Gizmo Supply Digital Far-Infrared (FIR) Heat Sauna Blanket with 3 Zone Controller

The media could not be loaded.  (Please make sure to check out my attached video review showing how to work the blanket along with other insight!)Brace yourself… I tend to get VERY thorough when sharing things like this! 😊Before I found this infrared blanket, I didn’t even know they existed. I had used actual wooden dry infrared saunas (the typical small closet-like rooms) a handful of times and loved the feeling of sweating things out while in them along with the relaxation factor. I recently moved to a new area where I could only find one nearby spa that had an FIR sauna. After being a little iffy about the sanitation practices of a spa sauna (porous wood is pretty tough to sanitize..) PLUS the fact that it costs $30-60 per half hour, I decided to research getting my own.At first, I considered saving up for one of those wooden-box ones which run at least $1000 and up. But after deciding I just didn’t have the right space for it (plus, considering my budget!) I came across this blanket after doing some research and figured why not try it… and I am SO VERY glad I did.First off – I didn’t get this FIR blanket expecting any miracles. As a 15+ year professional in the health, fitness, nutrition, and holistic wellness industry (and obsessive independent researcher on all related things – but especially things I want to potentially purchase, such as this product), I have done enough research to know that the benefits clinically proven to be legit and true from using infrared heat (via saunas or blankets like this) are a reduction in pain – especially arthritic, muscle and joint support, prevention of high blood pressure, improved heart health, and encouraged relaxation. You may have heard of a TON of other benefits (specifically ones involving weight loss), which doesn’t go to dismiss that people surely may experience them, but the above few are the ONLY ones proven to show measurable results in clinical studies.Does it increase your metabolism? Sure, temporarily while you’re using it (which you will notice by your heart rate increasing as you sweat).Does it help with things like autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular health, and diabetic symptoms? It absolutely can seeing as it promotes relaxation, believed to be through the parasympathetic nervous system (which helps your body handle stress better). This is also why it has been shown to reduce things like anger and depression in study participants, and why many medical professionals (especially Eastern and/or holistic) will vouch for it being one of the most safe and effective healing modalities for many people.. especially when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Stress is a HUGE factor for many ailments, so the fact that FIR saunas and blankets can help alleviate symptoms related to stress makes sense.Alright, education break: It’s important to understand what “detoxification” means and what it actually is. Our bodies have a number of means of detoxifying, which is the process of removing toxic substances or qualities. Our bodies detox throughout the day by means of urination, salivation, defecation, through liver function, and through perspiration. So, naturally, the main way FIR saunas and blankets will promote ‘detoxification’ is purely via the excessive sweating. And, I can’t help but add, “detox” is NOT another word for weight loss – it ESPECIALLY doesn’t equal fat loss. However, the more efficiently your body can detox, the more likely you are to achieve a healthy weight if that is in fact your goal.P.S. Do you know why those ‘detox’ teas advertise themselves as weight loss products? Because they literally make you poop your brains out. Detox through means of defecation. It’s literal weight loss from that and all the water you lose along with it. Please never, ever fall for those fads or try them.Anyway, I digress.Why did I get this blanket? Main reason: I have not been sweating frequently enough lately and can tell the difference in my skin (regular sweating, especially through exercise, does promote a good “glow”). My skin is clearer when I sweat more, and my recent workouts don’t involve such high intensity.. especially not extended time to where I perspire like I used to. I also loved the relaxation factor involved and already knew from using FIR saunas in the past that it really helped with my muscle stiffness or aches.Because of how Infrared works and penetrates the body, you’ll notice that you go from completely dry to DRIPPING sweat in almost a minute (for me, it hits at about 13-15 minutes in) and then you will continue to sweat the rest of the time you have allotted in the blanket.That said, if you can’t withstand very high heat, you may not tolerate it very well and should definitely start at all three panels at 60 degrees or lower for no more than 20 minutes your first 2-3 times to gauge it for yourself. I started off at 45 minutes and 75 degrees, which was a little much. I now use it at 72 degrees for 40 minutes, which seems to be my sweet spot.By the way, I am 5’10 and it seems to be JUST perfect for my height with my head sticking out of the head area. If I contort my body slightly (legs in a hip opener/butterfly position) then I can actually get my whole body, face and all, covered by the blanket. I imagine it could comfortably fit someone’s body at least 6 feet tall just laying flat.. maybe up to about 6’2”. Definitely a couple of inches taller if you do that hip opener position.Oh also, in reading all the other reviews, no – there is no weird chemical smell at all. Yes – it is easy to function. No – you should NOT wear lotion or anything on your skin, ideally even taking a shower beforehand because it does get super pooled with sweat once you’re done. This is why I also recommend having a couple of towels ready right next to it before using it, otherwise you’ll risk dripping sweat around your house when you’re done.Also, I use it by myself and it’s totally doable, though it would be so much easier to have a second set of hands help Velcro it shut once you’re in (and open it for you to get out!)Additional answers to common questions or other reviews: It doesn’t make any noise (super quiet). I really doubt it effects the electric bill more than, say, a couple dollars a month if that. You can use it naked (my choice) or with a bathing suit or underwear. Some people even lay on a towel in it, just to make clean up easier. The temperature shows in CELSIUS and you do need to turn on all THREE zones (many people seemed to think theirs wasn’t working properly, but often, just fail to turn on all three zones.. I show how in my video review). It does work by plugging into your every day household outlet. And I’d guesstimate the blanket weighs about 8 lbs.(When it comes to how to actually set it up, turn it on, etc… Check out my video review for the visuals and additional tips) 😊So, breaking it down…PROS- Amazing (and clinically proven) for helping muscle and joint pain – it has really helped my lower back pain from a past injury – which occasionally spasms – become seemingly non-existent. Plus assists any muscle soreness from workouts to heal much more quickly.- Stores away very easily (I keep my blanket folded under my fairly low bed, and the machine in a closet)- Versatile in terms of placement (I use mine on the ground but it can easily be used on a bed, couch, or even a recliner)- Easy clean up (I first use a towel to dry all the sweat, then use a towel with light soap/water to wipe it down, then a towel with only water to wipe off any soap residue – sometimes twice, then wipe down again to dry with a dry towel. I will leave it open under a ceiling fan on full blast while I’m taking a shower and getting dressed, and by the time I’m done it’s dry and ready to be put away- Wonderful in the winter or colder weather (I can’t tolerate the cold very gracefully.. so, honestly, one of the reasons I got this was to warm up my body at the end of a cold day while getting the benefits of actually sweating things out)- Affordable (especially compared to an actual wooden box IF sauna and even other blankets, this is a great deal PLUS it comes with a THREE YEAR warrantee in case anything goes wrong)- Great company and customer service (I got in touch with Gizmo Supply Co. to inquire before actually purchasing and not only was the woman I spoke to incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful – but very prompt in responding to my email)- Fits tall people at least 5’10” (does have an open bottom too, if you want to stick your feet out)- Cats love it (okay at first they’re freaked out… but then they will somehow find a great laydown spot on top of you when you’re in there. Unsurprisingly.)- SUPER DUPER RELAXING (perfect time to throw on a guided meditation or calming music)- Promotes clear, glowing skin (I get the same awesome healthy glow from using this blanket as I do from my regular higher-intensity or summertime workouts. Plus, in my experience, the additional perspiration helps combat acne by supporting the body's own detoxification process.)-Boosts immune system (not only by because of the stress-reducing benefits I mentioned above, but also because sweat itself has actual antimicrobial compounds which fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses)CONS- I have had this for a little over two weeks and have used it 2-3 times a week… The only reason I don’t use it more often is because it does take some time to bring out, use, let dry, and put away. If you have a spare space or even spare bedroom where you can just leave it out, you would definitely be apt to use it more often (though, I wouldn’t suggest more than 4x a week or every other day…)- It’s relatively expensive… BUT, purchasing this basically equals 8-10 FIR sauna visits cost-wise depending on where you live… which, ultimately, makes it well worth it and actually saves money. Plus, as many other reviewers can attest to, it really does help promote pain relief and alleviates muscle stiffness, plus reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Totally worth it.- You know how everyone asks you to help them move if you own a truck? Well, everyone asks to borrow or use this infrared blanket once they find out you have one and what it's good for. My place has somehow turned into THE designated girls spa day place. Not that bad if you don't mind playing host, but worth mentioning ;)TIPS- Make sure you’re hydrated!! Drink at least 16 oz water ~30 minutes before getting in and another 16 oz after you get out. This is so very important.- Have towels ready right next to it before you get in it, to save sweat potentially dripping outside of it once you’re finished.- Do not start at higher than 60 if you’ve never used a FIR sauna, or 65 if you have. Also start at 20 minutes and gauge from there. But regardless to what time you have set, if you feel lightheaded or nauseated, climb on out of there (and drink more water… both are signs of dehydration).- If weight loss is your goal, look at your nutrition first. Lifestyle and activeness second. This may increase your metabolism while you’re in it, but that by no means makes it some miracle weight loss product. The benefits from this involve so much more than that.- I set my ceiling fan to high and have the opened blanket underneath after I clean/dry it. By the time I’m out of the shower, the blanket is ready to be folded up and put away (under my bed).Phew… I feel like I just wrote a college essay. Anyway, I really hope this answers any questions for anyone considering this FIR 3 zone blanket. I know I always seek thorough, thoughtful reviews before making purchases like this so I do hope it was helpful… though you can probably see that most all of the other reviews speak of this highly, as well!Overall, I am very satisfied and happy with my purchase. If you have the funds to spend, seek relief from things mentioned above, and want personal access to an effective "spa" experience, I do highly recommend this FIR blanket. If you're looking for a "fast weight loss miracle" of some sort, I highly recommend checking your nutrition and lifestyle first... then maybe considering this as a complement to your progress after it gets going. ;)

Update: I’ve had it for over one year. I loved it for the first nine months. Since then it only gets warm, not hot. I’ve been emailing with the company since October of 2017. It has a three year warranty but so far they haven’t replaced it. They just reply confirming they understand I am saying it stopped working. I’ll update if the issue is resolved.Original review: Works well once you figure it out. The directions are really bad. It took a couple days to figure out how to work it. Attach cords, plug in, turn power switch in back, press power button on front, select time, select temperature three times, press "sp" button each time. Wear clothes/towel because sometimes it feels like a contact burn.

I received my Gizmo Sauna Blanket in great condition and it was packaged well, as seen in the picture. I could not be happier with this purchase!I look at it as an investment. I was using the “Fit-body wrap” sauna blanket at a local spa and skin clinic center and was literally paying $400 per month for a sauna blanket deal that allowed a customer to use it up to 10 times per month. You do the math—most spas have these and charge customers to use them at their facility, when you can simply buy one yourself and use in the privacy of your own home.If you’re looking for the same quality you’d get at a high-end spa—this is it. The only difference is...a spa puts it in a nice relaxing zen like room, plays music has someone come in to adjust the controls and velcro it up for you while it sits on a table. You can easily do the same! Whether you place it on the floor, an air mattress or a foldable massage table...you’re getting the same functionality.I was skeptical about ordering this at first because I wanted to make sure it got hot enough like the one I’ve used at the spa—no worries there! It gets VERY HOT!!The temperature is in Celsius, but of course, you can easily calculate it into Fahrenheit if you’re seeking to know what a certain temperature is equivalent to. For instance...the spa usually sets it to 130 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 55 degrees Celsius. This one from Gizmo supply company goes much higher if you wanted it to and because it has three zones—you can easily adjust the temperature to your liking. This was also found at the spa, except someone adjusted it for you.Tips that are helpful: Use a towel around the opening where your neck and shoulders are...cover that part up where it opens and where your head is out and have your arms tucked in. You’ll sweat MORE. That’s the goal anyway...to sweat out toxins which aren’t normally excreted in bulk although they come out in your urine...sweat gets rid of them as well.You will sweat A LOT!!! It takes me about 15 minutes to start a good sweat and I stay in for about 30-40 minutes.For safety and cleanliness, spas will line theirs with disposable plastic sheets, so when you get in the blanket naked, your skin isn’t touching the actual blanket itself. If you own your own—there’s no need to get these sheets unless you want to. After you’re done with each home session, simply soak up all of the sweat with some cloths or a towel, wipe it down with soap and water, and let it dry...it dries quickly. Some people I’ve read like to use the blanket with clothing, however, I like to use it butt naked, which is the norm anyhow. After you’re finished, you should be showering or bathing anyway.You will burn calories while you’re in the blanket. As your body temperature heats up, your heart rate will increase—you won’t feel like you’re exercising, but your body responds because of the heat by raising your heart-rate, thus burning more calories. I believe you can burn up to 500+ calories per 30 minute session. I’m not an expert in this methodology, however, I’ve done quite a bit of research and the spa had some info about calorie burning that I looked into. Do your own research.I also have been having pain in my hip and this heat does incredible things to ease that for me. It has many benefits overall for pain relief and for general well being.I also will add that their customer service is impeccable. All in all it’s a great product and I’m glad I invested in my own.