Six HigherDose Wellness Devices Tested: What Actually Works at Home

Six NBC Selected editors tested six HigherDose wellness products over several weeks. The goal was to determine if the brand’s high-tech home gadgets justify their cost. The team found that while some devices require patience to show results, others provided immediate relief.

The infrared sauna blanket stood out as the most versatile option. It is the first product HigherDose released and remains its best seller. The device looks like a large black sleeping bag made of vegan leather. It plugs into a wall outlet and connects to a handheld controller with eight heat settings. Users preheat the blanket for ten minutes, then zip themselves inside for sessions lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

Jem Alabi, an editorial operations associate, said the blanket changed her life. She reported that it reduced the soreness she felt after long workdays and commutes. She often falls asleep while using it due to the relaxation it provides. Lauren Swanson, the editorial director, used the blanket while training for the New York City marathon. She said she did not see a measurable improvement in her pace but enjoyed the 15 minutes of cooling down and sweating after long runs.

The brand also offers a PEMF mat that combines infrared heat with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. This device lies flat on the floor and includes 20 pounds of amethyst and obsidian crystals. Alabi used the mat a few times a week before bed. She noted that it does not cause sweating and does not require preheating time. However, the crystals can feel hard, so she placed a thin blanket on top for comfort.

The red light face mask received strong praise for skin clarity. It uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation without heat. The silicone mask straps onto the face and is powered by a USB-C cable. Sessions last 10 or 20 minutes, which allows users to scroll on phones or watch TV while wearing it. Alabi has used the mask for three years. She said her skin improved, pimples reduced overnight, and she noticed hair growth along her hairline.

A newer handheld wand combines cold laser, LED light, and a cooling attachment. It targets fine lines, acne, and puffiness. The device beeps every minute to prompt the user to move to a new area. A full session takes 10 to 15 minutes. The tester noted that the cooling attachment, which reaches 50 or 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit, was particularly effective for reducing morning puffiness around the eyes and jaw.

The brand’s red light shower filter integrates into an existing bathroom fixture. It bathes the user in light therapy during a regular shower. Mili Godio, a commerce editor, tested the filter for two months. She said she did not notice dramatic changes in skin or hair. However, she appreciated the convenience of not needing separate time for therapy. Setup took less than ten minutes, and a remote control allows users to set session lengths of five, ten, or 15 minutes.

The red light hat is designed for hair growth. It resembles a baseball cap and is lined with LEDs. It is cordless and rechargeable, making it easy to wear while doing chores. Marilyn La Jeunesse, a contributor, used the hat for several months to treat androgenetic alopecia. She attached a battery to the back of the device and wore it on dry hair for ten minutes. After a few weeks, she noticed more baby hairs on the top of her head, though she also used scalp massages and hair oils during the test.

HigherDose offers a 15% discount for NBC Selected readers using the code SELECTED15 at checkout. This discount is valid through December 31, 2026. The brand states that its products are backed by research, though experts note that evidence varies by technology. The FDA has cleared the Red Light Face Mask and the Red Light Hat, meaning they meet safety standards for their intended uses.