, it keeps any sweat inside.
Electrical safety is paramount. An authorized organization must check a sauna blanket to make sure it meets high electrical safety standards.
Each BON CHARGE sauna blanket is tested to the appropriate electrical safety standards and are safe for use. Each Blanket also holds a SAA Electrical Safety Certification.
Each blanket is electrically safe.
Can you use sauna blankets often?
Sauna blanket sessions are generally safe. However, you should make sure you know how to use one properly, and how often you use one.
General recommendations vary from person to person. Some people sauna most days of the week. Some people can't sauna that often and limit sessions to once or twice a week.
If you haven't used a sauna before, and you're worried about any potential side effects, you may wish to consult your doctor.
We recommend using an Infrared Sauna Blanket 2-3 times per week for around 20-30 minutes for optimal results. Try not to sauna for any longer than 50 minutes as this may lead to dehydration. Sauna blankets can heat faster than traditional saunas, so it's best to be on the safe side by timing your sessions.
One benefit of having your own sauna blanket is you don' have to sit where somebody else has sat and left their sweat. They're easy to clean and wipe down. This helps you maintain the life of the blanket, too.
Each blanket comes with instructions to keep it in prime condition.
What else do I need to know?
Once you have the peace of mind that infrared sauna blankets are safe to use, you can start enjoying your sauna sessions.
Using the blanket has many benefits. It can help to promote glowing skin, improve circulation/increase blood flow, and induce relaxation/better sleep.
We’ve covered the benefits of infrared sauna blankets in a previous blog.
Have a question about our sauna blanket? Thinking of investing in one? You can buy one here.
Head back to our website where you'll find more helpful information on sauna blankets and several wellness products.
Here are some further resources you might find useful:
Struggling to get your Infrared Sauna Blanket sweat on?
PEMF Mat and Infrared Sauna Blanket differences
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