HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket by Hydragun Review

4.9out of 5

Design4.9

Features4.9

Price4.8

The best infrared sauna blankets are all over the market. But, considering that you’ll be sweating and directly exposing your body inside them, a safe and comfortable design is a must. And that’s where Hydragun’s HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket shines best.

This wellness product guarantees satisfying and worry-free sauna sessions at home through its high-quality materials and zero-EMF heating coils.

Keen on getting this portable sauna blanket to relieve stress or manage post-workout soreness? Read further to learn how the innovative Hydragun HeatPod can help you do both.

Overview of the Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket

I’ve previously tested and reviewed other recovery products from Hydragun, including their compression Thermosleeve, HeatPulse Knee Massager, and the latest Atom Mini Massage Gun.

And each time, the Singapore-based brand constantly impresses me with its construction and design. From packaging to actual product, everything looks and feels high quality.

Their HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket is no different. After unboxing, I immediately noticed its smooth and soft leather-like texture. The stitching is top-notch, too.

I was also happy that it has a zipper rather than a Velcro closure, making it easier to get in and out of the blanket.

The plug-and-play operation and user-friendly remote control perfectly complement the quick sauna set-up. All I had to do was connect the cord to the blanket, plug it in, choose my settings, and get ready to feel toasty!

But the icing on the cake would have to be its heating coils. Aside from generating even heat, this infrared blanket also emits zero electromagnetic fields (EMF), or what most of us know as radiation.

That means you can have regular at-home sauna treatments with total peace of mind. Here’s the rest of my firsthand experience with the HeatPod.

A Closer Look at the Features of the Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket

Luxurious Construction

The Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket I tested for this review was the basic set and came in a huge box.

Inside is the blanket in a zippered carry bag, the remote control with power cord, and the instruction manual.

I tried lifting the carry bag with the blanket. And it is pretty heavy (around 8.5 kg based on the Hydragun website) for a small person like me.

But taking it anywhere shouldn’t be a problem, especially for a fit adult. In a way, I was expecting the weight, considering that it is an electric device and the size should fit one person.

When unfolded, the HeatPod sauna blanket is 190 x 180 cm and has an interior circumference of 165 cm. And this size can accommodate users up to 196 cm tall (6’5”).

The materials used for this sauna blanket also add to the weight.

Specifically, Hydragun used premium SGS-certified, sweat-resistant vegan leather for the blanket’s exterior. I did a bit of research about this and found that SGS is the world’s leading testing and certification company.

And vegan product verification is among their many services, where products claiming to be vegan go through several screening tests.

But aside from having the green and sustainable factor, I can attest to the high-quality feel of this material. It is smooth and buttery to the touch.

The interior is just as good, too. When I slipped into the blanket, it was very comfortable. Its inner lining was not rough or itchy either.

I appreciate this well-thought-out construction and design since you will be sweaty in this blanket. Sauna sessions typically last for 30 to 60 minutes, too.

And you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible under these conditions.

Also, if you intend to use the blanket often, you need a durable unit like the HeatPod with materials that withstand moisture, heat, and constant cleaning or folding.

Another excellent construction feature of the HeatPod is the zipper closure. I have tried other infrared sauna blankets like Steady State and SaunaWrap, and both have Velcro closures.

The Velcro can be difficult to line up while you are inside a heavy, slightly stiff sauna blanket. And lifting the Velcro is just as hard when it is time to get out.

Some say they would keep the blankets folded and slide into them to overcome this problem.

But this may not be easy for users with mobility issues. And I don’t think sliding your sweaty body out of the blanket is very pleasant.

So, I am glad Hydragun solved this with a heavy-duty zipper design. However, I think access to the zipper from the inside would have been better.

That way, I do not have to lift my arm and reach for the zipper that hangs outside.

Still, I think the HeatPod sauna blanket has an excellent design and durable construction. Admittedly, it is also slightly more expensive than similar sauna blankets.

Nonetheless, it’s a worthwhile investment, especially for those who prefer high-quality, long-lasting recovery products.

Even Heat Distribution with Zero EMF

Most infrared sauna blankets have a maximum temperature of 80°C. But the HeatPod went slightly higher at 85°C, which is excellent for users who prefer warmer sessions.

I’ve been reading product reviews of other sauna blankets. And quite a few customers pointed out that they had to be at the max temperature to start sweating.

Naturally, I was intrigued and had to try it myself. So, in a few days, I had my sauna blanket sessions at different temperature settings.

At 40°C, the blanket kept me warm and comfy, but it was not warm enough to make me sweat.

The experience was pretty much the same at 60°C and 65°C, although these settings were more comfortable that I almost dozed off. Still, I didn’t sweat much in these settings.

The 70°C setting was the perfect temperature for me. It was super comfortable, and I slept for 30 minutes and woke up sweating like a pig.

I want to note that I also had tight hamstrings from a workout right before this trial session. And I was impressed that I wasn’t as sore after the treatment, and the body aches were gone by morning.

Finally, I tried the max level at 85°C. But that was too hot for me, so I reverted to a lower setting.

Note that heat-up took around 11 minutes from 25°C to a max temp of 85°C (or 10 minutes and 47 seconds, as shown in the photo below).

I guess the ideal temperature for sauna blankets depends on personal tolerance. And it’s good that the Hydragun HeatPod offers a wide temperature range to suit more users.

One important thing I noticed during my trial sessions was the even distribution of heat around the blanket. Hydragun explained that it is because of the densely wound carbon fibre coils on the HeatPod.

These infrared heating coils work with the blanket’s triple protective lining for heat retention and temperature accuracy.

This blanket layering system is similar to how you assemble your lasagne.

The bottom-most part is the vegan leather exterior. A triple-layer lining follows this section, composed of protective cotton, a heat protection sheet, and a thermal sensor.

These layers are the same for the top portion of the blanket, with the heating coils sandwiched in between.

Now, these heating elements of the HeatPod are not ordinary. Specifically, they are Faraday-shielded heating coils, so the sauna blanket emits zero EMF (electromagnetic field) or radiation.

I’m no science expert, though. But based on my research from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shielding is one way to reduce or eliminate the radiation dose you get from a particular source.

It’s slightly similar to how non-conductive materials like plastic or PVC would insulate wires to protect us from an electric current or shock.

So, with the HeatPod heating coil fully encased in a Faraday shield or cage, any EMF generated is cancelled out and can pass harmlessly within the blanket (Physics College of Science and Engineering from Seattle University). Pretty cool application of science, right?

User-Friendly Set-Up and Controls

Was the Hydragun sauna blanket hard to set up and use? Not at all! The entire process was straightforward, and the detailed instruction manual even made it extra easy.

All I did was link the blanket to the remote control and plug the other end into the power supply. I’m also relieved that the wire cable is long enough to reach my power source.

I’ve encountered similar units with cords that were too short, and this problem makes it hard to find the ideal sauna spot or reach for the remote.

During my session, the power supply is on my “head” side (as shown in the photo), with the remote control right next to my arm, which is very convenient.

I tested it on my couch with removable armrests that I used as my headrest and footrest, so it’s perfect!

But I guess the experience would be even better with the package that includes a towel, pillow, and footrest from Hydragun.

They look like good quality items that I’m pretty sure would enhance your sauna experience.

From what I’ve read, the Hydragun towel has a waffle weave design to absorb sweat better, while the pillow and footrest have the same sweat-resistant vegan leather exterior.

Once everything was ready, I pressed the power button, selected my preferred settings, zipped myself in, and waited for the blanket to heat up.

Heat-up takes around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your temperature level. So, keep this in mind when timing your sauna session.

Hydragun also recommends starting at a lower temperature before gradually ramping up the heat level.

Make sure to go through the safety reminders in the manual. And consult your doctor first, especially if you have any medical conditions listed there.

I want to highlight other things I liked while using the HeatPod. One of which is this user-friendly remote control.

Some sauna blankets I’ve tested had no arrow buttons on the control panel.

And the user should repeatedly press the temp or timer button to reach the desired setting. This controller design can be frustrating, especially when you want to go to a lower temp level mid-session.

So, I was happy to see the handy up and down buttons on the Hydragun blanket. Moreover, you can also do a long press, so the temp level goes 5 degrees higher or lower.

Note that you can set the temperature between 30°C and 85°C and the timer from 5 to 60 minutes.

Another thing that I liked about the HeatPod sauna blanket is it makes an audible beep once your session is over. It’s an excellent feature for users like me who likes to nap and sauna.

The blanket turns off automatically after 60 minutes, too. But you can end your treatment at any point by pressing the power button.

Oh, you can also use the HeatPod undressed with a towel insert. I only prefer the breathable attire with socks option.

Easy Clean-Up and Maintenance

Once the sauna session is over, you can unplug the blanket and let it cool down for about 15 minutes while you take a quick shower.

Afterwards, grab a soft cleaning cloth or towel to wipe down the inside of the HeatPod sauna blanket. Hydragun says you can also use cleaning wipes or a damp cloth with some non-toxic cleanser or gentle soap.

I used a microfibre cloth and mild cleaning solution to clean mine, and I was done in seconds.

But I do think wearing clothes inside the blanket also speeds up cleaning time.

Also, it’s good that the HeatPod only has zipper piping on one side and at the bottom of the blanket. That means there’s little room for sweat and odour to build up.

You can also air dry it after cleaning, away from direct sunlight, to ensure the blanket is fresh and clean the next time you use it.

When the blanket is cool and dry, all that’s left is to pack it back into the carry case.

Hydragun recommends a 45 to 60-minute HeatPod session four to five times weekly. But it is also safe to have it once daily.

With a sauna blanket that’s easy to use and clean like this one, you can enjoy your at-home treatments as frequently as you like!

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

So, is it worth investing in a Hydragun HeatPod Infrared Sauna Blanket?

It’s a resounding yes for me and most likely for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and gym-goers who prefer having at-home infrared therapy for muscle recovery.

People who love heat-based treatments but have no place or budget for a full-sized sauna room will also like the more practical and portable HeatPod.

The upfront cost may be higher for the Hydragun HeatPod than other sauna blankets.

However, the science-based construction, user-friendly operation, and easy clean-up make it a good buy.

The way Hydragun addressed common problem areas in earlier sauna blankets in its HeatPod design is also commendable.