Aussies praise 'miracle' portable sauna and ice bath as budget buys offer them endless luxury treatments at home

Vital+ launches budget portable saunas and ice baths READ MORE: Stunning new bathhouse oasis to launch in Bondi 

Australians have been forced to cut down on their wellness regimes as the cost of living soars – with many attempting DIY versions of professional treatments at home.

While face masks and overnight hair treatments were much easier to master, Aussies miss the luxury of a relaxing sauna and the reviving jolt of an ice bath.

Thousands have attempted homemade versions by dumping bags of ice in their bathtubs and inflatable pools, or taking a dip in chest freezers but the results appeared to be disappointing.

Cameron Mehr and Tom Mansfield started to revolutionise the popular treatments at home with cutting-edge technology at Vital+ – and people took to them immediately.

They have sold out of their pop-up ice baths and steam rooms four times since launching at the end of October 2023, with over 10,000 beaming customers foaming at the mouth to upgrade their homes.

Superstars including Socceroo and Perth Glory star Mustafa Amini, author Maz Compton, and influencer Alfie Robertson have all raved about the ‘incredible’ and ‘life-changing’ buys.

Australians have been forced to cut down on their wellness regimes as the cost of living soars

While face masks and overnight hair treatments were much easier to master, Aussies miss the luxury of a relaxing sauna and the reviving jolt of an ice bath

The Vital+ SaunaPods ($595) and portable ice baths ($210) are a cost-effective solution to make the luxury treatments accessible for regular use within the comfort of your home.

Mehr and Mansfield immediately noticed a gap in the wellness market as most other saunas are quite heavy-duty and would not fit comfortably in a home.

They explained that most in-home models also came with an eyewatering $10,000 price tag which made it inaccessible to most.

Initially, the Sydney businessmen developed the SaunaPod to assist with sleep as studies have shown that regular heat therapy increases the production of melatonin – the sleep hormone.

After months of testing, the professionals noticed they were burning up to 400 calories in 30 minutes whilst sitting in the SaunaPod, and their skin had also begun to glow.

In addition to melatonin, collagen – the protein responsible for your skin elasticity – is also produced when you’re in a sauna.

Cameron Mehr and Tom Mansfield started to revolutionise saunas and ice baths at home with cutting-edge technology at Vital+

The Vital+ SaunaPods ($595) and portable ice baths ($210) are a cost-effective solution to make the luxury treatments accessible

Aussies have also taken a shining to cold therapy and ice baths – with Dutch motivational speaker Wim Hof previously revealing the practice’s endless benefits.

Wim Hof’s nickname ‘Iceman’ is certainly appropriate, with the 63-year-old holding 21 Guinness World Records records for ‘superhuman’ acts in the extreme cold.

‘We’re always in this state of weakening warmth, covered up in layers of clothing, and never exercising the cardiovascular system. So a cold shower a day keeps the doctor away,’ Wim said.

Wim said being exposed to the cold can assist with depression, anxiety, energy levels, and may even prevent illnesses such as cancer.

Wim said claims you can even treat depression with cold therapy, with complete submersion leading to a 540 per cent increase in adrenaline and a 250 per cent in dopamine – both of which are known to help moderate symptoms.

‘What you will see is that your heart rate goes down during the day, reducing your stress levels. You feel more energised. The improved blood flow delivers better nutrition to your cells. You find you don’t get sick anymore,’ Wim said.

After months of testing, the professionals noticed they were burning up to 400 calories in 30 minutes whilst sitting in the SaunaPod

The Vital+ buys have racked up hundreds of rave reviews.

‘I was pretty skeptical on the SaunaPod but pulled the trigger after a lot of hesitation. I just received my product and have to say it is unreal.

‘I was surprised how hot it got in there. I lasted 15min and I came out drenched. I’m going to start using before bed cause I was pretty tired by the end of it. Definitely recommend,’ one said.

‘Best thing I’ve bought this year,’ another claimed.

‘Affordable and effective! Saves me a ton in gym fees,’ a woman shared.

‘Much cheaper than the wood-installations and just as good in my opinion. I was skeptical at first but I’ve been happy,’ a man wrote.